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Politics & ReligionWell Since every damn forum has one. Might as well leave it out there. This place is loosely moderated and should not be entered if you're weak of heart.
MIAMI (AFP) — Videos posted on the Internet Tuesday show police shocking a Florida university student with a controversial electric stun gun during a speech by US Senator John Kerry, prompting the former presidential candidate to express regret over the incident.
The footage shows the young man yelling Monday evening as four policemen pull him out of the University of Florida hall where Kerry spoke, and administering the shock as the student screams "Don't Tase me," referring to the popular Taser electroshock weapon.
The student, identified as Andrew Meyer, apparently got upset when his microphone was shut off as he asked a lengthy series of questions. As officers carried Meyer away, Kerry could be heard saying he would answer the questions.
Officials at the university in Gainesville said Meyer had used up his allotted time for speaking.
Meyer asked Kerry about impeaching US President George W. Bush and whether he and Bush had been members of the secret "Skulls and Bones" society when they studied at Yale University.
"In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way," Kerry said in a statement.
"I regret enormously that a good healthy discussion was interrupted," he said.
"I asked the police to allow me to answer the question and was in the process of responding when he was taken into custody. I was not aware that a Taser was used until after I left the building. I hope that neither the student nor any of the police were injured," Kerry added.
The student was held overnight by police and released on Tuesday.
Two officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, according to University of Florida President Bernard Machen.
Tasers and other electric stun guns have sparked huge controversies in the United States as opponents to their use by law enforcement officials claim they have caused numerous deaths.
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"I loved it...It's an instant hit...I couldn't stop laughing...I just wish there was more tasering!!"
While I am all for grilling these shady politicians with legit questions, this kid is just looking to have a little fame...He's been talking about doing this stunt on his website for a while...
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If somewhere before 1:42 (mic cut) this guy was asked by the property owner to leave then I would agree the cops had the right to escort him out.
Otherwise the cops initiated the physical confrontation, in which case I wish he had the balls and know how he would have been dropped each cop as they stepped up.
Yeah yeah, I know. We're all supposed to shut up and put our tails between our legs.
What gives anyone the right to be a rude prick in a public forum like that?
Many people had questions that night, if he asks several, another liberal douchebag gets robbed!
A little something called our 1st amendment. Prick or not, he has every right to speak/be a prick and as you can listen Kerry clearly grasps this concept and continues to answer his question. Even though some of them are absurd.
If the cops started the confrontation then there will be a lawsuit in the works.
What gives anyone the right to be a rude prick in a public forum like that?
Many people had questions that night, if he asks several, another liberal douchebag gets robbed!
I didn't think he was being a prick, I'm guessing that is hostile territory for him and he's attempting to hold his ground. We need more people holding their ground instead of just letting a little more go by.
btw, I'm guessing he's a Bush (capital B!) lover and is probably a total retard.
Also I would presume there to be a q&a format especially with somebody as distinguished a speaker as John Kerry. And thus peeps are limited in quantity of questions and/or time. I didn't hear anybody indicate that he violated any of their q&a rules.
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Cops shouldn't have tazed him. It was unnecessary. However he was asking to be arrested. Your first amendment rights don't include the right to yell fire in a crowded theater. Likewise, who is this asshole to hijack the microphone out of turn and then after asking his question, say hold on the Senator got two hours to speak, I get to ask 3 questions. Some internet sleuthing shows this guy has a history of stirring shit up. I have no doubt he went into that situation with the goal of getting thrown out and arrested. Attention whore.
I thought it was funny as hell. I saw it on GMA this morning. The kid was running around screaming when they were trying to escort him out. They tried to subdue him and he continued "resisting" and BAAAM, the dumbshit gets lit up.
Something you guys are missing (the people arguing on the kid's defense) is the fact that the police reports from all involved state that the kid acted perfectly while NO cameras were around and admitted that they did a fine job. And he asked if there would be cameras at the jail.
Did you know that he had a camera setup and asked a girl standing next to him to film while he went up, cut in front of people and proceeded to ask questions after he was asked to stop? Did you know that people felt threatened that were in attendance? Better yet, let's take your analogy of a different situation and placing it in this situation. What if he had guns under his shirt, ie - Virginia Tech, and the police did nothing? Then what would you be saying?
Try living in a college town surrounded by extreme leftist, pimply faced brats. I love Gainesville, recently moved back here, but stay away from campus because of that reason. The hippy movement is back, folks. Smelly, "nature friendly", hairy people that think they are one with the universe that have never had to pay a bill because their parents aren't really their parents but their best friends and give their little buddies anything they want. They protested yesterday and marched down to the police station. Wanna bet not one of them will write an apology letter if this case turns sour for Mr.Meyer? Rant off...sorry...
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GAINESVILLE -- Citing a regrettable crackdown on free speech, the University of Florida put two police officers on paid leave and requested a state investigation into the use of a Taser on a student during a Monday speech by U.S. Sen. John Kerry.
Meyer was arrested on charges including resisting arrest with violence, a FELONY, and interfering with an educational event, a misdemeanor
UF has placed the sergeant who ordered the use of the Taser and the officer who shot it on paid leave.
"In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way," Kerry said in a statement Tuesday.
Student Tasered at John Kerry Speech
it......