The Power Is Yours

First Amendment in Crisis? - Day 14 In the District

Well, I have passed the halfway point in my journey through D.C. Today was a very interesting thing for many reasons, and it all began quite early at 7am at the Pentagon.

I woke up before the crack of dawn this morning to document a peace vigil run by the Catholic Worker at the Pentagon. I have gained alot of experience from this visit. Upon arriving, I learned that there was a restriction on photography of any kind and that I would need clearance. I was not surprised about that. So, I spoke with the officer who was very polite and we talked and he gave me a number. I called it. It was the Police Force Department Ctr. for the Pentagon. They didn't have the authority to give me clearance, but they transferred me to the building mgr's office. There I talked with a head person in the office who was in that early who was very helpful and polite in finding out how I, as a member of the press, needed to get the clearance I was looking for. He spoke with Pentagon lawyers who told him that I needed to go through the Press Dept. So, I called the Press Dept and knew I was right on track. However, that is where I hit my speedbump. The woman at the Press Dept for some reason was very short with me, she claimed because I was a university student she didn't have to talk to me about clearance and said she only dealt with the commercial media. I would like to point out that although University media is non-profit, we still are members of the press like any other. I tried to ask her if I could send over credentials and proof that I was with Boston College on the project but she coldly refused. She said I had to talk to the Public Inquiry office. The Public Inquiry office is simply the information booth of the Pentagon but doesn't really have any authority to give me clearance to take photos and video of the demonstration. But I gave the Press Dept the benefit of the doubt, particularly because I don't want to argue with the Pentagon, I'm not here to burn any bridges. So I call up and leave a few messages with Public Inquiry, they get back to me and let me know that they don't really have any authority to help me and refer me back to the Building Manager. Oh Boy. I've just taken a ride on the US Bureaucratic Merry Go Round. So, I was back at square one. I did e-mail the professor who is assisting me with the film logistics of the project. He has offered to write a letter as credentials on my behalf. However, it was too late in the day today to call the press department back. I will call again tomorrow and hopefully be able to communicate better, otherwise, I'm not going to push this one, it's not that critical. But what is critical is whether or not I am allowed to record the video and for what reason. More on this as it develops.

On a much brighter note, I took a great tour of the State Dept Diplomatic meeting rooms and it was a fantastic tour. I got to see where the US hosts some of its most prodigious guests and was pleased to see how rooted the rooms are in the American independence movement. I was also able to learn alot of history about many paintings and artifacts. It was an intriguing tour.

Also, later in the day, I covered Operation: House Call (the boots demonstration infront of the Cannon bldg. down by the Capitol building. The demonstration is run by Military Families Speak Out. They are simply put, military families who have, had, or have lost loved ones in the military, many members particularly concerning the War in Iraq. You remember, the war that was "Mission Accomplished" a little over 3 years ago. Anyways, since the House voted to press on with the Iraqi conflict in the last week of June, they have been out there placing a pair of boots for every soldier that died since then. They currently have 43 boots as of the count yesterday. They also have shoes representing the Iraqi civilians who have died. It was a very powerful demonstration and I was able to get alot of good footage and had some good dialogue with passing observers.

So that was my day today. I didn't expect to be as busy or gain so much experience. But I guess this is what learning is about. Just as my boss at home said earlier to me today, "Today was a great learning experience. Now you'll be prepared next time. " And I will, and I hope to continue to go out there and get better at this every day. In any case, this has truly been a unique experience where I have been able to see a tremendously diverse amount of people who have thoughts, be it for or against this war, and why, and what they choose to do or not to do.

Also, one more thing concerning the Pentagon section. I respect all those that I talked to and that work in that building. I know the job is hard, probably particularly on the press dept who has to do alot of sorting. My only reason for being upset is that it was hard for me to explain myself before being quickly dismissed. I think because it was so early and I was talking to various people that the woman may have been overwhelmed. I will make contact tomorrow seeking a little more dialogue. The rest of those I talked to were very respectful of me and what I was doing and they did what they could to direct me to the best available person. Sadly, there is alot of red tape that causes confusion.

Thank you for reading,

Good Night and Good Luck

posted by DemocraticPatriot @ 6:43 PM