Pay no attention. MoveOn. Nothing to see here. Please go to the mall to enjoy your freedoms.

But Democrats are so much different from Republicans!

"This is exactly how Nazi Germany got started!!" - Basil Fawlty

The statement in the article above is false -

"But when his microphone was cut off, Meyer began to scream in protest. Members of Accent, Student Government's speakers bureau, cut off the microphone because Meyer used profanity, said Steven Blank, Accent chairman. Accent sponsored the forum, which was held at the University Auditorium."

The youtube video clearly shows that his microphone was NOT cut off, he did not scream, he did NOT use profanity. Instead, the video shows him finishing his 3 questions, saying thank you, stepping away from the microphone, and then the officers jump him and drag him out.

I suggest that the author of this article go watch the video before reporting fabrications that must only be intended to cover up a clear violation of this man's right to free speech. he was tackled and tasered for the content of his speech.

I hope he sues the University. And the fact that Kerry could be heard droning on in the background as the man is screaming in pain from the tasering is chilling.

If you want to express your opinion freely without being tasered, call the UF student government.

UF Student government - 352-392-1665

Who owns the University, the students or the security guards?

From my experience, the security at colleges hate the students and take any chance they get to show their authority.

The video has been posted to YouTube. It looks like he started struggling a bit when they escorted him off the stage -- and that was his mistake.

He'd have been better off to conclude his remarks by citing First Ammendment rights, peaceably been escorted off stage, then filed a suit with the ACLU.

let's wait and see if Kerry, or any of our democratic presidential "contenders" condemn this.

The most important video from the John Kerry Student Taser Incident at the University of Florida
http://www.chycho.com/?q=node/966

"Just reading and watching the mainstream news coverage linked above is shocking enough but wait until you see the following footage.

Here is a video of Andrew Meyer walking up to the microphone to ask his question. John Kerry actually indicates that he is ready for him, and Meyer thanks Kerry for "coming and being open and honest". Within 30 seconds, while Meyer is prepping his questions, you see the following people and chain of events.

There are two men, one much taller then the other, dressed in dark suites, standing behind Meyer. These men are clearly either secret service, with the organizing committee, or with the John Kerry entourage. There are also two police officers standing behind Meyer, one female and one male. The following sequence of events takes place:

The taller "secret service" man whispers into the ear of the shorter man who in turn whispers into the ear of the female police officer who immediately moves towards Meyer and appears as if she is asking him to either move along or wrap it up. Keep in mind that this sequence of events began within 30 seconds of Meyer talking on the microphone, during which time, he has already thanked Kerry and referenced the following book by Greg Palast, Armed Madhouse, which Kerry states that has read.

Meyer clearly gets agitated by the actions taken by the police, and states that Kerry has been talking for two hours and that he should be allowed to talk for two minutes and "inform people" before he asks his questions. He even thanks the police officers, be it in a condescending tone.

He is allowed to continue talking for approximately an additional 40 seconds during which time he is able to state that: "there is multiple reports of disenfranchisement of black voters on the day of the election, 2004" that "there are voting machines, electronic voting machines … in Florida that counted backwards. So amidst all these reports of phony bogus stuff going on how could you (Kerry) concede the 2004 election on the day?"

While Meyer is talking, the police officers and the men dressed in the dark suites continue to whisper to each other, clearly getting anxious, and wanting to remove Mr. Meyer.

In these 40 seconds he is also able to ask three additional questions: "Didn't you (Kerry) want to be president?", "How come you (Kerry) are not saying lets impeach Bush now, lets impeach Bush now, before we can invade Iran?" and "are you (Kerry) a member of the Skull and Bones?" Those were the last words that he was allowed to speak into the microphone. He was then aggressively manhandled by the police, which he was clearly extremely angry about and resisted.

