Cop who shoved DNC protester to the ground cleared by Denver DA
Decision cites that CodePink activist failed to comply with order
By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 23, 2008 at 8:13 p.m.
Updated September 24, 2008 at 11:05 a.m.
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The district attorney's office will not file charges against a Denver police officer who was videotaped shoving an activist to the ground at a protest during the Democratic National Convention last month.
On Aug. 26, CodePink activist Alicia Forrest, 24, and several others were asking police officers why they were arresting another protester outside Civic Center.
Forrest said at the time that Officer Scott Stewart poked her twice with his riot baton.
Stewart then pushed her with the long side of the stick once before yelling "back up, b----" and shoving her hard to the ground, where she lands with a scream and a loud smack.
The final blow was captured by a Rocky videographer.
"A thorough review of all the evidence compels the conclusion that a woman failed to comply with repeated lawful police orders to move back," said Lynn Kimbrough, spokeswoman for the Denver DA's office.
"She then grabbed an officer's baton, pushing it away. The officer pushed back, using the baton, and the woman fell to the ground. She was not injured. It was these facts that were considered in the decision."
Forrest referred questions to her attorney, Dan Recht, when contacted Tuesday for comment on the DA's decision.
"It's outrageous that the Denver DA would choose not to file assault charges against the officer who struck Alicia Forrest," Recht said.
"The incident was caught on video by a Rocky Mountain News cameraman and clearly shows the officer bashing Alicia with his baton in what can only be described as an excessive use of force."
But Kimbrough said that the video clip wasn't the only evidence in the case.
"The completed investigation included information was provided from witnesses at the scene, the officer and the woman who was involved," she said.
The video, which cuts out for a few minutes before showing Forrest being dragged away and arrested while talking to reporters, stirred controversy when it was posted on the Internet.
"There will be an internal investigation into the incident," said John White, spokesman for Denver police.
It was not known Tuesday how long that investigation would take, but White said Stewart's work status has not changed since the incident.
Forrest has a disposition hearing Oct. 15 to discuss the criminal interference charges against her.
Recht said he doesn't believe that the district attorney's actions Tuesday would affect Forrest's criminal case, which he is hoping to have dismissed.
"The issue remains whether Alicia will bring a civil suit against the officer, and that has not been determined yet," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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September 23, 2008
8:40 p.m.
Who_Me writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 23, 2008
8:46 p.m.
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mtnsrfer writes:
Yes it is. As long as you say it while complying with their orders.
September 23, 2008
8:54 p.m.
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haloguy628 writes:
So much pent up aggression, and total disregard and disrespect toward public on part of the police force. Well the rulers succeeded in creating vicious force where every civilian is considered criminal and "perp", and laws are designed to keep people down.
Well but we have what we wanted. The constant demand for new laws when something bad happens, and the clever use of fear tactics on the part of the government that manipulated the public created this quasi-police state where lawyers and law enforcement are the ruling class.
Meantime the terrorists are laughing at us because they succeeded in destroying our freedoms and way of life. Time to wake up and take the country back from the "protectors".
September 23, 2008
8:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
Finding_Forever writes:
Wow, proof positive that the DPD doesn't give a damn about you, you OR you. He shoved her kind of hard with that baton; she's lucky that fine upstanding gentleman didn't shoot her a** first though.
September 23, 2008
8:59 p.m.
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Who_Me writes:
Or knock her teeth out on the pavement.
September 23, 2008
9:02 p.m.
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MTN_Frank writes:
God Bless America
September 23, 2008
9:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
Unarmed citizens getting knocked to the ground. Running dogs getting gunned down just for escaping their yards. Taxpayers getting held up for almost a trillion dollars. Our prisons containing twenty-five percent of the world's incarcerated.
Remember singing "America the Beautiful" as school children? This is not the country I thought I was singing about back then.
September 23, 2008
9:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
MileHighPatriot writes:
She should do more squats, lunges, and leg extensions so her pink legs keep her standing next time.
All these 'protesters' want is national attention which they got. They simply didn't get the better end of Denver. Denver came out in numbers to deter all the chatter of how those groups were planning to disrupt everything. These groups purposely set up scenes like this to test police officers, and hope that they use excessive force.
This officer called her a bia.... so what? She might be.
September 23, 2008
9:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
davies writes:
Well, I have heard of the Fashion Police before, but this is the first time I've actually seen them in action. Did you see those boots? I think she got off easy.
September 23, 2008
9:17 p.m.
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jhdteacher writes:
god bless the world
September 23, 2008
9:25 p.m.
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Who_Me writes:
I was going to go there about the boots, but it was too easy.
September 23, 2008
9:29 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
She egged him on and grabbed his baton besides ignoring warnings to move back. Sorry, but you do not put your hands on a cop. She got what she deserved.
September 23, 2008
10:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
WHATRIGHTS writes:
Ditto mytwosense. Don't forget the piece if your a victim of an armed robbery you get handcuffed, you people who think that this is ok are exactly the reason why more and more of our rights are violated, scratch that not even violated just plain taken away, if you want to give up your rights what are doing here? This is America....you know land of the free, wonder why the 1st ammendment is freedom of speech, why not somewhere else....huh maybe it was important?
And on the prisons, 70% of those people are non violent offenders.....but we can't forget our little friend who is here illegally and has 16 arrests and is still here or the pedifiles that only see probation, or the drug addict that will only see 6 months for putting meth in her babies bottle....but geez speak up for yourself, stand up for yourself and you are condemned because another human being with a gun and badge has all the rights...sick, sick, sick!
September 23, 2008
10:23 p.m.
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Otter writes:
I watched Code Pink last night on pay per view. Can't imagine why anyone would protest against it.
September 23, 2008
10:30 p.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
We live in a police state where an average citizen can be beaten, mauled, and drug through the streets by the hair without cause by a police officer and there will be no justice. This is what you get when a republican is in the white house. The filth trickles down.
September 23, 2008
10:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Francesca writes:
Alicia, do you want some cheese with that whine? Hon, there you were, an identified protester, "asking" why another protester was being arrested (like we are supposed to believe you were being polite) you better understand you aren't earning much respect by virtue of your actions. Next time, just MYOB.
Nice boots. Ahem.
September 24, 2008
12:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
I dont feel sorry for this group called Code Pink! This is the same group that blocked the entrance to a Marine Recruiting office in Berkley, CA and they pushed and shoved aplenty.
They are socialist with one agenda not peace but to turn this country into a socialist Country! Thats why they support Castro, Chavez....As a matter of fact the leader of this group was married in Cuba to a Communist Party leader!
September 24, 2008
12:31 a.m.
GodzillaSr writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 24, 2008
12:50 a.m.
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redsoxfan1 writes:
EZBakeOven writes:
She egged him on and grabbed his baton besides ignoring warnings to move back. Sorry, but you do not put your hands on a cop. She got what she deserved.
I agree, this woman that you all put up as an example of police brutality, is in fact a criminal herself. She assaulted an officer,who was giving LAWFUL orders. In Denver that is a FELONY. She not only got what she deserved, she got off easy!
GOD BLESS AMERICA
land that I love and served
September 24, 2008
1 a.m.
Suggest removal
Really writes:
HA HA Hippy... Next step, dismiss your BS lawsuit!!
