Officers Handcuff Documentary Filmmaker at Katie Couric Journalism Award Event

"All I'm trying to do is ask questions!"

John Ziegler: John went to USC to witness and ask questions about Katie Couric getting the Walter Cronkite journalism award for her interview of Sarah Palin. He intended to also give away copies of his film but was literally prevented from doing so. He did not go there hoping for or expecting any sort of confrontation, especially with law enforcement. He was simply shocked and horrified by what happened there, as should every freedom loving American. He did absolutely nothing wrong and was handcuffed, detained and literally abused by law enforcement at the event. The video speaks for itself, John will have plenty to say about this very disturbing episode. This video was shot and edited by Orange County Films. John Ziegler was not involved the the production or editing of this video in any way.

April 16, 2009 at 11:32 am - Orange County Films
Dateline: Los Angeles, CA

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farce   April 16th, 2009 - 11:52 am

I love the explanation from the campus cops. Logically infallible!

[...] Quick Take: Officers Handcuff Documentary Filmmaker at Katie Couric Journalism Award Event Link:→ Read full article… [...]

Michael Chertoff   April 16th, 2009 - 12:04 pm

Mr. Zeigler has now been declared a “Right-wing extremist”, and has been added to our database of potential terrorists. He has also been Red-Flagged, and may receive a visit from the I.R.S. later this year.

Have a nice day John.

Bob Jordan   April 16th, 2009 - 12:06 pm

WOW, This is not what this age 68 year old NAVY Veteran expects to see on a College campus at USC.
Obviously a guy in a gray suit with a mic. is threatening to California journal eduction. Handcuffs and physical torture by police is what my grandchildren can expect on a campus is there is scary!

Laugh that one off, idiot!   April 16th, 2009 - 12:12 pm

It’s called disturbing the peace and resisting arrest, big mouth! Don’t you understand the meaning of, “Move along”? You weren’t invited to the event, you had no business trying to crash it, and you didn’t help things with your arrogant, condescending attitude. What a pompous, narcissist this guy is!

Not only did the police NOT “abuse” this fool; they showed remarkable restraint in putting up with his constant, inane blather. Next time, officer, haul this dope off to the lockup, keep him there as long as you can, and smash the camera.

kmichaels   April 16th, 2009 - 12:12 pm

For the “Laught that one off” jackarse. So, asking questions is the same as disturbing the peace in your mind, you moron? I bet if the guy was an Obama supporter you would be jumping up and down demanding his rights. But since he does not bow down and worship hopey dopey he must be arrested for “disturbing the peace”. What was unpeaceful about his questions you nitwit? Yes, the police abused him and took away his rights because he was not on some leftist list that gives people special rights, like the right of freedom of speech.

Tommy   April 16th, 2009 - 12:15 pm

Why is Katie Couric getting an award for anything? What the hell has she ever done that qualifies for a citation for excellence? Every high school in America has perky girls; of course, not all of them keep their pompoms fresh and their school spirit peppy as long, but is that really deserving of an award?

racist   April 16th, 2009 - 12:15 pm

americans, wake up the commie press and bambies agenda is on the move,guess what ‘SO ARE WE’

anon   April 16th, 2009 - 12:17 pm

Smash the camera, too? Then how would you have seen the video? It was videotaped by Orange County Films, a legitimate business. They didn’t get any stimulus money.

Maria   April 16th, 2009 - 12:29 pm

Shameful.
The Liberals are the most ‘fascist’ people in America.

GunnyG   April 16th, 2009 - 12:29 pm

GET THE LEFT WING ASSESSMENT HERE:

http://noliberalspin.blogtownhall.com/2009/04/16/alzs_leftwing_intel_assessment.thtml

Lots of liberals there.

Zach   April 16th, 2009 - 12:31 pm

The Cop is WRONG. You don’t have to be “official media” to video.
Anyone in public has the right to video.

Liberals are fascist.

Kris   April 16th, 2009 - 12:33 pm

It get’s real interesting at 6.5 minutes.
Interesting = disgusting liberal fascism.

