Police Use Pepper Spray And Batons On Protesters - At Least Twenty Arrested
Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 5, 2011, 9:24 p.m. EST by OccupyWallSt
Reports of arrests.
Updates as we get them.
UPDATE 9:35 - Reports of batons used. Mounted officers are present at Liberty Square. Barricades are set up on Liberty and Broadway.
UPDATE 9:48 - Reports of our medics treating several pepper sprayed protesters.
UPDATE 10:09 - At least twenty arrested.
UPDATE 10:33 - Liberty Square is kettled.
UPDATE 10:40 - Liberty Square is still barricaded on all four sides but police are now allowing protesters in and out.
Graphic content warning:
Please call:
1st Precinct: +1 (212) 334-0611
NYPD Switchboard: +1 (646) 610-5000
NYPD Central Booking: +1 (212) 374-3921
NYPD Internal Affairs: +1 (212) 741-8401
Mayor Bloomberg: +1 (212) NEW-YORK or +1 (212) 374-3921
Additional to my previous post: As a correctional officer, I am ashamed of the NYPD officer who said "My little nightstick is going to get a workout tonight" I hope that he is put on administrative leave pending an investigation before being fired for that comment.
That is just shameful, especially where he brags about already having used it.
As a correctional officer, I feel that I have to apologize and let you know that not all officers are like this.
Unfortunately since 9/11 too many police officers today are just like him. It's like they are all doped up on too many steroids, classic roid-rage. I'm a veteran, and if I was NYPD there is NO way I would down there suppressing the rights of my fellow citizens. We're fighting wars all over the world supposedly spreading freedom and democracy, this is a national disgrace. The only thing that will come out of this is more support for the protesters which will continue to grow.
I admit I do not know much about police training, however if there are a large number of officers who are just like him. Then I would strongly suggest that the police officer training program is broken and needs fixing.
it is. police departments have been trained to become militarized since war was declared against America's own citizens. "what war?," you ask. the war on drugs. think about depictions of cops from the 1950s: leave it to beaver, etc... now think about these robo-cops in riot gear, etc... a good book on the subject is called Our Enemies in Blue. it is a history of policing: where it originated, and it's evolution over time.
Yeah, well depictions of cops in the 50s were not based on african-american experiences, or on queer experiences because our current view of cops would be much older if it was the same for straight/white american then.
retard. (*)
These protesters are the dreggs of society. They are dangerous and have been violent in groups. People have the right to protest but not in this manner. I would love to take a night stick to some of these bleep holes.
it's a ruff job so ruffians often find jobs with the police
It's not your responsibility that there are clearly sociopaths out there. Unfortunately, some of them are police officers. I bet you anything that the police unions wish they could join OWS. The decent officers probably want the goons weeded out.
Thank you.
eventually this is going to get big enough that we can actually OCCUPY WALL STREET without the cops being able to beat us and move us.
Just like the kids at the lunch counters! we're going to keep coming back and sitting at Wall Street, demanding equal treatment and an equal voice via the ending of economic influence in our government until we get it. THIS IS A CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND WE ARE NOT STOPPING!
This is what Ive been waiting for since Sept 2008..A 60's grandchild on the move.Horahhh!
I have been waiting for this since 2000. I am a bit surprised that it took so long.
Those dumb thugs don't even realize yet that they are part of the 99%.What a shame that they would do this to their fellow citizens
Please let us know ASAP.
Everyone remember, we do not respond with violence!
cop bragging that he's going to beat up protesters with his nightstick!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBxPzhXFT6c&feature=player_embedded
I saw that, gave me flashbacks to Toronto G20. It's a wonder people did not get PTSD from that and one woman I heard did have it after she was corralled, denied access to a bathroom, strip searched when she wasn't even a protester! She was just on her way home and got caught in the kettling as many others did. People need to realize that this one cop is not an isolated incident in modern North America. Yes, some of them are "just doing their jobs" But they have been given free reign to abuse protesters for a long, long time now with impunity and no media helping out to expose it. This time it's not going to work. Every time something like this comes up, it will be exposed and opposed by more and more people. I'm sick of being treated like a criminal for exercising my civil right to protest and maligned in the press to top it off.
Smart COP
Not a euphemism?
if all the cops are there who is fighting crime. i would like to know what is happening with the number of robberies, home invasions, rapes, kidnappings ect. in new york city right now. they need to be protecting and serving like we pay them to do with our tax dollars
They don't give a fuck about ANY of us, they are protecting exactly who they ALWAYS protect - THE RICH!!! That's why the protesters are getting beat up while the CEO's of BofA, Goldman Sachs and Citibank are home warm in their beds. Cops aren't there to protect and serve the people, they are there to protect and serve their corporate masters. Their time has come to an end, it's our time to run the show.
Why shouldn't the CEO's of BofA, Goldman Sachs and Citibank be at home warm in thier beds? Are we now going to tell people they can't because we don't like them? Remember, our founding father's were just as afraid of 3000 tyrants 1 mile away as they were of 1 tyrant 3000 miles away. Seems to me like they had good cause to be afraid.
They are apparently going unpunished. I wish I could neglect my actual work duties and assault protesters all day. (I don't really wish that, I like my job, and protesters.)
I'm wondering that myself. But, it's "more important" to protect the cronies on Wall Street than it is to take care of the issues you mentioned.
Well gosh those are the remaining 99%, it doesn't matter if they are being raped or robbed! What matters is the protests of the banks and the 1%! Get it?
yelp these cops sure are dumb. i wounder how long its going to take them to figure out they are being used.
Did anyone see the guys in suits with the white earpieces in with the cops? Who were they?
The NYPD works for Wall Street. Not the NYC people. Wall Street will dictate their every move. Mafia.
