Re: local heat freaking so hard...
I think they're ALL really testy and on edge, Rob, from Barney Fife to the
Commander in Chief. Can you say 9/11?
During the WTO protests in Seattle, the legitimate (labor union) protesters
were marching, organized, peacefully, and went totally unnoticed by the
media, to the consternation of the marchers. Another group, bussed in from
places like Eugene, OR, rowdier, chanting, throwing things at the cops, got
the media attention, and got heavily gassed and heads busted. Meanwhile, a
3rd bunch of punks thought it was a great opportunity to run wild, break
storefronts, loot businesses, start fires, etc. People not participating in
ANY of these activities were sprayed in the face point blank with mace while
simply trying to walk or drive thru the downtown area. Not one of Seattle's
better days. It was UGLY.
After much outcry, this was followed by a Fat Tuesday night during which the
authorities stood by and let the drunk/tweaker crowd punks run wild, turn
over cars, start fires, and beat up innocent people (one of whom died from
his injuries). Another ugly Seattle day.
One factor that has police upset in this state was the passage of an
initiative (695) that cut some of their funding. Guess what they are doing
now to make up that "revenue" loss? Better not commit any of a number of
otherwise minor traffic violations that used to "slide by". They are now
taking names and kicking a**.
And then... came 9/11/01. It's never going to get out of hand like the above
- ever - again. Times have changed. Those who don't "get" that will spend
at least one night sleeping on the floor in the county hooscow, probably with
a lump or two on their head, or possibly end up in the emergency room with
worse.
I wouldn't recommend going near any demonstration or disturbance any more...
with or without Zuikos... unless you are up a couple floors in a safe space
away from the potential mayhem where you can close windows against the gas,
or have legitimate press credentials.
It's going to be "Kent State, 1970" out there from now on, just about
everywhere in America. Believe that. The pendulum has swung. Mind your Ps
and Qs, people. The American people, and the authorities, are in NO mood for
any funny business.
Wanna protest? Better not carry even so much as a Swiss Army knife. And
have a parade permit. And think MLK: PEACEFUL. Or be ready to get skinned
up but good.
9/11/01 changed EVERYTHING. Even in bleeding liberal places like Seattle and
pastoral Sonoma County, CA.
In addition to all the duties the authorities had before, they now have
"Homeland Security", without adequate federal support.
You'll be mumbling Constitutional rights into the pavement while you're being
cuffed. They don't have to read you your Miranda rights any more, either.
Think they care if your camera gets busted when they slam you to the
concrete?
Avoid the temptation altogether.
Rich (keepin' it REAL)
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