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[OM] (OT) Strange Times (long)

Subject: [OM] (OT) Strange Times (long)
From: Doggre@xxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2003 03:45:23 EST
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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