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NEW: Dashcam Video of Palin Protestors

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Posted: 5:58 PM Oct 21, 2008
Last Updated: 3:47 AM Oct 22, 2008
Reporter: Jessica Zartler
Email Address: jessica.zartler@nbc11news.com

87 comments

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You saw it first on 11 News at ten on Monday, chaotic video of police rushing protestors who ran into traffic. Now police have released dashcam video.

This story has made national headlines since we brought it to you Monday night but here in Grand Junction the headlines are only beginning as the police department continues its investigation into the protest.

Dashcam video from a patrol car captures police pouncing on protestors as they rush into traffic.

Taking a look in slow motion you can see officers jump off of their motorcycles to get the protestors out of the road.

Investigators say it's that quick action that kept the situation from turning deadly.

"They took swift appropriate action that may have saved people from getting seriously hurt," Troy Smith, Acting Chief for the Grand Junction Police Department, told 11 News on Tuesday.

Smith says before the motorcade drove down 12th Street officers gave protestors orders on how to protest lawfully and they violated those orders.

"We were inclined to let them stay there. We asked them to stay off of the roadway and out of the street," said Smith.

He says he believes officers showed restraint in pulling the protestors out of the road.

But protestor Mallory Rice says it was hardly restraint.

"I had an officer grab me by my head, my hair, and drag me to the sidewalk. It was terrifying," Rice told 11 News in an interview on Tuesday.

Rice says she and other protestors never meant to put police officers in danger and they were just trying to spread their anti–Palin message.

"With the opportunity of having a national figure in town, civil disobedience is one of the best ways you can get your message across," she told 11 News.

And even though she's now under investigation, she and other protestors feel they did just that.

But the question remains at what consequence and while police say they're happy to let people exercise their first amendment rights,
public safety comes first.

Grand Junction Police say they did not make any arrests on Monday to avoid escalating the conflict.

Now they are looking into criminal action and civil action for any damages to police vehicles.

They are also doing an administrative review, which they say is standard whenever there is a confrontation like this.

The protestors have filed a complaint of excessive force with the police department.

We will continue to follow this story and bring you the very latest.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: concerned citizen Location: grand junction on Nov 10, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I don't care what your political affiliation is. It is your duty as an American citizen to fight for each and every one of your rights in order to protect freedom for our future generations. Civil disobedience is one of the very few tools that we as Americans have. Do you think that Martin Luther King was a skank for fighting for equal rights for people of color? Were the women who fought and marched in civil disobedience for the right to vote skanks as well? How about our forefathers who rejected the tyrranical English government, skanks as well? I always thought these people were heroes, guess you disagree

Posted by: Matt Location: Kentucky on Oct 27, 2008 at 07:47 PM
So let me get this straight, Rogue from CBUS: it's "hippies" who give the people their right to protest? I was WAY off. I thought it was the men and women of the military who put their life on the line every day to support and defend the Constitution, which has that wonderful little 1st Amendment. As someone who has seen suicide attacks first hand, this was a pretty standard example of how Al Qaida does it. Find a bunch of civilians so that Americans are reluctant to use lethal force, make a roadblock where the non-combatants are, and then remote detonate a mentally disabled woman. Civilians? Check. Roadblock? Check. Mentally disabled woman (Miss Rice)? Check. Thank God these people weren't hurt and that there are other, nobler people who will give their life to ensure you have the right to waste yours.

Posted by: Jenna Location: Indiana on Oct 27, 2008 at 02:43 PM
There's a way to protest without making yourself out to look like a mindless idiot. (In case you're confused, this isn't it.) You break the rules, you pay the price. Don't most people learn that in Kindergarten?

Posted by: John Location: St. Louis on Oct 26, 2008 at 10:17 PM
While I applaud them in their grown into adulthood, I caution them to remember that ignorance is bliss. Their interception of the motorcade could have been seen as an attack which could have lead them to being shot. Their limited view of the world is just that, limited.

Posted by: Brandon Location: Morehead, Ky on Oct 23, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Don't get upset about your hair darlin'... Just be glad that the Secret Service didn't run your crazy butt over. They are under orders to stop for NOTHING! As for why you went out there in the first place after being told where to stand. Why would you do that?? The police have no idea what your intentions are and could have shot you. Didn't you think of that?

