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Anti-War Minister Is Attacked for Trying to Enter Petraeus Hearing

Posted by Siun at 2:25 PM on September 11, 2007.


Siun: Rev. Lennox Yeawood stood on line waiting his turn to enter the room. This is what happened to him.
Attack on Rev. Yearwood

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This post, written by Siun, originally appeared on FireDogLake

Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus wanted to attend the Petraeus Hearings yesterday. He stood on line waiting his turn to enter the room. This is what happened to him.

Capitol Hill Police "football tackled" Hip Hop Activist who was in line to enter hearing room for General Petreus' testimony on Capitol Hill

Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., president of the Hip Hop Caucus, was attacked by six capitol police today, when he was stopped from entering the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill, where General Petreaus gave testimony today to a joint hearing for the House Arms Services Committee and Foreign Relations Committee on the war in Iraq.

After waiting in line throughout the morning for the hearing that was scheduled to start at 12:30pm, Rev. Yearwood was stopped from entering the room, while others behind him were allowed to enter. He told the officers blocking his ability to enter the room, that he was waiting in line with everyone else and had the right to enter as well. When they threatened him with arrest he responded with "I will not be arrested today." According to witnesses, six capitol police, without warning, "football tackled him. He was carried off in a wheel chair by DC Fire and Emergency to George Washington Hospital.

Rev. Yearwood was examined for possible head and leg injuries then transferred to Central Processing. He has been charged with "assaulting a police officer."

Rev. Yearwood said as he was being released from the hospital to be taken to central booking, "The officers decided I was not going to get in Gen. Petreaus' hearing when they saw my button, which says 'I LOVE THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ.'"

The Capitol Police work for the Speaker's Office. I'm calling the Speaker's office to "discuss" this and I hope you will too. Her office number is:(202) 225-0100.

UPDATE: Liz from Hip Hop Caucus is at court and can't get online, but wanted people to know that Rev. Yearwood has a broken leg, he's in a cast and he's being arraigned for assaulting an officer and disorderly conduct. Updates as we get them -- JH

UPDATE II: Rev. Lennox Yearwood speaks out on his arrest and more here.

UPDATE III: Rev. Yearwood's leg is not broken. The police said that yesterday, but after people were actually able to speak to the Reverend, it was made clear that he instead has severe damage to ligaments in his ankles and is on crutches.

Digg!

Tagged as: anti-war, iraq war, police brutality, surge, petraeus, yearwood, hip hop caucus

Siun is a regular blogger for FireDogLake.


Fox, CNN, CBS Reaction Groups: Obama Won
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View:
Democrats should be condemning this attack
Posted by: beatprophet74 on Sep 11, 2007 2:51 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Where is the outrage over this attack. So now I guess you can be prohibited from entering a government building for wearing a sticker that says "I Love ________ fill in the blank with any group the administration doesn't approve of".

I called the speaker's office. The lady who answered the phone said that the speaker is not responsible for the capitol police. I notified her that even if that was the case, she should issue a statement condemning this violence against the Reverend's civil rights.

I am sick of watching people face down on the floor with officers kicking them or kneeing them in the back. The Democrats need to do something about this. Please call or email your representatives. This cannot be tolerated. You could be next.

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» Take the power back Posted by: momilitia
where's the assault on the police?
Posted by: may261989 on Sep 11, 2007 4:57 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I assume the Reverend will be using this tape as evidence.
It will be a great visual seeing the Reverend entering court in a cast with the big burly policemen accussing him of assault.
Would love to be there for that.

On the flip side: my advice when police confront you is don't tense up when they reach for you as they think you are going to take a pop at them and will jump all over you ( you can see the Reverend tensing up in the video ). Just go limp or let them drag you away, you will always have the moral high ground as the dissenting voice being muffled.
Though why on earth the police felt they needed to employ these heavy handed tactics against a middle aged cuddly minister is beyond me ( perhaps further proof of the rapidly falling level of general intelligence in the police force )

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» Why on earth??? Posted by: JoshuaLudd
Behold the NEW BROWNSHIRTS!
Posted by: sphoenix on Sep 11, 2007 5:35 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
We no longer need to fear the criminals...because that's what this administration has made all of us!!

