Rev. Lennox Yearwood Arrested at Petraeus Hearing
BushCo Democracy in action:
FMNN:
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.
Yearwood: "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.'"
Capitol Police are not saying what the charges are, but an inside source has said that the charge is assaulting a police officer. Rev. Yearwood may have a broken ankle as a result of this arrest. Pam has more.
John Amato: Siun has more:
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.
Ever notice how much violence is put on those who dissent, as if they are the worst enemy and need to be crushed?
Amazing, I bet you would never see such violence put on a militia group member.
Have a taste of American Fascism Reverend
Oh my GOD! You have GOT to be kidding me?!! We gotta fuckin march on Washington! We're losing our nation! This is just TOO much!
Welcome to the police state. Funny in the video I did not see the reverend lay a hand on any officer.
Sorry indigowatcher, seems your nation been lost for a while already.
So the people of Iraq ARE the enemy? I'm not getting why someone's rights are denied because they have "love" for the people our soldiers are dying for everyday.
Doesn't surprise me one bit though. Sad. :(
the only thing missing are the shirts being brown.
Assaulting a police officer? I watched that video last night and they are really pusing it, and much too far. Even the disorderly conduct would be a test in court, if he was right in questioning why he wasn't being allowed in.
Davideo @ 6:
Yeah, because we're all sitting by and ALLOWING them to do this!
dothehop @ 5:
he never raised his hands above his chest.
WTF! Assaulting a police officer! All he did was ask why he was not allowed to enter and why he was being arrested! This is no longer our government. It's theirs. This is complete bullshit.
We have to end this police state mentality RIGHT now!
A broken leg and a false arrest. Calling all lawyers, this man has a case if I've ever seen one.
I am glad that there is video on this - it will be hard to prove anything past disorderly conduct, if that.
Wow. Shades of Germany in the 1930s.
Repulsive. The word "Fascismo" comes to mind!
This video actually incriminates the officers and any good attorney could win it in court :-)
Somebody PLEASE tell me THIS is the turning point! Is THIS now the time to hit the streets in protest?!?
Cheerio USA, former good friends and allies, it's been nice knowing you!
Come back to the family of Civilised Nations when you get your country back.
Well done to the person who filmed this.
Who gave the police their marching orders I wonder? Cops don't do the thinking after all, unless someone is tap dancing in a toilet stall and justice must be done.
I bet presstitute Geraldo will talk about this "misfit" on the Factor . I'm passing this youtube out like wildfire.
Welcome to the UnAmerica
I am curious why the others who appeared to have been arrested - the two women, were arrested. What are they being charged with? Were they arresting people who were being vocal?
Ricky Bones @ 15:
Actually, the charge isn't "assaulting a police officer and disorderly conduct", the official charge is "exercising free speech while being a n*gger".
Unf*ckingbelievable.
This, Portland, the NYC 2004 Convention, recent DC protests, all have much in common: Peaceful protests, followed by harassment and brutal attacks. The reason?
In this case, the Capitol Police were told not to allow any more than 7 “Peace Protestors” in the hearing at a time. Apparently, the button got him labeled and the Rev. was turned away. That by itself was unconstitutional.
These squads all have the same training too. Ever notice the “crowd control” orders being barked followed by the take-down and requisite “STOP RESISTING” order? Apparently, the “Stop Resisting” order gets them off the hook a lot. They broke his ankle as he was being dragged to the floor…while they barked “Stop Resisting”.
And he assaulted them. Yeah.
It looked to me like the reverend tried to lurch towards the door and fell. I didn't see a "football tackle" or any violent behavior by the cops.
Which doesn't excuse them, of course. The bigger issue is why they were trying to prevent him entering the chamber. Just because of the button? That would definitely be an outrage.
Bush's Storm Troopers in actions again. Why does a Beatles song come to mind? A nickel for anyone who can guess what song.....
when he said "I will not be arrested today" do you think he was attempting the Jedi mind trick?
This sort of shit has been happening over & over since Presdient Fuko took office, yet we have a nation that is overly concerned with Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton & Britney Spears. Its almost as if we deserve to lose our nation.
Let's send a copy of this tape to Bin Laden. I'm sure he'd be interested in seeing our American freedoms in action, and how much we love the Iraqis. /snark/
When the Republican reign, er, I mean, administration, is over, will the capitol police still do this fascist stuff? Or will they only let Democratic supporters in to public events?