Liberals have nothing to do with liberty.

Barb   April 16th, 2009 - 12:33 pm

Universities and Colleges do not protect the first amendment rights anymore especially when it is against their set value systems… like religion, conservative values, or limited government ideas…

Jason Ut.   April 16th, 2009 - 12:34 pm

If it had be a code pink member at a conservative gathering the leftys would be crying foul and rant about thier libertys being trampled. The left hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Dan   April 16th, 2009 - 12:35 pm

Contrast this with the Tancredo incident and a scary picture of Liberal fascism starts to become clear.

ichigaya   April 16th, 2009 - 12:35 pm

He’s smiling, but it is so sad that we have reached this point in America. How can they arrest him?

Rachel   April 16th, 2009 - 12:36 pm

I just want to know why the reporter was arrested. I am still not clear why the security guards did that and do they know that illegal imprisonment is a felony? Any aspiring successful attorney would have an easy suit against USC and those security guards.

Timmeh   April 16th, 2009 - 12:36 pm

Katie’s getting an award for lowering the ratings for her news show after taking over.

Patrick70   April 16th, 2009 - 12:39 pm

The USA is getting scary!

NORTH CAROLINA NOW USC   April 16th, 2009 - 12:39 pm

HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS ARE AT MAJOR RISK?

I get it now   April 16th, 2009 - 12:39 pm

Conservatives aren’t allowed to speak, anywhere, any more. If one tries to speak, drown him out and shut down the event. If one tries to question anyone about anything, arrest him. Only liberals are allowed to speak in public. And, don’t forget that a silent conservative protester is a possible terrorist and his mere presence is assault, but liberals can cause all the property damage they want and remain peaceful, even if they beat down people to do it.

Glad that you're getting it!   April 16th, 2009 - 12:40 pm

I get it now, now that you get it, pass the word. We put up with eight years of Bush and his henchmen doing the same thing to anyone who opposed his policies. Now it’s the Libs turn! There was nothing “silent” about this loud mouth. He deserved to get arrested and resisted arrest in the bargain.

Your right to free speech does not give you the right to crash events and disturb the peace. “Move on” means “move on”; it does not mean start mouthing off.

If this guy was black, he would have been slammed head first into the pavement, cuffed, and dragged away to jail. He’s lucky that he was treated as gently as he was.

GunnyG   April 16th, 2009 - 12:41 pm

Why are liberals anti FIRST and SECOND Amendment?

Ben   April 16th, 2009 - 12:41 pm

This is interesting! I am sorry that John Ziegler could not get far with his protest

Why aren’t colleges protecting their Conservative Guest like Tancredo or Coulter?

Democrats and liberals and University constantly preach tolerance, but this proves they don’t walk the walk!

Kerry   April 16th, 2009 - 12:42 pm

Considering Cronkite’s deceitful manipulation of the TET offensive, it’s a perfect match of award and recipient. May they both die in a fire.

Gandhi's Fist   April 16th, 2009 - 12:42 pm

Couric’s award is a reward for her sandbagging interview of Palin.

That said, the award is given on private property and the USC is well within it’s rights to eject a loiterer. Lefties crash events all the time, at this stage in the arrest process, they’re usually screaming their girlie heads off to draw attention to themselves, feigning right-wing police brutality.

I’m no fan of Zeigler. His documentary, while correct, is kind of redundant. Yes, we know the media had a hate on for Palin and….? Would have been far more effective if a documentary was made on the vast left-wing liberal media. The subject should be horrendous journalism (on all fronts) rather than the self evident Palin story.

The GOP candidates lost because they were basically fiscal democrats anyhow. To an voter the question was: Shall I vote for a faux democrat or a real one? This is why the GOP lost the election and why they’ll continue to loose. The republican revolution won the house and senate based on ideas. At the time they called it the contract with America. The rest is history.

Zeigler is simply–in this instance–trying to put an epilogue on his Palin documentary. Better he should collect clips of it under fair-use and work it that way. Now, I guess, he has some footage that can be used to paint the democrats in a much authoritarian light. You can bet he’ll feature it too.