According to Mr. Bush's newest play...all we have to do is talk bad about Iraq and the Dept. of Treasury can seize all of your assets, not to mention what law enforcement is going to do to us.

Here is what GW is up to now...

"I have issued an Executive Order blocking property of persons determined to have committed, or to pose a significant risk of committing, an act or acts of violence that have the purpose or effect of threatening the peace or stability of Iraq or the Government of Iraq or undermining efforts to promote economic reconstruction and political reform in Iraq or to provide humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people." -GWBush

In substance, under this executive order, opposing the war becomes an illegal act.

Link to article


We are now living in a totalitarian state, just waiting for marshal law to be declared so that the rest of the Constitution can be wiped out and we can be declared the slaves we have always been, without realizing it.

There simply isn't enough beer in the world to drink it away, nor enough bullets in the world to kill the crazy fucks that have driven our country into the shitter.

Yeah, I'm pissed off!

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» Dear Pissed off; Posted by: calljrnow
Thank God Congress is once again safe for kleptocracy
Posted by: eddie torres on Sep 11, 2007 6:05 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I saw it all. The Rev tried to break those poor law enforcement heroes' huddle with his multi-directional folding leg weapon.

Plus, I don't think the Rev has any bank accounts in an offshore tax haven. How did he get through the gates in the lobby?

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Not impressed
Posted by: Melvin on Sep 11, 2007 7:16 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
America the beautiful! LMFAO

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Capitol police "Plant Verbal Evidence" on the Reverend
Posted by: beatprophet74 on Sep 11, 2007 7:55 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Shame on the capitol police for "planting" verbal evidence or trying to make it seem like the Reverend had instigated this. A cop tells the Reverend, "You realize you just assaulted a police officer." It sounded more like a question on the tape.

The officer clearly trying to lay the groundwork for assault charges because when the cops realize his leg is broken, all of a sudden the cops start telling the Reverend that he assaulted a police officer. You know they realize they fucked up. They know that someone is going to pay for this. That is why they start "planting" the seeds of accusations by accusing the Reverend of assault. The cops are aware that a camera is recording them. They are playing to it.

You can see this tactic often used by cops to try to justify excessive force. The cops yell, "Quit resisting. Quit resisting," all the while they are pushing down on him with their knees. They are saying, "Quit resisting. Quit resisting," because they think that it will cover them from any liability. But they clearly understand what they are doing is illegal. They are even trying to block the camera from filming the illegal police assault.

There is like twelve cops on one man. He is laying face down, and they broke his leg. He wasn't resisting. They tried to unlawfully remove him, so he tried to walk away. He didn't push anyone. A cop jumped in his way, and then they tackled him.

This is an outrage! We have seen police use these under-handed tactics before. They know how to deal with crowds and individuals in order to suppress their message. We see these tactics time and time again. I am so pissed right now I can't stand it. I already called the capitol and the speaker's office. Please watch the film and do something about it.

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» my favorite was... Posted by: JoshuaLudd
Welcome to fascist Amerika
Posted by: macdon1 on Sep 11, 2007 9:17 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Where those who are seen as threats to the power structure will be treated just as this minster was. I am disgusted and horrified.

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The Real Crime!
Posted by: ldasteelworker on Sep 12, 2007 1:31 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." - First Amendment to the United States Constitution

Too bad we can't find time for the First Amendment regardless of who it is...

In addition to the right of the people peaceably to assemble, we always seem forget about that last part. You know, the one about petitioning the Government for redress of grievances...

It’s enough to make me sick at the way our public officials control the debate and shut out the public trying to petition the Government for a redress of their grievances.