Posted by: Jim Location: Asheville, NC on Oct 23, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Rest easy. If Obama wins he could drop a nuke on San Francisco and idiots like Mallory Rice and her ilk will suddenly think it's A-OK. You see, it's not what the US prez does, it's what party to which they belong that matters. In other words, if Obama/Biden were saying the exact same things that McCain/Palin are saying in this campaign, and this had been a Biden motorcade instead of Palin, Mallory Rice and her comrades would have been cheering them instead of protesting.

Posted by: Dragoon Location: Grand Junction on Oct 23, 2008 at 11:13 AM
These Same Idiots protest against everything and everybody. they change their target more than you and I change our underwear. They are supported by your tax dollars none of them have a real job. each protest they take more chances and put them and their sheep (followers) closer to a fatal conclusion. the thing you didn't see is they hit the front entrance at the same time they hit the motorcade a classic way terrorists take out their target. and the tall guy who pushed the cop into traffic should face felony charges. TAKE THEIR GOVERNMENT HOUSING, GET THEM OFF THEIR BUTTS AND GET A REAL JOB.

Posted by: Mike Location: Abroad on Oct 23, 2008 at 09:19 AM
They were lucky they were only pushed out of the way. I think the motorcade should have never checked up and plowed through those idiots. At least then it would be a lesson to anyone else planning on becoming an idiot and a statistic.

Posted by: Observer Location: Illinois on Oct 23, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Well, Mallory Rice has just let the world know what idiots she and her friends are!

Posted by: Cory Location: Abroad on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Everyone blaming the protesters for putting themselves and others in danger are all plain nutty. You have got to be kidding me? First of all, you can not watch the news and believe one damn word from anyone. That is everyone's first fundamental error. Our media have been lying for decades just so they can make money. Secondly, after watching the video can see it was edited to just show the clip where they were ALREADY in the road. It looks to me like they were aware of the cars coming and stood in the way long before there was any risk of being hurt, meaning the drivers could of slowed or stopped. What the hell is wrong with USA today. If they receive any charge it should be obstructing traffic. Nothing else. What they did was perfectly legal and legitimate, the problem is the police and of course the media will be blowing this out of proportion so the sheeple can stay in their homes and not get any ideas. If this country would wake up, we would realize we have lost all our rights.

Posted by: Zack T Location: Austin, TX on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Dear America, I'm a dumbass who can't follow directions...so I'm going to be a typical liberal and blame others for my mindless (wanted to say retarded, but I'm sure the thought police would have said no) actions. Yours truly, dumb protester.

Posted by: Sean Location: Nashville on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:25 PM
If you don't want to be dragged away by your hair, don't break the law, moron. You idiots deserve whatever happened to you. Civil disobedience = illegal; you should all be in jail.

Posted by: Phreddie Location: Grand Junction on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:44 PM
You must look up the definition of civil disobedience. Then try again. As you stated "act that we committed" Committed denotes something entirely different

Posted by: Anne Location: GJ, CO on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Aw poor baby Mallory. Perhaps you should've stayed on the sidewalk like you were told.

Posted by: clayton on Oct 22, 2008 at 08:27 PM
The cops did them a favor, as i would much rather get tackled by a cop instead of being tackled by a car.

Posted by: kevi Location: hosto on Oct 22, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Frankly, I wish the cops knocked their teeth out

Posted by: mike Location: westminster co on Oct 22, 2008 at 04:56 PM
i have a bumber sticker in my office. it reads never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups. to bad they were not arrested.

Posted by: Buck Naked Location: New England on Oct 22, 2008 at 04:47 PM
So if I get this right, if people jump in front of a motorcade, the only option is getting run over? Don't these limos have brakes? It would seem to me that a slow moving motorcade would have no problem stopping in time. It would seem to me the reason for stopping the motorcade would be so that the people in the motorcade actually maybe see the protesters sign. If they aren't inconvenienced, they'll never see the message. Just my .02

Posted by: Jim C. on Oct 22, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Dear Melanie, you're a moron and a self-righteous spoiled brat. You got off easy. Personally I think a few hits on your face with a billy club would not have been excessive. It never occurred to you there's actually a small possibility that a mole in your group encouraged your protest to provide cover for an assassination attempt, did it? Idiot

Posted by: Godzilla Location: Colorado on Oct 22, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Idiots. Shoulda put the sticks to'em and then the genital cuff.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Delivers on Oct 22, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Seriously, I want to just tear Mallory Rice up. DO you think she would go out with me?

