CEASE AND DESIST / Day 4 -- POLICE BRUTALITY (IN NYC)

photocourtesynytimes

Peeps,

Be afraid, be very afraid!! is a teaser line from some popular horror movie that could well describe the way I feel on viewing this image recently posted on the New York Times site.  How is it that in a democratic country such as the United States, ordinary citizens in the process of exercising first amendment rights, can so easily and quickly incur the wrath of the police.  I had been led to believe that protesting was a legitimate right, and guaranteed within one's constitutional right.  Recent events at Freedom Park prove otherwise; a line seems to have been drawn by some elected officials acting at the behest at unknown individuals (or corporations) who have decided that it's a them-versus-us scenario with the police standing at ready to dispel protesters through force, aided by batons/tear-gas/pepper-spray.  Looking at the image above, I wonder what could this young man have done to warrant numerous blows to the head by police batons.  

Since 911, I have noticed an inclination on the part of some police departments and federal agencies dedicated to both internal and external security, to act upon unconfirmed suspicion first, and ask questions later.  Again, the underlying assumption that one is innocent until found guilty has been replaced by the supposition that one is guilty until innocence can be proved.  Wiser heads repeatedly state that individual actions on the part of some uniformed (or undercover) persons are not to blame, but instead represents a condoned climate of intolerance and paranoia that is perpetuated from the top down.  That may be true, and systematic redress is needed, yet that does little to reassure me that while performing daily activities (as a ordinary citizen), perhaps my appearance or demeanor could rouse the suspicion of the ever-vigilant watchers whose patrol cars are in constant surveillance of most quarters.  

Shame on Mayor Bloomberg and the New York Police Department! At some point since the start of the Occupy Wall Protest, it was decided that the concerns of the 1% would trump the welfare of the remaining 99%, and this is unforgivable, as well as unforgettable.  The democratic model upon which our country has long held up as an ideal, has become seriously flawed, and appears to be crumbling faster than the (other) myths upon which our country was built.  It appears that equality has become a commodity, simply fodder for Wall Street traders and Madison Avenue advertising agencies -- now, an item of value for those who stay protected by the barricades and batons such as the ruling 1% who remain insulated from change by the continued indifference of some, and ever questionable legislation passed in their favor.  And the masses grow increasingly weary ...

Sincerely,

Shane

PS:  Show your support for the Occupy Wall Street protests by speaking out ....