Post in after assessment

Sep 06 23:38 UTC

We should never blindly throw praise to all in any group. Overall the police
did their jobs well but in other cases rights did get violated and
unnecessary force was used. reporters have the right to be at and cover all
events and government in any form may not violate that right.
Everyone has a perspective on the events of last week and my are as
follows.....

Security was excellent from the standpoint of threat reduction, access
control and ability to react to threats. The City would have faired better
had much of the heavily armed presence been less visible. Everyone knew what
was in place and we did not need the shock troop effect. The police on
horses and bikes were very effective as were the casual uniformed presence
throughout the city.

Police self control and professionalism overall was very good but again some
went too far. The arrest of reporters, using mace on people taking pictures
and the senseless use of force caught by a local news team of one a young
girl. She refused to move and instead of arresting and taking her away she
was repeatedly hit with mace, pushed by bikes and knocked down several
times. This is a case where a full inquiry must take place.

We lost all sense of who was in charge and therefore no one seemed
accountable as events unfolded. We need to know who called the shots and see
the orders given and compare that too what took place. It may not be allowed
to hide behind some Homeland Security provision.

The protesters did a great job of sticking to their message and exercise the
rights they have as citizens too free speech.
97 percent of all those who protested seemed to be content to be seen and
heard. The 3 percent of idiots who did damage to our city and wanted a
confrontation with the police got it. I feel overall they got exactly what
they deserved.

The press did not I feel give the time to those who peacefully marched but
obsessed on the few trouble makers.

The City and it's staff put a good face on the city and had done great
preparation for the event. The hurricane cost much income to vendors around
town but did save us from bush and cheney. Had they been here the security
would have been even more smothering.

As a West Sider the closing of the high Bridge was a big pain.

I will be interested to see the number of law suits that follow this weeks
events and the legal opinions that come out of those cases.

Brian Joyce
West Side