It's a sad day when we can't find the time to allow people who take the time and effort to travel to our nation's capitol peaceably to assemble and are not even allowed to exercise their constitutional rights!

Can our public officials actually listen to and understand what citizens of this Untied States have to tell them and/or allow them to exercise their First Amendment Rights? Or was that Oath they took to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America in bad faith?

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» RE: The Real Crime! Posted by: gathaiga
» RE: The Real Crime! Posted by: kevinss
WE MAY NOT AGREE WITH WHATEVER THE HIPHOP THING IS HOWEVER
Posted by: AMERICAN VETERAN on Sep 12, 2007 4:43 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is typical of the cowardly gang of pigs in blue to ASSAULT one person if they have the ONE person outnumbered.
Otherwise, these cowards don't possess the courage.

Finally, I am glad this tape exists to show that this man was standing still when they assaulted him.
How soon will the SS brownshirts edit it to destropy the proof of their attack on a U.S. citizen?
I hope he sues and WINS!!
It is NOT that he may win taxpayer money, it IS that the actions of the cowards brought about the basis for a suit.
I love my country however, my government is disgusting.

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averageaussie
Posted by: averageaussie on Sep 12, 2007 5:15 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
DAMN!, I can't wait for the rebellion to begin! Just what is wrong with wearing a plastic button, whatever is written on it?
I wonder why those tin gods just didn't shoot the Reverend while he was lying on the floor, surely a plastic button is worth a few slugs in the head, and as for trying to enter the hallowed halls, well thats gotta be life doesn't it? And as for the Reverends assaulting an officer, Jeez, why wasn't the National Guard, CIA, FBI, 101st, ETC, ETC called in, after all a man of the church with a plastic button and a broken leg deserves all the us can muster doesn't he?
You stupid, stupid people, dont you get it yet? Surely you are not all so dumb that you cant see where you are heading!

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» RE: averageaussie Posted by: nikolai
» RE: averageaussie Posted by: Nedtheredhead
Some questions
Posted by: Axiom69 on Sep 12, 2007 6:13 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Why was the Reverend not allowed to enter in the first place? Was it really over the button or did the police know ahead of time that he was going to be disruptive? There were plenty of disruptive people at the hearing. At least it sounded so from listening to it on the radio. Is this Reverend known to be a "rabble rouser"? Was anyone else wearing buttons or t-shirts with a political message? Just curious as to why he was singled out.

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» RE: Some questions Posted by: somegirl
» RE: Some questions Posted by: Doubtom
» RE: Some questions Posted by: nikolai
» For crying out loud Posted by: Axiom69
freedom on the march
Posted by: somegirl on Sep 12, 2007 7:09 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
i cried when i watched this video - this is what my country has come to? no one is gonna liberate us, my friends.

why won't more people wake up to the FACT that bushco is taking over just like hitler did? i'll ask too - where is the outrage?

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» RE: freedom on the march Posted by: garry minor
» RE: freedom on the march Posted by: gathaiga
» RON PAUL Posted by: Maggieb
Silly me . . .
Posted by: covalentbonded on Sep 12, 2007 7:10 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
for thinking I lived in a "democracy".

Pelosi is in charge of these thugs but her office claims that's not true? Pelosi is simply part of the National WarParty.

That's why I will do all I can to support Sheehan and other people who will run against these entrenched and favored members of the National WarParty!

Power from the people!

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» RE: Silly me . . . Posted by: luther6
what soft-hearted police, they only broke the man's leg for wearing a button
Posted by: Suzon on Sep 12, 2007 7:36 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
here in the UK, the police burst into a crowded tube train and pumped seven bullets into a young electrician's head. True, he had overstayed his visa, but his real crime was almost resembling a Muslim.

Afterwards they lied about it and tried to confiscate the CCTV footage. The inquiry did not find any of the officers or their superiors culpable.