September 24, 2008
1:19 a.m.
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agzela writes:
Code Pink, another “anti-war” organization hiding its ideology, is run by communist associate Medea Benjamin. Code Pink has primarily chosen women to lie to, taking advantage of the genuine concern that some homemakers and grandmas have about the Iraq war and using them to add voices at local protests.
Benjamin’s main claim to fame is organizing the violent 1999 World Trade Organization protests in Seattle in which she used the Marxist World Worker’s party to help supply bodies. The ensuing riots injured innocent bystanders, caused millions of dollars of property damage for business owners and taxpayers, and left many out of a job. A long time friend of Leslie Cagan, a longtime communist activist and devotee of Fidel Castro who was active in the American Communist Party commencing in the Vietnam War era. She was also a member of the Communist Party USA’s Committee for Correspondence. Her goals are the promotion of communism and the destruction of the current U.S. system of democracy.
Ms. Benjamin also has formed a group in Baghdad called Occupation Watch dedicated to demoralizing U.S. troops by encouraging them to abandon the Iraqi people and obtain discharges under false pretenses. She was also behind placing in Baghdad the pre-war “human shields” whose dedication to the cause was quickly revealed when they headed for high ground just prior to shock and awe.
September 24, 2008
1:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
Parents, if your well-intentioned college student was participating in a “peace” protest during DNC, these are his or her partners.
They are not patriotic Americans who love peace and hate war. They are unpatriotic Americans who love communism and hate us. Human freedom is their enemy, and they have snared thousands of uninformed protesters into their web.
They are brilliantly deceptive as they cleverly incorporate their communist beliefs into activism that they cover in a mainstream cloaking device. But if they are so dedicated and proud of their beliefs, why do they strive to hide them?
Communism was, and continues to be, a plague on mankind. It has caused incalculable economic and ecological destruction as well as extinguishing the human spirit of millions of our global neighbors, past and present.
As today’s communist movement like CODE PINK ironically uses the freedom of speech stripped from those under communist rule to ruthlessly and deliberately promote their agenda.
September 24, 2008
1:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
jugdish writes:
jbowen43 writes:
We live in a police state where an average citizen can be beaten, mauled, and drug through the streets by the hair without cause by a police officer and there will be no justice. This is what you get when a republican is in the white house. The filth trickles down.
WHERE DO CLOWNS LIKE THIS COME FROM? "WE LIVE IN A POLICE STATE?" UNBELIEVEABLE. "THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN A REPUBLICAN IS IN THE WHITE HOUSE?" WHAT? "THE FILTH TRICKLES DOWN?" HUH? THIS POSTER SHOULD BE FITTED FOR A STRAIGHT JACKET. THIS IS SHEER CRAZY TALK. BTW: DRUG THROUGH THE STREETS? YOU MEAN DRAGGED? HERE'S A TIP...MOVE! AND DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU ON THE A** ON THE WAY OUT. I'LL TAKE THIS "POLICE STATE" OVER ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. I'VE VISITED MANY. DOUBT YOU HAVE.
September 24, 2008
4:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
MilesUnltd writes:
I was leaning toward supporting the cop until he called the protester the b word and bashed the female to the ground. No reason for any of that. Cops with that sort of mentality are what gives the DPD its well earned rep. I expect cops to be above and beyond that sort of behavior-under any circumstances. Their supposed to be the pros, not act like they just got out of prison.
September 24, 2008
6:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
Lemmingsfollowidiots writes:
The alarmists are at it again. The Rule of Law is required to keep the freedom many want to enjoy. Radicals depend on unreasoned responses as shown by the anarchists and their absurd responses posted here. You want the freedom to take other people's freedom away by going against the very laws that are meant to protect us.
A friend of mine was a devoted anarchist until he started to get a better paying job providing him with some nicer things in life. His friends then brought their anarchist actions to his home and took things from him all in the name of their movement. It was amazing to see the change in him from anarchist to mainstream. Yep, he was all for Raging against the machine until it affected him personally. Now he rages against the anarchist! ROTFLMAO
A HUGE THANK YOU to our Police Force and the difficult job they have dealing with the mindless, senseless and idiotic fringe people.
September 24, 2008
6:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
wmurdo writes:
Alicia- Welcome to the real world! Unlike in Pinkoland there are consequences for your actions...get real, get over it, or get out.
September 24, 2008
7:07 a.m.
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River_Bolden writes:
There are those in the district attorney's office whom have political aspirations. This case isn't worth the risk. The just hope to sweep it under the rug and hope it will go away.
-River Bolden
September 24, 2008
7:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
Duckster writes:
Once again the sheltered liberal kids learn what ghetto thugs have always known: You don't put your hands on the police without expecting to come away sorry.
As soon as she grabbed his baton and yelled "F--ing do it again!" (mark of a true lady there, eh?) then it was pretty much ordained that she was going to be repelled. When the police back down in the face of a minor assault, the crowd is encouraged to press them more. Verbal abuse and taunts are fine, but the line stops at touching the police.
In my days as a cop, I've hit 'em harder, but just like in that instance, it was always warranted by the aggression of the "peaceful protester".
http://lagniappeslair.blogspot.com/
September 24, 2008
7:22 a.m.
1968camaro writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 24, 2008
7:35 a.m.
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Tunlrat writes:
Police state.... blah, blah, blah. Prisons to capacity in the country...... blah, blah, blah. Denver Police again......blah, blah, blah. Protect the public you serve...... blah, blah, blah. What about the illegals?....blah, blah, blah. When protesters were "victimized", like when anti-protesters showed up at DNC, which Re-Create '68 and Code Pink had happen several times, they ran straight to the police and wanted the other people arrested for exercising THEIR RIGHTS. They system only works when it works for you. The cops were only there because of the public threats made by protest groups to disrupt the convention, then when they show up and get knocked down or arrested there's all these complaints. Don't do stupid S*&%, and listen when ordered to back away and you don't get pushed.Do something proactive to make the world better or shut up. If your hands get dirty, or you go to jail, that's your commitment and choice if you don't follow the rules. I'm sure the cops would rather have spent the week drinking coffe at the local 7-11 or spending time with their families or golfing.
September 24, 2008
7:41 a.m.
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EdVMorales writes:
Maybe I'll push someone to the ground and let's see what happens to me.
September 24, 2008
7:51 a.m.
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Tunlrat writes:
Cool,push away. But make sure the other person instigates it, acting like an A%% before the cameras start rolling and then continue to give orders to back up. You should be ok with the DA.
September 24, 2008
7:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
I don't believe the DA's story that this woman put her hands on the cop, or grabbed his baton.
If you listen to the video, you hear her saying, or some female saying, "Why don't you try that again?" You do NOT hear the cop saying that, which would indicate that maybe she was putting her hands on him or his baton.
And even if she did, all he had to do was grab her by the arms, cuff her, compel her to a nearby car, and take her in.
What's more, the witnesses at the time told a completely different story than what the DA is saying witnesses are holding forth now. I'm sure the "witnesses" the DA is referring to are other cops.
There ARE good cops, yes. I've had cops do extraordinarily helpful things for me in the past (one time I ran out of gas and a cop took me to a store to get more, was very patient and friendly about the whole matter). BUT, there is also an unofficial loyalty oath among cops where they will lie to keep one of their own out of trouble.
