Police officers and daily life
First, a little video from Treehugger taken during a “Critical Mass” rally.
Critical Mass is a peaceful, nonviolent bicycle ride promoting the use of nonpolluting transportation,” said Critical Mass participant Barbara Ross, in a statement. “There is no reason for the police to use such unprovoked violent tactics.” Cyclist Richard Vazques then evidently had to spend 26 hours in jail for resisting arrest.
Now you’re prepared to watch these two videos, offering very sound advice.
Tree hugger describes critical mass but unfortunately it has been getting more and more violent here in Seattle. What that video doesn’t show is what the cyclist did to be detained by the police. It’s hard to believe that NYPD would randomly tackle someone like that without necessary cause.
Good videos from boing boing though, thanks for the link.
corey
28 July 2008 at 10:21 pm
Watching the video, I don’t find it hard to believe. Note this from the Treehugger link:
And that link also quotes a story in the Globe and Mail:
So you now have the policeman’s side of the story.
LeisureGuy
29 July 2008 at 8:40 am
The NYT says, “The officer has been placed on modified assignment pending further investigation of the incident.”
Which is different than stripping him of his badge and gun.
I’m not trying to side with the police for everything, but there is a lot more to this story than this video clip shows, which is usually the case. It seems obvious that the officers were specifically looking for this individual. If you look :22 seconds into the video you can see both officer recognize the suspect and move in to detain him.
That being said I completely disagree with city’s decision to try to limit the 1st amendment right to gather. If it turns out that the officer tackled him for merely a permit violation that I would be happy to agree that his use of force was excessive. From 1:13 minute video clip however, there isn’t enough to jump to conclusions and start throwing left wing/right wing slander, hate, and propaganda the way people have.
Corey
29 July 2008 at 9:13 pm
Wow. I hope that I’m not included among those who have thrown the things listed in your last paragraph.
I assume that in time we’ll get the full story. Certainly it will come out at the bicyclist’s trial.
LeisureGuy
30 July 2008 at 6:35 am
No I don’t consider you one of those at all, I realized after I posted it that it may have come off that way, I’m sorry. I’m referring to the ridiculous barrage of comments left on the youtube video’s page.
The event just rubs me the wrong way since here in Seattle Critical Mass has been getting out of control with assaults after assaults from bicyclist. Treehugger called it a peaceful protest, and I understand that a few bad apples can ruin a good thing. I suppose I’m just getting frustrated with the lack of objectivity and or pragmatism in getting 75% of my news from the blogosphere .
Corey
30 July 2008 at 9:39 pm
Yes, I also have noticed a tendency on the part of some writers, perhaps intoxicated by anonymity, to over-react to incidents. I’ve done it some myself, I think—carried away by the emotions of the moment. At least we have a process in law that generally brings out the facts in a public way.
I do appreciate your comment though—good events can get ruined by a small pack of bad actors.
LeisureGuy
31 July 2008 at 7:41 am
More on the incident from Raw Story.
LeisureGuy
31 July 2008 at 11:54 am
Good link to the Raw Story,
“forcing multiple vehicles to stop abruptly or change their direction to avoid hitting the defendant.”
Unfortunately I would say that the officer’s level of force does not seem reasonable and necessary. If he is trying to articulate the bicyclist aiming at him, the video clearly shows otherwise.
corey
31 July 2008 at 5:35 pm