Don't tase me or I'll apologize...

[Caligulette]

The Andrew Meyer seen in YouTube clips does not apologize. He rants at Senator John Kerry, struggles with police officers trying to escort him out of the room, implores them to “don’t tase me, bro,” and, quite disturbingly, wails in pain as they do it anyway.

But his lawyer, Robert Griscti, told the University of Florida campus newspaper that Mr. Meyer began drafting apologies immediately after his release on Sept. 18. Indeed, Mr. Meyer penned three separate apologies (available here) as part of a deal to avoid criminal charges, The Gaineseville Sun reports.

The saga ends with Mr. Meyer voluntarily taking a leave of absence from college until January and agreeing “to perform certain actions including making a donation to the American Cancer Society or performing community service,” the paper said. He will be on probation for 18 months.

In the letter addressed to the University of Florida community and the “Gator Nation the world over,” he gracefully delivered his first comments on the much-debated episode:

In society, as in life, there are consequences for not following the rules. In this instance, not following the rules has imposed consequences for many people other than myself, people who have seen their school, and perhaps their degree, tarnished in the eyes of others through no fault of their own.

Aside for apologizing for bringing negative attention to his university, he also apologized to “all concerned Americans,” admitting that “I lost my cool in that auditorium.” He continued:

I went there to ask an important question. The question of voter disenfranchisement in America cuts to the heart of our democracy, and my failure to act calmly resulted in this important town forum ending without the discourse intended. For that, I am truly sorry.

The University of Florida was impressed, saying “the apologies reflect a lot of thought and ownership of responsibility by Andrew for his conduct.”

If Mr. Meyer was introduced to the world as an instant political martyr, his words today are a complete capitulation. “It was my actions that forced the officers there into a position where they needed to take action,” he said in the letter to the police department.

He also tried to put to rest speculation that the whole thing was a stunt, a charge bolstered by his Web site, which contained signs of a joker.

“I really did not go to the rally with the intent of disturbing the event or getting myself arrested,” he said.

In the end, he’s avoided jail, the cops have been cleared of wrongdoing, and the leading maker of tasers has prospered.

All that’s left is a young man who says he’s learned a lesson, and a catchphrase for the ages. Or at least this year’s quick-and-dirty Halloween costume for last-minute types. You’ll need four things: hair gel for a shocking hairdo, a makeshift taser prop, a black magic marker and a white T-shirt. You know what to write on it.

from:
longest url in the world, or, rather, NYT

[Adora]

Ahh, yes, punishing the victim.

[Artemis Entreri]

The only thing needed to make things square now would be an apology from the police for use of excessive force. But I guess not getting charged with resisting arrest (and whatever other charges there were) is as close as he'll get to that.

Punish the victim?
Sound's like he took the high road to me.
If he had wanted to I'm sure he could have found a lawyer who would not only would get the charges dropped but also sue the school.

People victimised by their own immaturity and/or stupidity should be on the receiving end of a swift kick to the ass.

[Naru]

Originally Posted by Uthgar the Brazen

People victimised by their own immaturity and/or stupidity should be on the receiving end of a swift kick to the ass.

Or a quick tase.

[Adora]

Originally Posted by Uthgar the Brazen

People victimised by their own immaturity and/or stupidity should be on the receiving end of a swift kick to the ass.

A swift kick in the ass doesn't make you lose control of your bowels and leave 3rd degree burns.

It's better than being shot, but it's still excessive force.

[Histrionica]

Originally Posted by Adora

A swift kick in the ass doesn't make you lose control of your bowels and leave 3rd degree burns.

Aw, Andy made a poo-poo cuz he made a boo-boo?

Seems appropos.

[Adora]

Originally Posted by Histrionica

Aw, Andy made a poo-poo cuz he made a boo-boo? Seems appropos.

Both you and Uggy seem to be missing the part where Uggy himself suggested immaturity should be punished with violence.

So what violence should you both receive for being so immature as to suggest it's a just punishment for such a flaw, or your fault that you are so stupid enough to believe that the police are so... discerning in their doling out of pathetic power complexes? Because, let's face it, there's very little difference between your freedom of expression to say such stupid things on this board and his freedom of expression of his own stupid (or not) thoughts. Except, maybe, the fact he was already detained by police when he was tazered.

But hey, who needs logic when you have thugs to back you up, right, babies?

[beyelzu]

sometimes i find myself agreeing with everyone line of an adora post and it scares me

[BrotherMan]

Originally Posted by Adora

Because, let's face it, there's very little difference between your freedom of expression to say such stupid things on this board and his freedom of expression of his own stupid (or not) thoughts.