What amazes me is that all this was on video - and the DA still took the cop's side. Essentially, the DA is telling anyone who watched that video that 2+2=5.
September 24, 2008
7:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
davies writes:
EdV: Disobey a cop's lawful order and then verbally and physically interfere with him/her, and yeah, let's see what happens to you. But don't worry, then you can join Big_D's civil disobedience campaign, and just blame Republicans for whatever happens to you.
September 24, 2008
8:12 a.m.
Mayor_Quimby writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 24, 2008
8:19 a.m.
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WHATRIGHTS writes:
Tunlrat, you say do something proactive to make it better, what is it you suggest? If you speak when not spoken to when it comes to law enforcement you are putting your life in danger, cause all of a sudden you were coming at them, they felt threatened, blah, blah, blah.
Police should not be the judge, jury and executioner. They are people, I was raised around plenty of them, feds, state and locals and they were a crazy group of people...a little high strung at times but none the less crazy. I do not believe that police should be able to use excessive force, there was only words flying around according the article, the cop shoved her to the ground because she was speaking and more than a few folks above think thats ok, when does it stop? When do we quit giving up our rights and being complacent with how out of control it is getting? Enough is enough, police are just PEOPLE. People who have chosen a line of work and more than one cop has been noted for over stepping their bounds, but only after they are caught on tape doing it, we are not innocent until proven guilty, look at the whole judicial system, you are guilty until you can prove yourself innocent, yes prove yourself innocent, not very many affordable attorneys are going to help you.
It's not about this one incident above, it's about multiple incidences that are happening, the man whose face was shoved into the cement, thank goodness a passer by caught it on tape, that guy was up for charges of assaulting a police officer, who was undercover and in street clothes and flicked his hat, or the woman who was arrested in Longmont mistaken identity, mistaken for 6 weeks behind bars, its frustrating that citizens are being accausted when illegals are arrested 16 times and allowed to remain here....when does it stop?
September 24, 2008
8:20 a.m.
gs writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 24, 2008
8:21 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
MG, I assume I watched the same video and heard the same things being said in it that you did.
As I stated in my last post, if the woman was truly putting her hands on the cop, it makes more sense that HE would have been the one saying "Try that again."
And here's one more thing to consider. Do you seriously believe a cop would let a protester push them even once without immediately arresting them on the spot for doing so? Yet the DA is telling us that this cop actually allowed that to happen. We're supposed to believe a cop who struck a woman to the ground and called her a b!tch actually let her push him around first. Come on!
I think a lot of folks just hate Code Pink so much, they're refusing to acknowledge the holes in the DA's story.
September 24, 2008
8:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
davies writes:
My2sense:
"There ARE good cops, yes. I've had cops do extraordinarily helpful things for me in the past..."
OK, so cops are good if they help you when you run out of gas. Gosh, how generous of you to acknowledge their very occasional merit in providing roadside assistance. But they actually do have other assigned duties too, sometimes including crowd control. Now let's see how you conclude that virtually all cops and the DA's office are crooked.
You say: "If you listen to the video, you hear her saying, or some female saying, "Why don't you try that again?" You do NOT hear the cop saying that..."
So the cop has to say "why don't you try that again", or else in your mind he has not been unlawfully interfered with? Is that your only logical conclusion? Ever consider the possibility that maybe the cop gave her a measured push back to reinforce his lawful order for her to back up, at which point she advances again, grabs his stick and dares him to push her again? In other words, can you not even consider that she was escalating the situation, as the DA's report concludes?
Then you say: "What's more, the witnesses at the time told a completely different story than what the DA is saying witnesses are holding forth now. I'm sure the "witnesses" the DA is referring to are other cops..."
Would these earlier witnesses be other protesters, who may also have simply been trying to escalate the situation? Do you think the "us versus them" mentality is limited to the police? The DA interviewed witnesses, so you simply dismiss this fact by saying you are "sure the "witnesses"... are other cops". Well thank you for that bit of unbiased reassurance.
I'm sure glad you approve of the cops helping you when you run out of gas, anyway.
September 24, 2008
8:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
777J writes:
Cops, DAs & Judges. They are all on the same team and virtually NEVER turn on one of their own. We are living in a police state - you just don't know it. We all talk about how this is the land of the free but actually our freedoms have been massively eroded over the last 8 years. The only remaining thing we have is redress in our courts - and now even that is slipping away.
Call the Mayor, call your congressman, call the DA, tell them how you feel. Otherwise they will do what ever they feel like.
September 24, 2008
8:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
Sorry davies, if I had known that citing a positive, personal annecdote about the police was going to offend you so much, I would have refrained from doing so.
--rolls eyes--
Can't win with you people. You've made up your mind, despite what you saw on this video, that the cop was the victim.
I seriously doubt you would have the same opinion if it was a rightwinger protester who got knocked to the ground.
September 24, 2008
8:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
MarineGrunt writes: "Many independent reports have this woman "hounding" this officer while he was crossing the street. Yelling at him to,"try that again!" while in IN HIS FACE."
Can you direct us to these reports? Are they available online somewhere?
September 24, 2008
8:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
denverrma writes:
What is so difficult to understand? When an officer says to 'Back off" a couple of times nicely, and he/she is not complied with, the next step is going to be more aggressive. Too bad girly...
Good job officer...you COULD have really let her have it! Now that would have been excessive. You delved out the next logical step; move the protester aside. She fell and down and went boom! Oh my!
September 24, 2008
8:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
RMA, he did really let her have it. What he was supposed to do, if indeed she was interfering with his efforts to maintain crowd control, was simply arrest her and remove her from the scene. He's damn lucky that the reckless reaction he chose instead didn't spark a riot. In fact, in the original story the RMN posted several weeks back, he was immediately taken off the streets after this incident occurred.
September 24, 2008
8:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
Duckster: "As soon as she grabbed his baton and yelled "F--ing do it again!" (mark of a true lady there, eh?) then it was pretty much ordained that she was going to be repelled."
This did not happen. You DID watch the video, didn't you? Amazing.
September 24, 2008
8:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
cdmdenver writes:
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THESE DA'S?
These DA's and Courts have their OWN agenda,
complicity, perjury, felony abuse, its all in their
bag of tricks. Maybe you forgot about our Famous
DA Ritter who exonerated that find upstanding
officer Bini!
Time to call in the Fed's-Dept. of Justice, too
much complicity, and unlawful actions here in Denver.
September 24, 2008
9:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
BillK writes:
"This did not happen."
Based on the video that only captures the last few minute of the multi-minute exchange?
Isn't it funny how this seems to be happening more and more often lately - a Code Pink or other professional protest organization protester clearly engages in disrespectful and provocative actions towards the Police, and a video shows up containing only the final actions of the Police making it look like the officer was randomly violent.
Nah. Must just be paranoid.
September 24, 2008
9:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
BillK, yes, you are paranoid. The video was taken by a RMN reporter on the scene. Or are you so paranoid you believe the RMN is secretly in cahoots with Code Pink?
September 24, 2008
9:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
If this Lady was asked repeated times then she is in the wrong. I don’t agree with some of the DPD actions but his actions were well within his power. People like this woman do have the right to speak their opinion but at the same time you need to respect the police officers that are there to also protect you and other people.