For abuse of power, nobody does it better than England, the birthplace of the invaders and occupiers of what would become the USA.

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LIFE IN THE NEW WORLD...
Posted by: openeye on Sep 12, 2007 8:25 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I worked in juvenile hall for over 3 years (I had to leave as a "hostage' risk, basically because I liked the kids...) and what you see in this video is what goes on over and over in the hall. That is the procedure called "dipping" and the more you try to ask why it is happening or in any way express yourself, the more you are slammed and twisted and roughly restrained. This is the current level of Natzi-esque training that our guards are given - drive the "offender" into complete submission, escalate any situation that can possibly be resolved with simple communication by applying force instead of reason, or, god forbid, any form of justice.... And of course after this we expect them to move out into the world again and become model citizens. Well, we actually don't expect this - we expect them to return again and again until we lock them up in prison permanently. Amerika, yeah, land of freedom - the freedom to do anything we please to anyone we don't understand or agree with. EXPECT A LOT MORE VIOLENCE.

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» RE: LIFE IN THE NEW WORLD... Posted by: VZEQICVA
Spread this story
Posted by: Jabby on Sep 12, 2007 8:52 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Abraham Heschel said, "In a free society, some are guilty, all are responsible."

Let's all do what we can to right this horrid wrong: Please send this story to everyone you know asking them to contact Nancy Pelosi.

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» RE: Spread this story Posted by: pascha
flummoxed
Posted by: knucklehead on Sep 12, 2007 9:32 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
why isn't this clip even on youtube?

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» Here it is Posted by: brock_samson
» RE: Here it is (no it's gone) Posted by: gary_7vn
Marilyn Manson - The Death Song lyrics - poignant!
Posted by: sphoenix on Sep 12, 2007 9:47 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
MARILYN MANSON LYRICS

"The Death Song"

we're on a bullet
and we're headed straight into god
even he'd like to end it too
we take a pill, get a face
buy our ticket
and we hope that heaven's true
I saw a cop beat a priest on the TV
and they know they killed our heroes too

We sing the death song kids
because we've got no future
and we want to be just like you
and we want to be just like you

Let's sing the death song kids

we light a candle on an earth
we made into hell
and pretend that we're in heaven
each time we do we get
the blind man's ticket
and we know that nothing's true
I saw priest kill a cop on the TV
and I know now they're our heroes too

We sing the death song kids
because we've got no future
and we want to be just like you
and we want to be just like you

we write our prayers on a little bomb
kiss it on the face and send it to god

[CHORUS]

We were the world
but we've got no future
and we want to be just like you
we want to be just like you.

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THEY LOVE IT WHEN YOU "RESIST"
Posted by: nikolai on Sep 12, 2007 9:59 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Cops LOVE it when you "resist" as in, don't do what they tell you after a couple of "warnings" then baby, it's carte blanche on your a$$. This is a perfect example of the intolerance of the police. There should have been a series of steps these cops took, as they have been TRAINED for exactly this kind of thing. They should have first told him the reason why he was not being let in, rather than simply, "You're not going in." Once the reverend knew the reason he was not being let in, he could have rectified it, i.e, removed his "I love the Iraqi people" button, or at least had the choice of doing so. If the button wasn't the reason or not the only reason, the reverend still had a right to know what that reason was. This wasn't a NYC nightclub where the bouncers pick and choose who comes onto private property, for cryin' out loud! The cops are too da*ned black-and-white heavy-handed. One more thing; when the reverend "resisted" why didn't the cops merely escort him out? There were several of them, it would have been pretty easy for them to lift him up by the armpits and walk him out, even CARRY him out for pete's sake without injuring him, or at least SEVERELY injuring him! Still, I'm afraid the cops are going to win this one, as you can see the reverend tense up and resist slightly; that's all the judge needs to see. Sorry reverend...

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» THE REAL TRAINING... Posted by: openeye
What is it...
Posted by: JoshuaLudd on Sep 12, 2007 12:05 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What is it about a pile of white cops on top of a single black man that urges me to renounce non-violence?

