A Shocking Moment for Society: Tasering at University of Florida

Today's news shows a recognizable shock moment in the annals of a closing society. A very ordinary-looking American student -- Andrew Meyer, 21, at the University of Florida - was tasered by police when he asked a question of Senator John Kerry about the impeachment of President George Bush. His arms were pinned and as he tried to keep speaking he was shocked -- in spite of begging not to be hurt. A stunning piece of footage but unfortunately, historically, a very familiar and even tactical moment.

It is an iconic turning point and it will be remembered as the moment at which America either fought back or yielded. This violence against a student is different from violence against protesters in the anti-war movement of 30 years ago because of the power the president has now to imprison innocent U.S. citizens for months in isolation. And because, as I have explained elsewhere, we are not now in a situation in which 'the pendulum' can easily swing back. That taser was directed at the body of a young man, but it is we ourselves, and our Constitution, who received the full force of the shock.

There is a chapter in my new book, The End of America, entitled "Recast Criticism as 'Espionage' and Dissent as 'Treason,'" that conveys why this moment is the horrific harbinger it is. I argue that strategists using historical models to close down an open society start by using force on 'undesirables,' 'aliens,' 'enemies of the state,' and those considered by mainstream civil society to be untouchable; in other times they were, of course, Jews, Gypsies, Communists, homosexuals. Then, once society has been acculturated to that use of force, the 'blurring of the line' begins and the parameters of criminalized speech are extended -- the definition of 'terrorist' expanded -- and the use of force begins to be deployed in HIGHLY VISIBLE, STRATEGIC and VISUALLY SHOCKING WAYS against people that others see and identify with as ordinary citizens. The first 'torture cellars' used by the SA, in Germany between 1931 and 1933 -- even before the National Socialists gained control of the state, during the years when Germany was still a parliamentary democracy -- were informal and widely publicized in the mainstream media. Few German citizens objected because those abused there were seen as 'other' -- even though the abuse was technically illegal. But then, after this escalation of the use of force was accepted by the population, students, journalists, opposition leaders, and clergy were similarly abused during their own arrests. Within six months dissent was stilled in Germany.

What is the lesson for us from this and from other closing societies, some of them democracies? You can have a working Congress or Parliament; newspapers; human rights groups; even elections; but when ordinary people start to be hurt by the state for speaking out, dissent closes quickly and the shock chills opposition very, very fast. Once that happens, democracy has been so weakened that major tactical and strategic incursions -- greater violations of democratic process -- are far more likely. If there is dissent about the vote in Florida in this next presidential election -- and the police are tasering voters' rights groups -- we will still have an election.

What we will not have is liberty.

We have to understand what time it is. When the state starts to hurt people for asking questions, we can no longer operate on the leisurely time of a strong democracy -- the 'Oh gosh how awful!' kind of time. It is time to take to the streets. It is time to confront those committing crimes against the Constitution. The window has now dropped several precipitous inches and once it is closed there is no opening it without great and sorrowful upheaval.

We also need to understand from history that the temptation at a moment like this to grow more quiet -- to stay out of the line of fire -- is the wrong choice by far. History shows categorically that if citizens do not stand up now to confront and imprison the abusers, things do not get safer -- they get much more dangerous for ordinary people, activist or not.

I was scared when I wrote The End of America -- personally scared because the blueprint I was tracing in the summer of 2006 showed clearly that protesters and critics would start to be hurt within the year. When I told a dear friend that I was scared, he gently reminded me of the history I was reading. He asked, will things be scarier for you and the ones you love if you speak up now -- or if you are silent?

We don't just need to speak up now. We need to act. It is time to rebel in the name of the flag and the founders.

This post first appeared on PowellsBooks.Blog.

Naomi Wolf is the author of The End of America: A Letter of Warning to a Young Patriot, Chelsea Green Publishing, Sept 2007. She is also a co-founder of the American Freedom Campaign, a grassroots and grasstops democracy movement.

Comments

[DMSmith]

Just last week I read of and saw video of a black minister being attacked by six officers and his leg being broken when he was literally tackled. His crime? Wearing a lapel pin stating an opinion as he was peacefully in line to view the questioning of General Patreaus.

This is no longer a free country, folks. We already missed the chance, and have let the line be crossed.

[bookish]

Yes, that incident was far more egregious than this one. This one was bad enough, even though the kid has to bear some responsibility too.

There's a proposed peaceful action in DC in October. Besides the stupidity of driving cross country to protest global warming, I'm just scared. Do I think "they" would fire upon me? Oh, hell yes.

[leeleeFL]

I have been furious all day about this. It is all too true that Mr. Meyers was somewhat out of line, however, Kerry said he'd answer the questions, regardless. I agree with Demand Truth, if the God Hates Fags troglodytes don't face this kind of abuse, neither should Meyers.
Tasers should be reserved for times when the question an officer asks himself is "Would I shoot this person?" Otherwise it's abuse of power.
I live here in the Sunshine State, and I can only hope there's still enough Sunshine to disinfect this particular problem.
LeeleeFL

[JimR]

Kerry said he would answer the question, but when he tried to Meyer cut him off. Meyer had no interest in listening to Kerry's answer.