Quit being a victim and looking for the easy money. I wonder how many people were trying to get roughed up by the cops so they could file a lawsuit and then claim the government is oppressing their opinions. Funny part is she spoke english and still didn't do as asked was asked I guess a Baton doesnt say "get your A$$ moving".
September 24, 2008
9:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
WHATRIGHTS writes:
"You get two choices and the first choice doesn't count...."
Of course not your absolutely right, our choices unless in alignment with yours doesn't count....you must be all for the police state....maybe you'll choke on your one choice when it violates you! Unless of course you are part of the so called judicial system, then you have nothing to worry about.
September 24, 2008
9:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
YIOTA, in the end it comes down to suspending your own personal biases enough to make an objective decision based on the video, witness accounts, and logic.
The video shows a cop using extreme force and abusive language. Yes, it doesn't show what led up to the exchange, so here is where witness accounts come in.
The cops are saying one thing. The protesters another. However, when this event first happened, the cop in question was immediately pulled off the streets, which leads me to believe the DPD initially felt he did something wrong.
Now, using my logic, I go back to the event captured on film.
My logic tells me that the taped actions of this cop indicate he DOES NOT possess the kind of control over his temper to actually let a protester grab his baton and push him several times. As the DA is now insisting.
And regardless, he used excessive force, period. He should have followed procedure and just arrested her. Why wasn't this immediately done? Why didn't the cops arrest her until she was being interviewed by reporters? That is clearly on the tape, you know.
September 24, 2008
9:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
Note to protesters: MESS WITH THE BULL - YOU GET THE HORN.
YOU make a CHOICE to get in someone's face (let alone a cop) - then YOU take the responsibility for what happens. I'm glad the judge threw this out.
He repeatedly told her to back off. Actually, I think he showed restraint considering this was in an environment where the protesters were threatening to throw urine on the cops.
September 24, 2008
9:39 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
YIOTA, I'm not talking about police states in my post, so why are you asking me these questions?
But since you asked, absolutely the Patriot Act has infringed upon our rights, especially to due process. Have you ever actually read it?
September 24, 2008
9:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
YIOTA, I don't have to know someone personally being affected by a law to question its fairness. Just knowing such laws exist scares me. History shows us that erosion of rights doesn't happen overnigt. It happens by degree, until one day, those who aren't doing anything wrong still get arrested.
And I still say so much of the support for this cop's actions stems from an abiding hatred of those who are against the war in Iraq.
For example, you may hate Code Pink, but can you truly say in your heart you would feel the same way if that was a *supporter* of the war in Iraq getting slammed to the ground and called a b!tch? Or a pro-life activist?
September 24, 2008
9:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
newshound writes:
As long as I am not doing anything illegal, the Patriot Act doesn't effect me, so why is it so wrong. It was designed to safeguard citizens of this country.
And as for the protester....you are seriously filing a law suit for getting "pushed." I hear stories like this every day and it makes me think that Americans are getting way to soft. Quit being an idiot and either comply with Police orders or leave. You don't like it, leave. Got live in another country where your actions would have received much harsher punishment.
September 24, 2008
9:59 a.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
I guess i dont speak english either.
"Funny part is she spoke english and still didn't do as asked was asked I guess a Baton doesnt say "get your A$$ moving"."
I Meant "Funny part is she spoke english and still didn't do what she was asked, I guess a Baton doesnt say "get your A$$ moving".
September 24, 2008
10 a.m.
Suggest removal
gypsy214 writes:
If this had been an isolated incident during the convention, there might be reason to think the police officer was in the right. But what about the incident with the ABC news producer? What about the poor 80 year old man who was cuffed and dragged off because - how shocking - he was walking to his bus stop from the library? And that's just during the convention. There have been far too many incidents in the last couple of years involving bad behavior by the police in Denver. Just one example - the cop that had a young man cuffed and on the ground, and proceeded to jump up and down on his back while holding on to a fence, causing extensive internal injury. Had this incident not been videotaped, nothing would ever have been said about it.
I have the utmost respect for the police WHEN THEY EARN IT - which is 99% of the time. It's just a shame that the entire DPD has to be tainted by the actions of a few morons who could use anger management classes.
And Yiota_lives - whether any of us know someone personally who has been affected by the Patriot Act, or any other of W's brilliant invasions of privacy, is irrelevant. Such things as large-scale wiretapping, without legal approval and often without cause, are constitutionally wrong - period.
September 24, 2008
10:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
mytwosense writes: "For example, you may hate Code Pink, but can you truly say in your heart you would feel the same way if that was a *supporter* of the war in Iraq getting slammed to the ground and called a b!tch? Or a pro-life activist?"
Actually, I would feel the same if they were threatening to behave the way Recreate'68 was. (throw urine, feces, bricks, etc. at the cops)
It is important to remember that the organizers of the protesters created the environment and the antagonism between the protesters and the police to begin with.
September 24, 2008
10:12 a.m.
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UNV_ME writes:
There was never an issue here in the first place. This should not have even come this far. There was no wrong doing on the police officer's part what so ever.
September 24, 2008
10:13 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
A point I'm trying to make that is understandably getting lost in my additional posts that cast doubt on the DA's version of events is this:
If the woman was indeed putting her hands on the cop's baton, challenging him, etc., she should have been ARRESTED - not knocked to the ground, called an abusive name, and only arrested after she started talking to the reporters.
Believe me, I would have hauled her off the minute she did put her hand on my baton if I was that cop. But the cop chose not to do so. He chose to react violently and abusively, and if that is actually written down in the books somewhere as normal procedure, we should be very, very scared.
We have to hold cops to a higher standard than we would if it was two private citizens having a heated exchange on the streets. Otherwise, it's a slippery slope from a mouthy protester getting this treatment to someone getting pulled over for speeding and not groveling enough to the cop's liking.
September 24, 2008
10:15 a.m.
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wyhammertime writes:
Looks like she is playing it up for the camera's those boots are so 70's the cop probably shoved her because of what she was wearing !! I wouldn't dress like that if I was locked in my house !!!
September 24, 2008
10:16 a.m.
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agzela writes:
Question? Why cant anyone accept that Code Pink wants this kind of attention that is why they use the "in your face" kind of protest?
Check Code Pink and you shall see what they did at Berkeley,CA, In Iraq by organizing Human Shields right before Shock and Awe! The numerous press statements by Medea Benjamin where she is quoted saying "Protest at all cost"! Why even argue when you know Code Pink and their agenda!
September 24, 2008
10:21 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
YIOTA, I agree their job is tough. More than tough, actually. They are constantly exposed to the negative side of humanity every day. What they do requires a tremendous amount of will and strength of character, because they are constantly put in situations every day where it's hard to remain objective.
I couldn't do it myself, my fuse is way too short. And that's exactly my point. This job shouldn't be given to someone like me with a short fuse who can't handle it!
And by handle, I mean exercising an extreme amount of self-control. If you can't keep your wits enough about you to simply follow procedure and arrest someone for interfering with police business instead of using violence and spitting out abusive language, find another job. This one is not for you.
Such actions cast a bad light on the cops who do manage to keep law and order while keeping control of their emotions.
September 24, 2008
10:27 a.m.
