There's been such a recent flurry of First Amendment outrages -- mainly against journalists but also private citizens -- involving cops arresting reporters, seizing videos and pictures, etc. But this new episode today make take the proverbial cake:
WASHINGTON -- In a stunning break with First Amendment policy, House Republicans directed Capitol Hill police to detain a highly regarded documentary crew that was attempting to film a Wednesday hearing on a controversial natural gas procurement practice. Republicans also denied the entrance of a credentialed ABC News news team that was attempting to film the event.
Josh Fox, director of the Academy Award-nominated documentary "Gasland" was taken into custody by Capitol Hill police this morning, along with his crew, after Republicans objected to their presence, according to Democratic sources present at the hearing. The meeting of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment had been taking place in room 2318 of the Rayburn building.
Approximately 16 officers entered the hearing room and handcuffed Fox amid audible discussions of "disorderly conduct" charges, according to Democratic sources present at the arrest.
Fox's "Gasland" is the definitive look at the environmentally abusive side of the gas-drilling bonanza talking place in rural Pennsylvania. Now, apparently, it's not just the deep earth that's getting fracked -- but constitutional rights as well.
Will, how about you place a post about the Occupiers who dumped condoms on young catholic school girls, or is that sort of activity condoned by you and your minions because you feel the Occupiers are a symbol of America...— apa279
Hmmmm...... The Washington Times reported that Fox was arrested because he did not get permission to film the hearing through popper channels. Funny you'd leave that little detail out. Wonder if you were as upset about the 1st Amendment when Obama held all those closed door meetings around heath care reform? I don't remember any 1st Amendment posts then?
Also, what ever happened to the running body count from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? That when out of style as soon as the current President took office. Hmmm....I wonder why?
- Just like a Republican, always trying to change the subject. — dontlikeneocons
- Disgusting. Please report the names of the Congressmen who had a problem with free expression of rights— ChrisWZD
- "Republican Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) to halt the arrest and permit Fox to film the public hearing."
can I arrest Repug Harris for taking a bribe of over $62,000 from Oil & Gas corporations?
— pal 
Gotta love those freedom loving republicans!- You have to love the GOP. They are always for the first amendment as long as it is not used against them. These clowns are a joke. You arrest a member of media filming at a PUBLIC session. I thought we lived in the US?— matty177
- I object to the presence of Republicans anywhere and anytime. I say detain and deport all of them.— dontlikeneocons
Comment removed.- Those repugs just love the constituion except when they dont.— jfeliccia
- apa279- do you have something against practicing safe sex. OHH NO CATHOLIC SCHOOL GIRLS!!! HEAVEN FORDBID. Trust me, they usually need them the most. Seems like our congress doesnt want anyone filming them while they sell us down the river for kickbacks and political favors. Not to worry i'm sure we'll find an alternative for fresh water. Why are our elected officials obsessed with destroying our environment and fresh water?? Its just real disgusting. What a gross grouping of people. I wish the worst of them and their families.— OhOkay
- Gasland is hardly "definitive." It is extremely partisan. Personally very tired of docu-propaganda. Makes me have to do more work - watch the thing, and then research what was left out because of partisan hackery. Waiting for Superman was another.— sadim
- Will, the Gasland "documentary" was thoroughly debunked as fraud. It amazes me that you guys keep sticking with it...it greatly detracts form from your credibility.— hotelguy
Will Bunch, a senior writer at the Philadelphia Daily News, blogs about his obsessions, including national and local politics and world affairs, the media, pop music, the Philadelphia Phillies, soccer and other sports, not necessarily in that order.
E-mail Will by clicking here.
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