This makes me sick. Let's hit the streets, dammit!!
Indigowatcher @ 19:
Too late. There isnt a police force, sheriffs department, state police, or national guard anywhere in the country that wouldnt put you in a fenced area or cage should you try.
What you are watching is your future. The people that did this are under Pelosi's control.
What I want to hear is the shock at what is about to happen in the next elections. Bush will attack Iran - then what? This little man has feared the people from the beginning. If you think he will expose himself to that which he fears - you are wrong. You assume you can act before it is too late. I say he saw you coming 'yesterday' and is ready for you. Do you think american police and military wont do something that drastic? What did you just watch? Pelosi's police doing just that. Remember Blackwater in New Orleans? Foreign ex-special forces armed in the streets of a US city - what will they not do?
This can - and will - get worse. Why? All there is defending freedom are a bunch of middle aged out of shape women in pink T-shirts - god bless them - we are doomed.
just effin sick.
I encourage ANYONE who has a Blog- please please blog on this We are in a Police State- Anyone have any doubts then send the video- it is unreal.....and we need to do more to stop End this Effin Criminal Regime....if they will arrest a Minister- they will arrest anyone.... Please Please Also send to Keith o at Countdown...I sent him the Arrest Video- last week- it did not get on- welll- let's see if a Minister can get some Much needed Attention( I mean I hope we are not waiting for another Kent State)
Greg @ 27:
These were Pelosi's storm troopers.
blueland, I'm thinking of a Queensryche song with the same word in the title.
I smell a lawsuit.
c'mon. The cops are doing their jobs. I think this is a gross exaggeration of the events, football tackled? Bush storm troopers? Seriously paranoia will destoy-ya.
Pelosi's office seemed to know nothing of it. In any case, Agonist was on this yesterday.
Blue Buddha @ 24:
I know I shouldn't laugh but that comment made me laugh.
Your country is in the toilet and in this video someone just flushed it away.
Reminds me of the scene in Beverly Hills Cop, when the goons throw Eddie Murphy through a window. The police roll up and tell him he's under arrest for disturbing the peace - he replies, "Disturbing the peace?! I got thrown through a fucking window!" Except this is for real.
eddiberto @ 35:
They were doing their job in a fascist - neopolice state. The police have traditionally been trained to used equal force. That just didnt happen here. The reverand was saying - I'm not resisting - because the police were saying - stop resisting. This is a legal ploy to establish the use of physical force.
They will get away with it - and it was uncalled for in a civil society - which this isnt.
anon @ 33:
No, they weren't. Unlike Bush's DOJ, the capitol police are not a political tool. The speaker does not have anything to do with the hiring, firing, training, mission, or duties of the capitol police.
eddiberto @ 35:
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you....
eddiberto @ 35:
Which is a fair indication of far we have fallen if you think the behavior of officers depicted in the video is just "doing their jobs." I have some sympathy for your seeing some comments as over the top, but clearly the police used excessive force, if that definition bears any resemblance to common sense.
But really, the whole of America is treated this way, not just in DC. I am personally aware of law enforcement intentionally disregarding civil rights (which implies they believe in them, at least the ones they denied), and scenes like the one above get repeated daily across the land.
Wow...they broke his leg....I don't believe it. And his charges? Bogus.
All that was missing was the fire hoses and attack dogs.
The most violent city in the nation and 6 DC police officers have nothing better to do than to attack a reverend exercising his constitutional right of assembly and free speech.
Bringing freedom to the Iraqi people so we can take it from Americans. Brought to you by the GOP fascists of the criminal Bush Regime.
Well, I sent her an email...
Hello honorable Speaker.
I was just watching the YouTube video of the Republican Police Department knocking Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. down and breaking his leg, to keep him out of the room where Republican General Petraeus was giving testimony.
Did they break his leg because he is a Democrat, or because he is a Christian Minister? Or do they just break the legs of everyone they don't like?
I think it is safe to assume that this is standard procedure, or they wouldn't be breaking people's legs in full view of the public and the cameras.
This video has certainly made it clear to me what visitors in Washington DC can expect if confronted by the Republican Police Department. Obviously Washington DC is very dangerous place for citizens to visit.
The tactic of breaking people's legs for no legal cause isn't going to become a National policy is it?
