Chris Drew Legacy
‘NEW’ Illinois Eavesdropping Law -Why is it back? who/what is protected?
Illinois Eavesdropping Law -Why is it back? who/what is protected?
Remember the Old Illinois Eavesdropping Law? It was hotly contested by many in Illinois, major public interest, local and international media and social media all were astounded by the arrests and prosecutions under this law. including the case of Chris Drew, Street Artist’s battle against unexpected charges–Prior to this, hardly anyone even heard of this law, This STILL is a hot topic, since rearing its ugly head to major notice in 2009. .
reference: early posting on APA site, for background on first showing of film:
http://www.americanpressassociation.com/a_columbia_college.php
I saw this first hand. I documented Chris Drew (1949-2012) and his journey stating “Art IS Speech” He was selling Art for a $1 to protest the Peddler’s Ordinance but was charged with a Class 1 felony faced 4-15 years in prison , for audio recording his own arrest! he Spent 2.5 years in the court system – defended by Mark Weinberg, on Civil Rights, and then Joshua Kutnick, for the Criminal Defense–and he won! vs State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez (“Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” documentary film, 2014)
https://www.youtube.com/user/madpalX
and many others in Illinois, including Tiawanda Moore and Michael Allison were brought in on charges and had to challenge their arrests in courtThe media buzzed locally, social, national and international on his case and many others.
The law that was declared unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court in March 2014. Now fast forward, New Illinois Eavesdropping Law approved by majority in the House and Senate and signed into Law by outgoing Gov. Quinn Dec. 2014.
The ACLU of Illinois opposed the new statute
Unfortunately, compared to the last version of the Illinois eavesdropping statute, the new statute significantly expands the circumstances when police and informants may record and intercept private conversations and phone calls without all-party consent or a warrant. We know of no evidence that the prior version of the statute, which required police to seek judicial approval, was any impediment to law enforcement in these instances. We are concerned about the expanded number of cases where no judicial officer will provide a check on police. On this basis, the ACLU of Illinois opposed the new statute.
http://www.aclu-il.org/eavesdropping-bill-passes-in-illinois/
So in 2015 and we have the New Illinois Eavesdropping Law leaves many in the land of freedom..now in the land of uncertainty-especially in Chicago and Illinois.
Why is this law back? I have been trying to grasp this issue, and reading many articles, including the Law itself. I write this to bring awareness, and may you come to your own conclusions, So, how can the Original Illinois Eavesdropping Law, in March 2014, be thrown out as unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court and now be back ?
My overall perspective is that the new law has ambiguous language, making it easier to have options for confusion, leaning strongly on the side of police and courts for interpretation. You will need a good lawyer, for sure.
When you read this, it may just start you thinking too..Who is being protected? Why is Illinois only one of a few states that keeps a law like this?.
As always, more questions than answers.
YES you still can photograph/videotape/audiotape police in public…but there is text in the new law which makes you wonder– about the definitions of Public VS Private.
a few references- the interpretations vary:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-johnson/the-illinois-eavesdropping-law_b_6336984.html
http://benswann.com/new-illinois-eavesdropping-law-distorts-ability-to-record-law-enforcement/
Free Speech it is our constitutional right!
Bring on the bodycams for police? Evidence on both sides is important. Keep videotaping! evidence is important. as you know..
“It is never over when it comes to fighting for your rights” – Chris Drew, Street Artist
Pursue peace through justice.
©2012 NATO. first time legal to audio record police in public in Illinois
Chicago’ “Free Speech..”Film Thanks:..a painfully gritty true story
Chicago ‘Free Speech’ Film thanks: a painfully gritty true story
11.14.14 Marked Chicago and World Premiere of “Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” screened at the Logan Theatre. Local is best. Special thanks To the media the Reader, Sun-Times, Logan TV and DNAinfo, Chicago Talks, Mark Thomas of the Alley Stores for the great collector buttons given at the premiere, and all those who blogged and grassroots rallied to support this journey and NOW indie feature film. You are the best! The thank you list is a good 3 pages long on the film credits, several of Chris Drew’s former students were there, Lew & Diana – with beautiful flyers and ongoing People’s Tribune tributes to Chris, as well as his widow Deborah, attorney Mark Weinberg, and (includes spiritual advisors and inspirations) John Lennon, Martin Luther King and Gandhi, his probono attorneys Weinberg and Kutnick, Music courtesy of Hey Now Records/’Paper Airplane’, by Behind the Sun-Alton & Mansfield, ( along with the ACLU, APA, CANTV, Occupy Critical Mass and our Public Servants(who legally can and will be recorded in public), and more. so many more…all listed in the film ) Special thanks to the crew who supported the film Ron Grenko and Hermann Wieland, and David Bechtol, Technical Supervisor and fixer of all things, without him this film would not have been made. Thanks for all who were there in person and in spirit! an excellent audience, we nearly filled the 102 seat theatre. very well attended! What an experience to see so many people and, most I did not know… that was amazing. The film is now for history, forever.