The knee jerk lib posts miss this, thinking its a stab at Ziegler, when–in fact–it’s a coup. Can Koolaid effect the cogitative process? Looks like it.

Julie   April 16th, 2009 - 12:43 pm

Payback would be security arresting ANY member of the MSM who tries to ask Sarah Palin questions tonight at her speech in Evansville, IN.

Doubtful it will happen. Conservatives play too nice.

cha   April 16th, 2009 - 12:45 pm

It appears as though english is not the primary language for this gentleman. After being told repeatedly that this was an invitation only event, he refused to comply with their requests. You have every right to be a whining, mewling cretin but not on private property. As usual we have the “I didn’t do anything, it’s not my fault” explanation for moronic illegal behavior.

Matt McGuinness   April 16th, 2009 - 12:47 pm

Never has there been a clearer example of the stifling of free speech. Of course, the obedient little nazis who took this man away were just following orders. I got a good look at these “officers” though, and hope to “run into them” on the street soon.

sparkjockey   April 16th, 2009 - 12:47 pm

Rise up true believers! The day of our liberation is not far, and I for one will never submit to the stalinist regime now in place in Washington. Call me an extremist, call me an American Patriot, veteran, tax payer, and send the cops. You can’t arrest us all, and just who do you think makes up the military? It isn’t a bunch of lib afraid of the dark wimps, its real men and women who aren’t afraid of the darkness trying to descend upon our land. Revolution!

Scott   April 16th, 2009 - 12:47 pm

All of you so called conservatives are just spouting off words that make no sense. You take an issue that has nothing to do with politics and politicize it to push your own agenda. This is obviously a violation of someone’s constitutional rights, freedom of the press. Under George W. Bush we all saw these constitutional rights infringed upon time after time. Suddenly when you are the minority party you take offence to this, but when you were the majority party you claimed it was for the security of the country.

This is not a liberal vs. conservative issue, but rather a constitutional issue. Last time I checked in the Constitution it doesn’t say anything about a Democratic or a Republican party in there.

DamdYankee   April 16th, 2009 - 12:47 pm

USC is a state university therefore it is public property NOT private. This needs to be presued in the courts

clmaddy   April 16th, 2009 - 12:48 pm

Unbelievable! First of all, when did a university campus paid for by taxpayers become private property? Secondly, it is absolutely “legitimate” to interview individuals who are recognizing an individual who does interviews for a living.

Mr. Ziegler represents the public in his endeavor, the constitutional standard for determining media. When it comes to public discourse, he has just as much of a right as any “man on the street” report dispatched by news organization.

It will be interesting to see how Bill O’Reilly handles this tonight.

Elizabeth   April 16th, 2009 - 12:51 pm

I see a poster says USC is “private” property. I ask truly from ignorance is this a private or public college? If it is a public college then I don’t see how his standing in front of a building asking questions is an issue. The security guards could have been used to ensure he did not in fact harrass people.

If this were the biology department I would be slightly less horrified than the journalism department.

paleocon57   April 16th, 2009 - 12:53 pm

It is a sad day when brownshirts can run roughshod over a citizen like this. I do hope a lawsuit is in the offing but I doubt the ACLU will step-up and do the right thing. This is a publicly funded institution. There is no excuse for this kind of thuggish behavior. For shame USC. For shame California. For shame America. The violence of these rent-a-cops, I believe, is just a preview of things to come for all of us under our neofacist Obama regime.

Keren   April 16th, 2009 - 12:53 pm

This is CHILLING! I cannot believe what I am seeing. This is the beginning of the loss of our liberty…..we must unit and SPEAK up for our freedom or risk losing it forever!

DamdYankee   April 16th, 2009 - 12:55 pm

My mistake USC is not a state school from the USC Website:
“University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. USC enrolls more international students than any other U.S. university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education…”

Gooch   April 16th, 2009 - 12:56 pm

USC is a private university, not public. Mr. Zeigler’s presence constituted trespass. The university was well within its rights for forcibly removing him from the premises.