Posted by: jeff Location: chicago on Oct 22, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Morons. This isn't civil disobedience, it's sheer stupidity. Don't like Palin? That's fine. Hold signs up and protest like an adult. Blocking traffic is dangerous and stupid and accomplishes only one thing: proving how stupid some Obama supporters are. Grow up, idiots. You didn't make a point, you made yourself look stupid and your parents ashamed of you.

Posted by: Franki Location: Grand Junction Co. on Oct 22, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I think these people were ignorant to jump in front of the motorcade. They could have gotten hit or something more serious than that. Criminal charges should be charged for them.

Posted by: John Location: Alabama on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Don't let my location fool you. I'm about as liberal as they come. But she was just plain stupid. The Secret Service has it's own rules. They have a sworn duty to protect the person they are assigned to. They will take another life or give their own to accomplish that. The protesters are indeed lucky that all they got was a little roughed up. They could be facing federal charges. Part of civil disobedience is "civil." You have instructions from authorities. You have to follow them. This is not an option. I don't like Palin at all myself, but I know better than to step in front of a motorcade. That is not the way to get your point across. You might as well try to jump the fence at a baseball game. You will get arrested. End of story. So the cops were rough on her. She was in the wrong place, and she put herself there. She has no excuse. All she did was fan the flames, and disgrace anyone who opposes the Republicans. We will all be compared to her, and her lack of common sense. Thanks.

Posted by: Rogue Location: CBUS on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Uncle Sam = Idiot. This country needs a change and maybe our children who have more gull than most of you sitting at home eating your bag of Wal-Mart bought doritos will never see it because you are choking on your delusion that this country is founded on YOUR GOD. This country is founded on freedom of religion did you forget that? Oh and also freedom of speech! These conservative, civil right destroying, gestapo running rampant are consuming the nation. Sid Viscious you wouldn't even have the right to voice your opinion if it wasn't for "stinky hippies" taking a stand for civil liberties. Pick up a book and read your history. Thomas J so eager to pick up a gun pack it full of bullets and take care of those voicing their disgust with this country, are you so brainwashed that you yourself do not see that you are part of the problem? Melissa do you even know what the word terroist means? Must be a Palin supporter against women's rights as well? Long live Freedom and Liberty FOR ALL!!

Posted by: Mike Location: Kingston, NY on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Let's get serious people. I'm as liberal as they come, but this had nothing to do with liberal or conservative. this was a group of people who clearly are disappointed in Palin's viewpoints and did not know an intelligent, rational way of making that known. They were told that they could protest and where they could protest; the police gave them that right, which is what they are entitled. These people abused their right, plain and simple. They put a political figure, albeit one I don't like, in danger. The officer is right: no one knew their intentions. What if they were actually out to harm Palin? The department would never have been forgiven for not acting swiftly. I think they did exactly what they should have. And frankly, Mallory Rice had not one intelligent comment to provide nor any decent rationalization for why this was necessary. Civil disobedience is not required when you have an outlet to protest, which they did. To put it nicely, Ms. Rice is vapid.

Posted by: jeff Location: pennsylvannia on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:42 PM
stealing signs off peoples lawns, someone put gum on my freinds bumper, some one etched kkk on the side of another persons car because of a mcain palin bumper sticker. These far left democrats don't practice democracy, it's vote for who i like or else. Thanks for convincing me to vote for Mcain

Posted by: ElRockwell Location: Phoenix on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:38 PM
They got what they deserved.

Posted by: Your Lord and Savior Location: Everywhere on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Colorado is a coastal state?

Posted by: Gary Breese Location: Grand Junction on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Stupid people usually manage to kill themselves in stupid ways. Thanks to prompt and efficent police action, this group was spared... this time! The Secret Service drivers WOULD NOT have stopped!

