The media has publicized several incidents of supposed police brutality aimed at Occupy protesters in recent weeks. Most recently, violence broke out between the Oakland Police Department and Occupy Wall Street demonstrators on Oct. 25 after police dismantled their encampment on a plaza across from a government building.
Opinion
Acting Police Chief Howard Jordan said that protesters threw rocks and bottles at the police, prompting the conflict. Although police behavior demonstrated in Occupy protests is at times excessively harsh, protestors need to respect the laws set forth and those who are hired to enforce them.
These actions taken by police were needlessly forceful; however protesters need to stop exhibiting aggressive behavior such as throwing items at law enforcement and disobeying orders. Both parties involved with this conflict must be more respectful.
According to ABC News, ten people were arrested in a solidarity march on Oct. 26 as Occupy demonstrators protested the police brutality in Oakland. Ultimately, they were charged for marching in the street rather than the sidewalk.
Although being arrested for walking in the wrong place may seem erroneous, the police force should not be depicted as savage, anti-American monsters.
The police are part of the 99 percent, and need to carry out their responsibilities as protectors of order and public safety. Just as protesters expect their peaceful demonstrations to be respected, they must show the same consideration to police officers.
The protesters must demonstrate within the confines of the law in order to succeed, while police should refrain from acting with needless force.I believe this movement will see success once there is mutual respect between peaceful protesters and law enforcement. If the 99 percent follows the rules, they will be heard.