ATL4SC   April 16th, 2009 - 12:58 pm

As a USC alumnae, journalism no less, I am embarrassed by the treatment of Mr. Ziegler and embarrassed that USC gave an award to Ms. Couric for that sad excuse for “journalism” that the Palin piece was edited into. However, USC is a private university and Mr. Ziegler has no particular rights on private property not granted by the owner: USC. He should have been more cooperative and should have known his obligation to respect private property no matter how sad the circumstance that brought him to campus. Shame on Campus security and shame on Mr. Ziegler for provoking the situation to it’s absurd conclusion.
Even when I was in journalism school, I would constant rail against the “objectivity’ professed by both the working journalists and professors that taught us at ‘SC. We are human and are therefore subjective because of our genes and upbringing. The best we can hope for is to be cognizant of our subjectivities and work to balance them on our journalistic efforts was always what I would advocate. This was scoffed at and by the awarding of this award to Ms. Couric for the sad hack piece on Gov. Palin shows that most “journalism’ has completely decayed into thinly veiled advocacy. Sad. But as we have learned over the years since Mr. Cronkite has retired, he was partially to blame for putting journalism on the slippery slope of liberal advocacy. At lest he was right about the Vietnam War, under the context under which it was being fought at the time (not to win), is was an unjust war for both sides. I sure he is very proud of Katie. I am sadden by my University’s lack of integrity and balance.

Ryan   April 16th, 2009 - 12:58 pm

The First Amendment reads in part “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech … or the right of the people peaceably to assemble”. For this instance, the First Amendment must be taken in conjunction the Fourteenth Amendment which states “No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States” which is interpreted by the Supreme Court to enforce the First Amendment on the states.

The University is public property, the person in question was not blocking access to or from the event, he was not acting in a disorderly fashion. He was, in fact, “peaceably assembling” and excercizing his COnstitutionally protected right to “free speech”.

The police officers, acting as agents for the university, clearly violated this persons civil rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution. The police officers are liable to civil lawsuit and criminal procesution under federal law. The university, as well as all persons and organizations responsible for the production of the event, are civilly liable for damages resulting from the illegal imprisonment and any and all mental suffering and professional loss of income and reputation resulting from the arrest.

I think the lawsuit will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars and he should get it, he deserves it.

paulline   April 16th, 2009 - 12:59 pm

this man is embarrassed by this kind of criminal treatment. I would be too….. I am ashamed and literally mad at the way he was treated. What the frick right do they have to do this to a citizen. These men who abused John should be fired and brought up on charges of law abuse and fraudelent detention and kidnapping of a citizen.

well, what ever they can do. this is an outrage!!!

julie ryenolds   April 16th, 2009 - 12:59 pm

FINALLY – people are calling this sort of display precisely what it is – FASCISM. How long we have borne this without speaking out, thinking calling it beneath us was the same as obliterating it. This has to be the end of gentility on our parts. How tragically sad for us. But I don’t see a choice.

Christine   April 16th, 2009 - 1:01 pm

Truly sorry to see even the few people here who do not see what is happening.

This is the beginning of the end…I want to protest but the cards are REALLY stacked against us this time!

Next time taze him!   April 16th, 2009 - 1:03 pm

Karlstro,
What were the charges?

How about trespassing and disturbing the peace for starters and resisting arrest to complete the rap sheet?

JILLY   April 16th, 2009 - 1:03 pm

Katie Couric is a washed up drive by media whore who only wishes she looked or was as beautiful as Govenor Palin. Yes Katie, you are a loser who is not allowed in my home, via t.v., to poision my smart brian. Our numbers are growing and you and your left wing kooks are being exposed. Remenber Katie, Palin is a Governor of an important state, something that you will never be.

Kelmashia   April 16th, 2009 - 1:04 pm

For all the leftist whining about GWB, there was not this kind of thing going on under his admin.

0bama and Liberals
- Against free and private labor voting.
- For the anti-constitutional ‘fairness’ doctrine in order to silence the vocal minority.
- Against schools of choice.