Question authority = broken leg.
Hey, that would make a great campaign slogan for our next nationalistic, authoritarian, bullying, corrupted, criminal, nepotistic, war-mongering, permanent-majority-dreaming, self-absorbed closeted Republican president.
His pen said I love the people of Iraq? What's wrong with that? Our soldiers were sent to die for Iraq's people.
God, what an awful story and made worse because this happened right here in our country. Police state up and running I guess.
It's like this. Police violate this man's civil rights. He is maybe tried, and gets exonerated, clearly innocent. He sues, and maybe collects a couple hundred thousand dollars...........and the dog and pony show, which is helping to continue filtering BILLIONS into the coffers of various scumbags continues on unabated.....The Reverend's rights only cost them the chump change.
V V
SevenString @ 34:
Which one?
I'm hearing "Revolution Calling"
"Got no love for politicians
Or that crazy scene in D.C.
It's just a power mad town
But the time is ripe for changes
There's a growing feeling
That taking a chance on a new kind of vision is due..."
Queensryche/Revolution Calling
My folks lived for a while under a dictatorship in country far away in a not so distant past. My dad used to tell me that one of my uncles got the shit beaten out of it for being a political dissident (a socialist under a fascist regime). The police report for the incident was declassified when the country transitioned to democracy, and it read something like this:
"Suspect (my uncle's name) repeatedly attacked the police officer (name of the fascist tug) by hitting with his face the police officer's boot."
For the past few years I guess I have seen this country devolve into the country my parents left. Thanks GOP!
I called Pelosi's office and was told by two different people that they have NO control over the officers involved. They did give me the number for the Sergeant at Arms who is responsible for these thugs:
202-225-2456
Give 'em hell! (PS -- Pelosi's people were very nice)
Pelosi's office is who these cops work for
Pelosi needs to publicly apologize to Rev Yearwood, and completely pay any medical bills incurred as a result of this fiasco
And then not allowing the Bush Dog Dems, Rahm Emanuel lackeys all, to keep stabbing the liberal bloc in their backs by caving in to W on every big vote so far in 2007 would be a nice show of REAL leadership from Pelosi, as opposed to letting a minority of the House Dems repeatedly side with the GOP and further W's cost-free political victories he never pays a harsh price for
"..the only thing missing are the shirts being brown".
Even a blind pig will occasionally root an acorn. To wit:
"It is not necessary to wear brown shirts to be a fascist. It is simply necessary to be one".
Lyndon LaRouche once pointed that out.
That was painful to watch on multiple levels.
Time to resurrect the term "pigs".
Rusty Shackleford Says:
It looked to me like the reverend tried to lurch towards the door and fell. I didn’t see a “football tackle” or any violent behavior by the cops.
I beg to differ. He didn't simply lurch forward. The cop behind him put his hands on the reverend's shoulders as another cop was saying something about arresting him. The reverend made the "mistake" of reflexively responding to this physical touching (assult?). As he pulls forward, away from the cop behind, the other cops grab him. Tackle? I don't know; but they certainly took him down - with enough force to break his leg.
Think about it. If it was you in this situation, what would have done if someone put two hands on your shoulders at that moment. It would be very difficult not respond in exactly the same manner.
Anyway you look at it, it still looks like the Rev. lunged towards the door or towards an officer. That's all they need to arrest someone. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the cops pushed him towards another, why else do 8 cops need to deal with one non-violent preacher?
The whole world's watching...
The whole world's watching...
The whole world's watching...
The whole world's watching...
The whole world's watching...
Elphin @ 56:
You could be right. I watched that part of the video several times but couldn't tell for sure. My impression was that he stumbled, but I could be wrong.
I still think the more important question is why the cops were hassling him in the first place.
eddiberto @ 35:
who's paranoid? he's got a broken leg! it wasn't technically a football-style tackle, but he was attacked and wrestled to the ground without provocation. it's a good thing there were so many witnesses around or it might have been a lot worse.
comment 52 should have read comment 51 first.
KingCranky @ 52:
If this occurred yesterday, why don't we have a more current update?
justabill @ 40:
The speaker is involved in the choice of chief of capitol police. The capitol police are under the direct control of a board made up of the sargeants of arms of the house and senate and the capitol architect.
