In the past decade at least 500 people in the United States who were shocked by Tasers died during their arrest or soon after while in jail, according to data from Amnesty International. Amnesty is calling for new, tougher restriction on the use of the technology amid a grown militarization of US police.

The National Press Photographers’ Association (NPPA) wrote a letter to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) after police interfered with an individual who was trying to record a young man being arrested. The incident occurred even though police had been given a directive not to interfere with citizens recording such events.

Today is the third anniversary of Oscar Grant’s killing by BART police officer Johannes Mehserle. Oscar, a young father, a young worker, unarmed, was shot in the back while lying prostrate in police custody on the Fruitvale BART station platform. Mehserle was charged with murder and ultimately convicted of involuntary manslaughter, serving less than half of his two-year sentence. Occupy Oakland organized a march in remembrance.

This brutality occurs… And the West political leaders are quick to react. The European Union’s foreign policy chief urged interim authorities in Egypt on Sunday to halt violence against protesters         But in our own nation, this occurs… And the noise of condemnation from our political leaders is deafening…in that you might [...]

Awesome, this guy gets to spend 10 extra days patrolling around NYC being pissed off at protesters that he isn’t on vacation. That’ll learn him and adjust his attitude for sure.

Andrew Ross Sorkin isn’t afraid but balanced journalism requires him to imagine that Occupy Wall Street could turn violent and threatening and stuff.

It occurs to me that in fact the self-styled sensible types are not arguing against “purity” but the progressives’ right to exist, much less speak out.

Watch this shocking video of dozens of Virginia State riot police using far excessive force against peaceful protestors at Quantico Marine Base rallying for humane treatment of Bradley Manning. Starting around 7 minutes into the video, you can see and hear Ret. Col. Ann Wright screaming in pain as police are putting on handcuffs,. One officer in particular crushes Col. Wright with his riot shield. Daniel Ellsberg goes to the ground before he is picked up and arrested.

Jimmy Hall & Friends — Shame, Shame, Shame, Perry, GA, December 28, 2006.

The forces of wealth and power will stop at nothing to protect themselves. Lessons from the Spanish Civil War, sad reminders in today’s America, and a lesson from Hemingway: we will have to fight.