During the ensuing chaos, which he did not instigate, you can hear him asking for help, asking people why this is happening to him, and stating that he is afraid of the cops and does not want to be taken away by them. He clearly fears for his safety, and as indicated by the incident, rightfully so. He even offers to walk out of the auditorium on his own if the police will unhand him.

In the following days and weeks, hopefully, there will be a tremendous amount of discussion and analysis of this incident. This video uploaded by Youtuber, xELRx, who can be contacted on his personal blog at xxxibmxxxx.nexo.com, is important video evidence of the chain of command that is in place to silence those who ask the "wrong" questions at a public political gathering.

What I find most appalling about this incident is that some people were actually laughing and applauding what the police were doing to his student. What gives me hope is that many more people were actually trying to help Meyer.

The United States of America is a dangerous place, however it appears that people should no longer fear those that break the law but those that enforce the law.

Additional commentaries and video footage is available on the Internet, and as long as the Internet remains Neutral we will hopefully continue to obtain unfiltered accurate reports from real people about real events."

I am ashamed to admit I donated money to Kerry. I actually met him and thanked him. What a fool I was.

Where was that ineffectual Kerry through all of this? Up on the podium ..saying he wanted to answer the question!

And did anyone else see Mark Shields on the Lehrer news on pbs saying that moveon was not a part of the Democratic Party? Who is he to tell me that as a member of Move on I am not a part of the Democratic Party? I have been donating to the Democrats and have been a registered Democrat and served in the election polls as a Democrat. I went door to door for Kerry with Move on and gave out info about Kerry in front of my voting location on election day.

Shields thought the Move on ad about betrayus stopped some Republicans from opposing the Iraq war. COME ON...that war is a MESS and an ad in the newspaper stops some politicians from saving the lives of a thousand Americans? Because that is how many American troops will probably die because Bush does not want to admit his collosal blunders in Iraq.

I am disgusted. What a bunch of gutless wonders!!!

Incidentally i went to college with Petraeus' older sister and she had a nervous breakdown and had to leave that semester. After seeing that I have far less trust in her younger brother. These people all have clay feet! ( ok I know i am not being very fair and I know I should not use that to evaluate Petraeus..but still it has left an impression on me and it does make me wonder about the brother.)

Our lives are in the hands of idiots!

Thank, you salvia! What a different, and more thorough account than that given by the "Alligator".

It appears that it was brining up the forbidden subject or electoral fraud is what really got him in trouble.

A similar incident will no doubt soon occur at Ohio State...

That will teach all you worthless peasants to NEVER question the Skull & Bones!!!

You can see the shorter "man in black" signalling to either cut him off,or cut his throat, ( finger sliding across neck) just before the police attacked him.

Hope you are all enjoying your fascist police state

And all the good children sat there...

Interesting question: "Are you a member of Skull and Bones?" We need to ask that, and pursue its implications. To wit, was Kerry a stooge candidate who never intended to win? It's certainly interesting to see what questions you are not allowed to ask.

At the anti war rally on Saturday in Washington, a man unexpectedly was able to get to the podium and spoke into the microphone. When he said the words " I am a conservative" the mic was cut.

The audience of anti war protesters began to chant,

"Let him speak, let him speak"

and the man was able to give his view. Yes it was booed, the audience did not agree with him, but he was given an opportunity to speak.

Then a black man on crutches came up to the conservative and had his arm around his shoulder and spoke eloquently about how we are all linked..black and white etc. There was an acceptance of the conservative even though there was a clash of opinions.

Thats when I realized how strongly I believed in freedom of speech and how critical it is.

What had made me realize how incredibly corrupt the US is now, was that in the run up to the war there were very few opposing voices heard.

The US is not a free nation, because some voices are being silenced.

canuckchuck September 18th, 2007 1:13 pm

Got any room up there? Before another Kent State.

How many people have been beaten this past week? The Reverend, this guy, who else?

But what can we do? Its back to my margarita. It eases the pain.

whatfools

The Canadian Way: An Immigrant's Guide to Settling in Canada
by Jo Davenport $14.95 at Amazon.

