Thank you Chris Fussell. KUDOS!!!!!!!!!!!
Author: Brian
Date: 06-01-2011 - 20:37
I know Chris as well, from past railfan events, although this is the first time I'm hearing of this. I just want to say to Chris Fussell, thank you very much for standing up for both your rights and our rights. I applaud you in everyway possible. You were extremely respectful, calm and even answered all questions asked. And you made one excellent point after another. You could not have acted better and I'm sure that's a major reason the ALCU is going to stand up for the rest of us, in your name. Your case is an open and shut one and any judge or jury who watches that video will see that your rights were violated.
Chris, IMO, you are a patriot and a hero because you took the risk of being arrested and the end result may be a clear ruling from the courts over what people's rights are on public property. Not every hero is born on the battlefield. Sometimes people have to take risks and stand up for what is right, here at home, to keep our Constitution sound and strong and that’s exactly what Chris did.
As for Joe or anyone else who doesn't understand why Chris didn't just simply hand over his ID, I can give you a very good reason. I have no idea if Chris knew this or if it was his reasons or not, but when the Police take your ID for something like this, your name is very likely to end up in a database. That database could be used against you, potentially affecting your ability to fly, ride public transportation, affect future job opportunities or security clearances if you get a job that requires one. It could affect how the police treat you in future contacts, causing longer detentions, etc.
The reason we have rights is to protect the innocent. Chris was innocent, yet if he just handed over his ID, he would be a potential innocent victim of post 9/11 bureaucracy born out of the hysteria of people like Joe.
Perhaps the funniest... or better put, most ironic part.. of the video, was watching Chris video tape the lady walking on the tracks directly in front of a train, where she could have easily been killed and the cops couldn’t have cared less. Yet that’s exactly what they are supposed to be there to prevent.
Kudos to you Chris! You are the man and once again a giant THANK YOU!
Brian