I am unaware of the extent of control/influence, however the arrest subsequent to an inherent contempt charge by congress will be executed by the sargeant of arms and the capitol police.
I would say the speaker has more control of the capitol police than a typical mayor/council.
I have no doubt that if the speaker were to request specific policies of behavior of the capitol police, they would be followed. (This would also be true of the board in general)
reddalestew @ 58:
That would be wonderful if true, but how many Americans beside us bloggers are aware of the story? Has it been reported on in the traditional media? I do hope the international media will pick up on it so that the rest of the world knows about even though most of our own citizens won't.
New definition of Fascism: Cop breaks your leg, you get charged with assault.
naschkatze @ 65:
Ain't it the truth. You can bet, and be sure to win, that MSM will NOT give this even
on sentence/line of coverage.
If we keep circulating it throughout the blog-world it will filter up/down to the main stream media. Maybe K.O. will pick up on it. The Bushies are sweating because they are losing control of the message. The truth will get out. To the Iraqis we have become the new Saddam.
.......Guess he wasn't sportin the right religous creds to suit the DC congress cops....... P.S.... I'm mad at Nancy for blowing off a lot of shit she should be rasing hell about 24/7, but this? This tackling reverends waiting to enter congress to watch or protest by the congressional critter cops ain't got spit to do with Pelosi..... She's in charge of the political (tiny, evidently) majority, not in charge of hiring cops to provide security or watch the building..................JD
John American @ 53:
I sent it to a rational evangelical who I know.
Let's see how she enjoys watching a man of God knocked to the floor by 6 men. For what?
anon @ 64:
Please see comment 51. Your repeated attempts to lay the blame for this incident on Pelosi are unfounded.
The LA Times phrased their propaganda piece like this:
"In the middle was the Rev. Lennox Yearwood, an antiwar activist who had apparently attempted to push his way into the hearing room and was wrestled to the floor."
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-iraqcolor11sep11...
Well it all on video - police assault at the least I would think. Sue for bgi bucks!
I did some calling to find info and didn't get a straight answer. I called the Speakers office (202) 225-0100 and the woman said they have been getting calls about this issue. She suggested and did connect me to the Capitol Police, I then spoke to two people there and the second one said he had no information and I'd have to talk with the public relations person (202)-224-1677. Is anyone willing to them a call?
I asked as nicely as I could for information and didn't accuse anyone of any wrong doing, I only stated I heard the news and wanted more information as to what happened and why the arrest was made. Everyone seemed compliant and willing to get me in touch with the right people. But naturally, everyone thought I had to talk to someone else.
Even if Madame Pelosi is impotent when it comes to the capitol police, as she is on so many fronts, she needs to investigate the incident because it is on her turf. Perhaps there would be more results if the Black Caucus looked into though.
Shades of Bull Connor. It was surprising the authorities did not let loose a pack of German Shepherds on him. The hope is that a civil lawsuit is in the works against the police. The police seem to forget that this is the age of instant communication and that their actions can be filmed instantaneously. This outrage also deserves a Special Comment from Olbermann.
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/
Support is needed for Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. Please show your solidarity by coming to his arraignment today. He has been held overnight in jail and will be arraigned today at 1:00 p.m. in DC Superior Court ( 500 Indiana Ave. ). This is near the Judiciary Square Metro Stop. Directions. As you can see from the videos, Rev. Yearwood did not assault the police or even resist them. We hear he is being charged with a felony. This is often done when police overreact and use unnecessary force in order to justify their actions. This is a serious charge. The peace community needs to come out and show our support for this important spokesperson for our cause.
Unconscionable! I just called the Speakers "comment line" and I'm afraid I was so upset by what I witnessed that I could barely speak coherently. I am typing this with tears in my eyes. I can't believe what I just saw.
Oink.
Please update the post with the video for part 2, which shows medical staff attending to Rev. Yearwood and putting him in a wheelchair:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwKpr1CEQ00
So now its gotten to police brutality in the nation's capital.
Time to start calling them "PIGS" again, I guess.
[Deleted. Trolling with flamebait-Sitemonitor] End of the story.
Please don't feed the trolls (#83)
Where's the "disorderly conduct?" He asked why he wasn't being allowed into the hearing room. There's nothing disorderly about that. The police couldn't even be bothered to respond.
Where's the "assault?" The police hit Rev. Yearwood, he didn't hit them.
