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ottopilot · 09-26-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dksuddeth

But they weren't free to peacably assemble in that spot, were they?

totalitarian, authoritarian, or whatever. It wasn't a free state. I don't care how liberal or conservative you are, any time you have police lined up 3 deep with heavy riot gear, nightsticks, and shields marching towards you while you are being told that if you do not leave the area, you will be arrested is not a free state. It was a clear cut violation of the peoples right to peaceably assemble.

dk... there was serious potential for violence and property damage based on past Seattle violence and the recent London riots. Violence and vandalism eventually occurred in Pittsburgh. There was more than enough evidence for the potential of violence from various groups (in their own words and materials). The city is responsible to the taxpayers... their safety and the protection of property. I'm sure they were hopeful that the protesters would act peacefully...but that didn't happen. The violence was minimal compared to other G20 events... perhaps this is because of Pittsburgh's preparation.