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TJP
Nov-21-2011 13:28
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Police Lt. John Pike Pepper Sprays UC Davis Students Right Down the Throat
Tim King Salem-News.comIt is one thing to have a young inexperienced officer abuse members of the public, but an entirely different matter when the senior leader of a police agency is the one with his hand on the device.
 UC Davis Lt. John Pike |
(SALEM) - UC Davis students recently learned how police regard today's university crowd and hard earned Civil Rights that
 Lieutenant John Pike |
The school is working more closely with the police than its own student body and this story takes a solemn and dark turn before it ends.
The name of the UC Davis police employee who doubles as nonchalant student sprayer, is John Pike.
He's actually a lieutenant, or senior cop at the university, which may explain a great deal about the spirit of the agency.
It is one thing to have a young inexperienced officer abuse members of the public, but an entirely different matter when the senior leader of a police agency is the one with his hand on the device.
From the article Here’s a Cop, Just Casually Pepper Spraying Peaceful Protesters:
| “ |
Police used batons to try to push the students apart. Those they could separate, they arrested, kneeling on their bodies and pushing their heads into the ground. Those they could not separate, they pepper-sprayed directly in the face, holding these students as they did so. When students covered their eyes with their clothing, police forced open their mouths and pepper-sprayed down their throats. Several of these students were hospitalized. Others are seriously injured. One of them, forty-five minutes after being pepper-sprayed down his throat, was still coughing up blood. |
” |
The actions of UC Davis Lt. John Pike shocked and angered parents who in many cases pay large sums to keep their kids enrolled at the University of California school.
The video of Pike hurting the students quickly went viral and forced the scheduling of a press conference with the university chancellor Linda Katehi.
Later, when it was time to leave the building, Katehi refused due to the gathering of hundreds of students who at that point, were being denied entry to a campus building.
Katehi said she hesitated to leave because, "the crowd outside was perceived to be hostile."
That may be a fair assessment, as students feel their leadership is not siding with them.
When the chancellor finally did leave the building there was no violence, only hundreds of gathered students who watched her in total silence as she departed in an eerie scene.
Gawker wrote, "It's as creepy as it is moving" and that could not be stated better.
Gawker dug up the email address for this now notorious police lieutenant, you can email him at japikeiii@ucdavis.edu. His supervisor is the UC Davis Police Chief Annette Spicuzza, who says she is "very proud" of her officers.
"I don't believe any of our officers were hurt," which the evidence strongly contradicts.
 |
Spicuzza added, "and I hope none of the students were injured." That statement was made shortly after campus cops at UC Berkeley officers were filmed beating students with nightsticks.
Surely parents of these students are irritated, but do they deserve to expect more? UC Davis Professor Nathan Brown has demanded the chancellor resign over the pepper spraying of students.
In an open letter to Katehi, Brown pulled no punches:
"I have also taken an active role in supporting the student movement to defend public education on our campus and throughout the UC system. In a word: I am the sort of young faculty member, like many of my colleagues, this campus needs. I am an asset to the University of California at Davis. You are not."
Brown continued, "These students attended that rally in response to a call for solidarity from students and faculty who were bludgeoned with batons, hospitalized, and arrested at UC Berkeley last week. In the highest tradition of non-violent civil disobedience, those protesters had linked arms and held their ground in defense of tents they set up beside Sproul Hall. In a gesture of solidarity with those students and faculty, and in solidarity with the national Occupy movement, students at UC Davis set up tents on the main quad. When you ordered police outfitted with riot helmets, brandishing batons and teargas guns to remove their tents today, those students sat down on the ground in a circle and linked arms to protect them." - Read Open Letter to Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi
Background on University Student Abuse
Many reporters have examined the tragic massacre at Kent State University in 1970, when National Guard troops opened fire on students. It wasn't the only such event, and the African-American university students at Jackson State didn't stand a chance, police simply opened fire on them with live rounds and after the students who were still alive began fleeing the killing zone, police chased them down.
I wrote about this in the article, 'Ten Days Later' - Kent State... What about Jackson State's Tragedy?
I suggest not only showing and voicing your concern for these young people who are trying to use their rights a Americans, but also studying the past history of these movements that accomplished so much.
_________________________________________________________Tim King: Salem-News.com Editor and Writer
Tim King has more than twenty years of experience on the west coast as a television news producer, photojournalist, reporter and assignment editor. In addition to his role as a war correspondent, this Los Angeles native serves as Salem-News.com's Executive News Editor. Tim spent the winter of 2006/07 covering the war in Afghanistan, and he was in Iraq over the summer of 2008, reporting from the war while embedded with both the U.S. Army and the Marines. Tim is a former U.S. Marine.
Tim holds awards for reporting, photography, writing and editing, including the Silver Spoke Award by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (2011), Excellence in Journalism Award by the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (2010), Oregon AP Award for Spot News Photographer of the Year (2004), First-place Electronic Media Award in Spot News, Las Vegas, (1998), Oregon AP Cooperation Award (1991); and several others including the 2005 Red Cross Good Neighborhood Award for reporting. Tim has several years of experience in network affiliate news TV stations, having worked as a reporter and photographer at NBC, ABC and FOX stations in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Tim was a member of the National Press Photographer's Association for several years and is a current member of the Orange County Press Club.
