Occupants Arrested Today

Earlier today, protesters in the Occupy Wall Street movement were arrested after putting up tarps to protect themselves from the rain - an act that violated the "no structure" ordinance.  While the violation may have occurred, observers are now questioning the severity of the police reaction to the "crime":

Protester Footage

There have now been an estimated 18 arrests since Occupy Wall Street began.  The reasons for the arrests? Sidewalk chalk, mask wearing, tarp usage, and "barricade jumping".  When events like this occur, always find the rawest footage available and draw your own conclusions.  The best coverage I have found of earlier arrests is here.

I fully support the protest remaining peaceful and its original attempts to coexist with the police in the city.  I question, however, the city's approach in handling the Occupiers and their "crimes".  There are questions that still need answered.  On day one, barricades were placed blocking complete access to some sections of the financial district.  The law allows for protesters to be on a sidewalk as long as half remains open for public access.  In the first YouTube video, a protester repeatedly begs for his inhaler while being held down by the police.  He is clearly in a position too awkward to give up his other hand.  If you turn the sound up around 3:34, you can hear him clearly say, "Get off me and I'll give you my hand!" to which there are continual utterances of "he's resisting".  Another protester shows signs of his FlexiCuffs being tight enough to cut off all circulation to his hand.  The "barricade jumper" reports he was really arrested for not moving when there wasn't enough room to move.  

While perspective on the protests vary, it is imperative for EVERY citizen - regardless of their viewpoints on Occupy Wall Street or the ideals held by the people there - to ensure that the protesters are treated fairly, coverage of the event is accurate, and power in the city is not abused.  If some in the city find the protesters a nuisance and try to get rid of them outside the context of their rights as citizens, they are essentially declaring "I find my democratic rights inconvenient".  As Voltaire said, "I disagree with what you have to say but will fight to the death to protect your right to say it." 

If you aren't willing to stand up for the rights of those around you, don't expect there to be a fair system in place if YOU are ever treated unjustly.