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timothyc writes:
I spent the week downtown pariticpating in many events. I went on a couple of marches with the Recreate 68, and feel the police were very respectful to us, but were present for our safety as well as keep any potential disruptions from escalating. Yes, they did have their hands full. I remember seeing these pink ladies getting in the way of traffic and pedestrians. I believe they pushed the police to their limits. It's her own fault. She has no one to blame but herself.
September 24, 2008
10:29 a.m.
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gary writes:
We live in a police state where an average citizen can be beaten, mauled, and drug through the streets by the hair without cause by a police officer and there will be no justice. This is what you get when a republican is in the white house. The filth trickles down.
Yep....and I thought it was Hickenlooper that was in charge of our police force.
When did he become a Republican?
Nuff Said!
September 24, 2008
10:35 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Well, the officer probably feels like he got his power trip in and then it's vindicated by the DA. So she's not complying like the officer wanted, but is it necessary to knock her down with a baton and call her a "b!t*h"? I hope she does file a civil suit, because the police department works for us citizens, they're in the positions they are to "serve and protect" us, not "serve" us with revenue-generating tickets, tasers or batons, and then "protect" the real criminals.
I've seen a video several times of a state trooper, I think in Michigan, where he gives a ticket to a driver and the driver is going off........ yelling and tearing the ticket up. The whole time, the trooper remains calm and cool. THAT, I respect big time. It shows he has power to use but not abuse. This is quite the opposite. The officer in this incident must have a huge ego problem, I wonder if he bullied other kids in school or got bullied and now feels like he has to get back at anyone he can.
September 24, 2008
10:39 a.m.
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yaakovwatkins writes:
Arresting someone means stopping a person from moving. When a police officer stops someone it is called a technical arrest. If the woman was not cooperating with his efforts to control where she went and what she was doing , she was resisting arrest.
It is not up to individuals to pass judgment on police officers doing their job. If an order is a legal order, we are required to act as if the officer had a legal reason for giving the order.
I remember I was pulled over while my 4 year old daughter was asleep in the car. I had violated no laws. The officer told me to get out of the car and stand there. Shortly a female officer showed up and had a conversation with my daughter and determined that she was in fact my daughter. I found out later that there had been a report of a possible kidnapping. But I did not know it then. I was required to wait even though I had done nothing wrong.
And the officer was not allowed to pass the report on to me because the police have to be careful to not start wild rumors.
Those of you, who think this is a police state, should go to China or North Korea and try arguing with a cop there. You will come back (if you come back) with a renewed appreciation for American police.
September 24, 2008
10:39 a.m.
Suggest removal
denverrma writes:
To: mytwosense.
Whether he 'really let her have it' or not, she was not complying with a peace officers order. This is only the fault of Pink Girl. None of this happens or becomes news if she does what she is suppose to do.
Your alternative of having her arrested would really have caused a stir....seeing as she was doing nothing wrong...in her words.
September 24, 2008
10:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
hillbillygoth, don't forget the Denver officers that tasered a senior citizen at City Park because he wasn't complying with officer orders while he was having a seizure. They even had the nerve to send him the hospital bill to have the barbs removed. Imagine having a seizure and having no control, laying there shaking and the officers feel big and bad and taser you for it. Also, the officers that slammed the guy's head into the ground, even knocking teeth out, and it was caught on video camera. The officers denied doing anything wrong until the video was presented, showing them abuse their power. More and more, we get to hear how some officers are nothing but criminals with badges.
September 24, 2008
10:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
Big_D writes:
"I think people should seriously start considering what civil nonviolent disobedience we need to pursue if they steal the election again. We know there were extreme irregularities in 2000 and 2004 and we need to let them know that it will not work this time."
Stupid post of the day............
September 24, 2008
10:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
RMAnderson: "Your alternative of having her arrested would really have caused a stir"
Dozens of people were arrested during the DNC. That issue is not creating near the amount of controversy that this one event is.
September 24, 2008
10:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
mytwosense....... nice post at 9:39 am. The Patriot Act does take away our civil liberties. For instance, even though we Americans are guaranteed the right to own firearms, the Patriot Act allows for law abiding citizens to have them taken away. After Hurricane Katrina, the National Guard went to homes and if citizens were in possession of firearms, the firearms were taken away. Despite the guarantee in the Constitution, the Patriot Act is, in a sense, unconstitutional. Watch "America: Freedom or Fascism" if you ever have a chance. It's a documentary on how both political parties are flushing this country down the toilet.
September 24, 2008
10:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
Sensible writes:
She definitely had it coming.
Excellent job Denver DA and Denver Police.
Only one complaint though... you let the real criminal get away, Obamamamamaa... what a crook.
McCain/Palin '08!
September 24, 2008
11:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
Cwilly, nice to find a thread where we finally have some common ground! (And believe it or not, I'm one liberal who supports our right to bear arms.) I'll check out that documentary, thanks for recommending it.
I also agree both parties are flushing this country down the toilet. It's one reason I dropped my Democrat affiliation years ago to become a registered Independent. More and more, I'm seriously considering a third-party vote this year. Obama and McCain have virtually indistinguishable stances on this whole bailout fiasco, for instance. Both are campaigning instead of being in Washington where they belong while this biggest giveaway in history is actually being considered.
September 24, 2008
11:22 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Ditto that mytwosense........ neither have shown their concern for our welfare in this.
After watching that documentary, it gave me a whole new perspective on both parties at the national level. I think at that stage, they're more like each other than they are like us, the average American citizen.
September 24, 2008
11:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
windskull writes:
Hurl profanity or verbally insult anyone in the course of merely existing day to day much less while performing your salaried job and you will be in anger management classes with a lifetime blemish on your resume!
Public Servants MUST be better trained and held to a higher degree of accountability for their actions, moving a crowd back is one thing but this was plain and simple an act of arrogant chauvinism by a 180lb man in riot gear that shoved a 100lb woman aggressively to the ground with a stick while hurling vulgarity at her no less and you just wait it might be tomorrow or even years but this individuals aggressive tendencies will end up hurting or killing someone
September 24, 2008
12:16 p.m.
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gs writes:
Nobody else saw some sexual tension in the tape of that incident? I must be nuts then.
September 24, 2008
12:54 p.m.
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Francesca writes:
gs, I didn't get that from the tape. But this video has been edited in a way that's just crying for flames.
My guess this is a trust-fund baby from back east, at DNC/Denver for the sole purpose of getting in peoples' faces and nothing else. CodePunk is a better word for these chicks.
September 24, 2008
12:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
Francesca writes:
Amaranth: That "lady" has a pretty foul mouth. Did you actually listen to her on the clip? That's a pretty low-class female if you ask me.
September 24, 2008
1:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
Mayor_Quimby writes:
She is your typical far left "woman" though the jury is still out on her sex. What a low class piece of cr*p.
September 24, 2008
2:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
AmaranthArticia writes: Seriously, what kind of man shoves a woman regardless of if they're police or not?!"
Being a woman does not mean you get to disregard police when they tell you to "back off". A woman can pull a trigger or throw a bomb too.
September 24, 2008
2:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
Ramalamadingdong writes:
She got what she wanted, fifteen minutes of fame as a "peaceful protester that was abused by police". If an officer gives you a reasonable order, you are to obey them. If you chose not to, then there can be consequences. I would think that she was hoping something like that would happen so she could play the victim card, unfortunately for her, it didn't work out too well.
