The American Spectator

I understand why Shawn is upset and I sympathize with what he went through; but, enough already. Save the pathos for the book and the sure-to-be-blockbuster film.

p>The police in NYC had a tough time with all the wackos that came to Manhattan to protest whatever it is that they needed to protest. Some of the protests were out of control. Sorry that the civilized group that you were with were unfairly treated. Too bad. I would rather that a few (yes, a few) individuals who came to cause trouble get locked up for less than a day than to have an out of control situation. Shawn, do you remember the policeman who got his head kicked-in that same week? Also, to compare your situation with Waco and Elian is so ridiculous as to cause us to treat your whole gripe as not serious. br> — James Siegler br> New York, New York /p> p> Perhaps Shawn should vote Kerry-Edwards. He might be able to get a pro bono lawsuit against the NYPD, or if he’s real lucky, a Purple Heart out of it. Shawn, do what my parents used to tell me — stay away from the troublemakers. br> — Anthony Mastroserio /p>

Kudos and thanks to Shawn Macomber for stating the obvious and using his own experience as an example that state power needs to be restrained. Liberty always needs a boast, and his example and article is instructive along the “eternal vigilance” line for protecting liberty.

While I ordinarily am thankful for the service and presence of Police as a deterrent and an aid to protect my life and property, we of course need to criticize without apology when their reasonable mandate is exceeded, as it clearly was in Macomber’s case and in the case of NYPD at the Convention. An old leftist slogan is true: “The abuse of power comes as no surprise.” Which makes the case for restraint of government power rather nicely.

Macomber’s criticism is valid, just, and welcome, and I again thank him for saying so.

p>Now friends, back to the ramparts on other idiocy under which we still suffer. br> —