Dancing Hippies at the Jefferson Memorial... what could go wrong w/ that?

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

An arrest usually follows upon the principle of law. Just thought I'd drop that line of obvious. Law enforcement authority doesn't necessarily entitle a police officer to act without principle.

"Calm down" might be in order here. How you're perceived or not here is independent of the fact that I am not referring to you. Less sensitive skin perhaps?

Here or anywhere. Who cares?

So the arrests were made on the basis that 5 individuals were demonstrating without a permit. They were demonstrating by: 1 man moving his body to the music on his ipod. 1 couple gently swaying together. 1 guy kinda hopping around. A 5th man was arrested when we tried to help one of the others while being handcuffed.

Currently, the officer who body slammed and choked one individual is under investigation for excessive force as is another officer that threw a weak punch. A third officer is being questioned regarding something to do with a cameraman.

[Zero Sum 305]

No need to calm down, I'm not worked up. Nice try though.

You just can't help yourself can you...games.

And you are the Winner.

So the arrests were made on the basis that 5 individuals were demonstrating without a permit. They were demonstrating by: 1 man moving his body to the music on his ipod. 1 couple gently swaying together. 1 guy kinda hopping around. A 5th man was arrested when we tried to help one of the others while being handcuffed.

Currently, the officer who body slammed and choked one individual is under investigation for excessive force as is another officer that threw a weak punch. A third officer is being questioned regarding something to do with a cameraman.

That pretty much sums up the process of the arrest. I am sure the police had some sort of legal foundation to be there and conduct the arrest after issuing a warning to cease an illegal activity. I am hoping one of the legal experts here can clarify exactly what legal foundation that would be.

[Vi-Jay 218]

I am sure the police had some sort of legal foundation to be there and conduct the arrest after issuing a warning to cease an illegal activity.

Did you read the OP?

Did you watch/ listen to the vid?

[^_^ 5,021]

This thread is being overrun by sockpuppets.

[Vi-Jay 218]

This thread is being overrun by sockpuppets.

[Zero Sum 305]

Did you read the OP?

Did you watch/ listen to the vid?

No + No

[Danno 1,228]

Perhaps the question to be asked is: SHould we allow Memorials to become places open to demonstrations without the need for permits?

If you say these clowns were only half-heartedly dancing..... would any style of dancing, be too much?

[Danno 1,228]

Dang. I guess Rosa should have just sat at the back of the bus like she was told.

The Rosa Parks case went down a little different.

She modeled how an activist should behave.

She boarded that bus with a plan carried it though without crying about her back or her wrist and as soon at the arrest was made her PR machine went to work highlighting an injustice.

Rosa Parks was a likable person, thats why she was picked to be on that bus, challenging the Powers that be.

These political dancers actually hurt their case because they are 1. out of the mainstream 2. acting like jack-azzes.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Just because someone wears a uniform, it doesn't follow that they deserve respect. Especially when their actions undermine what the uniform stands for.

To the folks who are defending the police actions - you realise that it's your tax money that is paying to lock those people up... for what exactly... so that some asswipe bureaucrat in a uniform can have their moment of power. If you think that's a worthwhile use of police time and public money... welll... it's no wonder that American jails are overcrowded.

Honestly, arresting people for dancing... how ridiculous. You couldn't make it up.

[Danno 1,228]

Just because someone wears a uniform, it doesn't follow that they deserve respect. Especially when their actions undermine what the uniform stands for.

To the folks who are defending the police actions - you realise that it's your tax money that is paying to lock those people up... for what exactly... so that some asswipe bureaucrat in a uniform can have their moment of power. If you think that's a worthwhile use of police time and public money... welll... it's no wonder that American jails are overcrowded.

Honestly, arresting people for dancing... how ridiculous. You couldn't make it up.

Today it's dancing tomorrow it's megaphones and the next day perhaps ripping up the American flag.

These are clearly all demonstrations....demonstrations are not permitted.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Today it's dancing tomorrow it's megaphones and the next day perhaps ripping up the American flag.

These are clearly all demonstrations....demonstrations are not permitted.

Reasonable can make distinctions as to what is appropriate and what is not. Clearly the police can't, so they are not reasonable.

In tomorrow's news - man arrested for farting on liberty island.

What a farce.

Edited May 31, 2011 by fishdude

[Vi-Jay 218]

Dang. I guess Rosa should have just sat at the back of the bus like she was told.

Comparing this to RP is ridiculous and uncouth.

Wait, you deserve a double bonk for that one.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

The Rosa Parks case went down a little different.

She modeled how an activist should behave.

She boarded that bus with a plan carried it though without crying about her back or her wrist and as soon at the arrest was made her PR machine went to work highlighting an injustice.

Rosa Parks was a likable person, thats why she was picked to be on that bus, challenging the Powers that be.

These political dancers actually hurt their case because they are 1. out of the mainstream 2. acting like jack-azzes.

Your view of Rosa Parks is very 21st century. At the time I doubt she was viewed in such a positive light.

I'll say this. Yes, the one guy hopping around was being disruptive. His arrest, while a bit over the top, was reasonable. However, arresting ipod man and the couple was absolutely insane.

Now. With regards to their case, you might be surprised. I feel fairly moderate in most issues though I support the 2nd amendment. Seeing the police act in such manner makes me want to support it even further. I now thing all gun laws should be stricken including those on ammo. I just don't feel we are safe with this post 9/11 government.

Edited May 31, 2011 by Sousuke

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Comparing this to RP is ridiculous and uncouth.

Wait, you deserve a double bonk for that one.

How so? Do you not think that the point might just have been to illustrate that blind adherence to the law (and blind obedience to law men) is somewhat naive?

Edited May 31, 2011 by fishdude

[SMOKE 1,426]

To the folks who are defending the police actions - you realise that it's your tax money that is paying to lock those people up... for what exactly... so that some asswipe bureaucrat in a uniform can have their moment of power.

yup sure do realise its my tax dollars. no, it was because a group of douche bags defied a law & an officers request to comply with that law & not ruin people not involved afternoon sightseeing(even if it its a stupid one its the law)