September 24, 2008
2:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Ramalamadingdong writes:
notanamericansheep " I say its way past time to fight fire with fire."
Good idea, go give it a shot and we'll be reading about you tomorrow in the obituaries. Easy to talk tough on the web.
September 24, 2008
3:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
UNV_ME writes:
NOTAMERICANSHEEP... I saw the video... did you? The cop... or pig as you call him, says "get back" a few times before pushing her back. She lost her balance and fell. Nothing bruised except her ego. How can you defend her is the question... there was no call for her to be obstructing an officers actions or disregarding an order by a police officer. End of story. The courts feel the same way.
September 24, 2008
3:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
NOTANAMERICANSHEEP: I lived in Cuba where it was illegal to protest and if you did you would be sent to Jail to an automatic 25 years. You see the difference between this Country and any Communist or Nazi country! She was hoping that the cop would do what he did, if we let this communist CODE PINK get the last laugh even though she was clearly acting against the law, it will mean that Code Pink gets what it wants,, Civil disorder! They are breaking the laws everywhere they go by not just protesting but actively breaking laws and provoking!
September 24, 2008
3:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
Ill say it again- Today’s communist movement like CODE PINK ironically uses the freedom of speech stripped from those under communist rule to ruthlessly and deliberately promote their agenda under all the while saying they promote PEACE.
September 24, 2008
3:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
UNV_VE: "She lost her balance and fell."
Yeah, and you would too if someone twice your size knocked you down with a baton.
September 24, 2008
4:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
mytwosense:
Code Pink has harassed, vandalized and impeded military recruiters across the United States in a campaign it calls “counter-recruitment.” The group also gave $600,000 to the families of Iraqi terrorists in Fallujah, whom it called “insurgents” fighting for their homes.
Code Pink has also waged a campaign of psychological warfare against
America's wounded warriors and their families by protesting at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center, targeting them with signs bearing messages such as
“Maimed for a lie” and “Enlist here and die for Halliburton,” the joint statement from pro-troops groups said.
Code Pink, which is notorious for its attempts to shut down the Berkeley Marine Recruiting Center, occupying congressional offices, intimidating families of soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq, attacking opponents and disrupting Congress while dressed in Pepto Bismol-colored outfits. Dont you think we have had enough from this group!!!! Do you still think she is not guilty of anything???
September 24, 2008
4:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
PaleoConservative writes:
jbowen43 writes:
"We live in a police state where an average citizen can be beaten, mauled, and drug through the streets by the hair without cause by a police officer and there will be no justice. This is what you get when a republican is in the white house. The filth trickles down."
Explain Ruby Ridge, Waco, and the Elian Gonzalez incident. Do you recall who was in the White House back then? Oh. I didn't think so.
September 24, 2008
4:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
aryn writes:
Of course the DA would protect the police and charge the woman with a crime. They were both in the wrong! The DA is bias, shame on him!
September 24, 2008
4:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
NOTANAMERICANSHEEP: She was told to move not to shut up! My point is she doesnt say what Code Pink's real communist agenda is to divide this country!
Code Pink gives $600,000 to Iraqi Insurgents:
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/...
http://www.spacewar.com/2005/04123117...
And from the Code Pink website itself:
http://www.codepinkalert.org/article....
September 24, 2008
4:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
agzela, Code Pink is a fairly radical group, yes. But I believe they do these things because they are passionately against our soldiers dying or being horribly injured in what they view as an immoral war. I fully agree with them, in fact.
I will never understand why if you protest this war, it must mean you hate soldiers. Or, if you protest animal abuse, you must hate people. Or, if you go on strike for better wages, you're a pinko commie.
You haters like to yammer on and on about how soldiers fight for our rights to dissent and free speech, but when anyone actually tries to use these rights, if it's anything you disagree with, you call for blood! And you call yourself a patriot? What a joke.
At any rate, cops aren't supposed to brutalize members of a group just because they don't like that overall group. Once again, the cop simply could have arrested her if she was interfering with his efforts to control the crowd.
What he chose to do instead was wrong, period. And since the DA let him off, this maniac is now going to think he's above the laws he's supposed to uphold.
September 24, 2008
4:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
esarem writes:
Whatever happened to the Pig who attacked the bicyclist on the video? Is he in jail for assault?
September 24, 2008
4:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
I actually dont agree with the Iraqi war! but I know a Communist when I see one (I lived it) if you want to support this group called Code Pink then you too are a Communist and thus are trying to take away my freedom and I will fight you! YOU DONT FOOL ME ONE BIT! COWARD STATE YOUR COMMUNIST INTENTIONS FROM THE START I would respect you more! Dont hide behind "PEACE" signs
September 24, 2008
4:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
happymike44 writes:
We all have the right to peaceful assembly and protest it is protected in the constituition.
The founding fathers had no idea that the politicians would hijack our rights.
So now it is time to wake up and think for yourself.
Remember the next time a police officer tells you something.
Ask yourself can I trust him and will he violate my rights.
Would he arrest me and falsify police reports and destroy my life.
Then ask the many people who lately kept saying I am innocent.
Then put in prison and through d.n.a. testing were found innocent.
That should have a bearing in your mind everyday.
September 24, 2008
5:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
agzela writes: "if you want to support this group called Code Pink then you too are a Communist and thus are trying to take away my freedom and I will fight you! YOU DONT FOOL ME ONE BIT! COWARD STATE YOUR COMMUNIST INTENTIONS FROM THE START"
Wow.
September 24, 2008
5:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
Read about these Code Pink defensless ladies:
http://www.frontpagemag.com/articles/...
MORE CODE PINK IDENTITY THEFT!… Activists Steal C-SPAN & Christian Radio Network Credentials
http://www.foundingbloggers.com/wordp...
September 24, 2008
6:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
"In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;
And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;
And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;
And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up." "In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;
And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;
And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;
And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_th....
September 24, 2008
7 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
I didn't double post.
crappy software. 8P
September 24, 2008
7:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
green_monster writes:
my2sense, MarineGrunt, etc:
You're not going to like the source, fine.
Do you think the photos and videos are phony?
http://www.littlegreenfootballs.com/a...
greenie
September 24, 2008
8:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
Hey greenie,
Thanks for the link! The photos and videos did not look fake to me and the story makes perfect sense to me. In fact, it was just as I suspected.
Our police force obviously needs to use force at times and in this incident, it was appropriate. He did not beat her! Were the cops just supposed to walk around and run in fear from these people apparently trying to start trouble?
September 24, 2008
8:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
agzela writes:
thanks green_monster for linking the photos,,Clearly shows that I you or anyone,,would have acted that way the result would have been the same I am actually surprised by the restraint shown by all of the officers that had to deal with this RED,,,Pink commie. Thank you I have been trying to get my point across about this group and the tactics they employ in typical commie fashion. And for the rest of you that support this pink POS you deserve to live in a communist country until you be to come back to the USA!
September 24, 2008
8:27 p.m.
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rowdy1 writes:
Help! I've fallen and I can't get up...
September 24, 2008
8:41 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
agzela,
I scanned quickly through these posts, and I will have to say that you represented my opinion well!
September 24, 2008
8:54 p.m.