I disagree. In the auditorium where John Kerry was speaking there was significantly squelched free speech. Otherwise the audience members could have been shouting questions without regard to order. As Mr. Myers admits he went against his better judgment and violated the rules of that venue.

That is a considerable difference from this forum. There are also better tools available both to the users (members? posters? rabble?) and the administrators to deal with the unruly. Not the least of which is liv's .

[Naru]

Originally Posted by BrotherMan

That is a considerable difference from this forum. There are also better tools available both to the users (members? posters? rabble?) and the administrators to deal with the unruly. Not the least of which is liv's .

I found something much better for liv to use:

[Ensign Steve]

That. Is. Awesome!

Considering your M.O., Adora m'dear, your self-satisfied condemnation of physical violence is...amusing.

Love and kisses!

[livius drusus]

Originally Posted by Naruto

I found something much better for liv to use:

Why the graduation cap on the tasee, though?

[Adora]

Originally Posted by BrotherMan

I disagree. In the auditorium where John Kerry was speaking there was significantly squelched free speech.

And? As Meyers pointed out in his speech, "He's speaking for two hours, I think I can have two minutes". I mean, seriously, can we get a sense of humour and some perspective in here already?

As Mr. Myers admits he went against his better judgment and violated the rules of that venue.

And that means he deserves to be arrested, squashed on the ground and tasered?

No wonder people say the US has no perspective when it comes to politics. Geniuses like The Chasers would be locked up for life in your nation of thugs and nutbags.

Originally Posted by Me Ug. Me Punch Dem I Dun Like.

Considering your M.O., Adora m'dear

If the equation of verbal insults with authoritarian violence against those excercising their freedom of expression is your only counter, there's really no hope for you at all, and by your own argument, you should seek someone to put a bullet in your brain.

[BrotherMan]

Originally Posted by Adora

And? As Meyers pointed out in his speech, "He's speaking for two hours, I think I can have two minutes". I mean, seriously, can we get a sense of humour and some perspective in here already?

No, he doesn't deserve his two minutes. Not in this case. Why? Because he, admittedly now, violated the rules of the venue.

And that means he deserves to be arrested, squashed on the ground and tasered?

The short answer is yes. He was asked to leave. He refused. As he was being forcibly removed he resisted vigorously. What do you do when someone refuses to follow first the rules of the establishment and then requests to behave? In the end, Mr. Myers was acting no different than a bellicose toddler who needed to be removed from the situation to rethink how one acts in public. I think it unfortunate that he was tased, but perhaps not unnecessary. And before someone gets smart, no, I do not think toddlers should be tased.

No wonder people say the US has no perspective when it comes to politics. Geniuses like The Chasers would be locked up for life in your nation of thugs and nutbags.

If the equation of verbal insults with authoritarian violence against those excercising their freedom of expression is your only counter, there's really no hope for you at all, and by your own argument, you should seek someone to put a bullet in your brain.

What about the other people who were patiently waiting their turn to ask Mr. Kerry questions? Shouldn't there be some authority figure to ensure their rights aren't trampled?

[Adora]

Originally Posted by BrotherMan

No, he doesn't deserve his two minutes. Not in this case. Why? Because he, admittedly now, violated the rules of the venue.

I re-emphasise the "perspective and sense of humour" aspect of my post. Yes, he broke the rules of the venue, but this was not some matter of state or justice (though it became one) being discussed that would impact the lives of millions of people. Again, some perspective is needed, especially in regards to the fact he was just some college kid and Kerry is a politician, with all the privilege and power that comes with that.

The short answer is yes.

I emphatically restate the need for perspective and/or humour.

More than anything, Kerry proved himself to be the bigger asshole and jerk in this, by not stoping the police when he had the power to.

As he was being forcibly removed he resisted vigorously.

You don't seem to have watched the video. He was being held down by two/three police officers when he was tasered by another. They could have just escorted him out, if they had that much muscle power. Instead, they tortured him.

What about the other people who were patiently waiting their turn to ask Mr. Kerry questions?

As someone's who has been to discussions like these, two whole minutes is not that long to wait. And I would never, ever, endorse those who make this time go longer have their most basic physical rights violated by some pigs on a power trip, while a member of the new-order oligarchy stands up on the stage and looks on.

Again, perspective. Get some.

[Blake]

From the accounts I've read, Kerry didn't see what was happening in the confusion.

I also think the tasing was excessive force.

[BrotherMan]

Originally Posted by Adora

I emphatically restate the need for perspective and/or humour.

I have my perspective. Mr. Myers was rude and insensitive to other people and he faced consequences.

More than anything, Kerry proved himself to be the bigger asshole and jerk in this, by not stoping the police when he had the power to.