Definitely some non-uniformed operatives were calling the shots. This was not a random mishap, someone wanted it.
FBI? Secret Service? Bankster Goons? or just NYPD special operatives.
There really is no hope for humanity. I know this is a "non-violent" cause but when someone is overstepping their bounds, you have an obligation to defend your fellow man. The fact that people record their fellow protesters being beaten without intervening makes me sick. Anyone familiar with the quote "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"? That's what happened; nothing. Protesters stood by and watched innocent people being subjected to unnecessary and downright evil beat downs by members of law enforcement. I'm appalled by this willingness to allow a fellow protester to be assaulted while you watch because of an idea. People are more important than ideas. In my eyes, allowing these callous actions to happen makes you no better than the groups you're protesting against. It's disgraceful and it's why I haven't joined a protest; if I can't trust the man next to me to have my back, I have no confidence in the group.
Not to spoil your indignation, but they can't intervene and hope to get away with any less themselves. Even if they don't get beat (Read: Trust me, they will get beat), they'd still get arrested for 'obstruction of justice', making rescuing you a -great- scenario. Instead of just one marcher (you) going down and a video of the police brutality to help make them accountable, we'll have two-or-more marchers (you and your would-be saviors) going down.
If you want the officer to be held accountable, you don't ask your friends to jump in and defend you. You ask them to make evidence that would eliminate the biased presumption the law gives to the testimony of officers.
wait our tax dollars pay them and this is how they repay us. karma my friends. how many of them will find their selfs looking for work. maybe when they go home to there families somebody will ask them why they are doing this to peacefull people.
if all the cops are there who is fighting crime. i would like to know what is happening with the number of robberies, home invasions, rapes, kidnappings ect. in new york city right now. they need to be protecting and serving like we pay them to do with our tax dollars
they care about protecting criminal bankers more. Because they get $4.6 million donations from them (JP Morgan Chase just gave them that much). as george carlin says: "they don't give a fuck about you."
yep
Let this make everyone more determined. Worse before it gets better but it does get better
wtf is going on?
this is not a joke. its not funny at all.
I don't understand what you mean. I think he is right when he asks "wtf is going on". I can't find information about what has happened. A few videos that show the beatings, but not a reason of provocation. The people in New York need to inform the rest of us as to the current status. This movement is severely hindered by the lack of written accounts. Experience fuels education, and education fuels revolution. Someone who witnessed this, please give us your account. I can't make informed decisions if I have no information. I urge all the people in all the protests across America to document their experiences so that we can all share in the experience. October 15th is fast approaching, I don't want to hit the front lines without a shotgun full of knowledge at my side.
do you know that "wtf" means "way to funny"
No. It means What The Fuck. What Internet are you from??
Oh I guess I wasn't there when they changed it from "What The Fuck". I also can't tell if you're joking either, considering sarcasm is not so easily translated through written language. Way to funny is going on? But if you are making a joke, it seems counter productive to detract validity from a legitimate question.
All you idiots should be beat to a pulp
Well I am glad someone is doing something about this group of losers than continue to protest. If we make everyone winners there will be no winners. There isn't enough money to take from the rich to make everyone middle class or even raise everyone above the poverty level. We have all seen what the poor do when given money to help them move out of poverty. Hurricane Katrina debit cards are a great example. They were overwhelmying spent on vacations, gambling and liquor. I am quite sure that doesn't help improve the economy but extra car that I buy with that extra 20k I am taxed does help the economy.
Why do these cops get violent when they are in the same boat as everyone else! Bet they would have a sign up quick if they were threatened with lay offs from budget cuts! Why try and silence people who are doing some good in the world! damn, pisses me off!
Is it real democracy country ? I think it must be alived back by Hitler . What we make fault before ? I really don`t know .
Is it real democracy country ? I think it must be alived back to Hitler What we make fault before ? I really don`t know .
Is it real democracy country ? I think it must be alived back to Hitler What we make fault before ? I really don`t know .
This is what our founders think about all this corruption.
That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness
I firmly believe the power of peace attracts people, all kinds of people, including cops. The NYPD has been generally cooperative (with a few mad dog exceptions), and sometimes supportive, until vanguardists break their rules or storm their barricades, and they then have to do their jobs. This makes sensational news, but bad PR. Scares some, alienates others--no more 99%.
I read much of why we fight, the truth of this fight, and even how to organize for this fight by reading “The Book of Jack” by Gandesbery. I hope that is blessed, I hope you have it with you. I plan to buy 10 copies to hand out in my home town. May God Blass you all for being so brave and him for writing how to do it. It’s funny how the socialist big money machine is attempting to ignore you, me, us. You know that CNN and other owned mouth pieces of the old money that controls us tries so hard not to talk about us in a positive way. Their fake news spewed out over the nation is set against us. Yes against America at large.
They don’t like to admit that the Tea Party, The Occupation of Wall street, the support of Ron Paul over their socialist puppet choices are all linked. We the people, the pissed off, fed up, and fully awake now people. It’s the 99% finally taking off the blinders and the chains. God Bless You. America never mind we begin to see them for who they are. Focus on change and move only forward. Remain invested in the futures of OUR tomorrow. Fighting now spares dying later. May God Bless Your Efforts/Lives!!!!!
http://verdadesymentirasoficiales.blogspot.com/2011/10/wall-street-strike-occupy-occupy.html
anyone who took out loans and was some how fooled into taking out more then they could afford is an idiot if you don't know how much you make and how much you can pay and still have enough to live then you are an idiot anyone with any brain could figure that out and I don't think they fooled anyone I think a bunch of deadbeats took out loans with no intention of paying it back and I think this protest is a bunch of union creeps who are mad because goverments are cutting jobs but those same unions will not do what it takes to save those jobs they just throw younger employees under the bus and refuse to pay for anything and also a bunch of deadbeats who live off taxpayers through welfare,foodstamps,student loans that they use for thing that were never intended like living on and buying other junk having nothing to do with college,and then the deadbeats who have lived off goverment forever and have brainwashed their children into thinking the taxpayers have to should take care of them while they sit at home on their asses spitting out kids and doing nothing but sucking the life out of the middle class I think welfare for everyone should end today and maybe those deadbeats would take the jobs that are out there and there are plenty do like the pay whaaa tough get to jobs then you lazy bums I have thru my entire life so suck it up stop complaining and get to work you lazy good for nothing leeches
You know where Cops also used to beat up their own People? Egypt and Libya! New York is where the Angels are right now. Keep fighting overthere. We are lots of People in Copenhagen Denmark that support You and we are ready to take action when the Wave hits us. Love all, Spring is coming.
