I live near the Seattle-area and I must say that I disagree with what was said in this article and in responses about the City of Seattle and the Seattle Police Department. The violence in Seattle was directly caused by protesters and there shouldn't be a doubt in anyones mind. The police had minimal force there and guess what happened? Riots broke out. The police then show up, full force, and, yes, the riots stopped. Isn't that amazing? Then all the hippies up here complain that the police "were brutal." How? They met action with action. You don't destroy private (and public at that) property and just expect the police to say "Sir, please stop. Sir, please stop." Get real. In Philadelphia a police officer was sprayed with OC-10 pepper spray. WHILE SITTING IN HIS PATROL CAR! What should he done, asked the guy to stop? Peaceful protests, yes, sure, go for it. But when was the last time you saw a peaceful protest with people wearing gas masks and cloth over their faces BEFORE the police were even there? It seems everyone wants to blame the police for everything. Here is the situation they are in: "Damned if you do, damned if you don't." If the police just sit around watch everyone have a party, then why didn't the police take action? But when the police take action, everyone is up in arms. Well, police departments will always have my vote of confidence.
Original: Story Response