Protesters beware!

[scarlet_minnow]

I just got some very disturbing news from a friend of mine who is heavily involved in anti-war protests...
He reports that he was beaten and arrested by the Seattle police, despite the fact he was involved in a non-violent protest during which he complied with all laws and police orders. One of the things the police did was allege he had a knife... the "knife" in question was actually a garden tool he had in his backpack (he didn't even brandish it; apparently the police spotted it when he reached into his bag to put his nalgene back in).
Anyway, I have read about such incidents of improper police violence before in Seattle, but to hear a good friend tell about it and to see him visibly traumatized (and he is no stranger to protest and it's aftermath) was heartbreaking.
Protest the war, but PLEASE watch out for your own personal safety and the safety of those around you! If you aren't outraged, you aren't paying attention...

[186k\sec]

be outragged ! YES!!!! , but leave the garden tools at home, alridey?

[Tecknowledgy]

I am outraged, but this comes with the territory. Expect to be beaten or sprayed or arrested when protesting...stay peaceful so the police are the only parties perpetuating violent acts.

[scarlet_minnow]

Check out pgs 12-13 of the current Stranger for news of the protests... interesting that they only say this, "While some protesters came forward at a March 25 City Council hearing with accounts of strong-arm police tactics, for the most part cops did their job when protesters took to the streets (an arrestable offense as the protesters had been told earlier)".

Problem is, in this case, he WASN'T in the street, he was on the sidewalk, right where the police wanted 'em. **rolls eyes**

And, last time I checked, carrying around a garden took in your backpack is NOT a crime. Grrrrrrr...