Minneapolis Council Member Ostrow’s Responds to Artist/Jounalist Detention
August 28th, 2008Minneapolis Ward 1 City Council member Paul Ostrow’s response to my comments on the detainment and confiscation of equipment by the Minneapolis police department. Paul Ostrow’s ward is where this event took place.
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.
My original email to council member Ostrow, Mayor Rybak and the Minneapolis police department.
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.
