Last week, the “Occupy Wall Street” crowd decided to do something new.
They interlocked arms, and charged the police, who they outnumbered. The police responded in kind, and they won ...
If you're wondering where this article is going, it's quite simple: charging a group of heavily armed and armored police officers is a really, really bad idea.
The police have a simple goal: they are there to protect and serve. However, they also have to protect themselves when a clear and present danger is upon them.
Being charged by a group of people who outnumber them is a clear and present danger.
So, to the people who whine and complain that the “Occupy Wall Street” folk are peaceful, and that the police shouldn't have bothered gassing the charging crowd, keep in mind one very simple thing: the police can't read minds. They have no idea where a crowd of unruly citizens will go if they are allowed to go on, unmolested.
Most crowds have no idea where they will end up, if they go on unmolested.
In Chicago, 1968, there was a massive gathering of protestors for the Democratic National Convention that year. It broke out into massive riots. Those riots weren't planned either.
And, when you consider some of what the protesters have been doing... there's a lot of police restraint going on.
So, if you intend, dear reader, to head down and occupy Wall Street, you are allowed to sit down and read, or stand up and scream. It's a free country. You're welcome do to what you like.
However, if you throw anything at the police – a beer can, a bottle, someone else's iPhone – or charge them en mass, keep in mind that the cops will read these as signs that you intend to do harm to them, or to others.
Even if you are nearby someone who does these things, it's time for you to leave. Why? These are signs that demonstrate, to police minds, that the crowd around you, is about to break out into violence.
And, while there will be a bunch of people on the news, later, to make the cops look like they overreacted, that will not help you, nor will it pay your hospital bill.
There will be tear gas.
You will be tasered.
There will not be cake.
Have a fun, and safe, demonstration.
However, if you intend to cause a riot, you're on your own.
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