Hey, @adamkokesh. I'm a big fan of your book, and your zeal. Thanks for your brave activism!
I'm really sorry you and your mom were insulted, and treated disrespectfully. That was hard to watch.
It was ALSO hard to watch your insistent refusal to respect THEIR desire to not be video-recorded.
I empathized with the frustration of a STRANGER thrusting himself and his camera in my face, asking me questions, WHILE NEVER BOTHERING TO IDENTIFY HIMSELF, OR HIS MOTIVE, TO ME.
You did extend your hand, and properly introduced yourself to the cops. Why couldn't the group of women receive the same benefit when you first approached them??
Do you really believe that being anywhere in public means one HAS to subject themselves to be video-recorded by an unidentified person?? You don't find that the least bit intrusive?
They DID seem poised for hostility. But you also seemed poised for antagonism.
Again, my comments are not at all intended to make excuse for their embarrassing behavior... but I just have to say I don't see your full innocence here.
In the future, if you address ANY group of people with the same basic journalistic courtesy that you gave the cops, I think it's very likely you'll have a more positive experience.
If you are a 'friendly' or even a 'neutral,' then identify yourself as such. Let it be known that you genuinely seek truth, and I believe you COULD and WOULD be received, because you DO have a special charism.
But you didn't share any of that with them, Adam.
Bottomline: They were disrespectful in their treatment of you and your mom, AND you were also disrespectful of their stated request to not be filmed.
You continued to record against their volunteered participation, and that was not cool.
As a person who does not like being photographed or recorded, I can understand how uncomfortable this situation could have been, especially after expressing a dislike toward the action. At first, I did not view this encounter from the individual's perspective, considering what they were thinking during that moment, what they were feeling. It is quite possible that removing the camera could have been that connection, or as I stated in my previous comment "a legitimate opening", to have a healthy conversation. Showing that sign of respect could have opened a positive dialogue.
This could be a great opportunity to learn, grow and connect. I would be interested in your response to this Adam, and I thank you so very much Erika for bringing this opportunity to grow together!
@cmduncan94: Thank you so much, Che, for your openness to consider the others’ perspective. I hope @adamkokesh does the same.😊
Yeah, I just didn’t like blame being heaped, with no recognition of the PROVOCATION that came before their bad behavior.