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agzela writes:
Heidi, thanks for your comment,,,It is amazing to me that Americans are either to lazy or just dont care about finding out about these so called American Peaceful organizations that support enemies of freedom like Fidel Castro,,,I had to live under Fidel's oppression and my family payed for it. We lost our Grandfather in Castro's Jail for his anti-communist belief.
Nobody talks about how some years back, some black Cubans had attempted a public reading of the United Nation's Declaration of Human Rights and passages from the works of Dr. Martin Luther King in Castro's fiefdom. Others were overheard saying things about Castro similar to the things Al Sharpton (and Jesse Jackson, and Charles Rangel and Danny Glover, and Nancy Pelosi, etc.) routinely bellow into microphones about George Bush.
All of these Cubans are currently locked up in Castro's dungeons and torture chambers, suffering sentences three times as long as Alexander Solzhenitsyn suffered under Stalin.
The most “famous” (least ignored by the international media) of these political prisoners is Oscar Elias Biscet, who currently suffers a 25-year sentence in Castro's lice and roach-infested dungeons. Or what about the longest suffering black political prisoner in modern history (Eusebio Penalver) locked up in a dungeon in Cuba.
To have to hear this group Code Pink talk about Peace yet support Castro, and clearly their agenda is to establish a Marxist system in America is repulsive to any freedom loving American. WAKE UP!!!
September 24, 2008
9:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
YIOTA got zapped again. I missed your comments! Come back!
September 24, 2008
9:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
agzela,
I'm sorry for your family's troubles and welcome you here. Some people in this country are just way too sensitive. And some are way too devious.
I believe that most of the preparation of law enforcement for the DNC was training on how to deal with the angry and mischevious protestors, rather than actual terrorists. They wanted to avoid consequences like this. I also believe that much of the preparations of some of the protestors was on how far they could push the cops, how much control could they gain, how many citizens could they turn against our government and law enforcement. Did anyone actually hear what they were there to protest about?
I am not saying we have an ideal governmental system and I do believe many politicians are corrupt, but this is not the right way to try to make a change for the better. I take your advice and warnings seriously and will check out your links you provided, if I can find them.
I want to continue to feel safe in this country, but things like this really concern me. It's not police brutality that concerns me, but the lack of enforcement of laws which are vital to the survival of our culture and way of life as we know it.
September 25, 2008
7:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
I don't know why you people rail against other countries for brutalizing their citizens, then give a pass to cops when it happens to one of your own.
For those who think the cop was perfectly within his rights, I suppose you feel comfortable making such statements because you never actually get out there and protest anything. You're snug in your safe little world. For now. But if you keep giving cops a free pass on such behavior, it's only a matter of time before you cross paths with a cop who also feels he's above the law he's supposed to uphold.
And once again, if a citizen interferes with a cop, and that is actually disputed in this case, the cop should *arrest* the person. Not knock her to the ground and call her a b!tch. It's not even like this woman was a physical threat where such force would be required. He was twice her size.
agzela, the links you posted appear to come from extremely biased and paranoid websites, by the way. I'm not surprised, because your own posts are basically unhinged rants. I imagine you seek out on a regular basis the kind of articles that feed your existing hatred of certain factions of Americans.
September 25, 2008
8:17 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
Heidi: "It's not police brutality that concerns me, but the lack of enforcement of laws which are vital to the survival of our culture and way of life as we know it."
This statement just sends shivers down my spine. Seriously, be careful what you wish for.
Me, I'd much rather live in a country where the government was far more afraid of it's people than the other way around.
September 25, 2008
9 a.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
mytwosense,
I respect your opinion and I want to clarify what I meant in that statement. I was really tired last night!
There have been some serious cases where the police brutality concerned me but I don't think that is something we are totally going to be able to eliminate. I feel that if a police officer uses excessive force, then he/she needs to be held accountable. In my opinion, the officer did not use excessive force in this incident. And I don't feel that this type of "protesting" is going to help anyone's stance or agenda. I believe Forrest was harrassing the police officers.
I actually feel that we have too many laws in this country but the lack of enforcement I was referring to is mostly the fault of our politicians. Too many have personal agendas and have the thought "how will this benefit me"? They are money and power hungry. A major concern of mine are the immigration policies and social programs. Many citizens and non-citizens alike are becoming too dependent and are not self-sufficient or even have the desire to be.
I somewhat agree with your statement: "Me, I'd much rather live in a country where the government was far more afraid of it's people than the other way around." In an ideal situation, neither would fear the other! But I don't want to see it come to the point where anyone in authority, including teachers and law enforcement, is afraid to use that authority out of fear of being sued or fired.
September 25, 2008
9:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
mytwosense writes:
Well, Heidi - that "lack of enforcement" may about to be rectified, although I don't know if the focus will be on immigration. According to Democracy Now's website, they have picked up a report from Army Times magazine that is a bit disconcerting. Here is the blurb from Democracy Now (with my emphasis on certain statements using asterisks):
"Army Unit to Deploy in October for Domestic Operations"
Beginning in October, the Army plans to station *an active unit inside the United States for the first time to serve as an on-call federal response in times of emergency.* The 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team has spent thirty-five of the last sixty months in Iraq, but now the unit is training for domestic operations. The unit will soon be under the day-to-day control of US Army North, the Army service component of Northern Command. The Army Times reports this new mission *marks the first time* an active unit has been given a dedicated assignment to Northern Command. *The paper says the Army unit may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd control. The soldiers are learning to use so-called nonlethal weapons designed to subdue unruly or dangerous individuals and crowds.*"
Crowd control...subdue...civil unrest...
Do they anticipate something is going to happen to spark civil unrest? I wonder. Again, be very careful what you wish for. And remember, the United States currently holds 25% of the world's incarcerated. Think about that.
September 25, 2008
9:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
mytwosense,
I understand your concern. I don't know if that's supposed to be something to make us feel safer or it's a step towards total government control. Nevertheless, it's not a bad thing for the Army to be prepared for anything.
But, instead of preparing to be reactive, why doesn't the government concentrate on being proactive? That starts with fixing what is wrong with our system, including the corrupt politicians and major corporations.
What are you trying to infer with this remark?
"And remember, the United States currently holds 25% of the world's incarcerated. Think about that."
September 25, 2008
10:12 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Heidi: "What are you trying to infer with this remark?
"And remember, the United States currently holds 25% of the world's incarcerated. Think about that."
That maybe there's just a little too much law enforcement in the so-called Land of the Free. I think that's a staggering percentage, and I'm depressed that we have such a thriving prison industry.
Also, it's selective enforcement. Most of those incarcerated are poor and a lot are just petty criminals. As for illegal immigration, if they started incarcerating the CEOs and other executives who employ them, I'm pretty sure it would screech the whole problem to a halt. But, they don't.
Oh yeah, and some marijuana dealers, and "Three strikers" of petty crimes serve longer sentences than pedophiles. It's disgusting.
September 25, 2008
10:20 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
mytwosense,
I agree with you @10:12 in all respects!
September 25, 2008
10:50 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
ssqured, it's definitely about the money. A child could see that if you just arrested the people who employ illegal immigrants and gave them lengthy prison sentences, the problem would go away.
