Letter: Police and protesters on Wall Street
Occupy Wall Street protesters march to a Verizon office to support employees there who are picketing in Manhattan. (Oct. 4, 2011) Credit: AP
Protesters have been arrested by police while peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights to express their outrage at the corruption of our democracy ["Actually, they know why they're there," Opinion, Sept. 28].
Video clearly shows police being what I consider abusive. Standing near or walking by the police, protesters were pulled to the ground and apparently pepper-sprayed for doing absolutely nothing. Is this New York City 2011 or Birmingham 1963?
The police are being threatened with budget cuts and layoffs. Our city runs the risk of more crime and less policing of dangerous criminals. These young people are not that. They are unemployed and disenfranchised by the deregulation of Wall Street.
Police and all workers who benefit from strong unions should be standing side by side with these young people, not terrorizing them. They are trying to give voice to this economic crisis. The police, and perhaps New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have another idea it seems.
Robin Wieder, East Rockaway