Why did the police target him? His "I love the people of Iraq" button? Aren't Americans supposed to be in Iraq to HELP Iraqis? We should be applauding Rev. Yearwood's sentiment.
Bush claims he's a Christian and God talks to him. I wonder what God will tell him about assaulting men of the cloth in the name of quashing dissent about the Iraq war.
The cops overreacted merely because they were confronted by someone who didn't automatically comply with their peremptory decree.
These charges need to be dismissed, those cops need to be disciplined or fired, and the Capitol Police need to be reminded that POSSIBLE disagreement with George W. Bush, let alone actual disagreement, is not a crime.
Oink.Oink.Oink.
Fast moving do you have that number?
Her main number says it is closed for the day and call tomorrow. You can't leave a message on that line.
This desperately needs updating.
A FELONY???
Rights ain't what they used to be... slowly but surely the police get more and more power and the police less and less. It's pretty much a crime to not do anything an officer of the law says for you to do. If he says quack like a duck and you say no, you become noncompliant therfore a threat since you have exhibited free will, and must be arrested for the officers safety. Since we all know an officer on the street is worth 2 civilians at least if not more. He put his car in reverse and showed intent to run me over, so I shot him in the head. It's a risky job guys accept some risk for heavens sake. Soon they'll be able to shoot you for whatever, hey you! no eye contact, blam.
Land of the free and home of the brave, the dated adage.
Intolerable.
It is a minority who are in charge and a majority who have decided who this minority are, we can change this disgusting degradation of America.
We must all move as one
- JJ
sorry second police in above post should read civilian....
I have submitted this story to Digg. I have also posted it on The Daily Show's board and The Colbert Report's.
"John American"
Yes, just as I'm afraid of all republican men hitting on me in the bathroom stall, as Paul Allen offered the "big black man" sex at the park bathroom, or Larry Craig solicited sex with another male in the airport bathroom.
You of COURSE can see my point...
Your was ludicrous: 1 ax wielding anti-war guy = all anti-war people
Mine = 2 republican men = closet homosexuals soliciting sex in disgusting dirty places
Wait! I bet you're an authoritarian follower, who sees fear everywhere, and have trouble comprehending basic reality because of the filter you have installed on that closed mind.
Sorry, but taking satisfaction in someone's death by ax, just to *TRY* (and I stress TRY) to make a point, is disgusting.
...and yet so many people were so happy when pinched-face Pelosi became speaker of the house. I have no doubt it is SHE who wanted to limit the number of anti-war citizens and no doubt that she knew things could and usually do get out of hand when law enforcement is tasked with violating the civil rights of the people.
GOP's right:had the Reverend been in a "free speech zone" 14 miles away,he never would have been tackled to the ground or had any limbs shattered for wearing that offensive button claiming to love people.
It's a very common dodge for congressional staffers who answer phones to plead ignorance when asked, "Did you hear about..". It enables them to pretend they haven't, while encouraging the venting-of-the-spleen for a constituent fired-up enough to make a call in the first place. 45 minutes ago, I called my congressman (Thompson-Ca) about this attack, and was treated to that song and dance. In fairness, his DC office may have honestly been unaware the deputy dogs assault. But, then again, I've no way of knowing whether they were shining me on, or not. But I'm long past the point where I'm prepared to extend the benefit of the doubt to congressional democrats.
Yearwood is also an Air Force Reservist. So now the police are assaulting veterans in the name of "supporting the troops?" Unconscionable!
oops 2 republican men, closet homosexuals soliciting sex in disgusting dirty places EQUALS ALL REPUBLICAN MEN.
Why are people piling on Pelosi?
It's the cowboy mentality, and extra power that authoritarian figures have inherited under Bush that gives these suckers confidence and extra machismo to do things that are flat out violations of civil rights.
At 5:55 the officer behind him directs him into the ambush. He does not try to run, he is directed to where the police want him. I hope Rev. Yearwood sues the pants off of them.
It's more important to spread this story to the media, both print and electronic, than to call people in Congress and complain.
Let their constituents do the "calling" for you.
It's much more effective that way.
time to move to NZ...
Posted on Colbert's message board.
I saw a cop put his hands on Rev. Yearwood, I saw the Rev. flinch, I saw him knocked over by six large men.
That is disorderly conduct and assault.
But not by Rev. Yearwood.