Video of activists being tasered at Miami FTAA 2003:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LCQgREv5b8&mode=related&search=

and Seattle WTO, 1999:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdRlOfNIBh0&mode=related&search=

then there's the MOVE bombing in 1985:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30jaExZdGy0

This is all part of the militarization of the police that has been going on for the past 30 years. They started with SWAT teams for hostage situations, then gradually moved into wider circles of dissent, militants first, then more and more people - until now we're at the point where some guy reading from a book gets attacked. What's next, y'all? Think about it.

In the meantime, read up on the militarization of the police, on Weed and Seed, and on martial law.

"Stay ready so you don't have to get ready" - Boots Riley of The Coup

And what did our Democratic Senator, one-time Presidential candidate (our hope?) the Bush-lite Kerry do?

And what did the student do?

Does anyone still have hope for US as a democratic country?

This will get flushed down the Corporate Media's memory hole of course. Did that reverend get any coporate coverage at all? 15 seconds? (I wouldn't know since I have long since stopped reading the corporate media news)

"And what did our Democratic Senator, one-time Presidential candidate (our hope?) the Bush-lite Kerry do?"

What he's done for the last five years -- assisted & applauded the police state.

I think when he was finished with his Winter Soldier testimony in 1971, he was removed to a safe location, dosed with mind-altering drugs & had spine, spleen and balls removed.

Police officers in the United States have been trained to behave violently. Until police officers can be re-educated and trained to be non-violent, they should be banned from public gatherings.

I agree that our country on it's current course is turning into a fascist state. I absolutely support the use of video cameras and video sharing websites to help reverse this fascist trend. The democratization of video "broadcasting" will play a KEY role in the public support of this student AND THE PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE when he fights his college and it's security forces in the courts. Again youtube video of entire question of student is here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIYTJ75U4NU

Drawing a gun on an unarmed man in a public theater is appalling and is exactly what this national news video clip clearly shows but not mention. Another reason to petition the college to discipline their security forces.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCBcOQkUNjI

>police have been trained to behave violently

ain't that the truth - and with the militarization/federalization of the police, their behavior is even more brutal than before, they're armed to the teeth, and more or less act as a form of repressive state police. in other words: we live in a police state.

Here's the vid decide for yourself.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6bVa6jn4rpE&mode=related&search=

Guy appeared a bit confrontational and irritating pushing the skull and bones thing (who knows where he was going with that, Illuminati, Masons, New World order, or if Kerry intentionally threw the thing to get Bush elected, I don't know), and refusing to comply with the police, but there were 4 cops and they grabbed him the second the mic was turned off. Can't tell from this clip if he had been asked to leave earlier, just looks like the cops were standing quietly until they grabbed him, no asking him to sit down or leave.

Kerry could have shown a pair and come down and cooled the whole thing off rather than just staying on the stage and telling everyone in a monotone voice to cool down. It was obvious the kid wasn't dangerous just pushy and impulsive, and pretty stupid to try shrugging off the cops like that.

All in all, could have been handled better by all parties, but the incident didn't need to happen. Dems especially should understand there's a lot of angry people in this country and shouting doesn't hurt anyone. If 700,000 innocent people were killed based on a lie/mistake, no matter what your excuse, I be more scared if no one was shouting about what was going on.

Should see British Parliament sometime. Far hotter heads and rarely the need for tazers.

Shades of the Rev Yearwood.
Did you notice both Yearwood and this kid keep repeating: "what did I do?" over and obver?
Something real bad brewing beneath the surface.

So what's next? Will UF do the Kent State trick? Oops! I almost forgot. Aren't most of Florida's National Guard troops in Iraq? Maybe that means that Mr. Meyers is 'safe' for the time being.

