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If it's good enough for East Germany, why not?
Author: Raine
Date: 10/18/2010 12:58:45
I don't want to blog about Joe Miller and his merry gang of thugs Security Detail handcuffing and detaining a journalist at an Alaska town hall. That said it's going to be the news cycle today, so I too shall jump in the fray. This picture pretty much sums it up.
Alaska Dispatch founder and editor Tony Hopfinger sits with his wrists in handcuffs after being arrested by Republican Senate candidate Joe Miller's private security detail Oct. 17, 2010.
There is a Kos Diary that did a little digging about the security firm, *Drop Zone* -- The pictures are amazing and it's worth a peruse. I won't post the pictures here.
This occurred after a town hall For Alaska GOP Nominee Joe Miller. What was said AT the town hall was equally disturbing. The blog, Immoral Majority out of Alaska reported: It looks like this particular Tea Party nominee outdid NY Gubernatorial nominee. Carl Paladino. Paladino as you may recall, threatened to 'take out' a reporter himself.
This is how they will run this nation. As much as I have railed against the media for not reporting news, this crop of extremist candidates have disdain for any reporting at all. Every single one of these nominees have made the claim that they were treated unfairly by the press when pressed on the issues, and many of them have stopped talking to the press as a result. They do not want to be held accountable for anything they do and say, and they certainly don't seem to want the voting public to make an informed decision in the voting booth. They just want a vote based on anger for 'the other guy'.
Last August, the Tea Party went to many town hall meetings, disrupted, yelled and screamed all under the guise of the First Amendment and claiming freedom of speech. Now we have a reporter who shows up at a town hall meeting of a Republican nominee -- on public property and is handcuffed and detained by private security. This is how they want to run the nation, friends. The country they want to take back -- the freedoms they claim are only for a few-- and I don't think it is you and I.
It's NOT ok to handcuff and detain a citizen for asking a question -- NOT in this country. It doesn't matter if that person is a journalist or not. ANY nominee who thinks this is ok, should not be allowed anywhere near public office, serving the public. The Miller campaign released a statement following the incident. Instead of apologizing, he justified the actions. He saw nothing wrong with what he did. There is no remorse whatsoever,
I pray that this is a true wake up call for the media to get back to doing it's job and not be bullied or intimidated by these lunatics that want the keys to the mad house. I pray that this is a wake up call for every citizen in the nation.
I hope people finally understand that elections matter.
Wake up America. they aren't making what they would do a secret at all.
and 
Raine
Update: The video and audio isn't really wonderful, but this is the first visual account that seems to have surfaced regarding what happened. It may put a damper of the Miller campaigns claim that the reporter was out of control.
There is a Kos Diary that did a little digging about the security firm, *Drop Zone* -- The pictures are amazing and it's worth a peruse. I won't post the pictures here.
This occurred after a town hall For Alaska GOP Nominee Joe Miller. What was said AT the town hall was equally disturbing. The blog, Immoral Majority out of Alaska reported:
Joe quickly went through his talking points about national security and the illegal activity engaged in by the people coming over the border from Mexico, and then reiterated that the first priority was to build a fence.
Then things got a little surreal.
In his xenophobic zeal Miller asked how hard could it be to build a fence? After all, and this is a direct quote, "If East Germany can do it, we can do it!"
Now just roll that statement around in your brain for a little while.
This is how they will run this nation. As much as I have railed against the media for not reporting news, this crop of extremist candidates have disdain for any reporting at all. Every single one of these nominees have made the claim that they were treated unfairly by the press when pressed on the issues, and many of them have stopped talking to the press as a result. They do not want to be held accountable for anything they do and say, and they certainly don't seem to want the voting public to make an informed decision in the voting booth. They just want a vote based on anger for 'the other guy'.
Last August, the Tea Party went to many town hall meetings, disrupted, yelled and screamed all under the guise of the First Amendment and claiming freedom of speech. Now we have a reporter who shows up at a town hall meeting of a Republican nominee -- on public property and is handcuffed and detained by private security. This is how they want to run the nation, friends. The country they want to take back -- the freedoms they claim are only for a few-- and I don't think it is you and I.
It's NOT ok to handcuff and detain a citizen for asking a question -- NOT in this country. It doesn't matter if that person is a journalist or not. ANY nominee who thinks this is ok, should not be allowed anywhere near public office, serving the public. The Miller campaign released a statement following the incident. Instead of apologizing, he justified the actions. He saw nothing wrong with what he did. There is no remorse whatsoever,
I pray that this is a true wake up call for the media to get back to doing it's job and not be bullied or intimidated by these lunatics that want the keys to the mad house. I pray that this is a wake up call for every citizen in the nation.