Liberals have the corner on fascism, and the kool-aid drinkers go along. Do 0bama voters understand the term “useful idiots”??? Because they are them.

Next time taze the jerk!   April 16th, 2009 - 1:04 pm

If USC is a private institution then this dope is trespassing and they are within their rights to have him removed. Nobody’s rights were violated here, folks.

ThisismeLaughing   April 16th, 2009 - 1:04 pm

The critical issue here is that the incident took place on private property. The security officers and police were well within their rights to honor the request of the property owner to remove a trespasser. If this had been public property, however, he could not have been removed legally unless he was instigating a riot, harassing others, blocking a public way, etc. Whether or not he is a member of the credentialed media is immaterial, the entire issue hinges on whether it is private property on not.

stinkin   April 16th, 2009 - 1:06 pm

the media, supposed voice of free speech, is now complicit with censorship…Heil Couric, Heil Obama, Heil Napolitano….can book burning be next? You betcha. Free speech is for leftist liberals only. At Chapel Hill, they wont allow opposition to free immigration speak. Heil Carolina! (north)…the bastards have taken over, but Americans will fight for this one..stay tuned.

AtlasOjectivist   April 16th, 2009 - 1:06 pm

Doesn’t John realize there is no freedom of speech on American college campuses. You can only speak and think what they tell you to. Get with the program… get with the CHANGE.

David Rooney   April 16th, 2009 - 1:07 pm

SHOCKED!!! We are huge USC supporters and I’m completely shocked and horrified by this. If I weren’t so spitting angry I’d be speechless which is what I guess they want from us – speechless.

I went to the Tea Party in Honolulu to see for myself who was in attendance. Instead of finding neo-nazis and white extremist men I found asian women and plenty of them. Couric is part of the machine that is attempting to portray the realities as anything but the truth….but I saw for my own eyes.

USC better get a grip and fast. Or we are getting a divorce. And shove that merchandise you know where.

Ziggy   April 16th, 2009 - 1:08 pm

The University of South California seems to be private, from the little searching I just did.

The fellow ought to have moved along when asked.

Ziggy   April 16th, 2009 - 1:09 pm

I too would like to know if the USC is private or public. If it is public it seems to me the man has every right to say anything short of threats, or inducing a riot.

Did those who speak against Bush loudly on college campuses have like experiences?

On a personal note, if you really think that every law official has a clear understanding of your rights you might visit south Chicago, to have this preconceived notion altered. It worked for me.

karlstro   April 16th, 2009 - 1:10 pm

Where is the ACLU in this situation? I cannot believe what I just watched. What was the charge the officers told him for handcuffing him? Clearly this has to be an abuse of power. pathic display of common sense in law enforcement.

TalenGTP   April 16th, 2009 - 1:12 pm

Official Media as in State Media?

California Mom   April 16th, 2009 - 1:15 pm

The Gestapo is not coming THEY ARE HERE!!! Punish free thought and actions that do not conform with the government of the few and powerful. Look around, this is a small example of what our country has become and be very frightened. Please vote to return to our basic rights!

Courteous Wolf   April 16th, 2009 - 1:16 pm

The only thing missing were the black boots and the brown shirts. This is only the beginning. Things are going to get much worse than this, so everyone had better be gearing up for it. The left has mistakenly adopted the mantra that they have a mandate for their corruption. Well, maybe there are that many uneducated idiots in America. Just look at what the fine public school system is turning out. You gotta love that NEA and their communist agenda. However, more than half of the American people are steaming mad and they are gaining strength everyday. Something is going to happen, and it’s up to the socialist crooks whether it’s going to be the easy way or the hard way! There WILL be a way, one way or the other.

Sam Damon   April 16th, 2009 - 1:19 pm

It seems to me the whole issue of “private property” versus “public property” is not as straightforward as some would suggest.

I’m not sure what the law is concerning “public forums” in California (IANAL). However, courts have held that journalists have the right to gather information in privately owned “public forums” (i.e., a shopping mall) in other states.

