To look at this headline from CNN, you wouldn't know that the violence was caused by the police, and that one protester who received a skull fracture was an Iraq vet. The body of CNN's report isn't much better...Already, the Oakland violence has prompted a warning from police in New York that they will pursue legal action against any protesters who injure police officers. Separately, the Atlanta mayor accused the movement of becoming violent and ordered arrests late Tuesday night.The authorities, and the mis-reporters, should proceed carefully. In living memory, cops have often had to deal with protesters who felt angry. But now they are dealing with people who feel angry and hopeless. Personally, I fear most the man who has nothing left to lose.
That said, non-violence must be the watchword. Any protesters who toss objects at cops -- no matter what the provocation -- will be a godsend to Rupert Murdoch and Rush Limbaugh.
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