Being met with violence is an unfortunate reality when utilizing civil disobediance, but should ultimately be welcomed as a means of validation if nothing else.
"As they could not reach me, they had resolved to punish my body; just as boys, if they cannot come at some person against whom they have a spite, will abuse his dog. I saw that the State was half-witted, that it was timid as a lone woman with her silver spoons, and that it did not know its friends from its foes, and I lost all my remaining respect for it, and pitied it. Thus the State never intentionally confronts a man's sense, intellectual or moral, but only his body, his senses. It is not armed with superior wit or honesty, but with superior physical strength. I was not born to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion. Let us see who is the strongest. What force has a multitude? They only can force me who obey a higher law than I. They force me to become like themselves. I do not hear of men being forced to have this way or that by masses of men. What sort of life were that to live?" Keep up the Fight!
why are you only showing the edited video? The full video shows the protestors counting down and pushing the police, if you ask me what the NYPD did was a direct response to the protestors action.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6f0_1318015121
This was a foolish move on the protestors part, there is no need to advance on the police.
You're so original: if we can just LOVE enough... Are you seroius? You think this hasn't been tried? It has been the theme of very fleeting movement in this country since 'Flower Power". Get this through you're head: we've won once and only once--in Seattle. The WTO was stopped and they all had to go home. Bill Clinton wouldn't even land his plane. That was the Egypt model! Then the peacefull, legal, love your neighbor crowed pissed it away. Grow up! The people you're fighting are DEADLY serious about fucking you up!
You're so original: if we can just LOVE enough... Are you seroius? You think this hasn't been tried? It has been the theme of very fleeting movement in this country since 'Flower Power". Get this through you're head: we've won once and only once--in Seattle. The WTO was stopped and they all had to go home. Bill Clinton wouldn't even land his plane. That was the Egypt model! Then the peacefull, legal, love your neighbor crowed pissed it away. Grow up! The people you're fighting are DEADLY serious about fucking you up!
NYPD officers have been harassing even residents around Wall Street for the past few weeks (lots of college students, grads, and young professionals in the area for bored officers to pick on). Public sentiment against NYC cops has been rising the past few years because there are lots of jerks in the force. Good for nothing, except bullying citizens and stealing money to meet quotas set by the Bloomberg administration. The police needs remember their job is the protect taxpayers and catch criminals, but Courtesy, Professionalism, and Respect doesn't mean much as long as corruption rules City Hall.
Does anyone know why the protesters charged the barricades? In a video that was shared with me, you can see and hear the protesters chanting "3...2...1!!" before charging at the barricades with the police behind them, and I was wondering if there was a reason.
Does anyone know why the protesters charged the barricades? In a video that was shared with me, you can see and hear the protesters chanting "3...2...1!!" before charging at the barricades with the police behind them, and I was wondering if there was a reason.
Had it coming.
(*)
You've been e-mooned.
Had it coming.
(*)
You've been e-mooned.
i hope the NYPD shoots all of you
too bad they didnt bash your skulls in
We are not a bottom line, we are people. People have empathy for each other and for this reason corporations will NEVER truly be people, regardless of what the supreme court says! They are only the crudest possible manifestation of id. We are the 99%
Nice positive comments from CNN. Keep up the good work.
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-683852
http://theintelhub.com/2011/10/06/over-5000-turn-out-in-portland-for-occupy-portland-protest/
are they still not letting people into the park?
I lived in NYC in the 70's and the 80's... when the Mafia was being shutdown and the Mafia "influence" was being transferred to the NYPD. I had friends from the Bonelli family and the Collachi family, and others. The NYPD has strong Mafia ties and tactics that are unlike ANY other police force in the Country. Another reason you don't want to respond with violence... is because you don't want to PISS these guys off. They work for Wall Street. So, beware.
Unfortunately, this will not change the Nation.
The leaders in our movement need to set forth a platform of specific proposals and remedy to the sickness in our Nation. I have proposed at goldmoneyparty.com a set of specific ideas, BUT, ironically, I am not writing this to you to endorse goldmoneyparty.com
My vision is far greater.
I own the domain name: egovern.us.
I am currently looking for programmers to set up a Facebook like platform, only political in nature.
We vote up or down on the leaders in our movement when we see their specific deas.
Then, the winner gets the endorsement in his or her State, and we use the "write in" campaign method(legal in all 50 states) to force their name on the ballot!
There is so much more I want to say, but I need to speak to the leadership. My private number is 469-569-8209.
I am currently looking for programmers to design egovern.us. I need your help. Our voice must be matched by our votes.
The Republicans and Democrats consented to our destruction when they gave our currency to the banking cartels and make us a nation of slaves!
Let's use the write in and the internet to take our Nation back!
