I'm glad Digsby high-lighted this because it is the most fucked up thing yet... This story took place at OUR convention where Tim Grieve of Salon was working along side several other reporters in the press area next to the stage.
That's what we were doing Thursday afternoon when a Secret Service agent had another idea. "Excuse me sir," his voice boomed from behind us. "It's the presentation of the colors, and I think it's important enough for you to stand up."
The agent had noticed -- we had not -- that the American flag was being presented in the still half-empty convention hall. We acknowledged his right to his opinion, then we returned to our work. At that point, the agent ordered us to stand -- ostensibly so he could confirm that our press credentials were valid. We complied with the order, then turned on our tape recorder and asked if he was actually ordering us to stand for the flag.
"No sir, I'm not. I'm looking at your deal," he said. "I'm ordering you because I want to see your credentials, and you're going to stand here until the flag is over with."
What's your name? "I'm Chad Reagan, and I'm checking your credentials, out of the New York field office. I'm checking your credentials."
Rest of the story here:
http://archive.salon.com/politics/war_room/2004/07/29/flag/
Digsby commentary on the story here:
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/