Serving the community in very real terms, Salem-News.com is the nation's only truly independent high traffic news Website. As News Editor, Tim among other things, is responsible for publishing the original content of 91 Salem-News.com writers. He reminds viewers that emails are easily missed and urges those trying to reach him, to please send a second email if the first goes unanswered. You can write to Tim at this address: newsroom@salem-news.com
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rabbi rosenberg November 24, 2011 7:11 am (Pacific time)
Subject: THE WORLD IS ON FIRE
RABBI DR. BERNHARD ROSENBERG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZk3ynr_S-gandfeature=mfu_in_orderandlist=UL SEE WORLD ON FIRE VIDEO
Daniel November 23, 2011 10:21 am (Pacific time)
The video shows the POWER of passive resistance , the core of Gandhi 's nonviolent movement . Ghost you are dead wrong overlooking the power and unity of collective silence ! It was a much stronger statement than the common shout down . It also received worldwide youtube exposure and made the students look much more favorable . People are clubbed and gassed on a daily bases in this country for a variety of reasons , little gets any attention . The powerful images of students sitting in unity passively was a 1000x stronger that the same old screaming students making the police look the victim . Ghost you should be old enough to know better by now .
gp November 22, 2011 6:44 pm (Pacific time)
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/11/22/reporter_greg_palast_exposes_how_us
vultures in Africa while students are peppered...what is wrong with this picture. Greg Palast, the reporter here is the same one who exposed the rigged elections that brought Bush et al to power.
Editor: Excellent item to share GP, it restores a bit of faith, thanks!
Ashamed November 22, 2011 10:34 am (Pacific time)
Paul Lamay: your racist comments are an embarrassment to yourself. People have the right to protest, it's written into our constitution for a reason. I'm sure you hate these protesters and everything they stand for, but I can basically guarantee that you aren't in the top 1% of wealth in this country...so you would benefit from broad sweeping financial reforms. Obviously a lot of the protesters are ridiculous and have too much time and a sense of entitlement, but that doesn't mean that all of their ideas are bad. Why is it that the least intelligent people always hate the very things that would improve their life? Higher taxes on the rich would benefit you and your children. And in case you haven't figured it out, you aren't going to fulfill the 'American Dream' and strike it rich one day. Be realistic and vote for things that would benefit you, not what will benefit you in your exaggerated, egotistical, billionaire dream world.
The HeathenAngel November 22, 2011 10:10 am (Pacific time)
This is for the cowardly idiot that stated that pepper spray doesn't kill anyone.. http://blog.alexanderhiggins.com/2011/08/02/nypd-pepper-sprays-man-death-ruled-homicide-medical-examiner-47111/ Perhaps you should season your words with pepper spray before you eat them.
maccve November 22, 2011 7:00 am (Pacific time)
This is so funny...I hope they start doing this at all of the Occupy Protests...most of these idiots do not even know or understand what they are protesting. They are just violating the Constitutional Rights of the rest of society to live their daily lives...why does someone involved in a "protest" deserve a more rights than someone who is pursuing "Life, Liberty...and happiness?"
Douglas Benson November 22, 2011 6:31 am (Pacific time)
Mabey they should protest in front of the officers homes with signs that say violent government sponsored criminal lives here.
RABBI DR. BERNHARD ROSENBERG November 22, 2011 5:21 am (Pacific time)
these are nazi like tactics. Aa a police chaplain I ask that as a country we demonstrate against this brutal behavior. some students could die. enough is enough. reminds me of Kent State. rabbi dr. bernhard rosenberg 732 572 2766 as a university teacher I SHOUT PROTECT OUR YOUNG. THIS IS FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THIS IS NOT EGYPT OR SYRIA.
Douglas Benson November 22, 2011 5:12 am (Pacific time)
Not only do these actions violate the students rights they violate the rules of when officers are allowed to use chemical agents . Thier claims are sharply contradicted by video evidence. Lawsuits are on the way I am sure but criminal charges should also be brought not only against these officers but the US Att. office should be bringing actions against all the officers that have done so countrywide and those that gave them orders. I am curious how many have filed criminal complaints with the US Att.office . It doesnt do much good to sue or complain if you dont file these complaints with those people who have a duty to act on them. The big problem is that even those tasked with doing so wont bite the hand that feeds them . Are there any lawyers that have a set? Its about time the nation had a real discussion about police violence. Thank you Occupy and the brave souls that have been assaulted.