But, that wouldn't be profitable. Employers wouldn't get to pay such low wages. Private prisons wouldn't have as many prisoners to incarcerate. Building contractors wouldn't get lucrative contracts to build this stupid border wall. I could go on and on.
I do have a suggestion, though. I guarantee most of the people who rejoiced to see a 24 year old woman slammed to the ground by a cop are also rabidly against illegal immigrations. Why don't you put your own beliefs on the line for a change and protest the meatpacking companies that employ so many illegal immigrants? Yes, I mean right in front of the company's headquarters and slaughterhouses.
You watch and see how fast the cops show up to make sure you stay in line, and if you get a little rowdy, don't come crying back to us about the police brutality sure to ensue.
September 25, 2008
11:22 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
mytwosense,
I wasn't rejoicing that Forrest was pushed to the ground, and would be appalled if the cop beat her. But enough about that.
I once worked for a small town Iowa hospital which could barely make ends meet because there was also a lamb processing plant in the same town. This plant "employed" many illegal aliens who were constantly being treated at the hospital for various conditions, including knife wounds (not only from working in the plant) and injuries suffered in car accidents. Apparently, they had no proper driver's ed training! And no insurance. Many gave false identification and most did not pay their hospital bills. So the hospital had to absord the cost.
The small fines the lamb plants received for hiring those individuals decreased their profits minimally. Plus, they kept hiring back the same illegals!
See what happened when ICE cracked down on illegals at an Iowa packinghouse and sent them to prison for 5 months before deportation:
http://www.totallawyers.com/legal-art...
Taken from the article:
"According to an NBC News affiliate, many of the illegal workers were treated poorly by their employers, made to work long shifts without bathroom breaks, paid significantly less than their legal coworkers, denied parts of their paychecks for "immigration fees," and even physically abused.
While such treatment, if it happened, would constitute ghastly violations of civil rights by the employers, there may be a bright side. Sources indicate that, if the alleged abuses prove true, some workers may qualify for special visas that could legalize their residency in the United States."
It seems there would be better results if the employers were targeted instead.
September 25, 2008
11:35 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
ssqured @ 11:15....I agree!!!
September 25, 2008
12:14 p.m.
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sheepherder writes:
ssquared...I would like to see one, just one instance of anyone jailed for possession of marijuana in the United States. In Colorado, you can't even be booked for under one ounce...ticket and on your way. Now dealers, different story...and they deserve to be locked up. And 30% for drugs is a high stat, the number one crime for long term incarceration is Felony Assault. And...white collar people go to jail all the time for Fraud/Embezzlement...very common arrest these days. As for the high number of inmates in the United States, well...with freedom comes responsibility. Some people in free society like to push the laws because we are so lenient...just the way it is. Rehab, counseling and therapy sock puppets have just not worked to get people to stop doing crime when they are so inclined.
September 25, 2008
12:34 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
Sheepherder:
I also agree with what you said: "...with freedom comes responsibility. Some people in free society like to push the laws because we are so lenient..."
That is my main complaint. Way too many people lack personal responsibility and accountability! It's always someone else's fault!
September 25, 2008
12:37 p.m.
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sheepherder writes:
I think free societies will always have a higher incarceration rate than say...communist or dictatorships. Their criminals tend to just disappear, whereas we give ours cable television and workout equipment. How have you been Heidi?
September 25, 2008
1:14 p.m.
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Duckster writes:
And now for some balanced commentary on this incident:
http://lagniappeslair.blogspot.com/20...
September 25, 2008
1:17 p.m.
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Heidi writes:
sheepherder,
I've been great! Sometimes I need a break from this and poisoning my mind with all of the bad things going on in the world.
ssqured,
Do you suppose if we all lived like the Amish, most of the problems would disappear?
September 25, 2008
3:37 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
So now the Denver Police are laughing about making fun of beating Americans who were exercising their rights at the DNC?
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
September 25, 2008
4:51 p.m.
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davies writes:
I copied and pasted the narrative mentioned by duckster at 1:14, just in case anyone cares to read a slightly different version than that of the RMN:
"...here's a video from the Democratic National Convention in Denver..."
"The video was shot by a cameraman for the Rocky Mountain News and inadvertently caught the end of little Alicia's dumb play. The first female voice you here in the video is hers...the one challenging the officer to "F'ing do it again!"
"Now some liberals are all upset about this, and predictably the patchouli-reeking dopers in the so-called "protest movement" are livid, but normal Americans don't have a problem with this, especially once they learn that it started when the police were effecting a lawful arrest of another "peaceful protester" for an assault. Alicia, no doubt feeling safe with cameras all around, decided to go for her 15 minutes of fame and attempted to interfere with the arrest of the person that she supposedly didn't even know. (In the world of the lunatic left, anyone getting arrested for anything is a kindred soul.) The police officers told Alica and others to move back, holding their batons horizontally in front of them to effect a barrier. Little Alicia refused, putting her hands on the officer's baton. I guess she figured that her little pink paper crown made her a real princess or something. The officer pushed her back firmly but gently, and that when Mrs. Forrest's little potty-mouthed child screamed "F'ing do it again!" and tried to wrench the baton from the officer's grasp. The officer responded, and Alicia hit the ground like a sack of limp tofu while all around her, other gutter punks began shouting obscenities. (That crowd always spews profanity, probably because all the dope they ingest robs them of the intellectual capacity to form cogent sentences or otherwise communicate like grown human beings.)"
"A few moments later, when Alicia decides that there's no more benefit to be gained by pretending to be mortally injured, she pops up, seeks out a camera, and begins to give a press conference. At this time, officers move in and arrest her for interfering with the earlier arrest."
"The loony left screamed bloody murder about this, because while they demand the right to throw feces, vandalize cars, break shop windows and otherwise act like total savages, they object when the authority responds with any force whatsoever. They barraged the District Attorney with demands that the officer be charged with some crime, but it ended happily when the DA decided that the officer won't be charged as the force applied was justified by Forrest's aggression."
"Maybe if little Princess Alicia's parents had spanked her as a child when she became disrespectful and defiant, the Denver Police Department wouldn't have had to do it on the streets of Denver."
September 26, 2008
5:55 a.m.
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Heidi writes:
davies, thanks! I hadn't clicked on that link yet.
September 26, 2008
11:22 a.m.
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agzela writes:
mytwosense: I guess "unhinged rants" include the fact that my Grandfather was killed in a Cuban prison after the Castro(Code Pink loves this guy) government "nationalized" all property, so my Grandfather decided to do what all Americans would do is fight back, while in prison he was mocked and called n*gger by the guards. I guess the links are too right for you and you doubt very much that BLACKS in Cuba could be treated that way. So you can read from this lefty here http://www.blacktino.net/index.php?op...
Oh by the way you are a POS!
September 26, 2008
12:40 p.m.
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agzela writes:
mytwosense: I suppose you think this official link from Code Pink is "extremely biased" after all they are meeting with the President of Iran.
http://codepink4peace.org/blog/2008/0...
The CODEPINK women proposed inviting American and Iranian artists to build a “peace park” in Tehran, a memorial dedicated to people-to-people commitment to peace and diplomacy between our two countries.
I say, go do it! I mean I'm sure the radical Islamic fundamentalists that think Americans are infidels won't have ANY PROBLEMS with you "exposing your Bush".
They'll lop their heads off quicker than you can say "jihad".