Critical Mass Arrests
Out of context: Reply #25
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- fatslicemike0
I consider myself pretty leftwing, pro-bikes, and wary of cops, but this video didn't make me sympathize with the c mass people very much. Granted I don't know what led to the original arrest, but if you are arrested, resisting is only going to make it worse. I know that sounds like a mindless drone, but think about it: what could you possibly accomplish? The chance of escape is almost 0, you're not helping to make a point. Not resisting arrest doesn't mean that you're not resisting politically. In fact, it's very possible to make powerful points while being peacfully arrested a la Gandhi or MLK Jr. Experienced political resisters will usually tell you that if you're arrested, you shouldn't fight it, there's no point. And arrest isn't conviction, resisting only increases the minimal chance that anyone will pursue a conviction against you.
I do think the cops used unnecessary force with the 2nd guy, mashing his head into the pavement. But still, the mob of people shouting things at the cops didn't look like thoughtful citizens concerned about politics and cars. They looked like an angry, mindless mob.
Actions like a running kick to the head are just cowardly, striking without accepting responsiblity. Sure, pigs are more likely to be assholes but many are still decent guys doing their job who are rightfully a little scared of an angry crowd. How are you helping anything by kicking some random cop? I guess I agree with k0na and JazX.
Or maybe I'm just bitter because some C massers were yelling at me and other pedestrians earlier that evening to get out of the way. Which made me think, are you guys anti-cars, like they used to be in SF, or anti-everybody not on bikes?