LOL, DHS "Photography Permit" :)

dmr · 07-01-2009

Here's a good one:

http://boingboing.net/2009/05/15/fak...otography.html

Kinda reminds me of those "Official Bikini Inspector" cards that guys used to have when I was in my teens.

SuitePhoto · 07-01-2009

Looks like a good way to get yourself arrested. As much as I can't stand the current trend of fear mongering by our government/law enforcement, this is a bad way to protest it.

Kevin · 07-01-2009

That is absolutely brilliant. Who makes them?
US Homeland Security is just as fake as this card, btw.

Kevin · 07-01-2009

Ooops I see it is a downloadable file. Done!

capitalK · 07-01-2009

If you stood in front of a judge with a good sense of humour you might be OK, otherwise you're FU**ED.

ItsReallyDarren · 07-01-2009

I think a student ID and a well spoken explanation can work pretty well too.

Might even involve less jail time.

OurManInTangier · 07-01-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by capitalK

If you stood in front of a judge with a good sense of humour you might be OK, otherwise you're FU**ED.

Not many of those in the UK, he says as if he has any personal knowledge of courts, judges and legal proceedure

I wouldn't give the buggers the ammunition they so dearly want. A simple discussion and explanation of current law is more than enough to put most rentacops on the backfoot. Most proper police officers don't seem to be interested in anything I do unless royalty, heads of state etc are involved in some way.

I don't see the point in fake I.D. Plus, I remember some idiot on a press job I did a few years back who'd got himself a fake Press Pass...he ended up in trouble with the police and every photographer and journalist there gave him a hell of a hard time.

rbiemer · 07-02-2009

This is a truly bad idea on several levels but the part of it that I find the worst is bare mentioned in the comments at Boing Boing:
By using this fake ID to respond to non-existent laws, the impression is reinforced that those laws are real. And then you're playing the game of those folks who claim those laws are real. And you can't beat them by giving any credence to those non-existent laws. We have to foster the expectation that what we are doing is normal and legal and this ID idea will not help that in any way.
Rob

easyrider · 07-02-2009

I think I will stick with "bikini inspector."

martin s · 07-02-2009

The website is called Boing Boing. Everyone taking this seriously should consider acquiring some sense of humor.

martin

furcafe · 07-02-2009

Among other possible provisions, see 18 U.S.C. 701 (http://tinyurl.com/mg6b3k)

martin s · 07-02-2009

Matthew Williams states that it's not meant to be used as an ID:

Quote:

This license is intended as art and political commentary in that one does not need a license to take photographs. This license is not an official government-issued document, nor is it intended as an imitation of an official government document, and it should not be used as such. The author expressly disclaims all liability for any use to which this artwork is put. This license is a work of fiction and is not to be used as official identification or authorization. Know your rights, and please support the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Florian1234 · 07-02-2009

Great idea

But, yes, I think they will cut it apart and get you into jail...

bolohead · 07-02-2009

If you look at Matthew's last comment on his blog, he says, "For legal reasons, the EPS files are no longer available. Sorry." Poor guy probably has his phone tapped now.

Spider67 · 07-02-2009

If you just omit the Homeland Security stuff you should be on the secure - but not too comfy - side. People who don't know about your right to take photos will additionally harass you for using fake ID's that are not fake ID's.

Kevin · 07-02-2009

I finally got around to converting the template and customizing it in photoshop. Took about 15 minutes to do and the laminated card will be ready to be picked up from my local lab on Monday.

I don't know why I didn't think of this myself years ago. My greatest American idol, Sitting Bull, would certainly have had a good laugh yet been somewhat irritated by my lack of determination and creativity.

AgentX · 07-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Negative

Yeah, this has "bad idea" written ALL over it.

The fact that it's pretending to be a DoHS (i.e. federal) ID... Bad juju, man. Would have worked better if some made up company or something was used.

The fact that it says "US Department of Homeland Security" is very bad juju indeed.

Having arrested people for 18 USC 1028, I will say that without reservation.

Even worse, though, it's just not that funny.

Kevin · 07-02-2009

As if anyone is really afraid of the US government?
This idea is insidiously hilarious.
Get over it, Agent Smith!

Brian Sweeney · 07-02-2009

It represents itself as a US Government Agency and is a fake ID.

This could make it on the Knuckleheads in the News, people that get themselves arrested out of sheer stupidity. Every week, three idiots are featured and the callers get to vote on the biggest knucklehead. What fun.

http://wtop.com/?nid=456&sid=635506

So who is going to be the idiot that gets themselves featured on Knuckleheads in the News!

rpsawin · 07-02-2009

Staple your "Get out of jail free" card to this....you will need it!

Bob

AgentX · 07-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin

As if anyone is really afraid of the US government?
This idea is insidiously hilarious.
Get over it, Agent Smith!

I'm not saying anyone should be afraid of anything; I'm saying producing and/or carrying that is a really bad idea.

Change it to "Department of Fauxland Insecurity" or whatever amuses your snarky little self while exercising your absolute right to political commentary. Maybe make the emblem an obvious parody.

Just trying to point out that yes, afraid of it or not, that card could get you in trouble. Personal belief that you've done something wrong is immaterial.