The wrong person was charged.
I am told that AAPO (Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer) is a common pre-emptive charge against victims of police violence. It shifts the burden of proof to the victim, and usually results in charges being dropped in exchange for no charges being filed against the officers.
In this case we have independent evidence. Charges need to be filed.
Why couldn't they give him an answer? Doesn't betray-us like Iraqi people isn't that their mission for now?
The Rev. didn't do anything to cause that pile up of cops. They broke his leg on purpose. That will show all the chimpy haters.
I'm moving to Russia.
As I see more and more of these videos I have to assume that the police aren't there to protect us as much as they're there to control us. With what little training I've had in security, I can at least appreciate the importance of keeping the former approach in mind in order to prevent unnecessary confrontations and violence. This kind of situation is the result of deliberately malevolent training and officers who are stupid and thuggish enough to embrace it.
I can't possibly trust law enforcement these days, and I'm sure there are many who feel the same way. Breeding distrust with displays like this creates a potentially explosive environment.
pinkobait @ 94:
Yep chimpy has to watch those African-American Reverends, look how out-of-control MLK was.
It seems that you Americans cannot understand that the police must act like this. If they reacted reasonably, people might not be so afraid to stand up to authority. By crushing your freedom, at the first moment of descent, they keep you in control.
Moral: Bush can't pacify Iraq, but he is doing one hell of a job pacifying the American people.
telecom @ 46:
Brings a whole new meaning to the showbiz term, "Break a leg!" doesn't it....?
NZ and Russia look good right now
Canada is closer
Zolodoco @ 104:
Welcome to the club.
The way things are going, he is lucky he was draged outside and shot. Thank goodness for cameras being on the site.
Shame on Yearwood, he assaulted 8 officers' knees with his back.
This really pisses me off. I hope those cops get charged, prosecuted, and disciplined. This was totally uncalled for. Is this the beginning of a Bush-run police state?
Here's something I pointed out at Pandagon
http://pandagon.blogsome.com/2007/09/11/minister-tackled-arrested-by-cap...
So, now we have bush's version of the government police forces installed by the Nazis - the Schutzstaffel (SS) and the Geheime Staatspolizei (Gestapo).
We are truly in trouble when 6 policemen attack a man of the cloth who is simply waiting for entry to the petraeus/crocker hearings. I watched the entire video, and did not see anything untoward coming from the respectful reverend... Apparently, his only crime was wearing a button stating "I love the people of Iraq". Reminds me of the actions, during the bush campaign against those who would dare wear a t-shirt critical of our illustrious leader. Sig heil, georgie.
Honestly, I'm plain sick of these things where people just stand around and let the police break the law and do whatever the hell they want to!
Why doesn't anyone ever take action in these things? The minute they tackled that reverend, I would have been all over those policemen to let him go. He did nothing wrong, and they broke his leg for it.
This is ridiculous and scary as shit.
Its a damn good thing that button didn't have a PEACE SIGN on it.
That would have driven the swine into a frenzy.
[Deleted. You are very rude-Sitemonitor]
Ok everyone, it's sing along time ... grab your American flag, put on your lapel pins, salute snappily and sing with me ....
Oh I'm proud to be an Amnerrriiccaaannn where at least I know I'm freeeeeee
There ya go, that's the spirit. I guess we do have to fight them here, because umm, they are here, although, at this point I'm not sure who they are, or we are, or are we they?
daveinboca @ 117:
Having someone outside of our fascist country speak against its fascist policies makes for an easy target by thugs like you, doesn't?
He's got a right to voice his opinion like anyone else. Why don't you take all that misguided aggression and put it towards something constructive instead of acting like a thug?
Bud @ 108:
Hell, even Mexico is looking good... at least it's a lot warmer than Canada. It won't be long until illegals start crossing the Rio Grande in the other direction.
Blue Buddha @ 24:
Exactly ... because if there is one thing that hasn't changed in this nation since 9-11 2001 is the way our police officers treat black men.
Shall we sing a bit more?
