Veterans Arrested, Trampled at Presidential Debate
Wendy Barranco
San Francisco Bay Area Independent Media Center
October 17, 2008
Infowars.com Editor’s note:
As usual, the corporate media did not find this story worthy of notice.
One hour before the final presidential debate of the 2008 campaign, fourteen members of IVAW marched in formation to Hofstra University to present questions for the candidates. IVAW had requested permission from debate moderator Bob Schieffer to ask their questions during the debate but got no response.
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| Segment on the protest aired on Democracy Now! | |
The contingent of veterans in dress uniforms and combat uniforms attempted to enter the building where the debate was to be held in order to ask their questions but were turned back by police. The IVAW members at the front of the formation were immediately arrested, and others were pushed back into the crowd by police on horseback. Several members were injured, including former Army Sergeant Nick Morgan who suffered a broken cheekbone when he was trampled by police horses before being arrested.
“Neither of the candidates have shown real support for soldiers and veterans. We came here to try and get serious questions answered, questions that we as veterans of the Iraq war, have a right to ask, but instead we were arrested. We will continue to ask these questions no matter who is elected. We believe that the time has come to end this war and bring our troops home, and we will be pushing for that no matter what happens in this election.” said Jason Lemieux, a former Sergeant in the US Marine Corps and member of IVAW who served three tours in Iraq.
A total of 10 veterans were arrested during the action, including Matthis Chiroux, Kristopher Goldsmith, Adam Kokesh, Mike Spinato, Geoff Millard, Marlisa Grogan, Nathan Peld, Nick Morgan, James Gilligan and Jose Vasquez.
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| Veteran trampled by police horse. Photo Credit: Bill Perry | |
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So what can YOU do about it? My fellow veteran brothers need you. We need to call the NY police department and ask them why they would trample IRAQ WAR VETERANS exercising their FREEDOM SPEECH in a peaceful manner. Is this the way members of the military who don the uniform and make an oath to defend the constitution, America, and it’s people are treated? We MUST NOT ONLY hold the Police Department accountable but the Presidential Candidates as well for allowing this to happen. THIS IS NOT DEMOCRACY, THIS IS A POLICE STATE.
Below are the numbers. Call now and anytime until November 10th when the court date is set for the detained veterans. Stay posted for a possible action then.
LAWRENCE MULVEY
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
Public Information Office
516-573-7135
516-573-7138 (24 hour)
516-573-7118 FAX
And the complaint line
Call 516-573-7000 and ask to be connected to the Desk Officer
where the incident occurred (Hofstra University).
NC District Attorney’s Office, Special Investigations : 516-571-2100
NYS Attorney General, Civil Rights Division: 1-800-771-7755
http://www.ivaw.org
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Presidential Debate "Hidden Microphone" on Iraq Vet
Catches Cops saying you don't have rights in New York City Baby!
Presidential Debate Unseen "Hidden Microphone" Footage - Police Arrest and Abuse Iraq Veterans Against the War
Produced by Mr. E of www.PIMPINTURTLE.com at the New York Film Academy
This video is dedicated to every veteran, dead or alive, who has ever been pushed around by a police officer that enjoys abusing his or her power.
Furthermore, this video is dedicated to every veteran, dead or alive, who has fought to protect our liberties Especially those who have come back to find that their liberties have been extinguished while they fought abroad.
Thank you to Adam Kokesh, Matthis Chiroux , Kristofer Goldsmith and the other veterans at the debate who were willing to risk arrest and their lives to let their voices be heard.
You will be remembered forever.
Why is this injustice not being covered by the mainstream news?
That is for you to decide...
Help out and spread this video virally as fast as possible...
Facebook, MySpace, Email it, send it to everyone...
Do your part to help support the troops...
The Hempstead 15 will be defending themselves in court for charges of disorderly conduct on November 10th, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the Hempstead Courthouse located at 99 Main St. in Hempstead, New York. Please come out and show your support on this fateful day for these fine individuals.
If police can treat Veterans this way and get away with it, what is to stop them from doing the same to civilians?
Furthermore, many people have told me to sell this footage to the mainstream news, but I have refused. All true independent citizen journalists should strive to bring truth, justice, and honor to the medium of reporting. Those who are in it for the money bring disgrace to those before us who demanded answers and accountability from the people in positions of power and authority.
This footage was recorded single-handedly on a DVX 100A with a LAV microphone attached to Iraq Veteran Sergeant Adam Kokesh. It is completely authentic and for those who are skeptical, be skeptical I have the original Mini-DV as the absolute evidence.
I personally believe in the free sharing of all information, video, audio, etc. so feel free to use this footage without proper consent. Credit is cool though.
Transcript of microphone audio:
Adam Kokesh: I got a text message.
Cop 1: Aww thats really nice man. Youre under arrest man.
Adam Kokesh: You never told me I was under arrest. I just got...
Cop 1: Oh youre in handcuffs? Good for you.
Cop 1: Inaudible Jumbled words
Adam Kokesh: I never got read my rights. I never was told I was under arrest for anything.
Cop 1: Oh you know what happens when you get handcuffs thrown on.
Cop 2: Yeah you watch too much T.V. We We dont need rights Alright? Thats on COPS!
Adam Kokesh: I dont have any expectations.
Cop 2: You know what I am saying? This is New York baby.
Adam Kokesh: I dont have any expectations
Cop 2: We do things different in New York. I dont know where you're from.
Adam Kokesh: You reading my text messages?
Cop 2: Yeah, Im reading your text messages. Like I'm interested in what you have going on in your life.
Adam Kokesh: Oh
Cop 2: Im turning your phone off
Adam Kokesh: Alright
http://www.pimpinturtle.com/
http://KOKESH.BLOGSPOT.com/
IVAW members arrested while attempting to present questions to Obama and McCain
http://ivaw.org/node/4405
