Ok.. This Is Just Wrong

[MalahatTwo7]

If this report is true, I mean. I know that the charge would only amount to a misdemeanour but that is not really the point. Maybe I kind of/sort of recognize the requirement to allow for a certain amount of expression/release, but ......... well anyway....

Police Allegedly Allow Protestors To Deface Capitol
Controversy Sparks Over Weekend Rally

POSTED: 4:35 pm EST January 29, 2007
UPDATED: 4:53 pm EST January 29, 2007

WASHINGTON -- There is controversy amid reports that U.S. Capitol Police allowed protestors to spray-paint part of the west steps this weekend during a rally against the war in Iraq.

According to an account in The Hill newspaper on Monday, a splinter group of anti-war protesters composed of anarchists spray-painted slogans on the Capitol building Saturday while Capitol police stood by and did nothing.

According to The Hill, newly installed U.S. Capitol Police Chief Phillip Morse and Deputy Chief Daniel Nichols told officers to "fall back" and "cede" the west terrace stairs to the protesters at the time of the incident. The approximately 300 anarchists then proceeded to spray-paint "anarchist symbols" on the structure.

Rank-and-file police officers were reported to be "livid" at the order from their superiors.

A clip posted on YouTube.com showed protestors defacing the Capitol steps with anarchist symbols and slogans.

One source said police were forced to stand by and watch as protestors posed in front of their graffiti before it was removed.

Monday morning a member of Congress, Rep. Cliff Stearns, took the floor of the House to ask for the speaker's office to "look into it."

In an e-mail response, Morse defended his decision.

"While there were minor instances of spray painting of pavement by a splinter group of Anarchists who were seeking a confrontation with the police, their attempts to breach into secure areas and rush the doors of the Capitol were thwarted."

Morse went on to assert that "sound, measured crowd control tactics were employed," and that in any event, "the graffiti was easily removed" by Capitol staff.

Copyright 2007 by nbc4.com.

...or maybe its just the Army trainined Anti-protest/anti-riot bits in me that are rebelling against this.

[Bones42]

hmmm, what causes less commotion? letting some people spray paint a few steps, or the PD "forcing" people not to...

[MalahatTwo7]

hmmm, what causes less commotion? letting some people spray paint a few steps, or the PD "forcing" people not to...

I hear ya Bones. I hear ya. And thats what makes the conflict for me. I'm trained to repress activities like this using (hopefully) civil manners, but with the option to be more aggressive should the situation warrant it.

On the other side of the coin though, even though its not my Capitol, if I was asked to provide security for it during a similar event, that would include preventing property damage of any kind.

Rank-and-file police officers were reported to be "livid" at the order from their superiors.

And I would have the same professional and moral dilema that the Troops had when they were told to stand down.

[lvwrench]

I dunno; to me spray paitning is the equivelant of unzipping your pants, pulling out your shlong and ****ing anyhere you want in public. The only difference is that the paint is more permanent.

[CaptainMikey]

Mace works to deter those left wing nuts.

[MalahatTwo7]

Mace works to deter those left wing nuts.

So do large quantities of CS Gas followed with a good splashing of water.....

[doughesson]

Mace works to deter those left wing nuts.

I'm with you on this,Cap.My taxes pay for those buildings' maintenance and I don't want my property destroyed.

[DFDMAXX]

I'm with you on this,Cap.My taxes pay for those buildings' maintenance and I don't want my property destroyed.

It's not just the taxes that you and I pay to maintain the site. This place was paid for with the blood of the patriots and heroes who fought for and founded this country, and the people who have served and died in our military since.

[mcaldwell]

Geez Rick...

Chretien would have personally pepper sprayed those goofballs.

[MalahatTwo7]

Geez Rick...

Chretien would have personally pepper sprayed those goofballs.

HEHEHEEHEHEHE Yep. And Good O'le Trudeau would have "flipped" 'em