Defending a Gator

Rarely will I come to the defense of anyone caught in the middle of situation involving police, especially someone that goes to the University of Florida. But with the events that occurred during a forum held by the university with U.S. Senator John Kerry and a crowd of supporters and non-supporters alike, I felt compelled to give my opinion on the Andrew Meyer fiasco.

For those not familiar with the story, 21-year-old Andrew Meyer, a University of Florida student, was unfairly silenced and subsequently arrested for allegedly disrupting Sen. Kerry’s forum. He was irresponsibly tasered and detained by campus police and has since been released.

My grandfather first informed me of this story early Tuesday morning. From what he said, I was already upset at the situation and automatically put myself in his shoes. When I arrived home from class, I decided I’d find the video of the events and further my understanding of what happened. What I saw truly disappointed me.

Mr. Meyer begins discussing the 2004 election and recommends a book for Sen. Kerry to read. He asks if Bill Clinton could be impeached for a “blow job,” why not impeach President George W. Bush before he invades Iran. The crowd, presuming it is primarily comprised of Democrats, begins to laugh; some applaud while others remain quiet. Sen. Kerry pays no attention to the question, but does nothing to stop the forum.

Mr. Meyer appears to be enjoying his time at the microphone, as any eager student would, and proceeds to ask Sen. Kerry if he were a member of the Skull & Bones society while at Yale. As he blurts out the last words of the question, someone in the background dressed in a suit, is seen performing the universal “cut” sign with his hands representing a knife slicing his own neck. Seconds later, the police officers standing behind Mr. Meyer rush to his side and begin the arrest process.

While this mayhem is in its infant stage, Sen. Kerry is heard saying, “I’m sorry, let me answer his question.” His wish was ignored.

The police officers are now forcing Mr. Meyer’s left arm behind his back while he shouts he did nothing wrong. He threw his arms up well above his head as to show the police that he meant no harm. He is tasered, dragged outside the auditorium and taken to jail.

Mr. Meyer never physically resisted arrest. He did nothing wrong. He was asking legitimate questions that his collegiate peers did not have the opportunity to ask. On his personal website he is self-described as a “Good Jew.”

Why the fuck would the University of Florida’s police department use excessive force on a nice Jew?

Simple. These dirty cops are full of envy. They are paid to ‘protect’ rich kids and future leaders of this country, and rather than making arrest and fighting crime, they’re stuck writing $20 parking tickets all day. More than likely they have no desire to be at a John Kerry forum and more than likely didn’t even vote in the Kerry election. They let the badge get to their head and upon graduating police academy develop a taser-trigger-happy persona.

This scene is all too common and needs to stop. Police have no rights to silence someone for speaking their mind and certainly have no reason to use taser guns on unarmed, un-dangerous human beings.

Maybe I’ll go to Internet jail for speaking out on this topic.

Cheers,
Victor