I wish I’d written this. It is from Rolling Stone By Matt Tiabbi
Was absolutely mesmerized last night watching the viral video of the UC-Davis pepper-spraying. It was totally amazing, simultaneoulsy one of the most depressing and inspiring things I’ve seen in many years. To recap for those who haven’t seen it: police in paramilitary gear line up in front of a group of Occupy protesters peacefully assembled on a quad pathway. Completely unprovoked, police decide to douse the whole group of sitting protesters with pepper spray. There is crying and chaos and panic, but the wheezing protesters sit resolutely in place and refuse to move despite the assault. Click here for more.
Pepper sprays are worse. Me and my friends tried using it (out of curiosity) and we realized that it really wasn't a good idea after all. We were all teary eyed after. Was there a medic somewhere near the area of the protesters?
I don't know if there were any medics. I haven't experienced pepper spray. I was teargassed sitting in class at Cal. Not a pleasant experience.