Richard Peter Founder
I am no radical college student. I am a 67 year old retired psychiatric social worker. I am also one of the 99%. My conservative Republican brother-in-law thinks I am "exagerating" and "just plain crazy" because I told him that I feared there would be a "class war" or "haves vs. have-nots war" that would make the riots in Wats and Hough during the '60s look like a Sunday picnic. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to pass and that the 99% will realize their real power lies in their very numbers. I am glad to see current college students getting involved in something so important to the nation. I haven't seen that kind of involvment for this age group since the 1960s. Good for you and Good for U.S.
So sweet and very wise. Thank You Susie
I am no radical college student. I am a 67 year old retired psychiatric social worker. I am also one of the 99%. My conservative Republican brother-in-law thinks I am "exagerating" and "just plain crazy" because I told him that I feared there would be a "class war" or "haves or have-nots war" that would make the riots in Wats and Hough during the '60s look like a Sunday picnic. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to pass and that the 99% will realize their real power lies in their very numbers. I am glad to see current college students getting involved in something so important to the nation. I haven't seen that kind of involvment for this age group since the 1960s. Good for you and Good for U.S.
I am no radical college student. I am a 67 year old retired psychiatric social worker. I am also one of the 99%. My conservative Republican brother-in-law thinks I am "exagerating" and "just plain crazy" because I told him that I feared there would be a "class war" or "haves or have-nots war" that would make the riots in Wats and Hough during the '60s look like a Sunday picnic. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to pass and that the 99% will realize their real power lies in their very numbers. I am glad to see current college students getting involved in something so important to the nation. I haven't seen that kind of involvment for this age group since the 1960s. Good for you and Good for U.S.
NYC Jailed. Bail Set At 4.7 Million.
Post these videos of the NYPD on motorcycle s ramming into protestors - from the 2nd video below it looks like they may have ran one protestor over:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HznJZKgiElA & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxSk55u9xN4
These are totally, totally, totally unacceptable policing methods. These are techniques we're more used to seeing from the murderous Iranian Revolutionary Guards - NYPD have gone waaaay over the top with this and must be stopped before they maim someone or worse.
Cut them some slack- the JP Morgan officers were just doing their job.
So how do you want the police to control things without force?
no more are the days where police were our friends that protected us, we live in a police state now, thats why the sides of their cars no longer says "to protect and server" and instead say "law enforcement"...
There was NO rational reason for NYPD to use such force ~ However if one would use the Manual for Nonviolent Protest by Gene Sparks that has been used in Burma, Tunisian Protest & Tahrir Sq. ~ WE of OWS would have such a Higher Ground to present to the public. Right now Obama is commenting on OWS. People are frustrated & Protesters are giving a voice to those that feel that they have been Screwed.
there was a reason
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6f0_1318015121
I agree ~ not all protesters are well versed in Nonviolent Protest & it comes back at any movement when actions such as these are also captured on video & does nothing for OWS's nonviolent cause. Yet there is incredible anger in this country right now & also the police need training as how to handle this ~ for one could say ~ it is out of the box now & both sides need to know how to handle it without escalating it.
Don't count on the NYPD being sensitive to OWS anytime soon. It was foolish on the part of the protestors and I'm a little bewildered OWS is owning up to it. Still calling out for brutality?
Just went to OWS ~ noticed on foot police around Plaza have a sense of peacefulness of the Protesters ~ however watched a string of Patrol cars line up a block or so away & then all @ once lights & sirens all on & race by protesters ~ detachment ~ makes a difference ~ foot police go into McDonald's & stand in line with protesters ~ if ya talk to them ~ they are really part of the 99% also.
Time to focus the anger on the Wall Street brokers and bankers not the Police. The real action must start now by blocking entrances to buildings so the pigs cannot go to work and more
Time to focus the anger on the Wall Street brokers and bankers not the Police. The real action must start now by blocking entrances to buildings so the pigs cannot go to work and more
Last night while I was watching MSNBC what I predicted would happen, happened, Ed Schultz, the MSNBC host and a couple of Union leaders basically co-opted the Occupy Wall St. protest and the entire Occupy movement as being apart of Barack Obama's reelection campaign. If this perception is allowed to persist Occupy Wall St. and the broader Occupy movement will lose all credibility.
The people that voted the dems into a massive majority in 2008 are not stupid and know full well that a real economic stimulus bill could have been voted into place with just 51 senators in reconciliation. That a real health care bill could have been voted in with 51 senators in reconciliation and that a real banking reform bill bringing back Glass/Steagall could have been voted in with just some minor arm twisting by the president and members of congress and the public but what did the dem and Obama do, they sold their souls to the corporations and the defense dept.
Now the dems and Obama have crafted a too little too late jobs bill which is really their 2012 reelection campaign designed to black mail voters into voting democrat, "If you want jobs your going to have to vote for us!" the whole smelly democratic campaign seems to be saying.
The dems had their chance but reached out and took that sleazy money from wall street and the corporations and joined the republican party in spirit and body as they have done over and over again through out recent history.
It is now time to end the political monopoly that has choked the life out of the working and middle classes and search for the alternative.
Progressives and real lefties must leave the democrat party in the dust bin of history as too many of it's members are completely corrupt. Yes, it will be painful to watch the corrupt politicians in both parties work to crush working people's aspirations while a new alternative is being born but fighting for an new alternative will be far more rewarding than continuing to enable the kleptocracy of the democratic and republican parties.
While I will still give my all to the younger generation's aspirations and to working people's aspirations, the democratic and republican parties are dead to me.
Lloyd J Hart 508-687-9153
Ignore them. Typical narcissists making it all about them when it's not. As far as the voting in 08 went. I was working for dems back then and left because I saw a TON of corruption that no one cared about. I get what you are saying. Some will try to co opt but, they do NOT own OWS and their b.s. spin is not going to work this time.