Posted by: Larry Location: Grand Junction on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:07 PM
Civil protest is legal. Civil disobedience is not! I can't believe the protestors actually filed a complaint with the police. Citizens of this community should be out raged at the behavior of these protestors and commend the police for quick and decisive action. The police should follow up with appropriate criminal charges. These people should be charged with a minimum of obstructing traffic.

Posted by: Angus Location: Cambridge on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Those officers are watching for assassination attemps, they're a protective detail. That would have been a textbook use for a suicide vest, and the officers did exactly what they are supposed to do. Maybe Rice should wave a plastic gun at a prsidential detail next time if she REALLY wants to get attention.

Posted by: anonymous Location: st. paul, mn on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:43 PM
"Smith says before the motorcade drove down 12th Street officers gave protestors orders on how to protest lawfully and they violated those orders" Doesn't seem like much of a protest if the power-elite are telling you how/when/where you can do it. that being said, i was in denver and st. paul for both conventions and this "excessive" force is absolutely nothing compared to what was done in those two cities.

Posted by: Sam Location: Co Sprs on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:39 PM
The police were there to protect Palin, they saw a legitimate threat to her in the form of the protesters trying to block the road and reacted appropriately. Suppose one or more of those were terrorists with a bomb...the police do not have precognition, so to assume the worst was absolutely prudent. To do otherwise would be at best unprofessional and more likely criminally negligent.

Posted by: Bret Location: New Jersey on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Why didn't Pahlin just use her Moose Hunting Helicopter? Is her family using it or something? I am against civil disobedience but, this Moron does need to know that the world is laughing at her. We don't need another uneducated twit in office... BAN PAHLIN NOT BOOKS!

Posted by: Monica Location: Texas on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I saw no wrong doings by the officers. If the protesters had followed the rules and acted civilized there would have been no need for anyone to be placed in harms way. I support the officers 100%.

Posted by: Robert Location: Texas on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Hey Dylan from Nashville - get a life!These morons knew full well what they were doing; at least until they let Mallory Rice do the interview (their spokeswoman??). Her inability to answer a question she had obviously not been given the answer to (when she looked away and said Uhhhh....)proves that she and her group/kind are unbelievably stupid people. I say, have an opinion, but use your head for something other than a potentially ineffective speed bump. These people and ALL of their sympathizers need to understand that those policemen saved their lives. Laws protect even people like you. And because we have people like you who do not respect them, we need "enforcers" to make you see that the laws have benefits; even for people like you. Most of the time, the benefits contribute to your safety. These morons will live another day to, no doubt, do something else stupid.

Posted by: Logan Location: DC on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Ummmm.

Posted by: Jay Location: DELTA on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:27 PM
I am so glad you guys live in the back hills of Colorado where nobody gives a hoot about your right winged messed up, twisted religious thoughts… Don’t you understand that it is ok to believe in your religion but for Christ sake not everyone believes as you do… keep it to yourself, you folks are the same ones that were saying BUSH speaks directly to god, god will lead our great country, just 4 years ago… look at the mess we are in. The Republican Party would be so much better off with out your darn religious influence. KEEP IT IN YOUR HOME AND OUT OF OUR GOVERNMENT! MAY OBAMA SAVE US ALL!

Posted by: Cajun Nick Location: Cajun Country on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Freaking liberals never cease to surprise me with their idiocy. P.S. Dylan is an idiot.

Posted by: Buzz Location: Brick NJ on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Why is it that liberals always turn violent when someone disagree's with them? I was at Bushes 1st inaugrual and people were screaming unbelievable obcenities at him. Conservatives don't do this. If this is who supports Barak then its doesnt speak well of Democrats.

Posted by: Daniel Location: Portland on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:46 AM
It amazes me how an act of civil disobedience has been defined as terrorism. This "for the state" and "against the state" crap is just going to create a witch hunt to investigate non-patriotic behavior. Nobody was in danger in this situation except the citizens being thrown to the ground by police. Had the driver of the first car in the convoy been drunk, then I would expect the protesters to be in danger. But as of now, I'd say main concern of the police officers was to get the peaceful protesters out of the way to protect the forward motion of the Governor's party. Calling them "idiots" and saying "they should have been run over" just shows your ignorance of the police state we are turning into. I particularly liked the "gotcha" moment in the interview with Rice where 11 news didn't show her actual response, just her initial reaction.

