Reporter Captures Own Arrest by Tenn. Highway Patrol on Video at Occupy Nashville

[Hissyspit]

Run time: 01:32 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6piPFkg0GLQ   Posted on YouTube: October 29, 2011 By YouTube Member: JonathanMeador Views on YouTube: 242   Posted on DU: October 30, 2011 By DU Member: Hissyspit Views on DU: 2492

 
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011

BREAKING NEWS Scene Reporter Captures Own Arrest on Video, Refutes State Troopers' Charges

POSTED BY JIM RIDLEY ON SAT, OCT 29, 2011 AT 9:26 PM

The Tennessee state trooper who arrested Scene reporter Jonathan Meador last night on Legislative Plaza during the THP's second late-night crackdown on the Occupy Nashville protests was kind enough to slip the small video flip-cam Meador was carrying back into his pocket. Thanks to him, Meador was able to produce this unedited video of his own arrest — or to be more accurate, the audio, since with troopers slamming Meador to the ground from behind and rendering him helpless, the image isn't so hot.

No matter. The sound speaks volumes.

What you will hear, very clearly, is a trooper telling another officer to book Meador for resisting arrest. You will also hear, very clearly, audio evidence of Meador's contention: that he was simply doing his job as a reporter and tried to get off the plaza to comply with the law — but the troopers wouldn't let him off that easy.

What you will not hear, in any form or fashion, is the slightest mention of public intoxication — the specious charge against Meador the THP has broadcast to the world. If that charge was made up later to discredit Meador — or even more appallingly, to divert attention from what a Metro Night Court judge last night told officers was a blatantly unconstitutional overstepping of government and police authority — nobody who cares about their First Amendment freedoms should sleep in Tennessee tonight.

[roguevalley]

1. we've all lost our minds.

[AsahinaKimi]

2. I remember when Amy Goodwin was arrested...

The police don't care if you are Walter Cronkite ... or Dan Rather..you are headed to Jail.

[Danse]

3. Cops are out of control

They know that the worst they're likely to get for beating up a protester is a paid vacation. It is not surprising, therefore, that are engaging in such savage and lawless behavior.

If America had a functioning legal system, this cop would himself be sent to prison for false arrest and other crimes.

[civilisation]

4. when the start arresting reporters,. .

they are attempting (lamely) to hid what they are doing,. when they make up charges,. they are committing a serious crime.

[dotymed]

5. "Tell them to charge him resisting arrest."

He put a hell of a lot of resistance, didn't he? this is how "they" do it. It does not matter if you are illegally being arrested. If "they" decide that you are resisting (maybe you didn't fall hard enough when you were tackled from behind) then that is a legitimate charge. Whether or not you were arrested legally, you will still be punished for "resisting."

Just furthering the police state.

I am going to go to Occupy Nashville today. I just decided. It is about an hours drive. I have 7 heart stents and alot of of medical problems. My family has been asking me not to go, so I haven't. We have to stand for what we believe.

Besides, my Cardiologist is at Vanderbilt so I'll be close if need be..., I am so tired of these "jack-booted thugs" who are sworn to "protect and serve" us. They just want to serve their masters and seem to enjoy oppressing peaceful Americans.

[fasttense]

6. Take care of yourself dotymed.

You are very brave.

I was at a protest yesterday, but it was very small. We did get some heckling but we got more cheers than jeers. The cops at our protest were very subdued and left us alone mostly.

But you will be protesting in a proven hostile area. Kind of like in the military serving in a war zone and combat area. Try to keep safe.

[dotymed]

7. Thanks. I will try. I am trying to get a friend to go with me.

Honestly, most of this state has shown itself (at least in my area, around Ft. Campbell,KY.) to be a hostile environment to my Progressive ideas. Honestly, Unionization and human rights used to be a very acceptable philosophy in America. Does that make me a conservative? lol..

[DallasNE]

8. Where Are The Nashville Police

This should be their responsibility, with help from the Sheriff's office if backup is needed. The Tennessee Highway Patrol should be a last resort to agument, not replace, local officers. This doesn't look like the case here. So why is the Governor sending in his goon squads? What is the political agenda? Is the Governor looking ahead to 2016?

[They_Live]

9. It might depend on the property

that the individual is "occupying". If it is city hall, then yes, it seems like city police should be involved. If it's a state building, state troopers or highway patrol officers. Of course, in a situation like this, all bets are off. Law enforcement is making a lot of bad decisions for all to see. I am so glad that tiny digital cameras and youtube exist.

[DallasNE]

11. The Governor Is Involved In This Up To His Eyebrows

It looks like he is trying to establish his bonafides for an upcoming election. http://thinkprogress.org/special/2011/10/31/357037/protest-police-nashville/

In Virginia the Governor ordered in heavy construction equipment to demolish an Occupy encampment in what looks like another Governor trying to establish his bonafides as well.

Both of these are nothing short of Police State tactics.

This may require federal troops like Eisenhower used to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, AR, because of the unlawful action by various Governors. I truly think this bears watching.

[DallasNE]

12. Ah, The Federal Court Has Moved In

And ordered the Governor to stop his operation. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x5043857 Let's see what happens next.

[CHOCOLATMIMOSA]

10. knr

[Marazinia]

13. Just remember, stating that you're a member of the media

Is resisting arrest now.

Sickening.