Also, tasers are used so the situation doesn't deteriorate and the officer won't have to shoot.

[mickleby]

Maybe chloroform would have been more affective?

[fitz]

Jeez,


Do some background. Take a look at his website.

Guy was a moonbat, publicity hound, looking for a youtube moment. Well he got one, and a night in jail to boot. Idiots get tasered, don't you watch COPS.

[Marlie]

Even if he was asking for it, the fact that he
got it is very disturbing. But of course, the
powers that be think of us as little more than
cattle now. Best we get used to it or fight like
that young man did and hope others join. Right or wrong, he did not deserve the treament he received.

[twgbonehead]

I also thought he was an American Citizen, and foolishly, I believed that was important.

[mickleby]

HA! "Don't you watch COPS"

God bless you, Mr. Murdoch.

[neejerk]

sorry but not surprised that so many people think we all have a duty to have good manners and to obey the cops under all circumstances.

rude questioners are part of the political landscape. a politician who cannot deal with a rude questioner is not qualified to hold public meetings.

i did not see the event, and i don't know at what point i would have wanted the kid eighty-sixed, but the tasering was not called for.

the latter is part of the "rule of violence" that is taking over this country. we will be sorry we stood by and watched it happen.

[factanonverba]

I am not too familiar with this facts of this story though I've heard that the student made his way to the front of the line cutting in front of others. That's certainly impolite and disrespectful but hardly deserves being tazered or thrown to the ground. The crime here hardly justifies the police brutality and this is the larger point. We are deferring a near absolute power to the state. The days of Shay's Rebellion are far behind us but so are the days of Selma. Dissent is viewed as not just unpatriotic but as criminal. If we dissent we are cast from the mainstream, accused of being radical. You have to look no further than to the response to an ad by MoveOn.org. MoveOn is hardly radical. It represents 3.2 million mostly middle class and well-educated Americans. Still for me it is hard to comprehend the apathy and indifference that permeates American society. The country is at war, well at least the military and their families, the rest of us are at the mall. Jeffersonian democracy seems long lost. Roosevelt's exhortations in his fireside chats a quaint part of the past. Clintonian engagement too now seemingly lost. Bill Clinton has one very special talent: he is able to describe complex issues in the most basic of terms to whatever audience he engages. He was as comfortable in Davos as in a black Baptist church. He didn't stage events, he spoke directly to the people wherever whenever.

[mickleby]

Perhaps a lot of what you perceive as "apathy and indifference" is actually shock, confusion, and denial. Mammals are hard-wired to cooperate. This is why "THEY" have to act so outrageously to control us. Please don't lose hope. Shock will wear away. Let's find solutions to help lead our brothers out of the dazed confusion.

[droog]

Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

[MississippiRising]

The kid did not yell "fire" in a crowded theater. He's guilty of "contempt of cop." Until we as a people rid ourselves of police with an attitude of "them against us" we will be subjected to a police state. I don't blame the cops, I blame the campus police chief who hired them and the academy where they were supposedly trained. I once taught in the criminal justice department at a university. Glorify police, and accept the consequences. It used to be billy clubs and slapjacks in an alley used against sneak thieves. Now it's tasers in a public forum where Americans are supposed to be able to speak in freedom. If the University of Florida doesn't get rid of these ignoramuses and whomever is supposed to be responsible for them, then we'll know we are under the heel of a police state. No half- educated, underpaid, undertrained, cop should ever have that kind of self-perceived authority. The problem is that no one has the balls anymore to keep the police in check, and the police have tremendous class resentment--and if the truth were known--roid rage. If you all knew the kind of stupid crap that other cops teach new cops, you'd be scared as hell.

[jeersforfears]

and you have LSD rage. more's the pity.

[provgrays]

Did you notice that nobody got out of their chairs to try to help that student? The guy was screaming for help and no one moved.

Too many Americans have never read the Constitution and they don't even know that they have a right to speak out. There are no guaranteed protections anymore. It's words on paper because too many of us don't hold freedom dear and we are unwilling to defend it when it is actively threatened.

[JimR]

He does not have the right to dictate how the event would proceed (the question and answer session had just ended). He does not have the right to push ahead of other students who had been patiently waiting in line to ask a question. He does not have the right to hijack the event to suit his own agenda.

[mickleby]

I believe he (Meyer) had a duty to act.

[mickleby]

You needn't feel so bleak. Let's not forget that these guys spend millions each year to craft their wicked plans. We can work just as diligently if we organize and remain calm.

We are up against the Shock Doctrine, and it is highly effective -- but it can be overcome!! Please check out http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine. And also familiarize yourself with The Century of the Self. You can find it here: http://playall.xerz.net/truth.htm or on OneBigTorrent.org.

Keep the faith!

[Larenzo]

Hey, pigs are still pigs...look at some of the Chicago convention news of 1968. We like to think our cops are decent people, but once they have that uniform on, they be DA MAN and are above the rest of us mere mortals. What else do you expect? Especially in this climate of suppressing dissent and government secrecy and spying. I think Ms. Wolf is absolutely correct in seeing a really nasty trend developing and a horrible future to endure.