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» police statement Posted by: JoshuaLudd
» RE: What is it... Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: You got THAT right..... Posted by: ekipnrut
Cynthia McKinney all over again
Posted by: Urstrly on Sep 12, 2007 12:30 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Probably the same goons who attacked Rep. Cynthia McKinney. Hard for me to believe there's no racial profiling here. Hip-hop=dangerous. General Petreus can handle Iraq but not a public hearing?

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What happened to Democracy?
Posted by: Rathan47 on Sep 12, 2007 12:48 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Can someone please explain to me what the rationalization was to prevent someone access to a public place because they wear a pin? Isn't there something called "Freedom of Speech"?

So, basically, if they don't like what you're wearing, they can ban you from public proceedings? Smells no different to me than banning people wearing the Star of David, or whose skin is a different colour, or who wear a Burqa or a turban. It's discrimination, plain and simple. No ifs, ands or buts. And the Police are the ones making that call. If that doesn't scare the pants off you, then I don't know what will.

And if people with a dissenting voice are not allowed to be present in public proceedings, then it's not exactly a system for the people, by the people, now is it!

When the effects of a change in ethos filter this far down the chain, when Police can make such an arbitrary decision, then the stench of tyranny has definitely taken a stranglehold on your country.

And just remember, the German people also went along with the Nazi atrocities. It wasn't just a small handful of deranged crazies. The whole country allowed it to happen. And it can start with something as simple as this.

And if you doubt that the whole moral compass of the US hasn't shifted, then start watching how it's changed perceptions in main stream media. When I watched the movie "Next" with Nicolas Cage, I was stunned just how off the cuff Julianne Moore's character is with the fact that they have strapped Cage's psychic to a chair, bound him physically, used an apparatus to hold his eyes open, and basically told him that his life is meaningless in the face of 8,000,000 others potential deaths, so she can do whatever she wants. And she's with the FBI!

And that's only one movie. Countless TV shows and other movies have echoed the same things. And that doesn't include the view presented in many of shows on the worthlessness of the lives of people from other countries!

When the rights of anyone, no matter what their beliefs, or what their status, race, gender, or sexual preference, have less value in the eyes of ANY official, or even worse, in the eyes of OTHER CITIZENS, then democracy has failed! Morality has failed!

When you start to think it's okay to confine, torture or kill others to protect "yourself" then you have lost your moral compass and started down the slippery slope to evil.

This act against this man was an moral outrage! And no one will be punished...nothing will happen...and it will disappear under the rug like everything else.

"First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me."

Pastor Martin Niemöller

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Her Mailbox is Full
Posted by: Urstrly on Sep 12, 2007 12:55 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Just tried Speaker Pelosi's office to make a comment and got shunted to her mailbox, which was full. So I called back and told them that, then I asked who IS in charge of the Capitol Police? The answer is, in this case, the House Sergeant at Arms, Wilson Livingood. The Senate Sergeant at Arms is former DC police chief Terrance Gainer, and both of them can be reached through the Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121.

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» RE: Her Mailbox is Full Posted by: Nedtheredhead
Which video was the guy who wrote this headline watching?
Posted by: brundlefly76 on Sep 12, 2007 2:24 PM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The video I saw indicated that the police had notified this guy he was under arrest, and started to begin to cuff him in a nonviolent manner.

At that point, the man yells "No I am NOT getting arrested" and *he* initiates a physical struggle to avoid restraint - not the police. This plainly indicates he *clearly knew* he was being placed under arrest, and physically attempted to avoid it - its textbook.

At that point, under police procedure the police bring him to the ground for their safety and the safety of others, and cuff him. Also textbook.

Now, why he was refused entry is an entirely different matter altogether, but the video I watched is clearly misrepresented by the gratuitously hyperbolic and inflammatory headline.