Kerry was no more in charge there than you or I were. Despite him stating that he would indeed answer Myers' questions, Myers was dragged, kicking and screaming, from the town forum.

You don't seem to have watched the video. He was being held down by two/three police officers when he was tasered by another. They could have just escorted him out, if they had that much muscle power. Instead, they tortured him.

I watched several videos. He was resisting being forcibly removed from the venue before he was held down and subsequently tased.

Again, perspective. Get some.

I have perspective. You simply disagree with it.

From the accounts I've read, Kerry didn't see what was happening in the confusion.

I also think the tasing was excessive force.

I'm not sure Kerry knew exactly what was happening, only that there was something going on. (See above.)

I have no doubt that at some point, hopefully soon, tasing is re-examined as a viable method for enforcing compliance. Calling it non-lethal force doesn't mean it is suitable for every situation.

[Adora]

Originally Posted by BrotherMan

I have my perspective. Mr. Myers was rude and insensitive to other people and he faced consequences.

So you're saying almost all politicians should be tasered on a regular basis? No, I'm serious. Why does being rude and insensitive equal getting tasered, especially whilst already forcibly restrained by a bunch of power-tripping pigs?

Kerry was no more in charge there than you or I were.

Bullshit. He was the figurehead of the discussion, not to mention the highest authority figure in the whole thing.

I watched several videos. He was resisting being forcibly removed from the venue before he was held down and subsequently tased.

So tell me why he was fried when already forcibly restrained.

Please also note, your insensitivity to the harm caused by the police displayed in your post is grounds for tasing by your own argument. Feel free to step in line with Uggy and Hist when you feel like not being a hypocritical wanker.

[BrotherMan]

As someone's who has been to discussions like these, two whole minutes is not that long to wait. And I would never, ever, endorse those who make this time go longer have their most basic physical rights violated by some pigs on a power trip, while a member of the new-order oligarchy stands up on the stage and looks on.

I apologize for not addressing this in my last post. While others have mentioned time as a factor in this incident, the only one who was concerned about it was Mr. Meyers. It was his realization that time was coming to an end that forced him to ignore the rights of others. He was, at that time, unwilling to wait and see if the guest speaker would entertain questions beyond the allotted time.

Originally Posted by Adora

So you're saying almost all politicians should be tasered on a regular basis? No, I'm serious. Why does being rude and insensitive equal getting tasered, especially whilst already forcibly restrained by a bunch of power-tripping pigs?

Perhaps I misspoke. He was belligerent and out of control. The "power-tripping pigs" had the authority to escort him from the building. Mr. Meyers was rather adamant about his desire to remain where he was – meaning he wasn't going to let them hold his hand and gently guide him away from the microphone as if he were that lovable scamp, Beaver, and send him on his merry way.

On that day, at that moment, Mr. Meyers displayed complete disregard for the rights of those around him. Had he seen reason with the initial requests to step back, away, or out – whatever that may have been, this whole ordeal would have ended right there. He did not. Mr. Meyers escalated the situation, continuing to demonstrate that he believed his rights supercedes everyone else's. He admits as much in his letter to the UPD.

My opinion on whether or not politicians should be routinely tased is another matter altogether.

Bullshit. He was the figurehead of the discussion, not to mention the highest authority figure in the whole thing.

He was a guest speaker. Being a senator does not make him in charge of everything everywhere he goes. Could they have listened to him? Sure, I guess. I don't believe they are required to do so.

So tell me why he was fried when already forcibly restrained.

Neither of us can answer that question. You say "power-tripping pigs" and I say, "I'm not convinced that's the truth."

Please also note, your insensitivity to the harm caused by the police displayed in your post is grounds for tasing by your own argument.

That would have made for a hilarious scene as Meyers tased the guards back. Yes, a laugh riot.

Feel free to step in line with Uggy and Hist when you feel like not being a hypocritical wanker.

You're not in charge here; you can't tell me what to do.

[my note: I have been misspelling Mr. Meyer's name. Apologies.]

[Adora]

Originally Posted by BrotherMan

It was his realization that time was coming to an end that forced him to ignore the rights of others.

How does this warrant being tasered? Answer this question, please, otherwise I don't understand why you're involving yourself in this thread.

Perhaps I misspoke. He was belligerent and out of control.

You've never seen an Australian broadcast of parliment, have you? "Belligerent and out of control" is the status quo. Verbally insulting other politicians in public non-senate spaces in forms that would make even Andrew blush is the current MO of our ruling party, and has been documented by the press hundreds of times over in the last 8+ years. So again, are you advocating the tasering of 90% of Australian politicians? Or do they get off scot-free because they wear suits when they use up the speaking time of other representatives in the house, thus blocking debate of legislation that actually has an effect on citizen's rights, such as environmental, social welfare and human rights implementations?

