"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." - Thomas Jefferson
The arrest of the reporter by the Joe Miller campaign has an eerie resemblance to political processes in areas of the world that are not known for their democratic process or individual liberties.
Thomas Jefferson might ask: Is this what you want happening in your local middle school to those who ask 'inappropriate questions'?
We must ask where is our democracy if:
- A candidate says he will refuse to answer personal questions or those regarding his background.
- A reporter is arrested by private security at a political event held at a public school for following the candidate through the hallway while attempting to ask questions about...the candidates background.
According to the security guard, the reporter 'should have known it was a private event due to the 'Joe Miller' signs being placed outside'. Really? A political sign = no trespass? More so, the Miller campaign called it a "Town Hall" - so is there not implied public access and participation?
Maybe another implication is clear: is this what Joe Miller and the Tea Party's 'town halls' will always be like starting November 2?
Watch Tony Hopfinger 'arrest'.
FYI, Alaska does not have a law on the books which allows a person to be arrested under the above circumstances. At least not yet.
Now the spin has began. But the events and place are well known, so not much could be mis-characterized right?
Well why not mis-characterize the lamestream media? Joe Miller's website makes clear that Joe sees himself as the victim:
"Obsession with Republican Nominee leads to physical assault, publicity stunt"
'Physical assault' eh? So surely the police were called to press charges right? No, of course not...so much for that smelly red herring.
[Hurriet] Egypt police arrest protesters over emergency law
[PBS] Forbidden Iran: Interview with the Report - Undercover with the Underground
[Alaskan Daily] Miller vows silence
On the larger issue...since when did running for public office mean that a candidates personal actions and background was beyond scrutiny? Even more so when the scrutiny was regarding his actions as in another public duty or his actions in regards to public subsidy and support?
Well there is a certain wisdom to 'better to keep quiet about being a fool rather than opening one's mouth and removing all doubt'.
This must become a national issue. When will the Alaskan assault on the 'lamestream media' end?
Alaska Independent photo gallery