A student was Tased by University Police officers at a John Kerry event last night. The video is all over the place. People at my job (the admissions office) are getting calls and being yelled at over this incident.
The video of course is too short to show the whole story which includes that he was told previously not to cause a disturbance or he would be asked to leave. He was told no more questions then allowed one question. Not only did he ask more than one question, but he didn't ask in a calm respectful manner. He tried to start problems and he was escorted out. Then he resisted arrest.
In my opinion, I don't think he should have been Tased, but he isn't some innocent guy. He has been in trouble before. He was warned. He was clearly trying to make a scene. I don't think the cops were right, but everyone is jumping on his side and even protesting to get the officers in trouble and Tasers banned from campus (which clearly isn't thought through. What do they want then? Billy clubs and mace?).
Something Awful has a thread about it which is where I first heard (last night). I think it is good to read because it gives you a number of viewpoints and more of the story.
It is some crazy shit and I hope it blows over because I am sick of looking like a fascist for not immediately jumping on the side of the student. I feel really fucking bad for him. I felt physically ill when I heard him cry out. I really did. But I try not to let momentary emotions cloud my judgment. Bad things happen when you do that. The officer overreacted, but overreacting in response does not make it equal.
My favorite post from the SA thread:
" Name which right of his was being violated at this private function that he was trespassing.
Excuse me but I think you're forgetting about the "right to resist arrest if you don't agree with the reason you are being arrested." I think that's either the 3rd or 4th amendment. One of the low ones."
Edit:
His blog: http://www.theandrewmeyer.com/
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