[Noisebridge-discuss] Noisebridge Department of Homeland Security

[Jeremy Fitzhardinge]

aestetix aestetix wrote:
> There is no such document as a "photographers license". This would not 
> be posing as one, nor would it by implying false information. I'm 
> pretty sure that clubs (like the YMCA), schools, businesses, etc which 
> issue identification (like membership cards and business cards) do not 
> have to get permission from the government. I can make my own business 
> card on Vistaprint, does that put me in violation of this law? I can 
> see this being a big deal for a license which is already issued (like 
> a passport or driver's license), but I'm not sure it applies here....

My only point was that having something that looks like or claims to be 
a DHS or other govt seal is pretty clearly intended to be illegal by the 
law I referenced.  I don't know about names of agencies, but I suspect 
if you put "Department of Homeland Security" on your card and someone 
wanted to make something of it, then they could cause you a lot of pain, 
and you'd be unlikely to make the point you'd want to make.

Or, as Seth put it so succinctly, "it could shift the focus of attention 
away from the actions of the police toward the actions of the photographer."

If you wanted to carry a "Noisebridge Jr. Detective" card then I don't 
think anyone would stop you, but I don't think it would win you many 
arguments.

    J