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* From Patti Blagojevich’s Twitter page yesterday…

Took the girls to school this morning and was followed by a news helicpoter the whole way

And from this morning…

Helicopters still overhead, starting to feel like Jack Bauer from the tv show 24.

* The Question: Should there be a law preventing news helicopters from hovering over residential neighborhoods unless there is some legitimate emergency? Explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:37 am

Comments

yes, as much as I hate the frmr gov. i think that the kids are still innocent bystanders not to mention the poor neighbors who have to live near the guy.

Comment by "Clerks" fan Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:40 am
Yes. Even the accused are entitled to some measure of privacy. Not to mention their family and neighbors. I fail to understand what the media gains by hovering over a house where nothing is happening.

Comment by Independent Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:42 am
Probably. But it’s hard to define what a “legitimate emergency’ might be. If they’re hovering near a huge traffic jam on the Kennedy?

Comment by soccermom Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:45 am
My kid lives a couple of blocks from Rod. She would prefer that the helicopters went away, especially in the early morning.

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:46 am
No, I don’t see the need for such a law. That would be a kneejerk reaction.

Comment by Stones Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:47 am
Yes - I live nearby and it’s actually quite disturbing. Helicopters should be reserved for a crisis. It makes me feel a lot of sympathy for the family.

Comment by Ann Rather Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:51 am
Yes, it’s completely ridiculous and unfair. The media steps WAY out of bounds every day in this country with their invasions of people’s personal space and privacy. How do they excuse that? It’s relevant to the Governor’s corruption trial to follow Patti and her children (who aren’t on trial)? I don’t think so. It also unnecessarily places the children in danger.

Comment by heet101 Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:52 am
Nope. It’s not the media’s fault. Everything they are doing is brought on by Blagojevich’s actions. If you don’t want to be followed by helicopters, keep your nose clean.

IF the children are in any danger, it’s not the media’s fault. It’s their dad’s.

btw, is this a real Twitter page? It looks like it was thrown together almost as an alibi or something the lawyers are doing to make Patti look like a normal, loving person.

Comment by NP Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 11:55 am
Jack Bauer, I don’t think so Patti. More like Karen Hill at the end of Goodfellas.

With respect to a change in the law, I say no. I don’t disagree that following her and the kids via helicopter is a bit sleazy, but then again so is enriching yourself and family by laundering money through real estate transactions.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:00 pm
California is moving a similar bill this week on paparazzi invading personal space, stalking celebs and hanging outside of schools…

Comment by Gman Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:00 pm
It would be nice if the copters would follow Mayor Daley once in a while. Daley needs to be followed. Not Rod.

Comment by Patrick McDonough Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:00 pm
i would normally say that they should leave her alone, but it’s very hard to say I want to be left alone, when they have put themself out there for any media outlet that will talk to them including really really bad reality TV,

The knife cuts both ways and you can’t complain
when they become annoying……..

Comment by I'm Just Saying Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:02 pm
A law is probably a good idea. It’s a public nuisance and serves no public benefit.

Furthermore, if I were GM of a TV station, I’d fire the news director who would waste money on a helicopter for a shot that has no news value.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:03 pm
I remember when Mr. T was cutting down trees in Lake Forest and my way home was being routinely blocked by a horde of TV trucks and autos owned by press. Major pain in the posterior for the neighbors and those living nearby.

There are limits. Helicopters to follow the kids to school is way over the line.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:04 pm
The media should not be allowed to photograph anything anywhere for any reason as long as someone is bothered by it.

Comment by FirstAmmendment Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:04 pm
Law? No.

But an ethical weighing of the editorial considerations — how much does this shot add to the story? — might come up with a decision not to use the choppers.

On the other hand, possessing a tool seems to encourage its use. If you’ve got a news chopper, what’s it doing on the ground?

Comment by Bemac Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:04 pm
Jack Bauer - PLEASE!
She’s a legend in her own mind.

Comment by Northside Bunker Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:06 pm
I live nearby, almost the midpoint between WGN’s studios at the former Governor’s home, so yes, it is a bit annoying. But it’s part of living in a big city, so don’t do me any favors by outlawing it.

And anonymous at 12:00 beat me to it with the Karen Hill Goodfellas reference. Rich, can I suggest Nilsson’s “Jump in the Fire” for today’s sign-off song? Matches perfectly with Patti’s helicopter ordeal.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:06 pm
Yes, but exceptions might be made for balloon boy and balloon head.

Seriously, a close examination of flight rules in Illinois including those affecting agricultural aircraft (crop sprayers) would probably reveal that safety may not always be the top priority. Question the rules and how they got written.