Watching the tape closely. The police appear to be saying he wasn't in line, and needs to go. The door officer clearly says, "You was not in line" then "You moved to the head of the line". Two people had gone around him and were admitted but he is stopped. Almost immediately a second officer is behind him grabbing his shoulder. This officer then says, "Sir, I'm giving you an order right now". "An order for what?" The only answer he is given is that he wasn't in line and needs to move. You can see what is going to happen next when people are cleared out of the way, some officers remove hats, chests start to puff out. He is ordered one last time to move away from the door and does not comply. Once he is circled, they inform him he is under arrest and once you are informed you are under arrest, any action that is not in compliance will result in a green light for the goon squad to swarm. At this point he decides to lurch towards the door while yelling "No No No". He is then taken down to the floor with force causing an injury.
Was he in line? It's hard to tell because people are walking around him and getting in.
Was he targeted to be banned? Also hard to tell, but a large group of officers showed up within seconds of him reaching the door.
Should you stand in front of a capital hearing room and argue with an officer who has denied you entry? No, but I don't think I would just walk away if accused of cutting.
Should you move away when given a lawful order, even if that order sucks? Yes, but you are allowed to say "This is bullshit man!" on your way to the back of the line.
Should you leap at the door and yell "NO" when told you are under arrest? Only if you want to be on the bottom of a dogpile.
Watched that vid again... Pretty disgusting.... Just another proud day in Amerika under the Bush regime.... Perhaps the fact that it's on tape will resonate enough to initiate some basic policy changes by the congressional coppers if the blogosphere can raise the issue to a larger audience.....IF... And how bout all that cuffing of those two matronly looking socker mom types? They didn't look all that dangerous to me either....
What a bunch of tuff guys..... Smile boys, your on candid camera... And I hope it generates all the redicule in your individual lives that this behavior by you merits.... PIGS!!!! JD
If the officer's actions were legal, this isn't America.
In their lives there's something lacking
What they need's a damn good whacking...
I thought they were supposed to be looking fer terrrrrrists......not our own citizens...oh wait...thats right.....Boosh thinks that we're not with him so we must be terrrrrists......nice.....I suppose he should consider himself lucky.....he's still breathing.
Having lived through Hitler's regime, Pastor Martin Niemöller once said:
In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;
And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;
And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;
And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up."
Sorry to bust everyone's bubble here, but the Rev. brought this on himself. If you look at the start of the video, it looks like he is standing off to the side of the line, rather than in the line. Then, rather than following the directions of that the office at the door gave him (who if he was letting in all the code pink people, I'm sure could care less about his button) to get in line, he decided to make a big stink out of it. At any point before he was arrested he could have removed himself from the situation, or simply gotten in line with everyone else. Moreover, if, when he was told he was under arrest, he hadn't started flailing around and saying that he was not going to be arrested, they probably wouldn't have jumped on him like they did. It is unfortunate that he was hurt, but its a stretch to blame it on his care for the Iraqi people.
Oh come on,,, it was obvious he assaulted the gestapo, I mean the police. Everybody knows that if the cops jump on you or twist your arm up behind your neck and you grunt from the pain of it you have assaulted the cops, and if you do not lie quietly while they beat the crap out of you, you are also resisting arrest. It was obvious,, the guy was guilty as hell.
Indigowatcher @ 4:
You mean you "had it" at some point? Maybe you just weren't paying attention
Keith @ 111:
It wasn't just one crazy for-war protester but all 8 of them actively participated and many more to stand by and watch. Gotta love those police state protection.
It used to be that we were proud to be American because we had the freedom of speech and we were protected for that. Imagine what this country would be if we didn't have the internet? Where would we be able to get truth? We all saw the video, and we are the few who did! We are not dumb, and we now know we can't get truth from 6 corporation that owns the news and are all Republican hack.
My suggestion is to carry cameras wherever we go and watch each others back, any cameras would do. If you go to a protest march to start shooting pictures of every policeman and identifying them later if more attack such as this happens again. Carrying a camera to a protest should be a requirement, more so than a protest sign.
I notice that they tried to clear the hall and just far enough so that audio could not be cover. Also to constrict the camera for a point of view. Seem like the camera is the only legal weapon we have to fight police brutality. After this event, I am clearly understanding the importance of having a camera on at all times.
Seriously though,,, The cops, as shown in the video showed great restraint.
Dangstraight @ 132:
Ummm....I'm trying to figure out an appropriate response to your post.....how about ,"go fuck yourself"? How does that work for you?
He should count his blessings. They all were probably on the verge of tasering him, each and every one of them, but then realized that there was a crowd watching.
