I have officially become considered a....

"person of interest" according to local law enforcement officials. Why? Because I attend counter-inauguration protests and Iraqi Invasion Anniversary Candlelight Vigils. By envoking my constitutional rights as an American citizen I now pose a threat to the Bush Administration. Damn, I must be doing something right.

I facilitated a discussion about election reform in front of approximately 12-15 people this morning. I'd say that 8 of them requested the Bibliography and further information. I saw a lot of jaws drop in the room. Keep talking folks!

This war is illegal and immoral. NO ONE should be hassling you for having the strong moral compass to oppose it.

Those tactics were used all over the place during the third reich.

You are considered an enemy of democracy if you are an enemy of their ideals. Don't agree with corruption, then you are an evil doer.

Dangerous ground is being treaded now.

...that you are now a "person of interest."

I wonder what that means?

Will a late-model Oldsmobuick be parked outside your home, now--with an investigator inside--watching your every move?

How did you come to find out that you were a "person of interest"?

Scary times out there.

Thanks for fighting the good fight and for continuing to enlighten those around you.

You are making a difference.

a public hearing tomorrow morning at 11:30. Cross your fingers that my three small children either a) behave themselves or b) irritate the daylights out of reactionary fascists in attendance while charming the liberals among us. :)

I have three small children.

They'll be just wonderful. If not, they'll just make you look more human.

Be sure to bring juice boxes, coloring books and crayons.

That always works for me!

Let us know what happens, please!

Best of luck to you.

Did you alert any media about this?

I'm always happy to help.
Guess I may find myself on that list one day.
At least I'll be in good company
:yourock:

I'm kind of curious to see what the B County Sheriff's office does to accommodate subversives with rowdy children. Bwah!

call me if you need bond money ;-)

I'm not at risk of being carted off to a gulag quite yet. But I'll keep you in mind for my phone call if I get one.

just for reassurance that we are still a democracy....

thanks for all you do... let us know how it goes!

edit: typo

And remember. You're an American.

Let us know how it goes. There are many on this site who could very well share with you this moniker of "person of interest". Could it mean...person of interest in saving this Democracy? Because that is what is should be. With you in the fight.

It turns out that my name is not on the list after all. I'm actually somewhat disappointed by that. LOL!

From what I can gather from the list, it is comprised of individuals who have been attending pretty much the same events as others who are not on the list. I'm wondering why they selected the people they did as "persons of interest," but I suspect it is because of the videotaping of license plates at the counter-inaugural protest. The police department agreed to record over those tapes under ACLU pressure last month. But I'm sure someone kept a list.

Anyway, this is what is happening this morning...

Individuals who have been named in Melbourne Police and Brevard County Sheriff spy files will deliver written public records requests to the Brevard County Sheriff’s office. Representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union of FL Brevard Chapter and the named individuals will give a press conference immediately after the requests have been delivered.

A press conference, and gathering of supporters, of the counter-inaugural demonstrators, who have been named as persons of interest by the Brevard County Sheriff's office. These individuals, assisted by the ACLU, will be hand delivering public records requests to determine what records the sheriff's office is maintaining on them. The ACLU will also be filing its own follow up requests to determine the involvement of other agencies involved in spying on demonstrators. Please come and show your support for these courageous individuals. After delivering the requests the ACLU and demonstrators will hold a press conference.

I intend to be there to show my support.

it is saying the "people of interest" have to turn in something?

If the sheriff wants something - it seems like they would need to file a charge and get a subpoena.

Or is the Sheriff's Office having to reveal records? That would sound more reasonable.

office release the information they have gathered about them and asking for the intent for gathering it in the first place.

rights without being branded "interesting!"

While they're at it, maybe can ask the sheriff to dig up some GEMS, or equivalent, configuration files from the 2004 election!

I was stupid and vain enough to give my real name and city/state where I live to a "reporter" while protesting on Inaguration Day. I wonder if I am a "person of interest" now, too. I will from now on have an alias ready in case that that happens again. But the higher your profile, the harder it is to remain anonymous... Congratulations, I think. You've made the big time ;)