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Agents forced him to present his ID, even after he explained why he was taking pictures. All of this happened while other tourists continued to take their own pictures of the Locks. Homeland Security Special Agent McNamara also took Mr. Spiers's photo and told him to call him before returning to the Locks. Who knows where the photo is going to end up or what databases Mr. Spiers has now been entered into.

Perhaps because the student was using a professional-type camera, but the tourists were using Polaroids.

Looks like there might be more to this story. Seattle is full of leftists and anti-Americans. Throw in a left of left photography instructor that sends a student out to look as suspicious as possible. Patriot act challenge, lawsuit, or just the usual harassment?

Seattle, home port to Osama Momma Murry (D)

ON THE NET>

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE - Office of the Spokesman - PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: "WORLDWIDE CAUTION" (Read More...)

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? (VIEW PHOTOS HERE.)

FBI.gov - War On Terrorism: "SEEKING INFORMATION" (View Posters. Read More...)

FBI.gov: "MOST WANTED TERRORISTS" (View Posters. Read More...)

DHS.GOV - "STATEMENT FOR SECRETARY TOM RIDGE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY" (STATEMENT SNIPPET: "Efforts each of you make to be vigilant -- such as reporting suspicious items or activities to authorities -- do make a difference. Every citizen using their common sense and eyes and ears can support our national effort to stop terrorists. Thank you for your continued resolve in the face of the ongoing threat of terrorism. We must continue to work together -- to ensure that the freedom we just celebrated continues as the hallmark of this great Nation, the United States of America.") (July 8, 2004) (Read More...)

DAILY ALERT.org

WTOP.com (AP): Washington - "LAWMAKERS BRIEFED ON TERROR ATTACK THREAT" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Top FBI, CIA and Homeland Security Department officials briefed House members Wednesday about a steady stream of intelligence indicating al-Qaida may seek to mount an attack aimed at disrupting U.S. elections.") (Updated July 8, 2004) (Read More...)

KIRO TV.com: "FEDS WARN SEATTLE POLICE OF TERROR THREAT" (Updated July 8, 2004) (Read More...)

SWISSinfo.org (Reuters): Panama City - "PANAMA TELLS CANAL SHIPS TO TIGHTEN SECURITY" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The Panama Canal Authority has warned ships to tighten security against a possible terror attack or face being denied passage through the waterway linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.") (Note: URL may expire.) (July 7, 2004) (Read More...)

So, this is the url of the article we are discussing here:

http://www.brownequalsterrorist.com/artiststatement/

and here's the home page where the article is housed:

http://www.brownequalsterrorist.com/

The teacher or professor is somewhat at fault.
How exact was the assignment? Were the students warned away from "targets"?

Please read the student's blog before posting comments. He did nothing wrong.

This is another case of local police and Homeland Security people acting like Keystone Cops.

These are the same idiots that require a 90-year-old grandmother to submit to a body search at airport security.

It's all for show. Pathetic.

I was stopped and questioned about taking pictures of a local dam 2 years ago, too!

Caught the cop on video questioning me! :)

Can anyone explain how these police-state abuses will prevent real terrorists from photographing and harming the Ballard Locks?

The only legal basis for detaining a suspect (thus requiring showing ID) is if there is reasonable suspicion that a crime has been (or will be?) committed.

(The humanity! Hundreds of houseboats beached! Salmon inconvenienced!)

Man, I took pictures of the Amtrak Talgo train on that same bridge last July. Hope they dont come after me.

I did learn that Louie's Chinese Cuisine in Ballard is closed the week of July 4th. Bummer.