above, is the Poster in lobby next to all the REAL movies! 27×39″ mine is 2nd from the left….”into the woods” ah yes, the journey was long to make this DIY indie, but worth every joy and sorrow, those who make films, know deeply what I mean. Peace through Justice. May the Chris Drew story of social justice radiate. The truth IS out there. Art IS Speech! In any way you can, tell the stories of our lives. ~Nancy Bechtol
Patron Saint of Street Artists|Defender of Free Speech|Chicago’s Own
Patron Saint of Street Artists | Free Speech|Defender of the 1st Amendment Chris DREW
The Legacy of Chicago’s Own: Chris Drew, Street Artist. Artist, Advocate and Activist
…Upon hearing of his VICTORY over the Class 1 Felony Eavesdropping charges, after showing his passion, his determination to ensure and declare “Art IS Speech” , for his Challenges and mandate to abolishing the Peddler’s Ordinance (which he never got to challenge due to the most unexpected switch to felony upon arrest) to his withstanding the trials of grueling 2.5 years of court battle, (with probono Attorney Mark Weinberg, and probono Attorney Joshua Kutnick, his most strong archangels in defense) to his faith that the people, especially those who are most vulnerable against the dark forces, that all shall have 1st Amendment Rights, to Free Speech”
Chris Drew RIP (1950-2012) was heralded Patron Saint of Street Artists (first proclaimed by Kingdom, a street artist himself) and additionally, Defender of Free Speech!
and now the truth, the rest of the story, for all time, for history, as given to me, slowly revealed in many ways, and sometimes through dreams by all the powers that be, I now give you
the film.
11.14.14 Friday. Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre. doors open 6:30 screens at 7:30 p
Recommended by the Chicago Reader
~Nancy Bechtol, artist, inspired educator, filmmaker
Chris Drew: TRUTH on the “?” of Switch from Pedding Charges to Felony Eavesdropping
Chris Drew speaks on “?” of Peddling to Felony
I need to share with you this clip, it is very raw and intense. Deep. Chris Drew speaks on “? “of Peddling to Felony This video clip marks/reveals the beginning of the legal journey, shot shortly after he was released on bond and started to redirect his energies on the challenges ahead. date: Dec.29, 2009. He is carrying on the workshops and getting the word/truth out by blogging, going to events, and meeting with counsel, bracing for the court proceedings. Backed by first his probono Attorney Mark Weinberg, for the Constitutional Challenge/Peddling-Civil Rights, then for the Challenge of Felony Eavesdropping (4-15 yrs if convicted), criminal defense, probono Attorney Joshua Kutnick. This court proceeding went on for 2.5 years. He gave his life to the cause. He won. we all won. But Chris would say “the fight is never over when it comes to your rights.”
Nancy Bechtol
See/Hear the raw interview with Chris:
Chris would call me and ask that I record him throughout the journey. I told him I would so here it is. He wanted a record of it all, and towards the end, asked me to “tell the story” I agreed. I accumulated countless hours in 5 different formats, from cell phone to DSLR (in the latter part for a few interviews) now the 99 min film you now will see– It is his story, it is the story of Free Speech. this clip is when I talked with Chris at the beginning of the ordeal, as he was out on a $20,000 bail and facing the 1st Class Felony Eavesdropping Charges. He speaks on the reasons he believes his challenge to the City’s Peddling Ordinance were dropped, and the Felony was imposed. his charges were deeply involved with others faced for years under this same law. Filmed on location The American Indian Center, Chicago location of the nonprofit he founded, the Uptown Multi-Cultural Arts Center, where he helped bridge the digital divide and inspire and teach for 25 years.Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a film by Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community.
Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.
No Justice No Peace: Diana Berek Speaks
No Justice No Peace : Berek Speaks
He (Chris Drew) wanted the City to re-examine the Harold Washington (Cultural) Plan. To de-centralize culture and bring it back into the neighborhoods. To de-centralize not only the initiatives, but the budgeting.
SEE/Hear Diana Berek
© 2012 video – Diana Berek: Chris Drew Legacy Interview #11. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. From the series of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life work. © 2012 video/Chris Drew Legacy Interview #12. by Nancy Bechtol, APA Photojournalist. talks with Diana Berek, speaks about her connection with Chris and a larger circle of concerns including grassroots connections, the early stages/feedback sessions on the Cultural Plan, advocacy for your own interests, Free Speech. Shot on location street side, B1E Gallery-Rogers Park. includes Lew Rosenbaum . Original Patches, designs by Diana Berek. This video is in a series (16) of people sharing insights to the artist/activist and his life.——————————————————————
Chicago Premiere at the Logan Theatre ,” Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” by Nancy Bechtol. Featuring indie Music by Behind the Sun-Andy Alton & David Mansfield “Paper Airplane” courtesy of Hey Now Records – one night only – 11.14.14 Friday 7:30 PM
See/Hear the Nancy Bechtol interview by Dan O’Donnell – Logan Square TV
An important documentary about street artist Chris Drew, and his challenges and victory defending First Amendment rights for all citizens, especially Artists. Chicago premiere at The Logan Theatre on Friday, 7:30pm November 14. The film, Free Speech and the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a film by Nancy Bechtol. Literally thousands of people across Chicago know Chris Drew, because of his vibrant presence in Chicago’s art community.
Original Music featured in the film is courtesy of Hey Now Records. http://www.heynowrecords.com “Paper Airplane” by Behind the Sun` Andy Alton & David Mansfield.
FREE SPEECH & Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness 