Occupy Wall Street
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So, you may have heard about the protests concerning the "Other 99%" at Wall Street, and videos have come out of the force used by the police.
In my opinion, the police are reacting negatively and are not handling the situation as they could be. Yes, there are protesters that may pose a threat- not all people will follow a peaceful protest- but the police have corralled people with netting, fought crowds, thrown people to the ground and arrested many, and most of those arrested are taken without warning (some are peaceful, wrong place?)
I found some videos (contain some violence, watch at own discretion)
An arrest and a girl getting maced (she made a response telling what happened, but I can't find the video at the moment)
Sgt. Shamar Thomas's response (some language)
Another two videos can be found here
So, what's your opinion? Are the police handling the situation appropriately, are the protesters out of line? I just see all this news about it and feel like discussing.
In my opinion, the police are reacting negatively and are not handling the situation as they could be. Yes, there are protesters that may pose a threat- not all people will follow a peaceful protest- but the police have corralled people with netting, fought crowds, thrown people to the ground and arrested many, and most of those arrested are taken without warning (some are peaceful, wrong place?)
I found some videos (contain some violence, watch at own discretion)
An arrest and a girl getting maced (she made a response telling what happened, but I can't find the video at the moment)
Sgt. Shamar Thomas's response (some language)
Another two videos can be found here
So, what's your opinion? Are the police handling the situation appropriately, are the protesters out of line? I just see all this news about it and feel like discussing.
GeistNoir (#4246)
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10-27-2011 at 5:32 PM
I saw a lot of this (like mace girl) around when it was first posted and I'm completely enraged and disappointed in how this is being handled. It seems like some officers (not all - some, I know most cops are alright) are childishly trying to show dominance or something ridiculous like that over a bunch of mostly peaceful protesters. <br /> <br /> The Oakland video is infuriating.
jive (#4772)
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10-26-2011 at 9:07 PM
I know no one has actually posted anything for or against on this, but I thought <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZLyUK0t0vQ&feature=youtu.be">this video (swearing and blood warning)</a> should be posted for those who are "on the fence" about how the police are handling the situation.<br /> <br /> I'm personally working with local groups of the Occupy movement, so I'm of course inclined to say the police are being far too violent in the extreme cases.<br /> However, I don't want this to seem like those of us with the movement are just taking this as an opportunity to bash cops. There have been <i>a lot</i> of occupations, protests, etc. that have had no trouble with the police whatsoever. Our own local movement had a 500+ march, and LRPD (Little Rock) was not only accommodating, but supported us fully. Many of them even chanted with us and shook our hands! We had absolutely no clashes with police.<br /> Additionally, police in Albany refused to arrest peaceful occupiers, stating "the police know policing, not the mayor." Oakland police (Oakland is in the video I linked above) had many call in to resign after the violent clash. And many NYPD police have apologized to the protesters on behalf of their department for those that are too violent.<br /> <br /> This is a peaceful movement. Any violence, from either side, should be condemned.