Comment by Vole Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:13 pm
What’s next? The Goodyear blimp? You can follow the Blago trial without helicopters. The Blago neighbors have been inconvenienced and put-upon for months by reporters camped out and news vehicles cruising and blocking their streets. The neighbors should not also have to be at risk for a helicopter mishap over their homes. I am opposed to a law per-se because there are times when a helicopter observation might be important and who would define the “emergency” conditions under which they could operate in a residential area? But I do think the news stations should show some restraint and common sense, here.

Comment by Responsa Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:14 pm
The media has no shame.

This demonstrates the sickness the public has in watching suffering.

I get it you think RB is a crook.

Helicopters are a safety hazard and cause noise pollution. The helicopters need to be fined for all sorts violation. Over Grant Park, Over residences … It’s a crying shame.

Comment by gg Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:15 pm
Crap. Anon at noon beat me to the Goodfellas reference.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:18 pm
If RB is not filmed sneaking around like Gollum the helicopters are likely to fade away in time. They are ubiquitous in urban areas. Tell Mrs RB it’ll all be over in a few months and then she can move on to whatever.

Comment by dupage dan Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:21 pm
So, government would be granted more power to control press scrutiny into the doings of public officials, by prosecuting news organizations who, in the judgment of the government being watched, go too far.

That’s an easy “NO” for me.

Comment by Thomas Westgard Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:32 pm
Can’t we just lend the news organizations the silent black helicopters used by the Combine?

Comment by George Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:34 pm
A law would be untenable. As soccermom @11:45 pointed out, who’s to say what a helicopter over a residential neighborhood is filming? How would such a law even be enforced?

That said, the station(s) that sent that chopper should be asked: Just what sort of voyeuristic tidbit were you hoping to find by spying on Patti taking the kids to school? How sick are you people?

And on that note, here’s a simple suggestion for dealing with the blather, tripe, and rot that TV “news” has become: Stop watching.

Believe me, “Good Eats” is a much better waste of 30 minutes at 10 p.m. than any “news”cast.

Comment by Northsider Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:38 pm
If Patti or Blago tripped on the sidewalk, and those helicopters were around, I’m betting the MSM would break in on TV to show the footage.

I previous reader pointed out that the News Directors should be fired for wasting station assets. That’s more like it. Since there are plenty of reporters and cameras perched on Rod’s doorstep, what additional value is added by the helicopters? Beats me.

Should we have a new law? That’s a toughie. My libertarian instincts say are conflicted, new laws for privacy v. public right to know. Hmm…. I will say that if the press exercised a bit of restraint and common sense, this would be a non-issue. But I guess I just now stated why the law may be needed.

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:45 pm
47 - nice!
” you wanna see helicopters? Over here. Brrrrrrrrrrr”

Comment by Siriusly Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:53 pm
No law is needed - just ask the media to back off. And if they don’t stage a protest outside their doors and let them cover that. Trust me it will work!

Comment by Doug Dobmeyer Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 12:56 pm
Thankfully its only helicopters, just wait until some TV station comes up with the money, and the news director sets up 24 hour “Predator” drone coverage.

Comment by WRMNpolitics Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:02 pm
Yes. It is bad enough those poor kids have a boob like Blago as their father. They should not be subjected to helicopters stalking them and news reporters staking out their homes.

Comment by "Old Timer Dem" Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:06 pm
I don’t know if there should be a law, but ethically one should question this tactic by the media.

Comment by A.B. Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:13 pm
A. B., you said,

“I don’t know if there should be a law, but ethically one should question this tactic by the media.”

I can’t believe I say “ethical” and “the media” in the same sentence!

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:19 pm
*saw

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:19 pm
Yes its just like the channel 7 news crew that parks in the bus stop tow zone to get coffee from starbucks or the news vans that park in the handicapped spots at the courthouse when their is a big trial. I like a free press as much as anyone but the media takes the do whatever we want and say were covering the news a little to far.

Comment by Fed up Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:40 pm
No. Then you’d get into defining “emergencies”. It seems a common reaction to any problem, including those of good judgment and common sense, is to create a law. Aircraft, just like automobiles, need to be operated responsibly. Can’t that be enough?

Comment by JustaJoe Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:42 pm
the blagojevich’s are sitting on a bleeping gold mine. why shouldn’t they be able to sell the air rights to their house to the highest bidder in exchange for favorable coverage?

Comment by Robert Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:45 pm
Yes, it’s a nuisance and borders on harassment.