Like I said, I’m not sure what California law states. I’m not sure how universities are regarded by those laws. Even so, the university is just plain stupid for letting this affair happen. As Zeigler points out in the video clip, the irony is off the scale here.

You may disagree with what Zeigler reports. Even so, under the U.S. Constitution, he has a right to gather information to publish what he darn well pleases. USC’s resident buffoons, please note.

Ted   April 16th, 2009 - 1:20 pm

Attention———————————————————- GLAD THAT YOU’RE GETTING IT!—————————————
So you are saying the black securtity gaurd is racist against black and that liberals are racist, you are brilliant. If a security gaurd told you to “move on move on” (with no justification) and you were doing nothing wrong you would “move on”, because you are a coward that does not stand up for what you believe in and you judge people like no other. Do your self a favor and watch the video again (this time with out the prejudgment) he tried to access they said no so he stayed out, but he wanted to ask questions on taxpayer funded grounds they frankly said no arrested him and wouldn’t let him ask questions or if he did htey would bring him to jail. I thought liberals were about free speech? You give liberals a bad name which is kind of oxymoronic I guess. Hey maybe if I ask question at a public bus stop or subway I can get arrested. Sounds just to me!!!

Gene   April 16th, 2009 - 1:21 pm

They should have hauled this pompous arse off to jail and let him stew there for a while. Right wing extremists across the country are doing nothing now except trying to interrupt events and cause a stir with their ridiculous “we’re turning into socialists” ramblings… after they took our country to the precipice they now want to complain! Disgusting. Hypocrites. Fascists.

Funkmaster Chris   April 16th, 2009 - 1:21 pm

Welcome to Nazi America, 2009.
So long, First Amendment, it was nice knowing you.
When do we start rounding up the Jews?
Gentlemen, start your ovens!

Scott   April 16th, 2009 - 1:21 pm

Ziggy,

Yes people who have spoken out against GWB at rally’s have been arrested.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-weigant/exclusive-interview-with-_b_60934.html

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=cef_1185830431

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=19307

http://www.mpp.org/states/new-jersey/news/dover-man-arrested-at-bush-rally.html

People, this isn’t just a democrat vs republican issue. This issue with being denyed our constituional rights has been going on for way too long.

And, That's The Way It Is   April 16th, 2009 - 1:21 pm

Katie Couric is about as smart as a piece of driftwood. She’s an overly botoxed moron, but she is smart enough to know that she (and all “journalists”) must be willing to be “tea bagged” by the communist powers that be in order to keep their jobs, and their large paychecks.

This “award,” like Jimmy Carter’s Nobel Peace prize, means absolutely NOTHING! It’s a completely empty gesture lacking and any importance.

Deep down, perky little Katie knows it.

Liberals Suck   April 16th, 2009 - 1:23 pm

Now compare Ziegler’s perfectly cordial effort with what the fascists did at the Tancredo speech. The left has no shame. The pathetic degenerates are in charge, thanks in large part to the efforts of faux-journalists like Couric.

TheWormTurned   April 16th, 2009 - 1:23 pm

Whether the university is public or private is not a critical question. They had set up a media zone for uninvited, general press/media, so the press was invited. Invitation precludes a charge of trespass. Was that open press area clearly marked? Legitimately, do all press gain permission before stepping onto USC soil? I have seen the press, covering some event to crawl all over the place, even when asked to leave by the owner. I think that he was there to grand stand in the form of a journalist. But when that distinction can be made, and “offenders” removed, then what next?

Doug Rose   April 16th, 2009 - 1:25 pm

Get use to it Americans !!

This is Obama’s Gestapo in Action !!

Kiss Freedom Goodbye!

John   April 16th, 2009 - 1:26 pm

While I agree with his reasoning, he should have crossed the street when told to leave. He was on private property.

Empty words from the right!   April 16th, 2009 - 1:27 pm

I love reading the threats by all the self righteous right wing wackos on this site.

“Something is going to happen, and it’s up to the socialist crooks whether it’s going to be the easy way or the hard way”!