I smell a big, fat, juicy, lucrative, and hopefully ruinous lawsuit against the Capitol Gestapo!
I almost gag to say this but I actually wish I were a lawyer...I would offer to go to the full wall in said suite pro bono.
Each and every one of those Gestapo thugs needs to lose their jobs (no suspensions, complete, permanent job loss) and the department needs to be sued to within an inch of being bankrupt. The time to kill off the Police State crap is way past now.
Pistol @ 128:
You just bust my gut with your response-LOL
First of all he was in line and wanted to know why he was being detain from entering, what was his crime that he was being charge with? They didn't have a charge and he tried to get back in line to go in, and they attack him.
I'm sure the thugocracy would like Lennox to be a political prisoner. He has too low an albedo for them. I personally think he is a true light in the darkness.
I've just watched the 2nd update, posted above and I'm quite astounded.
The Police have broken Yearwood's leg and when he's finally put in that wheelchair he's still got his hands secured behind his back?
If an incident like this doesn't make you take your country back then nothing will.
[...] Rev. Lennox Yearwood Arrested at Petraeus Hearing [...]
Thanks for posting this number. Everyone, please take it and pass it around to your email group.
I thought the Code Pink folks were treated as parasites yesterday. It pissed me off that Mr. Skelton, and Duncan Hunter made a big deal about how they would make sure these people were prosectued....which made me wonder where they were with
Alberto Gonzales and the rest of the fucking croolks and liars.
jack jett
For those of you that are either shocked by this or have been living in a cave since Sept. 12th, 2001...I have two words for you...
POLICE STATE.
Time to lock and load.
Aaaand if I try to speaaaaaak my miiiiiind, I know they'll break my kneeeeeeeeeeeeeee
daveinboca @ 117:
See!
This is why Americans have to travel with a Maple Leaf on their back.
Arrogant, ignorant pricks like you, don't seem to blend into any culture.
Mind you, your German is pretty good, considering your tongue is firmly up your president's ass.
We love our "second-world" country where we treat everyone with respect and our dollar continues to climb while yours is in free-fall.
Instead of being an asshole, you might want to make an effort to clean up some of the turd-piles your 'land of the free', has left all over the world.
Anyone making some kind of guess about him lunging for the door based on this video is delusional. He moved forward, but at least four cops had their hands on him already. He could have been pushed from his left, or pulled from his right - or he could have lost his balance, and moved forward on his own.
Let's remember he had already made it through a security checkpoint to get that close, so its safe to assume he's unarmed. The cops were encircling him and moving people away from the first second there was a verbal confrontation. If the cops had to deny him entrance, they could have handled this better, and its a shame Yearwood got his leg broken.
I don't know why he was denied entry. He appeared to be in line, and there wasn't much of a line anyway.
Bottom line: Oink.
Daveinboca, see how dangerous it is to play with sarcasm on blog comments?
At least they didn't put pepper spray in his eyes or taser him for thrills.
Cythraul @ 142:
So I'll proudly stand up! next you, but I can't because they broke my fucking leg and now I can't walk because the Capitol police think that anyone who opposes dickwad Bush and his merry band of warmongers is a commie-pinko-traitor-Democrat ...
Ok, so I ad-libbed a bit on that verse.
"he never raised his hands above his chest."
Above the waist is far enough.
Fact is the gendarmes were attempting to provoke him into an offense and it (quite predictably) happened. It generally takes about 60-90 seconds, depending on the skill of the officer/s and the attitude of the victim.
Regardless the tactics, the venue, and the interpretation of what this all means (or doesn't), here's some advice:
a) Police officer asks you to leave
b) Politely ask why
c) Police officer explains (maybe)
d) Politely ask for officer's identification
e) Politely comply
f) Immediately find a witness to the event (when safe to do so)
g)Take the witness to the supervisor of the police and lodge a complaint
h) Make notes as to the events so they are documented
i) Civil rights violated? Go to the press and make them aware of what happened
f) Press a lawsuit. Go for the officer, supervisors, and as high up the tree as you can reach
g) Stand by for the harassment
In short, never argue with the officer. Their job is to put you in cuffs and they will eventually find or generate a good reason to do so.
In this case the arrest was accomplished, but it sure makes all the parties look like a bunch of fools, including the "reverend".
Didn't some guy walk in to the capitol and start shooting a few years back?....just saying
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