[clearthought]

The kid acted out, was warned, was warned again, and did not cease his rebellious behavior. Even when pleading not to be tasered he was acting aggressively. The police operated according to procedure; stop politicizing what is essentially not a case of police brutality but of someone disturbing the peace and not stopping — for the sake of his security and the security of those around him — when told to. He was warned; he ignored the warnings.

Just because he was speaking out against Bush doesn't mean this is an unjust case of politicall­y-motivate­d police power. If the guy had been, say, harassing a lady on the street and not ceasing even when the authorities were trying to cuff him, would you still be crying 'injustice!'? He was not silenced because of his political beliefs, but because he acted against the law, and ignored all warnings.
http://cafzal.blogspot.com/

[loril]

Certainly people have "made asses of themselves", asked "wild questions", disturbed events and even refused to go quietly throughout all of our lifetimes. I believe the point is the escalation of the level of violence used. Also, the more frequent instances of this level of physical restraint/abuse being used on people. (wasn't there a case of a man's arm being broken last week for a similar "infraction"?)

It appears to be a pattern. I do not believe it is alarmist to pay some attention to it.

[JasonS]

LejandroCruz,
Right or wrong the police have the right to restrain you the moment they feel you are disturbing the peace. They will read you your rights only when they feel the situation is under control.

[bethinCary]

No-- that is what a POLICED STATE would want you to believe.

[mickleby]

You are so confused.

POLICE do not have rights. CITIZENS have rights.

POLICE have duties and responsibilities. They are obliged to act in very specifically described fashion with almost no discretion. They are not expected to FEEL the nature of a situation -- that 's Barnie Miller. The police are trained to evaluate conditions and then respond BY THE BOOK.

[gdogs]

Soooo LejandroCruz,

"People do not need, legally, do do ANYTHING a police officer asks."

Does that mean that I don't have to pull over if I'm speeding?

Does it mean that I don't have to stop if a traffic cop signals me to?

You're obviously young and naive.

If the young man in Florida had any real sense of what was going on, he would have let them arrest him, and then gone to the media.

[TheHandyman]

You people really like to stretch the analogies, don't you?

[Monette Monet]

From what I see on the video, regardless of this young man's past history, is someone who wanted an answer to a question. He was not violent, nor was he really rude; just persistent. So, they taser him. For asking the hard questions.
And to think...this incident happened on Constitution Day. Ahhh, I miss the Constitution. I wish the gals on THE VIEW would read from the Constitution on-air, rather than the Old Testament. I have my pocket version of the Constituion with me at all times, so when it is totally dismantled, I will have proof it was once real and viable. That's the problem...I don't think many people really understand the Constitution in full. If every American was armed with an actual copy of the Constitution and read it, they might get a clue. Maybe. Perhaps.
And, if they understood the Constitution, they would understand this young man was struck down for exercising his First Amendment right. If we keep up this activity, no one will hate us for our freedoms.

[jeersforfears]

You're a product of the countries disgraceful educational system. That means you've been indoctrinated, not educated.

The dude was arrested for disorderly conduct. He resisted and refused to stop. He was tasered, in order to get him under control. If you couldn't see and understand those simple facts, you're hopeless.

[Monette Monet]

I was going to respond by telling you I am very educated, specifically in these matters too. But then I remembered my Daddy told me never have a war of words with someone who was unarmed.
Thanks for playing and have a great day! And thank the First Amendment for giving us the right to have this healthy exchange of differing opinions in a public forum.

[bethinCary]

WHOSE decision was it to say he was disruptive?

Kerry had given him the green light to ask questions.

Just becasue he does not "ACT" the way you would act when he askes it. OR just becasue he is irritated and passionate about finding out answers-does NOT make him a lawbreaker.

NOR should his first amendment rights be silenced.

[JasonS]

"A very ordinary-looking American student -- Andrew Meyer, 21, at the University of Florida - was tasered by police when he asked a question of Senator John Kerry about the impeachment of President George Bush. "
Wrong!
He was not tasered, subdued and removed for asking JK a question. He was asked to leave but did not. Watch the rest of the video on Utube. He was ranting on and on and hijacking the entire event. Kerry was the invited speaker not this clown.
Your summation is way off base. I'm really tired of all the comments about this story turning it into a free speech thing when it is not.
"Ranting juvenile disrupts speaker asked to leave, continues and resists removal." There's you headline. The taser is a tool that we allow our police to have to protect us and protect themselves. Perhaps they should not have used the device on this kid. That's a entirely different debate, but it doesn't have anything to do with the 1st Amendment. Local communities, city consouls have the right to repeal the use of this device.
Regardless of the taser argument this dude should have been removed. People were not there to listen to him, they went to listen to Kerry.
When I go to an event like this and someone takes over the event and is asked to leave but doesn't. I hope the security removes him. You could never go listen to anyone, this happens all the time at political rallies.
I'm angered when Bush's crew stakes out a venue before he arrives and doesn't allow anyone with an opposing oppinion to attent the event. He was allowed to ask his "question" which continued on and on. That's not what happened here. He never allows Kerry to answer but instead created a pulpit where he became the center of attention.