The article above says that after ten minutes, Rosenzweig told Barr he was free to leave. What exactly does this mean? Did the staffer believe that Barr was not free to leave until she permitted him to leave? Did she believe she had the right to hold or delay him until she satisfied herself that he had complied with her order to delete images from his camera and show his iPhone contents to her satisfaction, or until her boss was informed and satisfied? If she said or implied that he was not at liberty to go or that he must do as she ordered, then is that not an illegal detention?

The Philip Merrill dean said Barkoff told her the incident was a “total miscommunication” ?? Doesn't sound like 'miscommunication' to me. Nothing unclear about 'delete the photos'. And 'unfair advantage' over other reporters? What the heck is that? I know the situation must have been incredibly intimidating, but I'm sorry the photographer didn't know his rights enough to refuse to delete the photos. In the future, hold tight to your camera; never delete; immediately contact someone from your school or, once you are hired, your company for assistance.

The college reporter was acting as a compliant 'child' and did what he was told by an adult. This is a learning experience for not only the reporter but all the reporters out there who where unaware of their rights.

I'd have told Dana Rosenzweig to stuff it. Who in hell does she think she is? Some self-important, sycophant nobody trying to impress her bosses? Barr needs to grow a pair if he is going to be a reporter!

This incident seems to mirror that of the Montgomery County police officers, who have told those photographing arrests or other actions in public places that it is "against the law" and confiscating or deleting the photography. Of course, when higher ups are informed of their officers' behavior, we are then told it is perfectly legal to record such activities. Of course by that time no record remains.

Every individual is, and should be considered, a "journalist" with all the same rights under the first amendment. This whole incident is disgusting. VP Biden and the Montgomery County police should be held accountable. Any time anyone is in a newsworthy situation, whip out your cell phone, take the video, and refuse to delete anything, peacefully of course.

Jonathan Inskeep
Baltimore, Maryland
(formerly of Crofton, Maryland), recently illegally foreclosed upon by
Countrywide / Bank of America (Organized Crime Syndicate)

I previously wrote a comment, acknowledged by Patch via email, that does not appear here. Is Patch as guilty of censorship as the people they criticize?

After posting my complaint, you posted my previous comment. Maybe you need a good software person to fix this, or someone who cares.

As I read all of these comments, it would appear that all of you assume you have rights. IF you haven't been listening to Owebama and his #1 Jester Biden, your rights are what they tell you your rights are. People need to get in the fast lane with this administration.

Bill Goodman,
Before posting something like the previous nonsense, think. If you can.

Perhaps when others learn that images and video can be sent "Off Scene" by radiowaves, to another location for duplicate recording, we will finally get some openness and transparency to this type of situation!-If reporters and others would use WIRELESS to send, as it happens, the information OUTSIDE of where they are located, we can avoid instances of "DELETION" of information or evidence! Government officials often misuse their title/authority to "Create and Modify" the law to suit themselves, and "We the people" need to take steps to expose this and protect OUR rights!

NOTE TO REPORTER: Often, after photos are "Deleted" from a memory card, they may STILL be RECOVERED, if the card has not been reformatted or recorded over!-There are "Data Recovery Services" that specialize in such restoration work.