Some tiny minority of youth are swayed to engage in violent street demonstrations under the pretext of (A)narchism, even assaulting photojournalists–reviling the cops as ‘bastards’, ‘Nazis’, ‘Fascists’, and ‘pigs’ while ironically insisting their ‘rights’ (which some armchair anarchists even dispute exist as a concept) are being violated because the competent police are protecting private property and citizens in the community. Indeed, there is much footage of police brutality and incompetence–perhaps commonplace abuse of tasers and bullying. But labels are dangerous and not all cops are villains. There are a number of competent very professional LEO’s right here in Mason County and even the City of Shelton. The LEO’s from various agencies present at the Seattle federal courthouse during an (A)narchist demonstration supporting the Grand Jury Resisters on 9-13-12 also behaved very professionally and with great restraint. Many of the youth at that event did not. Some of the young people openly defaced public property, taunted the police, insulted and called them names. No protesters were arrested, assaulted, or bullied by the police despite their overwhelming numbers and full riot gear attire\/equipment.<\/p>\n
What’s dramatically different in the Albany airport story is the youth were effective, respectful, law abiding (a hated idea among some (A)narchists) and ultimately successful as role models for young people inspired to make constructive contributions to their community, to bring about positive lasting change. They, and the officer who defended them, are examples of the best America has to offer today.<\/p>\n