OWS UC Davis Pepper Spray - What Really Happened

[Mr Khan]

richardhutnik said:

It is an interest world now. People go and see if someone is on some side opposed to them, then they will go through all sorts of mental gymnastics to rationalize conduct used against the group they are opposed to. So now, don't like Occupy, so ANY conduct used against them is justified, include a Kent State style shooting. Because they have a message you disagree with. The officer that did the pepperspraying was put on suspension, and the police force thought he was out of line. But, what the heck does the police force know.

I am sure people here who disagree with Occupy feel police officer Bologna who peppersprayed the two women who were penned up in NYC was also justified in doing it.

And of course the goal was to generate bad PR for the authorities.  Why does one expect protesters to try to make the system they are opposed to look good?

I'm not saying they should. What i meant is that while the police had to do something, they (or whoever was ordering them, as makingmusic's post discusses) should have been aware that protests are primarily a battle of PR, and that reacting (especially with force) is going to play right into their hands.

A firm but peaceful protest needs to be dealt with in kind (peacefully and firmly dismantle it), or else you are going to be totally screwed in the public eye.