I was also appalled by Andrew's fellow students, his 'comrades' the majority of whom simply observed. Zero solidarity. That's how scared the police state has us these days... It is depressing to realize the abysmal distance between people's conscience and reaction to all the evils that beleaguer our daily realities (as this tasing/abuse of power incident) and the more distant world issues... All those students that conveniently witnessed those pitiful organs of the state abuse their power should have stood up in solidarity with Andrew. I would have walked out of that room in disgust.

Do we all need to be tased to wake up?

I leave Kerry's stance without comments... He continued talking...

Couldn't 6 campus police have handled the young man in a less-brutal manner? And, now you are asking Ft. Lauderdale POLICE to investigate the actions of the Univ.of Florida campus POLICE? The Univ. of Florida police acted completely unprofessionally. Your public relations meetings are not necessary at this point. You need to apologize, clarify your policies and procedures and hire a new staff at the police department that respects the dignity of people who may be noticeably excited. Learn to defuse a situation - not escalate it. Thank goodness for videotape.

not only i am appalled that this kid was "arrested" for what? talking? oh my god! I watched both videos. I am appalled that no one stood up or attempted to intervene or come to this guys aid! He was "arrested" and tasered for TALKING! Asking legimate questions. He did NOTHING to provoke the fascist response of "security" or whom ever it was that grabbed him, hand cuffed and brutually injured him with the electronic stun gun..

oh my god. If i were in college tthat would be me! God forbid, my bright, liberal daughter is treated this way for asking provocative, hard questions, which she is prone to do. Un effing believable. This action was unconstitutional, or was under our Constitution before CHeney/Bush grabbed power.

I watched the video clip and read the story. I agree with Umlaut that had cooler heads prevailed, none of this would have happened. The student was praising Kerry and then asked some pointed questions. The student clearly sounded frustrated and agitated. This was exacerbated by his resisting the police (at one point telling them to "get the f#$% of me" which certainly did not help matters). Perhaps Senator Kerry should have nodded his head "yes" and said "let me answer your question" (it might have defused the student's agitation). The whole event was handled the wrong way by all parties. But is this case as some have mentioned going to be shoved down the rabbit hole of media memory never to be revisited? Will this student become an example for the conservative talkshow hosts to condemn him by making him an example characterizing those who oppose the war as a bunch of hothead, out-of-control liberals? Or will politicians dismiss it altogether, like the Code Pink ladies who were removed from the BetrayUs bullshit presentation or the person who tossed a shoe at Richard Pearl? Obviously politicians are scared of those of us who ask probing questions (the TRUTH), and see through the bullshit! But what also angers me is that this student faces a third degree felony charge for resisting arrest with violence. What is his charge? Hitting cops with a book? I hope this student will not remain silent when he is released from prison. I hope the two high school students who walked across the country in protest of the war will not remain silent (why were they not arrested? What charge would be levied upon them, disturbing the peace?). I would hope that someday members of this society (other than those of us who see the truth) would open their eyes to what really is transpiring in this country. But at this point, that just might be pie in the sky. At least I will remain active in protesting this war and fascist government. Perhaps I ought to continually ask politicians and others in society the tougher questions (but with more collectivity and calm). Maybe we all ought to and show those whose eyes are shut the crucial significance of the First Amendment, and more importantly, how it enables us to use our voices to protest and challenge injustice. Sorry for the rodomontade diatribe, but that is where I stand.

The something real bad that is "brewing beneath the surface" has been brewing a long time...Much of it has broken through the surface and is being seen by more and more people...That the perpetrators are breaking the surface with more and more impunity is the part I find truly frightening...there is no longer much of a pretense of the "America" and "Bill Of Rights" most Americans thought was the paradigm they were living in....the "Bloom is off the rose" so to speak...and it's so overt....I do fear for what's next....but can't quite figure out what it is...or how to keep my family safe from it? I intellectually know that things in this country are not what I always thought they were...and have had my heart broken many times in the last 6 years as I see more and more through the fog..and then, when I think I have been hardened and care no more...something new shocks me...I wept for the country I thought i lived in when I saw the Yearwood video...and today I am shocked anew...and know I shouldn't be...