Yeah? What are you going to do, big boy? That’s right…nothing! Now go home, read your Bible, and play with your guns!

A. Sage   April 16th, 2009 - 1:27 pm

How come these drug store security guards are never around when Westboro Baptist Church comes to military funerals to protest? Katy Couric is a joke. Matt Lauer cheated on his wife. Rusch Limbaugh is an idiot, and we are all going to hell in a hand basket. I hate what America has to offer as far as politicians and reporters. No one tells the truth anymore, and everyone should know that regardless if what you think about this video, them security cops lied.

Woody   April 16th, 2009 - 1:30 pm

But Cindy Sheehan can camp out on the county right of way at the entrance to President Bush’s home, and she is in complete compliance with the law. And Bush’s “henchmen” didn’t lift a finger. They just let her yammer for days and weeks on end until CBS ran out of videotape and had to go home. Viva freedom…

Katy   April 16th, 2009 - 1:31 pm

Yes, USC is private. UCLA is the public univ. in L.A. However, USC applies for and receives federal research grants just as do many public univs such as UCLA, Harvard, Stanford, etc.

The issue that I see here is that private univs don’t allow free speech because they have decided they don’t have to (and aren’t afraid they’ll lose their federal grants – they’ve got plenty of endowments), but public univs don’t allow it because they’re afraid of lawsuits that might cost the state money and erode their budgets.

There is LESS freedom of speech on the campus of any educational institution than anywhere else in our society, and is squelched as soon as the campus police can get there. All in the name of higher EDUCATION? How about all in the name of POLITICAL CORRECTNESS?

By the same token, I believe any association or club has a right to control who attends their events, so I fall on their side on this issue, not the side of the uninvited “documentarian.” Were it my event, I’d demand the right to exclude whomever I choose and to invite whomever I choose.

ShotMyPaw   April 16th, 2009 - 1:34 pm

Obviously, there was insufficient probable cause for this arrest. However, citizens are required to submit to an arrest as long as no unjustified force is used. The only force used in this incident was to overcome the resistance offered by the arrestee, so the “abuse” complaint is inaccurate. The cops should get a verbal spanking, and the reporter should learn to respect authority; not condescend to it. Let’s face it, his smug tone and irritating laugh got him arrested.

I get it now   April 16th, 2009 - 1:35 pm

I was in college in 1970, and all this was well underway then. SDS, the Panthers and Weather Underground could run amok disrupting classes, administration and events, and the campus police just looked on. But, let a conservative group try to hold a private meeting or present a speaker, and the campus police just looked on while the events were busted up by the anarchists. Oh wait, that’s the same thing. There was and is no corresponding mass of examples of conservatives busting up classes and events, while the campus police just look on.

Vink   April 16th, 2009 - 1:36 pm

Neo-Fascism is alive and thriving in Obama’s America. The Left will soon enforce pograms to eliminate those of us who do not tow their ideological line. You saw the beginnings of such at the Tancredo event in Chapel Hill yesterday. America will not survive the Obama administration.

Mike   April 16th, 2009 - 1:36 pm

Since when is a government supported institution considered private property?

Bill Clinton   April 16th, 2009 - 1:38 pm

Play by their rules people.

Funkmaster Chris   April 16th, 2009 - 1:40 pm

To “Joe”-
Yeah, right, you’re a conservative, and I’m Abraham Lincoln.
You would think these lefties would be good at lying by now. They sure have enough practice.

General Jack Ripper   April 16th, 2009 - 1:42 pm

Liberal fascism on display again.

JohnF   April 16th, 2009 - 1:43 pm

He definitely has grounds for a civil lawsuit and should certainly pursue it!!!

Vicki Johnson   April 16th, 2009 - 1:43 pm

It’s pretty scary when one inane comment above (probably a slobbering Obama supporter) said the police showed restraint and probably should have been rougher, arrested him and destroyed his camera for exercising his first Amendment Rights. Sounds like Obama people are little Hitlers/Stalins in the making!

