Constitutional Stand-off at the Danbury Public Library (1 Viewer)

[ekbeats]

This one is interesting and touches upon a number of different issues.  Here’s what happened…  A guy goes into the library claiming to be a journalist researching a story.  He starts filming right when he walks in the door.  Like most libraries, Danbury has a policy that videotaping is not allowed.  Security politely tells him the policy, and when he refuses to stop filming the cops are called.  Three cops show up and then a Supervisor.  The cops don’t handle the situation well.  For some reason they over-engage the guy in discussions about the law and the Constitution.  The guy eventually leaves but posts the video on YouTube and announces plans to sue the cops.  Cops are now under investigation and the Police Chief has indicated that he is not happy with the way this was handled.

Main story

YouTube video of the encounter

Interesting article on legal issue involved

 

[Herb]

Can I just say, without watching the video or giving a crap about what went on in this instance, that people that make a living from posting videos on YouTube are drains on our society and need to find something better to do than convince kids that they, too, have a chance to be vacuous "influencers" with no life goals or motivation to do anything real. 

Thank you for listening to my diatribe.  Sorry to derail,  @ekbeats

 

[Thunderlips]

No respect for LE these days.   It's a shame.  

 

[ekbeats]

Can I just say, without watching the video or giving a crap about what went on in this instance, that people that make a living from posting videos on YouTube are drains on our society and need to find something better to do than convince kids that they, too, have a chance to be vacuous "influencers" with no life goals or motivation to do anything real. 

Thank you for listening to my diatribe.  Sorry to derail,  @ekbeats

No worries - that’s probably the first thought that came into my mind as well.  This guy is trying to effectuate change on a valid 1st amendment rights issue, but his method of doing so is terrible.  But maybe that’s what it takes to make change these days - agitate, get a reaction, and make news.

 

[tymarsas]

Can I just say, without watching the video or giving a crap about what went on in this instance, that people that make a living from posting videos on YouTube are drains on our society and need to find something better to do than convince kids that they, too, have a chance to be vacuous "influencers" with no life goals or motivation to do anything real. 

Thank you for listening to my diatribe.  Sorry to derail,  @ekbeats

What ever happened to sending a strongly worded email? I feel bad for the security guard. You can see it in his expression, he is thinking "I don't get paid enough to deal with this".

 

[ekbeats]

What ever happened to sending a strongly worded email? I feel bad for the security guard. You can see it in his expression, he is thinking "I don't get paid enough to deal with this".

How about the cops?  Granted they came on too hot and didn’t handle things well, but people now have a license to verbally taunt and abuse these guys.  Who would ever want to be a cop today?  I know I wouldn’t / couldn’t.

 

[2Squirrels1Nut]

Can I just say, without watching the video or giving a crap about what went on in this instance, that people that make a living from posting videos on YouTube are drains on our society and need to find something better to do than convince kids that they, too, have a chance to be vacuous "influencers" with no life goals or motivation to do anything real. 

Thank you for listening to my diatribe.  Sorry to derail,  @ekbeats

100% this.  I hope they sue him first. 

 

[tymarsas]

How about the cops?  Granted they came on too hot and didn’t handle things well, but people now have a license to verbally taunt and abuse these guys.  Who would ever want to be a cop today?  I know I wouldn’t / couldn’t.

I have not watched the whole video but I think they show great restraint. The guy comes off as incredibly condesending and hostile. He says things like "I'm trying to teach you something today" and "why are you being a tyrant?". I don't have a lot of respect for people that act like this, even if I respect his point. There are much better ways to deal with the issue. But he was there to make a spectacle and get YouTube followers.

As for the cops, they don't get paid enough to deal with that. I have great sympathy for people that are just trying to do their job and have others that come along and try to score internet points. It's a tough job and this guy is just making it tougher for no reason. I am sure there are a few things they could do better and hopefully they receive some training for that, but overall definitely on their side. Dude should find a better way to make his point.

 

[parasaurolophus]

No worries - that’s probably the first thought that came into my mind as well.  This guy is trying to effectuate change on a valid 1st amendment rights issue, but his method of doing so is terrible.  But maybe that’s what it takes to make change these days - agitate, get a reaction, and make news.

I dont think it is a valid first amendment issue at all. 

 

[Doug B]

Can’t watch the video now, but read the article.

I assume that if this had gotten physical, the article would’ve mentioned it. So ... if the whole altercation was verbal, what is the YouTuber suing for exactly?

I know you can sue for anything, but I’m assuming the suit won’t admit that it’s a nuisance suit. So what’s the cover story?

 

[DaVinci]

“You can’t shush me! That’s a violation of my First Amendment rights!”

 

[bigbottom]

That guy is absolutely infuriating, but the police officers need to be better trained not to let people like this get under their skin. 

 

[The Commish]

moron...what exactly does this have to do with 1A rights though?  Missing that connection.  

 

[Doug B]

That guy is absolutely infuriating, but the police officers need to be better trained not to let people like this get under their skin. 

Did the police strike the guy? Put their hands on the YouTube guy at all?

 

[bigbottom]

Did the police strike the guy? Put their hands on the YouTube guy at all?

Looks like they grabbed his arm a couple times. Nothing major. It’s more that they were unprofessional on camera and it wasn’t a good look for the department. I don’t have a strong opinion on the viability of the constitutional claims now being asserted, but ultimately the situation ended without an arrest or any violence, which is quite good, all things considered. 

 

[tymarsas]

moron...what exactly does this have to do with 1A rights though?  Missing that connection.  

I think his argument was that based on freedom of the press, he was allowed to film in a public library for a news story. Although he wasn't actually filming for a news story, he was filming to cause a news story.

 

[Doug B]

I think his argument was that based on freedom of the press, he was allowed to film in a public library for a news story.

Third link in the OP makes it clear — the YouTuber was in the wrong.

 

[The Commish]

Third link in the OP makes it clear — the YouTuber was in the wrong.

Yeah...went through the links and thats why i asked. Law seems pretty clear for a change. Maybe these boobs should read it?  I know thats an unrealistic ask in this day and age. Thought i was missing something. 

 

[da_budman]

Seems like the law is very clear in breaking things down into 3 categories.  The guy, if he follows through with the lawsuit,  will get laughed out of court.  Let him try to record the court proceedings without the Judges authority and see what happens.