Minneapolis Council Member Ostrow’s Responds to Artist/Jounalist Detention
I appreciate your passion and concern on this issue, Bill, but I would urge you not to jump to conclusions about how the police will conduct themselves during the RNC. I believe their preparation and planning has been outstanding and I do believe they are taking very seriously first amendment freedoms. This particular incident involved the possible trespass on railroad land which especially given hazardous materials at the railyard is taken seriously.
You should also know that we anticipate an after action report to the Council on how the RNC is handled so we can learn from this experience and make sure there is both credit for what is done well and accountability for what is not done well.
The reason for this letter is to express my outrage at the detention and seizure of items from the three artists/journalists. The rights of people to be protected from unwarranted searches and seizures is a cornerstone of our democracy. As my elected council person I hope you have the opportunity to voice this opinion and share it with the police department.Does the police department intend to abuse the heavy handed security powers handed to them by the Bush Administration? Hopefully this incident is a mistake that is quickly rectified. If the police continue with these tactics through the convention it is going to be a disgrace to both our city and the principles that we stand for.
Update on Minneapolis Police Seizing Artists Belongings
Great posting by rphaedrus including a letter from Minneapolis City Council member Cam Gordon.
I have yet to hear back from my Council Member, Paul Ostrow.
Minneapolis police seize artists video equipment
On Tuesday, August 26th the Minneapolis Police questioned 3 artists from New York and seized their videos, cameras, computers and notebooks.
The Uptake has press conference video.
Related Links:
Glass Bead Collective
Star-Tribune article
Minnesota Independent article
Twin Cities IndyMedia article
March on the Denver Democratic Convention
If you are interested in the protesting going on in Denver than you should read Colorado Indynews. Indynews has constant updates and first person accounts of the goings on around Denver.
When the convention shifts to St. Paul and Minneapolis just shift your focus to Twincities IndyMedia.
Another great source it The Uptake. At the Uptake you will find articles, video and live blogging from both conventions.
Other non-mainstream news can be found at the Nation, Minnesota Independent and Colorado Independent.
also:
The UpTake gives a tour of Denver Gitmo. Oh, I mean detention center.
Muxtape Shut Down
Visiting Muxtape today I was greeted with this:
Muxtape will be unavailable for a brief period while we sort out a problem with the RIAA.
I will definitely suffer from this as I post my band's music on Muxtape. I guess the RIAA feels that they speak for me.
No Place to Hide – the video
This is show called "No Place to Hide". It is a Peter Jennings production and is based on my favorite book by Dan O'Harrow of the Washington Post. The video covers what is going on in the world of databases and video surveillance.
Murakami Exhibit Videos
Excellent Murakami art exhibit tour videos from the Museam of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.
Chris Ware animation on This American Life
Have you ever had someone tell a story that is your story?
Here it is as anmiated by Chris Ware.