todd_maisel

Thanks to the efforts of the National Press Photographers Association, NY Press Photographers Association and an amalgym of other strap hanger groups, the proposed MTA ban on photography in the subway has been withdrawn. Let's all keep a look out for similar restrictions that may be imposed by a government intent on hurting First Amendment freedoms.

From the same people who brought you prohibitions against bridge and tunnel photography, we now have prohibitions being proposed on mass transit photography. Why not cut off more public space?

Okay, they are conceding that credential media can take photos, but the rest of the public, especially tourists will be subject to fine and confiscation of film or digital media. Insane!

A terrorist does not need a photo to know that the most crowded time of the day is rush hour and Grand Central or Penn Station are the most crowded stations. Once again, government is over reacting. I am in favor of police asking people why they are taking pictures, but prohibitions are yet another attack on civil liberties and allows the terrorist to win one more round.

I recently tried to take photos at the Marine Parkway Bridge - which

has a public walkway. Only after 9-11 did they add signs on all their

bridges and tunnels, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, that

prohibit photography.

I have discussed this with management and they have agreed to allow

media to take photos with authorization.

The other day, I had the Concorde being taken by barge from the

airport and going under the Marine Parkway Bridge.

I had three minutes. I was manhandled by TBTA cops and I called TBTA

Frank Pasqual at 646-252-7417 and he was well known to the cops. He

told them I could take photos. But I almost lost the moment.

I still dont know what law they are using to stop me from

photograping. How can they stop me from photographing from a public

place? If I am off the bridge, how can they stop me? If I am on the

public walkway, what law can they stop me with? WHo do they think they

are? They even prevented me from going off property to photograph the

bridge? What is this??? Anyone have answers or where to look for them?

Todd Maisel

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