Ironically, so many people seem to be confused and think that this is something other than an Obama re-election rally. That was how it was planned and the intent. This is about protesting the evil rich people which is the plan for the democratic party in the 2012 election.... complain about the rich and get the 47% who live on the government to vote.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Yeah, I just made that up. What silly nonsense, huh?
Yeah, really.... what the hell are you thinking? ;)
There was definitely a suit and tie calling the shots. It was organized brutality, plain and simple. No excuses. Who are they protecting?
Expect more resistance. Be prepared to stand in harm's way, or run, or fight. Did anyone think the 0.01% is just going to just roll over and say OK? Coming soon to your hometown.
Once the police take off their badges and join us on the wrong side of the barricade, then we have won. But we are not there yet.
Much love to all you young people (and peeps of all ages) who are out there putting your bodies on the line & devoting your time to this movement. You are doing a wonderful thing for this country! You have started the conversation, you have awakened those of us who've been sleeping & in denial. Love & support to you all.
much respect to all of you. I only hope that more and more join and bring a much deserved change in America. It is time that we change the status quo and fight for equality and a country that belongs to the people not the rich or those with the most influence. I think its time to wake up from the "american dream" and make it a reality.
The NYPD has disgraced itself -- again.
All these PIGS care about is protecting the BANKS PROPERTY!!!
The period of non-violence is coming to an end. If they keep treating peaceful protesters like this, a violent response will be inevitable and you know that's what they are counting on.
Tomorrow the protesters need to go back to Wall St 10k strong and just over run the police, they'll scatter like roaches.
Something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nqxP2bpF7I
"This period of nonviolence is coming to an end"? "they'll scatter like roaches"? Now knock that off sdkeller72, I feel that outrage too, but this isn't about brawling with cops, however shamefully they're acting.
When World Bank protesters in DC last Fall met force with delayed force, the cops were on their best behavior next time around. If Anonymous is sucessful in taking the NYSE off the Internet as they have announced, the cops will get the message in NY too...
Points from from watching the videos. NOTE: I do not condone what the officer did, but I understand it.
Video one: When the officer starts to swing, it is in the middle of a large angry sounding crowd, people are invading his "personal space zone" and he is feeling threatened. Note 1: He takes 3 total swings, and once 3ft of space has been re-established around him, he stops and takes up a defensive posture. Note 2: When his first starts to swings, his body language suggests one of fear resulting in a flight/fight response. With no way out.
Video Two: Approximately 35 seconds in the officer says "I have already got hit once", this suggests that the officer reacts to an external provocation of being hit by someone or something. Again, large angry sounding crowd with little to no chance to retreat, the defensive "fight" response is activated. This is supported by the officer at around 40 seconds saying "There is too much out here, it is too much"
Around 1:18 another officer (or the same one) says "don't hit me guys, I am just (muffled), don't hit me, I have already got hit once, don't hit me"
the officers also say "don't push in guys, don't push in." while another voice (from a protester) can be clearly heard shouting "break the line down, break the line" (this is around 1:40 - 1:50)
After that the police move in a fairly co-ordinated fashion in order to move the protest into a controllable area in order to reduce the possibility of a riot breaking out.
Now the nest question is this: How do we stop this happening again? the answer is simple, TALK TO THE POLICE, I do not mean in the middle of a march, do it before hand while it is in the planning stages. Get the police involved, get a route planned, get aid stations set up along the route etc etc. A large semi-spontaneous march is just one step away from a riot, and unfortunately from what I saw and heard on the video's, there are elements who want just that. There are elements within the movement who wish to provoke the police into firing tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons in order to "take the moral high ground" and prove that they are better. DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN, please do not allow this to happen. Engage the police in active planning and communication and you will see results similar to the UK where the police are involved in the planning from the get go, there is no violence during the march and the people have a chance to let their voice be heard. But this can only be done by talking and planning these marches with the police.
I just don't feel as though a bunch of men with guns, sticks, pepper spray, tasers, and hand cuffs have any right to feel threatened during a peaceful protest, that is until someone infringes on their rights as humans as they have done to others on so many occasions. These are not riots (yet), the only entity that should be assaulted is the ground on which we march.
The voice in the video talking about already being hit once was the camera man. He isn't the mainstream press, he's a journalist. He's simply documenting the situation.
You would be pissed off by this reaction from the officers if it were to happen to one of our journalists in, say, the Middle East.
What you are saying, despite being reasonable in REAL riot situations is still completely out of line here. Occupy Wall Street is a nonviolence movement, intentionally started to bring peace and safety to it's protesters and their anti counterparts.
Even with an angry sounding crowd, these actions are uncalled for. And this is not a "semi-spontaneous march". These have been happening since August, or at least have been in the planning stages. This is not a riot, and most likely will not become one.
And yes, I do agree with you about communicating, but don't you see? That is what we have been trying to do since the start of all of this. People are still not listening, or rather, are just now beginning to listen.
And as for the guy yelling "break down the line", it could be a protester, or it could be a cop. Either way, there is always going to be a bad egg in every situation. No organization is absolutely perfect. But we are created of peaceful protests.
Dogs with big barks, but if you pat our back, we can be the best of friends.
Exactly right... nothing wrong in what the police did. rule #1 with dealing with police... if you get too close they will react! Doesn't matter if it is a riot, protest, accident or just walking down the street. they have to be allow to defend themselves and keep themselves safe. The protest had obviously lost control with the intent of getting this outcome. Non-violent it is not.
Cops can hit you, beat you, etc. if you're simply walking down the street and you get too close? How close is too close? What B.S.
I hope people take the time to read your comment and think about it. Well versed and good thinking. Collectively we can accomplish anything using peaceful means. Some or a lot of people have a hard time understanding how peace works in violent and chaotic situations yet they haven't tried mostly because of fear. Your absolutely right, we really do need the support of the police and getting them constructively involved is a brilliant idea. Its funny how creative mankind has been developing ways to destroy yet, we've only chipped the surface in terms of our ability to create peaceful ways to accomplish the same goal.