Good thing Mr Meyers isn't black. They would have kept beating on him, and then (video taped proof or not) the officers would have been acquitted and the case dropped.

And if he is from a wealthy enough family, he may even wind up winning civil damages.

Ah yes; god bless Americas racial, class privelages.

... but seriously, excessive police force in this country has become almost epidemic in it's scale. Here in California, police shot a sixteen year old boy EIGHT times because he was holding his brother at bay with a pair of fingernail clippers.

And now this in Florida. When there are six cops holding an unarmed man against the floor, one would think that a simple handcuffing would be sufficient.

I mean what happened to good old fashioned police training. The tazering represents a mental imbalance on the part of the police involved. Obviously an ego in proportion with their belly full of fried bread.

The videos show that Meyer did nothing physically wrong.

A. They acted without proper warning.
B. They acted disproportionately to the threat.
C. They acted without being asked to do so by the proprietors of the hall.
D. They didn't inform Meyer that the proprietors of the hall wished him to leave.

The videos of the event are timed and it's clear that early stage of the "provocation" and arrest took less than 2 minutes and barely over 1 minute. That is simply not enough time for a "disturbance of the peace" to turn into the kind of physical contact initiated by the police.

There would have had to be some kind of stand off for at least 4 to 5 minutes.

Clearly, today people worry about crack pots shooting people at schools, and this could have contributed to the over-reaction on the part of the police. But, Meyer was wearing very little clothing, and carrying only a paperback book.

Hardly a dangerous weapon a paperback book.

If it had been a hardcover, say Ulysees by James Joyce, or say an old family bible, well then they might have had cause for alarm.

But paperbacks are decidely un-dangerous.

This is total insanity.

The government, and all levels of authority, should FEAR THE PEOPLE, not the other way around. I'm not promoting anarchy (which has its merits), but law-abiding citizens should have Bush et al. and all the other pseudo-cops out there shaking in their boots.

There needs to be a major revolution right NOW.

This is in the mainstream media:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/18/student.tasered.ap/index.html

I'm thinking Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine is at play here. Time for the next phase - openly show the citizens they have no power and had better not stick their necks out in any way, shape, or form.

Well, let's see. Seems this kid was a little bit agitated. I mean, he brings up the fact that the last two elections were stolen, computer fraud is abundant in the Diebold voting machines, both Kerry and Bush are Skull and Bones devil worshippers, that Kerry quickly conceded the election to his blood brother, Bush, reminding one of a conspiracy--why should anyone be the least bit agitated about things like that????? What is wrong with this moron?

We have a lot of college students who are taught to raise their hands to go pee. They will go just as quietly to the relocation camps that the Pentagon has commissioned Kellog Root Brown to build--but maybe they think if they just follow orders no one will come for them.

You don't really think any of them are going to get upset about the little issues the Meyers kid brought up, do you? I mean, if you are going to protest a police state, a fascist overtake of your government, and police brutality, well, for goodness sakes don't be rude about it--don't say "keep your f*cking hands off of me" --some middle class person might get upset--and if you are lucky enough to have a trial and not a military tribunal, they will say that the cops have been dissed and have a right to KILL YOU! I mean, we can't get upset about torture and illegal wars, and crap like that when people are using dirty language!!! First things first. Yessiree!! Cops gota a right to kill people when they are disrespected. Gotta have respect for the law...well, not all laws--not laws that say votes should be counted...or wars should only be declared by Congress when the nation is under attack or in danger...or standing armies are not to be ordered into our cities by that rag of a paper called the Constitution...or that people have a right to free speech...but let us not get upset or use dirty words...let's keep a nice middle-class profile. We might offend the Moral Majority and then a swarm of fat, ignorant cops who wipe their butts on the Bill of Rights are there armed to the teeth to "just do my job." They are there to enforce "conservative values." Here is a new anaology for the Miller's Analogy Test, kids, as you try to get in to grad school: Cops are to law and order AS Bush is to: Bringing Democracy to Iraq.