I hope people finally understand that elections matter.
Wake up America. they aren't making what they would do a secret at all.
and Raine
Update: The video and audio isn't really wonderful, but this is the first visual account that seems to have surfaced regarding what happened. It may put a damper of the Miller campaigns claim that the reporter was out of control.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 13:08:41
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 13:08:41
Morning 
So why exactly was this reporter handcuffed - what law did he break?
So why exactly was this reporter handcuffed - what law did he break?
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 10/18/2010 13:20:38
velveeta jones on 10/18/2010 13:20:38
Okaaaayyyy.
We have found the story that will DEFINITELY get me off my duff to vote!!!!
We have found the story that will DEFINITELY get me off my duff to vote!!!!
Comment by 
Raine on 10/18/2010 13:33:00
Raine on 10/18/2010 13:33:00
a little more about the story:
Despite Fulton telling Alaska Dispatch and various other media outlets that he knew he was dealing with a reporter, the Joe Miller campaign promptly put out a press release saying, "It is also important to note that the security personnel did not know that the individual they detained was a blogger who reporting on the campaign [sic]."
The press release was headlined "Liberal Blogger Loses it at Town Hall Meeting," although Miller knows well that Dispatch, which is involved in a lawsuit to obtain Miller's Fairbanks personnel records, is not a "blog" but an established online news magazine.
Video footage from Central Middle School cameras may have captured the incident, and Alaska Dispatch will be asking the Anchorage School District to release it.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 13:52:11
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 13:52:11
so its my understanding that a "Town Hall" is an public event and open to everyone who would like to go, hence the referecence to a town
so how can someone be "arrested" for trespassing when they are at a public event on public property
so how can someone be "arrested" for trespassing when they are at a public event on public property
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 13:55:23
Joe Miller is trying to say it was a private even as well.
No joke.
Raine on 10/18/2010 13:55:23
Quote by wickedpam:
so its my understanding that a "Town Hall" is an public event and open to everyone who would like to go, hence the referecence to a town
so how can someone be "arrested" for trespassing when they are at a public event on public property
Joe Miller is trying to say it was a private even as well.
No joke.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 13:59:21
I'm not sure that would hold up in court especially when it wasn't an invitation only event
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 13:59:21
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
so its my understanding that a "Town Hall" is an public event and open to everyone who would like to go, hence the referecence to a town
so how can someone be "arrested" for trespassing when they are at a public event on public property
Joe Miller is trying to say it was a private even as well.
No joke.
I'm not sure that would hold up in court especially when it wasn't an invitation only event
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 14:01:20
Raine on 10/18/2010 14:01:20
Mala -- like I said in the blog, they HATE the press. trying to understand what happened comes down to that simple matter --
I tried VERY hard to not compare them to a number of countries that do this to journalists on a regular basis.
I didn't have enough time to talk about another GOP fantasy: privatizing the police force -- Joe Miller is all for it.
I tried VERY hard to not compare them to a number of countries that do this to journalists on a regular basis.
I didn't have enough time to talk about another GOP fantasy: privatizing the police force -- Joe Miller is all for it.
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 14:02:21
The man wasn't arrested -- he was handcuffed and detained.
Kinda like a kidnapping -- if you ask me.
Raine on 10/18/2010 14:02:21
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
so its my understanding that a "Town Hall" is an public event and open to everyone who would like to go, hence the referecence to a town
so how can someone be "arrested" for trespassing when they are at a public event on public property
Joe Miller is trying to say it was a private even as well.
No joke.
I'm not sure that would hold up in court especially when it wasn't an invitation only event
Kinda like a kidnapping -- if you ask me.
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 14:03:08
Raine on 10/18/2010 14:03:08
However -- the Security detail claimed they were arresting him, that is a key part of the story.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 14:03:49
well, I did hear once that if you block someone from leaving even a parking space its a kin to kidnapped cause you are being held against your will
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 14:03:49
Quote by Raine:The man wasn't arrested -- he was handcuffed and detained.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
so its my understanding that a "Town Hall" is an public event and open to everyone who would like to go, hence the referecence to a town
so how can someone be "arrested" for trespassing when they are at a public event on public property
Joe Miller is trying to say it was a private even as well.
No joke.