Comment by Ahoy Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:49 pm
yes. unless it is for an accident or traffic problem, clear the airspace. we can stop from becoming california if we try. did
we really need to see the white blazer chase?

Comment by Amalia Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 1:54 pm
The problem goes much deeper than that. There is an inherent conflict between First Amendment concerns and personal privacy issues. The first amendment made the constitution and, unless you start looking at penumbras, personal privacy did not.
As a result, we were left with hoping the people who run the media have class and dignity. A few years ago, I stopped receiving the Chicago Tribune because it kept running stories concerning details of Brian Urlacher’s custody battles. That story alone is none of anybody’s business, but the stories were worse because they included details about how the child was being raised which served absolutely no purpose other than to embarass the family. That crossed a line, so I decided I wanted no part of the paper.
I think individuals need to take similar positions on other issues where a family’s privacy is invaded without reason. If you flip on the news and see a helicopter report of a woman walking her kids to school, turn the channel off and don’t turn it back on. As much as Patti Blago may be a bad person, her kids should not be involved at all.
People need to start standing up and saying “Yhis is not news.” Only when ratings go down will the people who run the news start imposing some standards and acting decently.

Comment by Skeeter Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 2:53 pm
===unless you start looking at penumbras, personal privacy did not.===

What, you mean Roe v. Wade?

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 3:00 pm
//snark//A drone strike would be more appropriate//unsnark// Yes, nuisance air traffic should be (and probably already is, to some extent) regulated and reduced.

Comment by Excessively Rabid Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 3:11 pm
Roe and a host of others.
I’m not being critical of those decisions necessarily. My point is that one right is clearly listed, and the other exists, at least as far as acourts tell us, as something arising from other rights.
Obviously, courts have imposed some reasonableness restrictions on many of those rights, but I’m not sure that this is a topic where you you start imposing limitations.

Comment by Skeeter Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 3:35 pm
Yes, that is an invasion of privacy and not fair to Blagoof’s neighbors. Not fair to anyone the media is trailing. Even though the crrok is innocent until proven guilty the clown is human and deserves some peace and quiet which hopefully he’ll get a lot of down the road.

Comment by Dan S, a taxpaer, a voter and a Cubs Fan Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 3:57 pm
Yes, you have to feel for the neighbors especially people who work the night shift, have a baby, or are ill. If’s it’s police helicopters finding a fugitve, someone dangerous, etc (or the like) ok.

Comment by Third Generation Chicago Native Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 4:00 pm
@ Cincinattus

Credit for the comedy there…got a good smile outta me on that one.

However, believe it or not, I do know quite a few people in the media and news industry who make decisions based on right or wrong.

Unfortunately those same ethical people are not in the majority…

Comment by A.B. Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 4:06 pm
You don’t necessarily have to resort to a privacy argument for this, although one can be made. If the copters are bothering the B’s, they’re probably bothering the rest of the neighborhood too, and could be creating aviation or other hazards. The FAA may need to be a little stricter with news organizations on this. Of course those organizations will claim to be exercising THEIR First Amendment rights….

Comment by Excessively Rabid Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 4:30 pm
Nothing like having a news copter hover over your your for 5 hours. After an hour or so you begin to smell the jet fuel.

A wast of time money and aircraft.

Did anyone thin to check on Mrs. B’s claim? Knowing he/their history, it could simply be a fable…..

Comment by Plutocrat03 Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 5:42 pm
If those media had spent half these resources covering Blago’s campaigns, we’d have never gotten to this point. Those talking heads lined up to get Blago walking into the courthouse were nearly as disgusting as the defendant. Looky at me, I’m important. They should just lock the courthouse doors and let them all rot. The world would be a better place.
Have a good weekend everyone.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Jun 4, 10 @ 9:08 pm
YES!!! I’m a neighbor and the helicopters are driving me crazy.

Comment by Cheryl44 Saturday, Jun 5, 10 @ 11:49 am
@NP so if you dont do facebook or twitter you’re not a “normal, loving person”? perhaps there are still some dinosaurs out there who prefer you know, a real conversation. but you have to admire her courage of putting her thoughts out there for everyone to read since shes been so ridiculed. nothing she does can be private and I would think that would make a person feel terrible. I’ll bet that if she went to therapy that wouldn’t be private either. I wonder how many people are on payroll to follow her? or maybe there not being paid maybe its just a really fun game for them. she probably wants to move far away, I’d think.
and, 47th I’ve never heard that song you were talking about but I pick tears for fears everybody wants to rule the world I think that one works

Comment by tears for fears Saturday, Jun 5, 10 @ 12:12 pm