Posted by: Bud Location: NJ on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:46 AM
This comment is for Dylan. If a public safety officer told you not to swim across a raging river due to the rip-tide would you? Its not specifically about the motorcade or who was in it but the protesters put themselves in danger and the police did their job.

Posted by: Turtle Location: MI on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM
To the people actually DEFENDING the protesters, if they would have stayed in the middle of the street, the motorcade would have run them over. The police actually saved those kids from getting hit. Protesting something we do not like is our constitutional right, however if your protests endanger the lives of our polititians and police, then it becomes the right of our law enforcement to defend themselves. These men and women put their lives on the line everyday for us, and to have someone call that excessive force is rediculous. Kudos to those cops who saved the lives of any number of people that day.

Posted by: SevenT Location: FL on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I wonder if they would have been so quick with the "civil disobedience" if Palin had been arriving by train. To me, that kinda puts it in stark perspective.

Posted by: Eric Location: Alaska on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Their actions prove their point and their message. Spoiled Brats.

Posted by: David Location: Washington on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:38 AM
@ Dylan from Nashville: Way to prove how much of an idiot you are. Lets all jump out into traffic in front of a political motorpool being escorted by police, than complain when we get shoved out of the way. Right... They are lucky they are even alive. Could easily been construed as an attack on the motorpool and if the bike cops had not tackled them out of the way, the motor pool would have been justified in continuing on their route at ANY MEANS necessary. Including running these hippies down.

Posted by: Clutch Location: DC on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:25 AM
The protestors are idiots and only make their cause sound even dumber. They will be charged for their crimes, and probably forced to repay the police for damages to the motorbikes. Anyone who thinks the police were at fault don't understand security details.

Posted by: Mike Location: Florida on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Anyone who suggests the protestors had the "right" to be there should go enforce their "right" in the middle of any downtown during rush hour. I think you would find out just how much of a "right" you have at that point. Good luck, idiot.

Posted by: Eric Location: Bedford on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I don't like Palin and her anti-american comments either. But these people don't help anything! And only make normal, legitimate people look bad. If you're going to protest PLEASE be respectful or you are doing more harm than good.

Posted by: Anon Location: Legion on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I would wreck Marrlory Rice. Seriously, she's got that librarian look that drives me wild.

Posted by: The Real Joe Location: Utah on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Too bad no one's going to arrest Palin. Or McCain, or his pill-stealing wife, or Bush, or Cheney, or Rove, or the oil companies who are manipulating gas prices, or the conglomerates who are turning our food supply into GM soylent green, or the corrupt CEO class that's robbing this country of trillions. No, it's all about those whacky protesters. Amerikkka is sliding off the rails, and the Amerikkan news media (shown above) is just running around chasing ambulances and imitating reality TV cop shows. Pathetic. That's what happens when you inhale too much hairspray.

Posted by: Morgan Location: California on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:00 AM
The cops told them not to do that and they did, so they had it coming. Next time listen.

Posted by: Uncle Sam Location: Washington DC on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Act like an idiot, get treated like an idiot.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Philadelphia, PA on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Mallory Rice is lucky she is not sitting in jail right now. My restraint with her civil disobedience would have been far less kind than the police officers showed her. She and the other terrorists in her group endangered the lives of everyone on that street. I am proud of the swift action of those police officers.

Posted by: Vernon Location: 422 N. 40th St., apt. #6 on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Damage to the Police Cars. PLEASE. The officers dropped the motorcycles. Maybe on the eastern coast of COlorado, we take personal responsibility differently. I hope they get a good lawyer if they try to charge them with the police officers mishaps.

Posted by: common sense journal Location: Florida on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:31 AM
what a bunch of irrational, leftist, lazy, worthless idiots. You can't stop a motorcade for obvious security reasons (see Clear and Present Danger for a pop culture example).

