The Free Speech Zone

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

I’m a little discouraged this morning

I went to bed last night almost optimistic. After a long day of research and emails and phone calls, I was hopeful that something would come of Keith's story. At the very least, I hoped, it would be picked up by more media or blogs. Oh, maybe I expected too much, but regardless I was disappointed that my email box showed little activity. No new coverage (that I can find so far anyway) and more than a few ridiculously nasty comments about what happened to Keith.

So today, in addition to covering Keith's story and what will happen next (and making a pain in the ass of myself to people who can help get the word out), I'm going to spend my day culling video from the RNC of police brutality, over-reaction, aggressive tactics, etc etc. That way I can point to the long long list of video and say- see, it's not one kid. See, it's not about what the protester did wrong (because HELLO- protest does not justify being beaten, or at least it shouldn't here in our supposedly free country), it's not about one person at all. It's about a growing problem of restriction of freedoms; it's about illegal search and seizure; it's about being detained instead of arrested; it's about being denied our guaranteed rights in the name of protection against terror.
If you have video to share with me, please do. You can email me at . Look for my compilation later in the day.

And by all means, get the word out that scary things are happening. We can't keep sitting here and letting them happen. It's time to do something.

(2) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Info needed for AP photographers/videographers

I REALLY need contact info (or to be contacted by) the following people. Just in case someone out there can help with that. I never knew so many people read my blog till today!

Evan Vucci
Matt Rourke
Paul Sancya

They took the good pics/footage of Keith and we know that Matt was arrested around the same time, so we're hoping they'll be able to help with some info that we need, as well as giving us access to additional footage (if said footage exists).

(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

More video and pic- more on the RNC brutality

In our ongoing saga to find all possible video evidence of this and repost it on the web, here's another youtube video with Keith footage. It's at about 2:30. His hands there show the same wounds as are here:

(1) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

More updates on police brutality at the RNC

Tired of me yet? No? That's good.

Two new things to share. The first is AP footage from protests at the RNC yesterday. At about 1:45 you can see Keith being led off in plastic cuffs. You can also see that a white shirt has been put over his body in a way that completely covers his arms. Hmmm. Wonder why?


Listen to the audio as the cameraman (or someone nearby) asks the cops why they're picking on kids. Which makes it OBVIOUS that these were minors. The cops knew, the reporters knew. And still they did it anyway.

Second: The Minnesota Independent rocks. They've added more coverage (including a link to yours truly), quotes and pics. Bravo to them. http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/6997/boot-print-on-his-back-photographs-video-of-17-year-old-rnc-protester-after-run-in-with-police

I've been contacting media and politicians all over the damned place today. Feel free to add your voices to create change.

(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

The media starts to pay attention

The story is being picked up, and I know you all want to know about it.

http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/

(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink