Ian Spiers - His Story

[Abel]

I first read about this a few months ago and from time to time I check up on things and see what the latest news is...

Ian Spiers , a photography student up in WA was harassed by home land security officers for obviously being dark skinned. The bad event is documented In his own words here….

http://69.93.170.43/

Also the ALCU has taken his side and have been trying to make his case heard…

http://www.aclu-wa.org/ISSUES/otheri...iersphoto.html

He also runs a daily Blog which helps others stay informed on the status of his issue…

http://www.brownequalsterrorist.com/

This has definitely made me think a little more while I'm out photographing large structures downtown etc etc...

I recommend at least reading the photographers account of the what happened.... its very interesting although pretty disturbing.

[markperez]

Let me preface this by saying that I am of mexican decent. I read his story but didn't read any of the other links. So just going on what I read I have to say that if a police officer whether city, state or feds ask for your ID you give it to them. The Supreme Court ruled back in June that a person must identify themselves. This really doesn't mean that you need to show them your ID but you must give them your name. This guy seemed to have a chip on his shoulder. I've had run ins with people (not police) because I look middle eastern. Its a part of life. Southern white people are thought of as dumb red necks by people up north. Teens are thought up as trouble makers. We all have to deal with stereo types in our lives so I think this guy was in the wrong by not producing his ID in the first place. If he did none of what happened later would have happened.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

[lydiapenn]

i have to agree, that if he didn't get upset and refuse to show his i.d., that the moment would have passed as an annoying little footnote in his life. that guy was itching to make an issue out of it, and the Law was happy to oblige. that's about the It of it.