Ghost November 22, 2011 3:39 am (Pacific time)
For me the second video of the students sitting in total silence is the most shocking video. The chancellor does not deserve silence. Ten years ago I wrote about how college students were devolving into nothing more the soulless whoreporate zombies in training. When students graduate they sit in silence as their whoreporate bosses loot the USA. That is what college teaches. That silence was totally disrespectful to every American patriot out there. What that officer did was a terrorist act on USA citizens yet the students treat the chancellor like a GOd. This type of silence I have only seen reserved for religious gatherings. College is the religion of ignorance which trains kids to be silent whoreporate zombies. This confirms to me that college students today are worse off when they graduate then when they first started. They have been brainwashed to give respect to people (especially females) that have not earned it. They are trained to be silent as the fellow students are beat and almost killed by rogue police terrorists. Those students that got pepper sprayed are heroes, however, those that sat in silence are typical college lemmings who will happily be whoreporate slaves. My heart goes out to the students that got sprayed. That was brave. They are real Americans. They are true patriots. They are the positive future leaders. Those that sat in silence are part of the problem not the solution. I hope the students that were sprayed sue the school and the police offer involved. There are lawyers lined up who will take the case. The case will go in the students favor. I am not even a fan of college and I am siding with the students that got sprayed. They need to stand-up in court. They need to send a legal message to police terrorists that they will be held legally accountable. No more silence.
Nacidoelquinceeme November 22, 2011 1:21 am (Pacific time)
I believe Lt. John Pike has a very small winkie. :o)
Dr. Dot November 21, 2011 7:49 pm (Pacific time)
"Land of the Free" ? Not any more!! Now, US Citizens (who PAY the Police Officers paychecks with their tax money) are not allowed to have a SIT DOWN, peaceful, unarmed protest without being pepper-sprayed or beaten? This is disgusting!!!
cindy crossman November 21, 2011 7:01 pm (Pacific time)
When a police office asks you to leave the property and you decide you are not going to listen. You deserve to be peppered sprayed. It is about time all people in this country suffer consequenses of your bad behavior.I don't feel the UCDavis police department should suffer any disiplinary action. They did their job. Their job is to keep order and innocent people safe. Thank for a job well done.
Editor: Cindy, just one question; and I believe I already know the answer; if you were living in Berlin in say 1936, and you knew that people were smuggling Jews in your apartment building, what would you do? Would you turn them in if the law clearly stated that your role as citizen involved doing so?
Caitlin November 21, 2011 6:18 pm (Pacific time)
As a student, not in the UC system but the CSU system, I'm terrified that this kind of brutality will spread to the other California schools. The schooling system in this state is bad enough, and poor enough where protests, sadly, do not help. The school needs the funding. On the other hand, I too feel how awful the tuition increases are, and I feel the strain on mine and my parents' wallets. This issue cannot go away with a simple protest, but the protests will not go away with police brutality.
Protesting is all students can truly do. We still will pay the tuition as long as we can, because we believe that it will help us better ourselves. That with a degree we can get good jobs and one day create a family. I just hope that these actions will help the American government as a whole realize that WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD THIS MUCH LONGER! WE NEED HELP TOO!! Don't bail out banks, BAIL OUT THE SCHOOLS!!!
I never, ever want to see this happen again, anywhere. And honestly, I believe it easily can and will.
Editor: Hank in there Caitlin, and know that people are supporting all of you by the million.
Anonymous November 21, 2011 4:37 pm (Pacific time)
I feel bad for the cops. They get told to clean the shit and they will, any force necessary. A word to students: if you get told to leave get your ass up and leave. You don't deserve better. Pepper spray does not kill anyone. These "kids", which are actually adults are spoilers rotten brats who do nothing else but party, have sex with as many people as. Possible,, smoke dope and have no discipline. The parents pay good money for the education and all they gett is brain washing by these radical liberal professors who got stuck in the 60'. Congratulation to the cop for having the discipliine for not using his weapon and shoot their asses.
Editor: Just curious, do you live in Ukraine or Russia itself?
pissed November 21, 2011 4:14 pm (Pacific time)
Someone should burn his eyes out with pepper spray.
Paul Lamay November 21, 2011 2:21 pm (Pacific time)
Some of us lived and witnessed those histories kid, and you lie, or are just stupid! All these bastards from the past criminally provoked what they got, and got what they deserved when they put others lives in peril. I'd like to dig them up and kill them again and again...hey whose that sound like? Yeah the black muslims talking about white folks, and you defend these subhuman racist, scumbag! As far as the pepper spray you address in this article, it was the university head who authorized it...you have no concept of the truth, nor how to report it...get a clue moron and go into some other work, you do not belong in journalism...OBVIOUSLY!!!!You dishonored the Marines when you were in, and you dishonor all active duty and veterans now, you piece of shit!
Editor: Well I've never known any other occupation since the Marines, so reporting it is, and you're just a govt shill anyway, sitting around with your thumb up your ass. You use different names because you are a little coward and all you can do is talk shit. Different names, nothing real, well I am real asshole. I am stoked that I make idiots like you go to so much trouble. Your hate powers me.
Brandt Hardin November 21, 2011 1:58 pm (Pacific time)
When will we start holding officers accountable for their brutality and excessive use of force? Evicting protesters is Unconstitutional and endangers the basic rights of EVERY last American. Is this the country we were raised in, were men and women are beaten, gassed, pepper-sprayed and arrested for their disapproval of the government? We have to be careful to protect our Constitutional Rights! Raise awareness and do your part with these free posters I designed for the movement on my artist’s blog at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2011/11/propaganda-for-occupy-movement.html
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