I often get asked, "Why are you so mild mannered with people who are so disrespectful to you" My answer "Because you always get further with sugar than salt" Kindness is a precision tool that requires the expert skills of a 5 year old but leverages the power to move mountains. Anything less than peaceful is purely self destructive and will bring the demise of this revolution. We must remain calm, we must remain peaceful, we must inspire the world. Thanks for your brilliant comment my friend!
I agree with your video 1 assessment. But in Video 2. He says he is part of the press. That camera man is a civillian that is saying he has been hit by the police.
True.. .however notice that the press guy was wrong in what he did. It doesn't matter if you are the press.... push your way up close to the police and there will be consequences... regardless of when or where. Try it during a accident report in Toledo and the result won't be much different.
The guy from the press in video 2 backed off like the first officer told him, a 2nd officer turned around and with no warning struck the press guy.
Thank you for the clarification, i did not realize that until I watched the video again and saw the ending (slow connection)
Years ago, I was in a showdown at the Supreme Court over a woman's right to choose when a right-winger's sign mounted on a massive stick was pulled down and the sign portion stomped apart. He started swinging the stick, just as described above. I was one of several people who responded simply by jumping in and grabbing the other end of the stick. In a tight crowd, it is not so difficult to get control of a long weapon (stick, even rifle) and prevent any further use of it. This is not violence, this is the use of strength and speed to STOP a violent act.
i went back to watch video one and i disagree... people are already backing away from him when he starts swinging.... im too tired to rewatch video 2 but it didnt seem as bad the first time around as video 1. you should check out the link i posted above though with the cop bragging about how he's gonna use his nightstick... sick shit.
You have a point. However the UK police are totally different then the thugaroos in the video. The UK police don't carry guns to start. They do sympathize with the people. The NYPD and the rest of the cops here in this country are paid goons. ..with our tax dollars. I know you've seen those reality cop videos. This is what We The People are up against. No way will they be polite. What the NYPD really need to do is arrest those wallstreet welfare theives.Filing docs are coming.
"Wallstreet welfare theives"? Really? The sheer ignorance of that phrase is why you useful idiots have all been had by the "corporations are evil" kool aid drinkers. This is not a "movement" (ask all the hippies who protested in the 60's and 70's against "the man" if they appreciate you attempting to destabilize the institutions that house the retirement funds they worked their a55es off to acquire after they grew up, grew a set, realized the only persons holding them back was themselves, and went to work).
Weeks will go by and you will all go back to your normal lives complaining about your miserable existence when the fact is that you are not willing to work your way up like those who you now feel "owe" you some of what they have worked so hard to attain. Of course there are some greedy b4st4rds who need to rot under the jail for what they've done, but it's not isolated to just Wall St. Move to Europe and see how well what you are espousing is working for them... It's all fun and games until you run out of other people's money.
Now all of you carry on posting your drivel about total debt forgiveness and the right to free housing (no unintended consequences there I'm sure!) on the laptops, iPhones, and iPads that capitalism has given your parents the opportunity to buy for you.
Is this Ann Coulter Speaking?
No, I'm her second cousin, Jeff Vader.
You are incredibly disrespectful, arrogant and rude. I have been working three jobs for the past year, totaling over 65 hours of work, AND going to school full time. I'm here to BETTER OUR NATION AS A WHOLE.
There is unjust corruption in this country, and we're going to fix it. If the Founding Fathers could read what you just wrote they'd be utterly disappointed. Protest is EXACTLY what this nation was founded upon.
And these are all IDEAS, most of them certainly DO need work, and even more are right out of the question. BUT THEY ARE STILL IDEAS. And our ideas, voices, desires are ABLE to be spoken. That is what our country was founded on.
And, you buffoon (you've really angered myself and many more, so I don't feel bad insulting you), it has been proven that in countries WITH free education and more well-educated people have lower crime rates and lower government debts.
So we all may be useful idiots, but at least we have a cause and a voice, instead of yourself, who are nothing but a corporate sheep. Follow Little Bo Peep, you goon. I hope she walks you into dehydration.
Your incredibly cogent argument leaves me speechless... must be the dehydration that Little Bo Peep has led (sorry, I mean "walked") me into. (sorry for ending a sentence with a preposition, but you can't expect the synapses to fire properly after such a well reasoned rebuttal)
hugs and kisses, the "goon"
Wait a minute, I happen to be a parent of grown children with Ipads and Iphones they bought for themselves. I brought my own house and so have one of my kids.Id like the rest of my kids to buy their own home. Id like them not to have mountains of student debt. We've paid our debts over and over again with astronomical interest rates...all of US but how long does the 99% keep paying while the 1% get away with TARP money scot free. We are going into 3 yrs whereas these banks and wallstreet asked for a HANDOUT from t he American people and got it....so they could have their christmas bonues! I also resent your name calling.Its not necessary. You don't know me. You don't know the 99%.
First and foremost, my apologies for derogatory name calling. You are right, it isn't necessary or productive. But it sounds like you and I agree on at least some issues, because I too have bought my own house and paid all my debts. I am also vehemently against bail outs and wished we would have let the banks that kept repackaging all the bad debts fail, but that was not the root cause of the problem facing us now.
The American people did not give them the money, the government gave them OUR money. And the reason they did so was because government institutions inserted themselves into the free market economy and demanded that people who were in no economic position to buy a house should be given loans they had no business receiving, and knowing full well they could not repay. It is the entitlement mentality that has caused a lot of this, but there are no shortcuts (as you well know) to getting ahead and improving your station in life.