Posted by: Nick Location: Baltimore, MD on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:28 AM
"With the opportunity of having a national figure in town, civil disobedience is one of the best ways you can get your message across" Then you better expect to catch a wood shampoo and maybe get some new bracelets... mess with the bull, you get the horns, you dumbshiat.

Posted by: Dylan Location: Nashville on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Wow I cant believe the level of State Obedience being thrown about here. "They were doing theor job." I love how they always say that safety is the number one priority, as long as your on the side they care about. That road belongs to the people of the city they were in not a visiting "politician". Those police did not care about the safety of the people of their own city. Only the "safety" of the governor of another state. That police department or should I say gestapo should have the book thrown at them. They are acting in a partisan way and also just like most cops around this country looking for any reason to crack some protester skulls. This behavior against citizens of our country by members of its "law enforcement" is disgusting and does not in any way prove that America is a land of Freedom and Liberty. I want to see this country change for the better, I just dont think either of our candidates is going to change this country in any way... screw you...

Posted by: Pete Location: Philadelphia on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:07 AM
They should have let her get hit by the motorcade. Then she could have complained that they didn't stop. Or maybe she'd just remove herself from the gene pool.

Posted by: not Location: so smart on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Act like a fool Get treated like a fool

Posted by: Matthew Location: Washington, DC on Oct 22, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I live in DC and if you jump infront of a motercade here, they will run you over. It is a security issue. You have the right to peaceful protest, not stupid protest. I have seen the video and the officers acted well within their rights and I commend them for the constraint they showed.

Posted by: Thomas J Location: Reston, VA on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:59 AM
The protesters should have been shot. They can't just exercise their right to free speech. This is America, we have laws and we're a country of GOD. I say, take all of their possessions and sell them, then use the money to buy bullets for the next round of protesters that decide to get all uppity.

Posted by: Bill Location: Indy on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:58 AM
The police should have just run them over.

Posted by: Jadis Location: Alaska on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Oh, boohoo! You throw yourself in front of a motorcade and then whine about excessive force? Those idiots should be grateful they didn't get run over.

Posted by: Lewis Salem on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Getting hit by Palin's motorcade would of been a goldmine for them. I'm sure that's what they planned. Everybody would treat them like heroes. Book offers, Oprah appearances, etc.

Posted by: Sid Vicious Location: Minnesota on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Stinky hippies. The excessive force complaint is just precious. Had the police NOT removed the the stinky hippies from the street, the stinky hippies would have filed a complaint then, too, for the police not protecting their safety. Although, the police would have been doing us all a favor by letting the motorcade run the stinky hippies over. At least dead stinky hippies are quiet! Stinky hippies.

Posted by: Freedom on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:44 AM
I wonder why public safety isn't the first ammendment since the cops seem to think it's the most important thing. Bad cops, bad government.

Posted by: John Location: Gemiddeld on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Give those Cops commendations! They risked their own life and limb to protect idiot lawbreakers from themselves. Well Done Guys!

Posted by: Boony Location: Detroit, MI on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Civil disobedience and endangering people's lives are different things. Only an idiot would be unable to make that distinction. I hope they get a few days in jail. Accountability and natural selection need to make a comeback.

Posted by: omg Location: united states on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:40 AM
That lowlife skank Mallory Rice came away lucky. This isn't a game. This isn't an election in Columbia. Palin is a national candidate running for the second highest office in the United States. Mallory Rice's parents did a horrible job.

Posted by: jim Location: nj on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:38 AM
people today forget the most important part of civil disobedience, it is the second part, willing to accept the consequences of their actions.her 1st ammendent right ends when it inteferes with someones elses right to express their views. she can't run into the street to prevent palin from going to an event, without accepting the consequences. she is lucky the police didn't put a billy club over her head. once again, the most important part is the second part, accepting the consequences of her actions. she only believes in the first part.now she knows. have her read about ghandi and martin luther king, they accepted the consequences. what right does she have to prevent someone else from going where they want [or need] to go?

Posted by: Adam Location: Indianapolis on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I am still confused by "lawful civil disobedience" as pointed out by the article. The article also points out that police officers informed the protesters on how to protest. Bill and Eugene are obviously great proponents of Fascism and it saddens me that more of the country is headed this way. Long dead the Whig Party is I am afraid, so now we are left with the ideology of two similar parties both which ignore the fundamental meaning of the US constitution. A government for the people by the people, which can only be achieved if the people are not afraid of said government. I fear that soon "civil disobedience" will be interchangeably used with "civil terrorist".