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The entire goddamn corridor should have erupted in a no holds brawl...
Posted by: ekipnrut on Sep 12, 2007 3:44 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Because the ONLY thing cowardly bullies- like these particular cops-understand is getting the shit kicked out of them nothing else has ever-can now-or will ever in the forseeable future -work. If you are a man, you KNOW what I mean. If you are a woman ,then ask yourself how many victims of sadistic brutal DV were (are) able to 'talk' their tormentor out of his second nature addiction?
Not all white cops are like these sadistic psycho vermin , not all black cops are 'colored boy cop lackeys' eager to join in the 'fun',but all too many are. So what is my point about a 'brawl'? Simple. In watching the tape (video) I saw not one but TWO sad ,sad, abominations. One being the cops' cowardly racist sadistic brutality. That much is plain. The other was the blithe ,matter of fact comportment of his fellow 'protestors' waiting in line and who stood and watched the entire thing play out without so much as a whimper of GENUINE outrage expressed RIGHT THERE AND THEN. The instant that man was put on the ground ...all goddamn pandemonium should have busted out. BECAUSE IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO PUT YOUR ASS ON THE FUCKING LINE TO STOP AN OUTRAGE THAT IS RIGHT IN YOUR FACE ..EXACTLY HOW MUCH CREDIBILITY WILL YOU BE SEEN TO HAVE IN TERMS OF YOUR "OUTRAGE" AT SOME ATROCITY THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY.
In other words people like that may be rightfully perceived as
'loud mouthing' cowards at root , prepared to shoot their traps off only on (about) situations safely far removed from their presence and the possibility of having to physically jeopardize themselves. Each of these cops should be terminated from their employment and criminally prosecuted. Obama ,Edwards ,Clinton AND Pelosi AND Reid should unequivocally denounce this episode. Careers should end as a result of this episode at the senior administrative supervisor level.
THIS SHOULD NOT JUST VANISH INTO THE MEMORY HOLE.

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so typical
Posted by: unity1 on Sep 12, 2007 3:48 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
this is just so typical of the america the rest of the world has come to know
shame on all of you, shame on the police and shame on the justice system that refuses to be just
they broke his leg for what, for nothing
because he wore a badge saying I love Iraq
shame on all of you

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He should have been arrested
Posted by: matthoo on Sep 12, 2007 4:24 PM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Whether or not it was right to deny him entry, it's clearly visible that he refused officers' orders to move away, and even tried to push by them after being told he wasn't admitted. By attempting to push by the officers, he entered their space and even made contact with them, which is assault.

From what little the video shows, I don't think he should have been denied entry, but it was wrong for him to disobey officers' orders and to charge towards them.

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» RE: I call BS Posted by: rfrancis@godisdead.com
Betrayus and Yearwood
Posted by: 12string on Sep 12, 2007 4:25 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The situation in Washington at the Betrayus debacle where the police decided that Rev. Yearwood should be bullied illustrates just how far the Bush Adminstration has pushed our country into fascism. This is the result of those who are afraid to speak out. "First they came for the (fill in the blanks)".

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FIGHT THE WHITES!
Posted by: Angry and Black on Sep 12, 2007 5:58 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Not all of them, just the ones in uniform!!!!!

Angry and Black.

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» RE: FIGHT THE WHITES! Posted by: Krusty Geezer
So typical
Posted by: MT512 on Sep 12, 2007 7:30 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Typical cop behavior. They push and push and push. If they perceive the slightest resistance, POW! they kick the shit out of you. Just like the playground bullies of yesteryear. Oh, except these bullies hurt you a lot more and, in the end, they charge you with assault.

By and large, cops have the among the dimmest views of humanity, yet they are given among the most power as individuals... and they expect total compliance from the populace they resent.

