NYPD Arrests ‘Wall Street’ Protesters For Mostly Bullsh*t Reasons
Over the weekend, thousands descended on Wall Street to protest corporate greed and the unpatriotic financial transactions that have plunged the country into economic ruin. Say what you will about these people, their cause is noble.
Despite the numbers, only a handful of people were arrested and most of those were for mostly flippant reasons.
The New York Times reports that some activists were charged with “jumping a police barrier” and another woman for writing on the sidewalk with chalk, which is not a crime and currently the central focus of a lawsuit against the city by artist Ellis G.
Meanwhile, at least four people were busted for wearing masks. Yes, wearing masks. Citing an archaic New York State law from from 1845, which forbids anyone from having their face “painted, discolored, covered or concealed, or being otherwise disguised.” According to Slingshot! magazine, the law was “adopted to thwart armed insurrections by Hudson Valley tenant farmers who dressed and painted themselves as Native Americans to attack law enforcement officers over rent issues” and was later resurrected in 1965 to “criminalize transvestites and drag queens who wore too much make-up for the authorities to bear.”
Talk about selective prosecution. It’s good thing this obscure provision is often ignored. Otherwise, just think how badly they could sweep up on October 31st. Until then, the occupation and arrests continue. (Photo: Jim Kiernan/Flickr)
Below is some bonus video of the NYPD doing what they do best: escalating shit!
Editor-in-Chief:
I will say they have done a hell of a job walking in circles and beating on drums. Such a great job that it looks like they have managed to make it so that I can't walk down the block I pay to live on along with the rest of the Wall street tenants. I work my ass off (as a graphic artist) so I can live in a nice building and that my dog can take a shit right in front of tiffany's. I have an idea…why don't you all finish your educations…pay off your student loans…work your way to the top…and change things yourself. Not a single person who works down there gives a shit about your card board signs and bongos…Why would they, they all have swimming pools in there ferraris, sail on yachts made of diamond and gold with baby seal lined fur life jackets, are married to the same cookie cutter gold digger and snort cocaine made of 100 dollar bills and baby tears.
Hopefully when i go home today I dont have to feel like I live in some war torn 3rd world shit hole.
I hope they don't stop protesting, because it appears they have ruffled one bald bird's feathers. Your comment makes me want to hop in my jet and join them. Maybe piss where your dog walks daintily.
Get a life, no one cares about your dog crapping in front of Tiffany's an no one cares you work your ass off, its what ppl do. we all work our ass off in some sort so whats your point, if your not helping the cause be silent PERIOD.
I am sorry. Did my comment get sand in your vagina?
I'd disagree with you but you pay to use the internet you are seeing this on so…..
Hahahaah Clark your such a herb plain out and simple, Go hide behind your soon to be extinct career and your soon to pass away dog, and your idea of what really matter are none of anyones concern. Just think how many bongo drums will ever get beaten in your name or anything that you accomplished.