Again, please answer the question, or I will assume you don't have the capabilities to.

The "power-tripping pigs" had the authority to escort him from the building.

But from your argument, their intervention caused the whole incident to escalate and drag out longer than it would have theoretically occured if the boy was just allowed to run out his bluster. Should they be tasered for wasting others time?

On that day, at that moment, Mr. Meyers displayed complete disregard for the rights of those around him.

The phrase "complete disregard" does not mean what you think it does. "Two minutes" (which was longer than he spoke, anyway) is nothing "complete". "Complete" is being held to the ground and tortured, by any definition. You're still lacking perspective.

He admits as much in his letter to the UPD.

I'm sure you're familiar with the US justice system's method of extracting confessions from individuals to avoid spending money on their defense, correct? I shouldn't have to point this out.

My opinion on whether or not politicians should be routinely tased is another matter altogether.

No, it's not. Your argument, like Uggy's and the others is based on flawed definitions of deprivation of rights that revolve around pathetic middle-class social faux pas like "insensitivity", "rudeness" and "immaturity", nothing real or objective when it comes to a violation of rights, which in this case is defined in comparison to being forcefully held down and tortured with a taser.

He was a guest speaker. Being a senator does not make him in charge of everything everywhere he goes.

No, but it does put him in a position of authority and privilege to lend power to his words when he speaks out against abhorrent actions, above and beyond the normal cries of horror expressed by the crowds in both this and the UCLA incident.

Neither of us can answer that question.

Yes you can, if you can back up your answer beyond vagueries such as "insensitivity" and "impoliteness". Thus far, I haven't see any evidence you can.

That would have made for a hilarious scene as Meyers tased the guards back. Yes, a laugh riot.

You're the one suggesting it. Perhaps your sense of humour is just too skewed.

You're not in charge here; you can't tell me what to do.

Think of it more as a guideline for when you feel like not being a hypocrite, whenever that time may be.

[BrotherMan]

Rather than go 'round and 'round with me saying you've got it wrong and you telling me I've got it backwards, I decided to cut out the middle, um, woman. (I'm guessing you're female, and if you aren't, man did I mess up.) A good friend of mine came up with a motto and it fits so well right now. "I don't have to be right." As much as I may have wanted to be right, not to mention how right I thought I was, that motto kept playing in the back of my mind. I wiped my mind clean of wanting to oppose, along with whatever ideas were running around in my head from what others have said concerning this event. Simply put, I wanted the facts as uncolored as I could get them. I started with a simple Google search.

Andrew Meyer

The first link was to his site, which I discounted. The second link seemed much more promising. Michelle Malkin. That's right, I wanted to see what the enemy had to say about this. If there's anyone I wanted to be the opposite of, any person on the face of this earth that can be considered antithetical to humane, it would be her. Lucky for me I didn't have to read a word. Right there on the link was the one (several, actually) thing I dared not dream to find, the police reports of the incident.

I read 11 of the 12 pages (one page was 404, quoth the server). It was filled with what one could imagine is the usual police speak. "Wildly," this, "flailing," that. I did my level best to ignore or bypass certain types of phrasing, but still, they made it sound like he was possessed by a devil - maybe even several.

I was still determined to find the least biased reporting of what happened.

Youtube is almost as smart as Google.

After watching that video, and here is where I had a rather large slice of humble pie, I realized how right I didn't have to be. Now to be sure, I think Mr. Meyer was being obnoxious, but nothing so horrible as to deserve to even have the microphone silenced, much less be arrested and tased. Unlike the police reports, I don't see a possessed mad-man flailing wildly, swinging his arms and legs and striking officers. Sure, I see him "resisting arrest" but I think that's more because he is incredulous that it's happening at all.

I'm not done yet!

Judge Andrew Napolitano is part of a two-man radio team on, of all channels, Fox Radio. (Youtube of the same) Despite it being on Faux Radio, Judge Napolitano echoes the same sentiments as Adora. I listened as hosts Brian and Judge Napolitano offered their opinions, then listened to the callers. It seems everyone, including me, is focusing on the wrong part of the video. The part where Andrew is struggling against being restrained and crying out in shock as he is being tased for, as the thin blue line calls it, being non-responsive, non-compliant. (What in the old days was "resisting arrest.")

And, you're right, it didn't have to come to that.

[Caligulette]

I am glad you did the research with an open mind, Brother Man. Not everyone does.

Also- I am glad you did reach the conclusion you did. One more for humanity.

[Adora]

BrotherMan, I think you're my new favourite person in the world.