I'm not sure that would hold up in court especially when it wasn't an invitation only event
Kinda like a kidnapping -- if you ask me.
well, I did hear once that if you block someone from leaving even a parking space its a kin to kidnapped cause you are being held against your will
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 14:05:13
then the question araises, does a private(?) security detail have the right to "arrest" someone? I could see it if it was the Secret Service
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 14:05:13
Quote by Raine:
However -- the Security detail claimed they were arresting him, that is a key part of the story.
then the question araises, does a private(?) security detail have the right to "arrest" someone? I could see it if it was the Secret Service
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 14:07:29
No.
Especially this one... take a look at the Kos Diary I posted. This story is messed up 10 ways to Monday.
Raine on 10/18/2010 14:07:29
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
However -- the Security detail claimed they were arresting him, that is a key part of the story.
then the question araises, does a private(?) security detail have the right to "arrest" someone? I could see it if it was the Secret Service
No.
Especially this one... take a look at the Kos Diary I posted. This story is messed up 10 ways to Monday.
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 14:09:05
Raine on 10/18/2010 14:09:05
Bottom line, this security company had no right to do what they did.
Joe Miller is fine with what they did -- he even went so far to say it was a publicity stunt by the reporter -- almost claiming the guy set it up to happen -- IOW,
Blame the victim.
Joe Miller is fine with what they did -- he even went so far to say it was a publicity stunt by the reporter -- almost claiming the guy set it up to happen -- IOW,
Blame the victim.
Comment by 
BobR on 10/18/2010 14:31:48
BobR on 10/18/2010 14:31:48
He'll start claiming the security detail did a "citizen's arrest".
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 14:34:20
yeah, read that - they aren't the brightest bulbs, they also strike me as highly creepy
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 14:34:20
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
However -- the Security detail claimed they were arresting him, that is a key part of the story.
then the question araises, does a private(?) security detail have the right to "arrest" someone? I could see it if it was the Secret Service
No.
Especially this one... take a look at the Kos Diary I posted. This story is messed up 10 ways to Monday.
yeah, read that - they aren't the brightest bulbs, they also strike me as highly creepy
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:00:13
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:00:13
I will update this to the blog, we are starting to get video of the 'situation'
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:09:40
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:09:40
he asked: "Who are you though? Are you police officers?"
When security walks him away he states: "That camera belongs to me!"
When security walks him away he states: "That camera belongs to me!"
Comment by 
Scoopster on 10/18/2010 15:11:24
Scoopster on 10/18/2010 15:11:24
Morning all & Happy Mondee!
I see the Alaskan Gestapo has everyone in a tizz today.. Well, allow me to bring a ray of sunshine in!
Local NH Chamber of Commerce ditches USCOC
I see the Alaskan Gestapo has everyone in a tizz today.. Well, allow me to bring a ray of sunshine in!
Local NH Chamber of Commerce ditches USCOC
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:19:18
That's really wonderful news.
I have a lot of respect for all local chambers -- I am very glad to see that they are realizing that the US Chamber of commerce is Bull puckey.
BobR brought that up in this blog.
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:19:18
Quote by Scoopster:
Morning all & Happy Mondee!
I see the Alaskan Gestapo has everyone in a tizz today.. Well, allow me to bring a ray of sunshine in!
Local NH Chamber of Commerce ditches USCOC
I have a lot of respect for all local chambers -- I am very glad to see that they are realizing that the US Chamber of commerce is Bull puckey.
BobR brought that up in this blog.
When you see an ad that doesn't have an "I approve this message" tacked onto the end, then it is likely coming from one of these PACs. If you watch closely, you'll usually see a "paid for by..." message that flashes quickly at the bottom of the screen. These organizations often have innocuous names (like above - "U.S. Chamber of Commerce"? Doesn't every small town have a Chamber of Commerce? Yes, but the country itself doesn't. It's a Republican PAC).
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 15:30:30
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 15:30:30
not all lawyers go into private practice 
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:31:17
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:31:17
oh caller...
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:31:52
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:31:52
MAla: 
or 
or
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:34:32
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:34:32
That caller was really really ignorant -- and the perfect example of what the tea party is all about.
They are like the bullying dumb kids who pick on the kids who are smart. I swear it's like high school with these dolts. They make true, honest to goodness conservatives look bad.
They are like the bullying dumb kids who pick on the kids who are smart. I swear it's like high school with these dolts. They make true, honest to goodness conservatives look bad.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 15:36:39
hhmmmm I think 
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 15:36:39
Quote by Raine:
MAla:
hhmmmm
I think
Comment by 
livingonli on 10/18/2010 15:43:42
livingonli on 10/18/2010 15:43:42
Good morning everyone.
