To all Minneapolitans: The fact that the MPD had a readied flat-bed truck and at least 4 squad cars parked one block from the starting point of the Mass even preceding its departure and, at the moment of departure, immediately approached the bicyclists in an attempt to stop the ride, suggests to me that the officers who led this act of public safety were truly prepared for any unexpected attack that the city may face. This is clearly a result of the Minneapolis Emergency Preparedness Plan, of which I have read while watching the ever-enlightening Channel 14 info slide-show.
Despite the accusations (and appearance) of the police reaction as unjustified, excessive, and preemptive, it's clear that the preservation of public safety was the only motive of the police. I applaud not only the higher-ranking public safety officials who devised the plan to thwart such potentially harmful congregations and actions, but also the lower-ranking foot soldiers who efficiently carried out their orders without being diverted by feelings of personal guilt or responsibility. The plan? Flawless. The execution? Fuhgeddaboutit. Intimidate the to-be-criminals to the point that minor traffic violations are committed, and then disarm them of their weapons (10-speeds, BMX bikes, etc), pepper spray them, smash their heads, break their wrists, and finally, perform the justified arrests. I must admit that I felt a little bit safer in this post-9/11 landscape as I saw that the officer who confiscated my own bicycle last Friday proudly displayed an American flag as a front license plates. I'll say to my fellow bicyclists: We were not defeated, but awakened by the justice exercised by our protectors. Bravo, again, for a job well done. Brett Stephan Ward 10 PS: A public skateboard park is being considered for Minneapolis? The plan for dealing with this abomination should be drawn up at once. _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
