Everything Hurts » 2007

Photographer = Terror Suspect

So, there I was standing on the opposite side of the road, taking a picture of my own house, when a couple of passing police officers pull up and call me over.

Officer: “What are you doing?”
Me: “Taking pictures.”
Officer: “Of what?”
Me: “My house. Why?”
Officer: “Oh, right.”
Me: “What’s the problem?”

At this point I crossed the road, vaguely annoyed, round to the other side of the car, where a female officer was sitting in the other seat. She continued where her partner left off:

Officer: “Well, you’re taking pictures.”
Me: “And?”
Officer: “Well if someone tries to blow up your house..”
Me: “……”
Officer: “Like, a terrorist.. We’re just asking what you’re doing.”
Me (stunned): “So, if I walked down the road and started taking pictures of that big open field, would you be stopping me and asking what I’m doing?”
Officer (bluntly): “Yes.”
Me (angry now): “Are you serious?”
Officer: Can you please give me your name and address?

I gave them my name. When it came to the address, I said it very slowly and clearly. The irony of giving them my address while standing outside it, was lost on them.

They drove off leaving me angry, frustrated and annoyed at the side of the road.

I wish now that I had not given them my details. I certainly wasn’t obliged to, but I was intent on showing them how ridiculous they were being.

I don’t think it worked.

What is the world coming to?

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