I wonder how much of that large rate increase Fox is demanding from Cablevision and Dish Network will end up going to GOP coffers? It sucks that I had to watch the Giants game via the internet because Fox's greed has pulled the signal from me.
I wonder how much of that large rate increase Fox is demanding from Cablevision and Dish Network will end up going to GOP coffers? It sucks that I had to watch the Giants game via the internet because Fox's greed has pulled the signal from me.
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:44:06
Perhaps on the 30th?
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:44:06
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
MAla:
hhmmmm
Perhaps on the 30th?
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:45:17
What is going on with this?
I see ads here in our market saying that we may lose FX, National Geographic and I think fox. We aren;t cablevision.
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:45:17
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone.
I wonder how much of that large rate increase Fox is demanding from Cablevision and Dish Network will end up going to GOP coffers? It sucks that I had to watch the Giants game via the internet because Fox's greed has pulled the signal from me.
What is going on with this?
I see ads here in our market saying that we may lose FX, National Geographic and I think fox. We aren;t cablevision.
Comment by livingonli on 10/18/2010 15:45:28
My theory is the Tea Party movement is the modern day Know Nothing Party. These people are proud of their ignorance.
livingonli on 10/18/2010 15:45:28
Quote by Raine:
That caller was really really ignorant -- and the perfect example of what the tea party is all about.
They are like the bullying dumb kids who pick on the kids who are smart. I swear it's like high school with these dolts. They make true, honest to goodness conservatives look bad.
My theory is the Tea Party movement is the modern day Know Nothing Party. These people are proud of their ignorance.
Comment by livingonli on 10/18/2010 15:47:21
That makes no sense to me. Fox's disputes are with Cablevision and Dish Network, not any other providers right now.
livingonli on 10/18/2010 15:47:21
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone.
I wonder how much of that large rate increase Fox is demanding from Cablevision and Dish Network will end up going to GOP coffers? It sucks that I had to watch the Giants game via the internet because Fox's greed has pulled the signal from me.
What is going on with this?
I see ads here in our market saying that we may lose FX, National Geographic and I think fox. We aren;t cablevision.
That makes no sense to me. Fox's disputes are with Cablevision and Dish Network, not any other providers right now.
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:52:08
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:52:08
Angle to Hispanic children: “Some of you look a little more Asian to meâ€
Only a TeaBagger can take a PC term and make it all racist.
Only a TeaBagger can take a PC term and make it all racist.
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 15:52:53
Well, we have them.
Raine on 10/18/2010 15:52:53
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone.
I wonder how much of that large rate increase Fox is demanding from Cablevision and Dish Network will end up going to GOP coffers? It sucks that I had to watch the Giants game via the internet because Fox's greed has pulled the signal from me.
What is going on with this?
I see ads here in our market saying that we may lose FX, National Geographic and I think fox. We aren;t cablevision.
That makes no sense to me. Fox's disputes are with Cablevision and Dish Network, not any other providers right now.
Well, we have them.
Comment by livingonli on 10/18/2010 16:02:42
livingonli on 10/18/2010 16:02:42
Mala, judging by all this it is a good hunch that you will lose Fox5 and My20 on November 1st unless someone bitchslaps Murdoch.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 16:15:47
I would hope
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 16:15:47
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
MAla:
hhmmmm
Perhaps on the 30th?
I would hope
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 16:19:27
crap, that's gonna mess up my top model dvring and watching lie to me, oh well, guess I"ll watch them on hulu. You know I don't watch much on either of these stations. I think old Rup forgets there are other ways to watch shows that networks don't hold the power they used to. And you know I haven't even missed FX, in fact I have no clue what channel its on
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 16:19:27
Quote by livingonli:
Mala, judging by all this it is a good hunch that you will lose Fox5 and My20 on November 1st unless someone bitchslaps Murdoch.
crap, that's gonna mess up my top model dvring and watching lie to me, oh well, guess I"ll watch them on hulu. You know I don't watch much on either of these stations. I think old Rup forgets there are other ways to watch shows that networks don't hold the power they used to. And you know I haven't even missed FX, in fact I have no clue what channel its on
Comment by livingonli on 10/18/2010 16:25:23
At least Family Guy and American Dad air on Cartoon Network the following week. It will be Hulu for The Simpsons though for me.
livingonli on 10/18/2010 16:25:23
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Mala, judging by all this it is a good hunch that you will lose Fox5 and My20 on November 1st unless someone bitchslaps Murdoch.
crap, that's gonna mess up my top model dvring and watching lie to me, oh well, guess I"ll watch them on hulu. You know I don't watch much on either of these stations. I think old Rup forgets there are other ways to watch shows that networks don't hold the power they used to. And you know I haven't even missed FX, in fact I have no clue what channel its on
At least Family Guy and American Dad air on Cartoon Network the following week. It will be Hulu for The Simpsons though for me.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/18/2010 16:54:58
honestly I think the only people that are really going to be effected are those that watch live sporting events on Fox
wickedpam on 10/18/2010 16:54:58
Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Mala, judging by all this it is a good hunch that you will lose Fox5 and My20 on November 1st unless someone bitchslaps Murdoch.
crap, that's gonna mess up my top model dvring and watching lie to me, oh well, guess I"ll watch them on hulu. You know I don't watch much on either of these stations. I think old Rup forgets there are other ways to watch shows that networks don't hold the power they used to. And you know I haven't even missed FX, in fact I have no clue what channel its on
At least Family Guy and American Dad air on Cartoon Network the following week. It will be Hulu for The Simpsons though for me.
honestly I think the only people that are really going to be effected are those that watch live sporting events on Fox
Comment by livingonli on 10/18/2010 17:14:25
There will be a lot of pissed off people if the Yankees are in the World Series.
livingonli on 10/18/2010 17:14:25
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Mala, judging by all this it is a good hunch that you will lose Fox5 and My20 on November 1st unless someone bitchslaps Murdoch.
crap, that's gonna mess up my top model dvring and watching lie to me, oh well, guess I"ll watch them on hulu. You know I don't watch much on either of these stations. I think old Rup forgets there are other ways to watch shows that networks don't hold the power they used to. And you know I haven't even missed FX, in fact I have no clue what channel its on
At least Family Guy and American Dad air on Cartoon Network the following week. It will be Hulu for The Simpsons though for me.
honestly I think the only people that are really going to be effected are those that watch live sporting events on Fox
There will be a lot of pissed off people if the Yankees are in the World Series.
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 18:10:49
Raine on 10/18/2010 18:10:49
Thom is interviewing the reporting I talked about today.
Comment by Raine on 10/18/2010 18:11:56
if?
If?
IF???
Raine on 10/18/2010 18:11:56
Quote by livingonli:
There will be a lot of pissed off people if the Yankees are in the World Series.
if?
If?
IF???
Comment by 
TriSec on 10/18/2010 19:58:48
TriSec on 10/18/2010 19:58:48
I said it earlier, a Giants - Yanks series might be interesting.
But the Sith vs. Bush's old team? *click*
Hi all, btw!
But the Sith vs. Bush's old team? *click*
Hi all, btw!
Comment by livingonli on 10/18/2010 20:32:48
I'm just using the qualifier because it hasn't happened yet. How do people in the Baltimore-DC area feel about their crappy teams?
livingonli on 10/18/2010 20:32:48
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
There will be a lot of pissed off people if the Yankees are in the World Series.
if?
If?
IF???
I'm just using the qualifier because it hasn't happened yet. How do people in the Baltimore-DC area feel about their crappy teams?
Comment by BobR on 10/18/2010 21:09:21
There's a certain Eyore quality to it. Even when they do well, they all just know the good times have to end again.
They're a lot like Boston fans in that way, only more morose and whiny (and less disgusted).
BobR on 10/18/2010 21:09:21
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
There will be a lot of pissed off people if the Yankees are in the World Series.
if?
If?
IF???
I'm just using the qualifier because it hasn't happened yet. How do people in the Baltimore-DC area feel about their crappy teams?
There's a certain Eyore quality to it. Even when they do well, they all just know the good times have to end again.
They're a lot like Boston fans in that way, only more morose and whiny (and less disgusted).
Comment by TriSec on 10/18/2010 23:45:38
TriSec on 10/18/2010 23:45:38
No, no. Not like Boston fans at all.
In 2004, with the Sox leading late in game 4, there was still a dark place in my heart that said "You know, they could still blow this."
In 2004, with the Sox leading late in game 4, there was still a dark place in my heart that said "You know, they could still blow this."
Comment by BobR on 10/19/2010 00:29:07
Yes, they have that here too.
BobR on 10/19/2010 00:29:07
Quote by TriSec:
No, no. Not like Boston fans at all.
In 2004, with the Sox leading late in game 4, there was still a dark place in my heart that said "You know, they could still blow this."
Yes, they have that here too.