As for mountains of student debt, you can thank our current administration for taking over the student loan program and cutting out another revenue stream from the banks that will now put all that money directly into government coffers and cause banks to raise fees to make up the shortfalls. Banks take risks lending money and provide capital for people to start businesses and hire people. The government doesn't produce anything and is fraught with waste and inefficiency that is paid for (i.e., thrown in the toilet) with our money.
The fact that the "99%" was given tacit legitimacy today by our president is just another way of deflecting blame from the real enemy... and if you think government isn't responsible for the majority of the problems facing us today, then you aren't paying attention.
This "movement" should be occupying the swindlers (including several of the 1%ers) in capitol hill and 1600 Pennsylvania Ave who are unwilling to bite the hand that feeds it.
I was there in DC and will be there continuesly. However the people in NYC are doing the right thing. They are focusing on WallStreet. They are crooks and swindlers and they feed the capitol. This is a long time coming. In my opinion almost 30 yrs overdue. Middle/worrking class Americans have finally shoock off that sleeping pill. The student debt esculated under the Bush adminstration. Laws were passed right before he left office to maintain the student debt. Will my children ever beable to shake this burden....is the question!?
Um, is this one of the laws that were "passed right before he left office to maintain the student debt" (whatever that means)
Bush Signs Sweeping Student Loan Bill Into Law
By Ian Shapira Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, September 28, 2007
President Bush signed into law yesterday a student loan bill that will provide more than $20 billion in federal aid to college students and is being likened to the G.I. Bill, which helped millions of World War II veterans attend college.
The law, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress, will slash federal subsidies to private loan companies and increase grants for students. It will gradually reduce interest rates on federally subsidized loans for low-income students to 3.4 percent over five years. The law will also offer loan forgiveness for those who have held public service jobs for 10 years and will cap payments on federal loans at a certain percentage of a college graduate's income.
The new law, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, overhauls the nation's student loan system. Recent investigations have revealed how lenders have showered university officials with gifts to woo student borrowers and drive up profits. Congress reacted sharply to the disclosures, and the support to revamp the student loan industry was considered a rare bipartisan endeavor.
The House of Representatives approved the law 292 to 97; the Senate vote was 79 to 12. Only Republicans voted against it.
"This bill will help ensure that no qualified student is prevented from going to college because of the cost," said Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), the House education committee chairman. He said he is proud that Congress has "provided the greatest investment to help students and parents pay for college since the G.I. Bill and has delivered on our promise to make college more affordable and accessible for families."
But as Bush signed the bill, he suggested that it is not perfect. "This bill makes some spending commitments that aren't paid for yet, and I look forward to working with the Congress to ensure Pell Grant increases that are not fully funded in this bill are paid for with offsets in other areas."
Lending industry advocates, who have been railing against the reforms since they were proposed, said Bush's signature will only hurt students and the lending companies. Kevin Bruns, executive director of America's Student Loan Providers, said the new law will take away 80 percent of the companies' federal subsidies over the next five years, which could result in fewer loan benefits for students.
Bruns said that about 3.5 million middle-class student borrowers might face a new reality in which lenders can no longer offer them interest-rate reductions for timely payments. "This bill is wiping out the profit margin for even the largest lenders," Bruns said. "How can you run a lender-based program if you're not allowed to earn a reasonable profit margin?"
Student advocates dismissed those criticisms. Luke Swarthout, a higher education advocate with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, said the backlash reflects complaints from one of the country's "more excessively subsidized industries." Two of the student-friendly parts of the bill, he said, are the increase in annual federal Pell Grants, which will shoot up to $4,800 next year, and the income-based payment cap.
"The program will stop people from making unmanageable payments," he said. "The concept is that no matter what job you take, your income is protected."
Barry Toiv, spokesman for the Association of American Universities, said the increase in Pell Grants is a victory for students, because the new law guarantees that the grants will reach a value of $5,400 a year by 2012 .
"The Pell Grant has not been close to keeping with the need out there with potential students," Toiv said. He said he is unsure whether lending companies will be crippled by the measures. "We think this is an important step in the right direction. I think we'll just have to see what the impact is. It's hard for us to know."
--Just curious...
DirtyD...The system can no longer SUSTAIN itself. Time to wipe the books clean and start over.
That's your response? Can you please tell me how "The student debt esculated [sic] under the Bush adminstration [sic]" and which "Laws were passed right before he left office to maintain the student debt"?
Do you really believe that Bush went to the colleges and told them that they have to charge more? Why is education any different than any other item that people want to buy? IF you are advocating that government should pay for education, where does it stop? Housing was already mentioned by dirtydismount, and look where it got us, a collapse of the banking industry. You are not worried about paying the debt that government is racking up to provide these services and entitlements? How about looking back in history to see how the number (as a percentage of the popultation) has increased that receives money from the government. These 1% that you claim benefit from this, how so? Exactally what percentage of the government bill (taxes) are they currently paying for almost 50% of the people to recieve government handouts?
C'mon now.. I said the administration. Bush was a puppet. He didn't have that much brains. Cheney was the brains in the administration.
n2k is referring to the point you made (albeit an unfounded one that you have yet to back up with any facts) not the semantics of whether it was one person or an administration.
The problem with all you people is that you paint everything with a broad brush and huge sweeping allegations that really only apply to a handful of bad people to malign an entire sector of the economy... (see what I just did there? ironic, huh?)
Speaking of which..."He didn't have that much brains" is the new thread winner! Couldn't cut through the irony of that one with an industrial plasma cutter and the jaws of life.
The same protests got the same response in London! except instead of night sticks it was water cannons and rubber bullets.
it’s not about making a living, it is about the fact that the WEALTH GAP between the top 1% and the other 99% is as big as it was during the robber baron days, and that leads to an inability for anyone who is not in the top 1% to have any political voice in our democracy. If you want to run for president, you need so much money to compete that you HAVE to be friendly to Wall Street. That is NOT democracy.
