In response to this incident, I created a series of collages, entitled “Bush and Guns”. I “remixed” pictures of Bush (from the AP Photo wire) and guns (randomly found on Flckr)… I posted these new images to Flikr, as a set entitled “Bush and Guns”. With each picture, I posted a link back to the original story, with an explanation that the collage series was a commentary on this incident in Chicago. I posted this set to several “anti bush” political groups on Flikr, and received some positive feedback on them. I also urged others to create “Bush and guns” artwork, and post it online, as a sort of protest against actions and policies, that, to my mind, have a chilling effect on people’s first amendment rights.
On June 7th, Two Secret Service agents showed up at my place of employment and asked to speak with me. One agent said they wanted to talk about something I posted online. I asked what, he one responded “You post a lot of stuff online, don’t you?” and then showed me some color printouts of my “Bush and Guns” pictures. I was as helpful as possible, and explained to them the about the incident in Chicago, and the context of those pictures…
He said “You could ‘retract’ them”. I asked what he meant — “Remove them from online? replace them with a statement saying I don’t advocate violence against the president? what?” Both agents resounded to this specific question, with a generalized yes… that would be a good step.
Related Leave a Comment
No comments yet.