So, because this kid spoke out in an agitated fashion, they have charged him with a FELONY. We know who the real FELONS ARE!! When the good and decent people are all in jail and labelled as felons, well, I guess it is time that the rest of us join them. Become a convicted felon and what will you do for a job in the corporate fascist state--oh, I guess you can become a mercenary and shoot people for pay in Iraq or some other country we've invaded. Murder for hire seems to be our number one export these days.

Those are just the type of question's our media should be asking but aren't. At least Kerry isn't afraid to go out amongst the general public to answer questions. We should be able to ask questions of our public servants. We don't need elected officials who stay in cacoon's.

Kerry just keeps talking while the guy is arrested, dragged off, and tasered! Jesus. Land 'o the free.
this is what THE END OF DEMOCRACY looks like...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iqAVvlyVbag

The student made some great points. I hope this student can get some good lawyers. This is a bit like the guy who was tasered at UCLA for not having ID.

The student is charged with a Felony?!

The law-abiding Kerry is a traitor-- collaborator with the fascist regime to which he pretends to be the 'loyal opposition'.

Wow, I watched it and wow that is all I have to say. There is no way in hell that guy should be imprisoned for what he did. NO WAY!

Did anyone see that cop smiling?

holymoly,

Your soliloquy expressed my feeling exactly!

and, for all of those who say he guy should have simply submited to the police like a lamb, you sure don't know much about human nature. I am a proud citizen in what is supposed to be a democracy, not a serfdom. I guarantee you that if anyone tries to grab my arms for merely exercising my natural rights as a human being, i am going to reflexively pull back. any person with an ounce of pride in themselves would do that as well.

The pigs can go to hell.

holymoly - great post!

"On the day following the incident, Kerry's office issued a statement saying that the Senator was unaware that a taser had been used on Meyer until after he left the event.[4] The statement quoted Kerry as saying, "In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way. I believe I could have handled the situation without interruption, but I do not know what warnings or other exchanges transpired between the young man and the police prior to his barging to the front of the line and their intervention. ... I regret enormously that a good healthy discussion was interrupted."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Florida_Taser_incident

Kerry observed an attack and did nothing except say he wanted to answer the question.

Well now we have videos to see for ourselves what has occured.
I would like to think that Obama would have acted more forcefully when observing an attack like that.

But maybe I have been too hard on Kerry...I just want more forcefullness from the politicians who oppose the Bush Administration.

Readers might want to remember something that the vast majority of news organizations in this country ignore: There are more than two political parties. Are the Democrats too far to the right for your taste? Think about switching to the Green or the Peace & Freedom party. Are the Republicans too far to the left for your taste? Think about joining the Reform or the American Independent party.

I JUST FOUND ANDREW MEYER'S WEBSITE. You just might want to have a look at it. He's talented, funny, charming, intelligent, and fairly original. He's certainly not a danger to society. The fellow is studying to become a media and news professional. Seems like he's got something:

http://www.theandrewmeyer.com/columns/columns.asp

Check out The White House Presidential Directives and you will find that Bush made it illegal to protest in any way that which might jepardize the mission in Iraq. However, it is so broadly stated, that it is now illegal to protest anything which could be linked to Bush or his motives, or anyone connected, or anything he wants it to mean. Sue the UF while you have the CHANCE. It's all downhill from here. While you are at the WHITE HOUSE, check out the other recent Presidential Directives Bush has come up with: e.g. Martial law

Ok, anyone know the fastest, easiest best country to migrate too?

Look for countries that have low unemployment rates; they need workers. Norway has only 2.5% unemployment. I don't know how easy it is for immigrants to get in; I know they do take immigrants. I'm a citizen there and I'm planning on taking my daughter and get out of here hopefully in January. Hope that's not too late. After 30 years of living here, I'm giving up.