It is about POWER, not just WEALTH.
Anyone have a current status report?
the cops are massing a force,. grabbing up people,. not good.
The cops are also massing another force, every person they hit is ten more people who comes the next week. But still, for now I'm more hopeful nobody gets too hurt.
But it won't be the people you need. This is chaos, much of it provoked by the people not moving. The average citizen is not into that crap, no matter how hard it is for us to pay our mortgage. These videos are attracting the wrong people- you've got anarchists posting on Youtube some pretty viscous stuff. Average people don't like police brutality, but they also don't want to be involved in something that appears to be bordering on anarchy.
we're all the 99% my friend. get in the streets, then you'll see.
Anarchy? Check the org videos in the newest entry. That's anarchy.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW6HUf9cLt4&feature=youtu.be
You all go home and get a job! Stop blaming Capitalism for your failures! If you don’t like Capitalism, you can go to Cuba or Venezuela where it’s not welcome. But promise you won’t ever come back to the United States please! Give up your citizenship.
You all go home and get a job! Stop blaming Capitalism for your failures! If you don’t like Capitalism, you can go to Cuba or Venezuela where it’s not welcome. But promise you won’t ever come back to the United States please! Give up your citizenship.
You all go home and get a job! Stop blaming Capitalism for your failures! If you don’t like Capitalism, you can go to Cuba or Venezuela where it’s not welcome. But promise you won’t ever come back to the United States please! Give up your citizenship.
I think that the next step is a general strike across America. Actually, the American dream is alive, well and flourishing in Asia -- billions of dollars in American and Western European capital is flooding out of those economies and into Asia, because investment capital always follows the highest return possible. What was a trickle is now turning into a floodtide, and the closer that Barack Obama appears to be moving toward re-election, the more that flood will increase. You can't wait for the government or anyone outside yourself to give you anything on a silver platter. You have to take responsibility for the situation in which you find yourself, say "no one will help me but myself", and if you can't find a job, start your own business. Do you remember the vendors of "I[heart]NY" t-shirts in the background of the FOX NEWS reports? They are taking positive steps to improve their situation. If I were in the NY area (I'm in Asia), my first thought would be "how can I enrich myself as a result of this demonstration?" As it is, I will profit in a minor way, but if I were at Liberty Square, I could make a lot of money from what you're doing! If I can, I win, you lose!
I think that the next step is a general strike across America. Actually, the American dream is alive, well and flourishing in Asia -- billions of dollars in American and Western European capital is flooding out of those economies and into Asia, because investment capital always follows the highest return possible. What was a trickle is now turning into a floodtide, and the closer that Barack Obama appears to be moving toward re-election, the more that flood will increase. You can't wait for the government or anyone outside yourself to give you anything on a silver platter. You have to take responsibility for the situation in which you find yourself, say "no one will help me but myself", and if you can't find a job, start your own business. Do you remember the vendors of "I[heart]NY" t-shirts in the background of the FOX NEWS reports? They are taking positive steps to improve their situation. If I were in the NY area (I'm in Asia), my first thought would be "how can I enrich myself as a result of this demonstration?" As it is, I will profit in a minor way, but if I were at Liberty Square, I could make a lot of money!
I think that the next step is a general strike across America. Actually, the American dream is alive, well and flourishing in Asia -- billions of dollars in American and Western European capital is flooding out of those economies and into Asia, because investment capital always follows the highest return possible. What was a trickle is now turning into a floodtide, and the closer that Barack Obama appears to be moving toward re-election, the more that flood will increase. You can't wait for the government or anyone outside yourself to give you anything on a silver platter. You have to take responsibility for the situation in which you find yourself, say "no one will help me but myself", and if you can't find a job, start your own business. Do you remember the vendors of "I[heart]NY" t-shirts in the background of the FOX NEWS reports? They are taking positive steps to improve their situation. If I were in the NY area (I'm in Asia), my first thought would be "how can I enrich myself as a result of this demonstration?" As it is, I will profit in a minor way, but if I were at Liberty Square, I could make a lot of money!
I think that the next step is a general strike across America. Actually, the American dream is alive, well and flourishing in Asia -- billions of dollars in American and Western European capital is flooding out of those economies and into Asia, because investment capital always follows the highest return possible. What was a trickle is now turning into a floodtide, and the closer that Barack Obama appears to be moving toward re-election, the more that flood will increase. You can't wait for the government or anyone outside yourself to give you anything on a silver platter. You have to take responsibility for the situation in which you find yourself, say "no one will help me but myself", and if you can't find a job, start your own business. Do you remember the vendors of "I[heart]NY" t-shirts in the background of the FOX NEWS reports? They are taking positive steps to improve their situation. If I were in the NY area (I'm in Asia), my first thought would be "how can I enrich myself as a result of this demonstration?" As it is, I will profit in a minor way, but if I were at Liberty Square, I could make a lot of money!
cops. the only people who could make your flaky "movement" look good by comparison.
Nothing like a man in uniform beating and gassing civilians, eh, jlivermore?
flaky? Do you even know what a Credit Default Swap is? I think you are probably just ignorant of how our financial system works. Here's a chart to explain what has happened in the last 30 years in America: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmIXcDl-yTs/ToWD6g7tDcI/AAAAAAAAAQA/iPXlSLvVJLs/s1600/04reich-graphic-popup.jpg What people used to have as wealth, they now have as debt. And that money went straight to the top 1%.
Yes I do know what a CDS is. "What people used to have as wealth, they now have as debt." What the hell is this supposed to mean? I didn't use to have wealth that is now debt and I'm willing to bet you didn't either. Neither did poor people and neither did the rich.