GOP lawmaker has Democrats’ cameras seized at town hall

[Playinghardball]

Source: RawReplay
By David Edwards

Security guards seized the cameras and cell phones of several Democrats at a “town hall” meeting featuring Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) Monday.

While media organizations were allowed to record the event, a security guard collected recoding devices from certain audience members “to protect the privacy of constituents,” according to a Chabot spokesman.

ThinkProgress was able to film an iPhone being confiscated from Cincinnati Democrat David Little and a video camera being taken from former Democratic candidate Liz Ping.

“The officer was very nice about it; and we politely and cordially defended our right to record a public official speaking in public in a public building,” Little explained. “What are they afraid of?”

Later in the meeting, Chabot faced jeers from the audience over his vote to defund Planned Parenthood.

Watch this video from ThinkProgress, uploaded Aug. 23, 2011

http://www.rawstory.com/rawreplay/2011/08/gop-lawmaker-has-democrats-cameras-seized-at-town-hall/

[LiberalLoner]

1. Guess they really want to control what information gets out to the public. Of course

they don't worry about the media because the media is on their side and in on the whole rigged game. K&R

[Proud Liberal Dem]

2. Wow! These thugs are getting more brazen

I'm not sure what's worse in terms of "optics": Seizing people's recording devices (how did they know they were Democrats anyway?) or allowing them to record potentially embarrassing statements? :shrug: Also, how in the world do the justify taking these devices over concerns about privacy when it is a public event attended by media organizations? Can they get sued for stuff like this?

:wtf:

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Is it time to use the F word (fascism) or not yet?

[hifiguy]

5. Yes, it is.

They don't even bother to conceal the fascism any more.

[Selatius]

6. It could be worse. He could've ordered the officers to gun down the Democrats.

Like what is happening in Syria right now and Libya until recently.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. I'm afraid that will come actually

It is too early in the process for that. But if this keeps up, it will be ILEGAL to be a democrat or hold any views against THE PARTY.

[saras]

14. Try saying "no" when they come after your camera, and see what happens

[Bozita]

4. “to protect the privacy of constituents,” - at a fucking PUBLIC meeting with a fucking PUBLIC rep

And doing it SELECTIVELY.

How very American!

[MineralMan]

11. Well, that's moronic, since there were cameras from TV stations

there filming. Smile! You're on the News at 10.

[yurbud]

13. TV people ''know their place'' and what not to show on TV. Private citizens aren't so reliable.

[lpbk2713]

8. Illegal search & seizure.

... just to start off the list.

Funny how a lawmaker doesn't know the law.

Oh yeah {snap} he's a rethuglican lawmaker. The laws only apply to the 'little' people.

[Bozita]

9. If that isn't from the 2nd Amendment, it doesn't count!

[lindysalsagal]

10. Blue arm bands with dead fetuses on them.

Looking forward to the re-education camps. The grits aren't bad!

[yurbud]

12. if these were private security, can they be prosecuted for theft?

[KansDem]

15. Who was the guy with the light-colored jacket and white hair?

Was he the "Goon-in-Charge?"