Posted by: Bryan Location: Raleigh N.C. on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:28 AM
These people need to be charged with breaking the law. Here is a hypothetical… Let’s say the same thing was done to Obama’s motorcade by a raciest group trying to bomb his car. The police should do nothing???? This woman and her friends are idiots.

Posted by: Rogue Location: CBUS on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Right go home and kick your feet and keep your mouth shut.....because keeping our mouths shut for the last 8 years has worked so wonderfully. People want their rights back and it is about time that the police and politicians took notice that they will no longer just sit quietly while we continue to take it up the rear from the government. Maybe you Eugene and Bill should have harsh punishment for sitting idle and letting your conutry fall to crap.

Posted by: Ricky Location: Cincinnati on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Why don't people understand that when you are civially disobediant you will still be punished? You know the best way to avoid this issue? Let Civil Disobedience run its natural course. Step 1: People rush into street to protest Step 2: Motorcade runs over protestors Step 3: Protestors left with nothing to complain about since their rights were not infringed upon and the resulting pain/death was simply the consequence of Civil Disobedience.

Posted by: MIke Location: Boston on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:19 AM
I would not have been surprised if the Secret Service simply ran them over and kept moving. Bombing attempts and assassinations are created by stopping the flow of a motorcade. Those law enforcement officers saved the kids' lives. They can protest, but they really need to think about how REALITY works.

Posted by: Invictus Location: America on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Let them get run over (thin the herd).

Posted by: Emerson Location: Los Angeles on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Poor widdle rich kids with worthless college degrees. Life's a fun game of performance art and scream therapy. Their fondest wish is to get free healthcare and welfare benefits so they can work or not work and it'll make no differnce to their lifestyle.

Posted by: Dale Location: India on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:16 AM
What was her message again? Oh, yeah: "I'm so stupid I jump in front of moving Secret Service vehicles". Did she think the officer's instructions were to keep her from having fun? Did she think the motorcade would stop for her? She not only owes the PD an apology, she owes the policeman that dragged her out of the path of certain death a profuse, heart-felt "Thank you" for saving her life.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Minneapolis, MN on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Where the hell is Grand Junction?

Posted by: Cole Location: Atlanta on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:15 AM
That brat Mallory should shut her mouth. She should have been arrested and thrown in jail for her obvious and willful disobeying of the laws and directions given by the Police. The nerve of her to file a complaint. Throw her worthless butt in jail and let her think about willfully breaking the law next time.

Posted by: Chuck Location: Macon Ga. on Oct 22, 2008 at 09:08 AM
They should have been arrested. At least they should be liable for any damage done to the motorcycles. A job by the police.

Posted by: Jason Location: FL on Oct 22, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Do they realize why the force was needed? How do the cops know that they arent part of a (slightly elaborate) scheme to slow the convoy and attempt to assasinate her. Obviously they don't like her. Maybe its far fetched but maybe people shouldn't run in front of cars. Any other day of the week those people wouldn't care to be pushed out of the way of a moving car.

Posted by: Eugene Location: Grand Junction on Oct 22, 2008 at 08:34 AM
You knew the excessive force argument was coming. What exactly did they expect for consequences to their actions would be? They are extremely fortunate that no one was hurt or killed by their irresponsible acts of "civil disobedience". Protests are one thing to get a point out, but what these people did went far across the line. Their message is now totally lost because of their actions. I hope the penalties will be severe. Instead of coming back at police with excessive force, they should keep their mouths shut and take the penalty for being stupid!

Posted by: Bill Location: grand junction on Oct 21, 2008 at 10:25 PM
The protesters placed themselves and the officers in harms way by trying to stop the palin cars, exactly how assinations are planned. The secret service will not stop the movement of the car in unsecured locations. Police did a good job, protesters were foolish and wreckless in their actions. They have the right to protest but not the right to risk the safety of others. If they are not happy with things, go home, hold your breath and fall on the floor and kick your feet in fustration or protest responsibly.

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