soundbetter.net: Journalists arrested at both National Conventions

It's not a political statement, but a sign of the times just the same.

ABC producer Asa Eslocker was arrested at the DNC last week. What's telling here is that he's forced into the street by an officer as other pedestrians are clearly walking in the same vicinity. He is not charged at the time with committing a crime. Two hours later more police arrive to arrest him. Notice he's told to "relax" after being choked by an officer. This is a news crew standing on a public sidewalk.

Just yesterday, Amy Goodman was on the floor of the RNC when she received word that two of her producers for the show Democracy Now had been arrested. She is arrested when she approaches officers to get information about the arrests and where the producers are being held. She attempts to show credentials but is ignored and detained.

Now many say what makes Amy Goodman special? She got what she deserved. She was warned, didn't obey and was arrested. And that's the problem. It's not about rights it's about obeying an officer's orders regardless of legality. She is a reporter, not a protester. The credentials she tried to show are the highest credentials a reporter could have had at the event, allowing her access to the main floor of the convention. But somehow this is inconsequential to the police and in truth, to many Americans as well. Freedom of the Press is just another liberal, hippie buzzword these days.

The producers, Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar, are expected to be charged with "suspicion of rioting" and as of now have not been released. Amy Goodman was released last night after being held about 3 hours.

UPDATE 9/2, 1:30pm: Both producers have been released however still face felony charges. All three appeared on this morning's broadcast of Democracy Now to recount their story and those of other journalists arrested, including AP photographer Matt Rourke.