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Truly sickening NAZI tactics are the norm for America now .
Posted by: Burtonger on Sep 12, 2007 8:29 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So when will they start shooting the dissenters on site ?
WAKE UP !! IT'S ALMOST TOO LATE .
They'll be coming for YOU ALL that oppose this criminal administration .
Oh," they were just following orders ",that's what they said at the Nuremberg war crimes trials.

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Is anybody being objective at all?
Posted by: dziemba@gmail.com on Sep 12, 2007 9:24 PM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
We've got every comment against the police from aggression to racial motives, etc, etc.

Did anyone stop to think this is the capitol, and as such has a level of security that is very important to several different aspects? Just because he has a Minister's clerical clothing, why should anyone believe he is a Minister? Just because a man is carrying a newborn, does it mean he is not a threat, that he doesn't have 25 pounds of explosives in the diaper bag?

In the video, before he is taken down, it seems while he was talking/being talked to, he breaks left of the officer, while facing toward the door. That should mean to anyone there, or anyone watching the video, he is trying to enter. While the officer in the back has his hands on him, the Minister makes a sudden jolt like he is going to fight/threaten citizens/run/pull a gun/detonate explosives/all of the above, he is contained before any of that happens.

I do say it stinks he has got a broken leg in the scuffle, but that is the result of an escalation. I'm sure there is no officer that will go through a verbal questioning at first, and not have reason to believe you're dangerous/off your meds/escaped from the farm/suicidal/want to kill government officials, etc, etc.

So, plain and simple, it seems he had a problem at first, and then escalated until he made two undeniably sharp moves that said "I'm threatening", and he was treated as such.

I don't understand the "without warning" quote; once the Minister escalated during questioning, the Minister created the mark on the scale of how the officers needed to deal with him. If a person is calm and willing to be arrested, he/she will be arrested in a calm manner. If a person is not calm, and defensive, then that person will need to be dealt with quickly and decisively where there might be a tussle, and it might be very fast to the ground.

tf

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» RE: You're insane! Posted by: Maggieb
» RE: Is anybody being objective at all? Posted by: ldasteelworker
Poetic justice
Posted by: compu on Sep 12, 2007 11:13 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Without Limabaugh and the like,there was not Bu$co.
Soon or later their followers will fall victims of their own
invent,if already many of them are not in some dire predicament.This will not afect the ones that oppose this
regime only.Few days ago in Miami the Cubans truckers
were rioting because of increases in fuel prices.I had a good
time watching the sobs,the very ones to help this to occur.
I bet many of those listeners of cacaamradio are soon to be evicted because of the mortgage crisis,I wish them the worst.

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History repeats itself
Posted by: FPF422 on Sep 13, 2007 12:30 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Reichstag burning 02/27/1933 = Terror Attacks 9/11/2001

enough said...

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It's obvious from this video the man was resisting arrest
Posted by: Libsrfascists on Sep 13, 2007 3:10 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's obvious to anyone with eyes in their head that this man was resisting arrest. Anyone with sense will know the consequences of doing so. The man was grandstanding and has paid the price, he should have done what the officers told him to do instead of having a hissy fit.

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Dishonest headline
Posted by: Libsrfascists on Sep 13, 2007 3:15 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Anti-War Minister Is Attacked, Gets Leg Broken for Trying to Enter Petraeus Hearing"

The very title of this piece is dishonest. The minister was not attacked for trying to enter the hearing as is clear to anyone with eyes in their head. He was arrested for resisting arrest. This is so typical of the intellectual dishonesty that is epidemic in both the media and the internet.

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» ??? What Posted by: marid
» RE: That did not make any sense Posted by: rfrancis@godisdead.com
» RE: Dishonest headline Posted by: MT512
themanwithadog
Posted by: the man with a dog on Sep 13, 2007 5:42 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The unprovoked attack on the minister is typical of the Bush misadministration namely Brute Force and Ignorance.
Naturally this incident will not get a court hearing as all the defence evidence need is the showing of this video. That is if it not supressed by the same "brownshirts" sorry I mean the so called police force

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rpatten