Liberals RA Wasteofgoodspace   April 16th, 2009 - 1:47 pm

Das leader’ s-braune Hemden sind bei der Arbeit in Kalifornien. Liberale geben Nazin einen schlechten Ruf.

an american   April 16th, 2009 - 1:47 pm

K Courik should have been arrested for being a worthless Anchor in dead last place. and they give her an award for bad journalism and bias interviews . shame on everyone involved.

Where have you gone, Bill Buckley?   April 16th, 2009 - 1:49 pm

Rush, Hannity, Levine, Coulter, and now this moron? Where did they find this giggling little girlie-man? What happened to the intellectual base of the Conservative movement? Now we are stuck with the mental musings of Joe, the Dumber and his ilk.

Unbelievable!

Bob   April 16th, 2009 - 1:50 pm

Where is the A.C.L.U? Oh wait…wrong color…wrong political affiliation.

Bill Clinton   April 16th, 2009 - 1:50 pm

We gotta play by their rules, it isn’t nice but we have no choice.

Russs   April 16th, 2009 - 1:50 pm

The Zigler arrest will become the conservatives ROSA PARK moment

JohnF   April 16th, 2009 - 1:51 pm

USC is public property is it not? Lawsuit!!! It will help finance your next documentary

Bill Clinton   April 16th, 2009 - 1:52 pm

kati curick lol got the award for the Palin interview. Go Figure

JEB   April 16th, 2009 - 1:52 pm

From :Code of Ethics of The University of Southern California

“We nurture an environment of mutual respect and tolerance. As members of the USC community, we treat everyone with respect and dignity, even when the values, beliefs, behavior, or background of a person or group is repugnant to us. This last is one of the bedrocks of ethical behavior at USC and the basis of civil discourse within our academic community. Because we are responsible not only for ourselves but also for others, we speak out against hatred and bigotry whenever and wherever we find them.”

Ya Right

Watchman   April 16th, 2009 - 1:53 pm

Sounds to me like the journalist was being detained for not following the simple rules and resisting orders to move in the area marked off for media. I don’t see anything wrong with what the campus police did. With all the whacked out weirdos out there with guns and grenades and walking onto campuses and blowing people’s heads off I don’t blame the security for being extra cautious and taking extra measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Bill Clinton   April 16th, 2009 - 1:55 pm

would you define foul language please? or stop booting my comment

Way to go, Sarah!   April 16th, 2009 - 1:58 pm

“Bobblehead curic’s interview of Palin was foolish and prepared with the intent of a certain outcome. That has nothing to do with journalism”. It’s too bad that Palin was too stupid to see it and conduct herself accordingly. You can only look stupid if you are, in fact, not too bright.

Russs   April 16th, 2009 - 1:58 pm

The Zigler will become the conservatives ROSA PARK moment.

Carrie   April 16th, 2009 - 1:59 pm

WOW. I thought only 3rd world countries did this sort of thing. It has now come to Amerika. They (the liberal pansy victim crowd) applaud the demonstrators at the Tancredo speech and they broke a window and caused mayhem, but a well dressed journalist is a threat to poor wittle katie poo’s big day. WELCOME TO the Obama-nation of jackbooted un-free speech. Agree or the dyke of DHS may come after you!!

stefree   April 16th, 2009 - 2:01 pm

what do you expect….walter Cronkite is a member of Behemia grove adn the ‘voice’ of the owl “Lilith, the demon of the night, and Katie Couric is a sumbliminal archtype of Hecate, along with all the other popular ‘Kates’ of the day…(moss, hudson, middleton, spielberg,etc…)..and if you don’t like it….

Mark   April 16th, 2009 - 2:02 pm

SUE BABY SUE…..I’d have a lawyer on ‘em by sundown. (love the posters that brought race into this one….that is a stretch even for you obama-salami-swallowers.)

Gus   April 16th, 2009 - 2:02 pm

Do you think this would ever have happened to Michael Moore? Liberals are for free speech when it complies with their opinion.

Obamamania   April 16th, 2009 - 2:04 pm

Obama’s Citizen Corps are growing, we are taking over this country, if you don’t like it, leave

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