Regardless of a few fuzzy areas in the story, it seems pretty clear that at the very least, this represents use of excessive force by US border patrol at a US-Canadian border crossing. And when one considers the sources of information and the apparent possible motivations, it looks more like a case of hideously needless brutality and gross injustice. Take a look at the article, keep your ears open, and be concerned about what's happening at our borders. If really inspired, consider contributing to Dr. Watts' defense fund. A good defense and a victory in this case will be an important part of exposing the injustices meted out by fascistoids at our borders.
Though never subjected to actual physical violence, a good friend of mine who is a scientist and a German citizen has been repeatedly harassed and impeded without ANY cause or provocation when crossing from Canada into the United States (he has since solved the problem by moving to the UK). I don't know Dr. Watts, but I do know my friend and I trust his accounts of border crossing injustice entirely. I find many US border policies and procedures repugnant in general, but when they become downright irrational, arbitrary, and unjust, I get sick with anger, sorrow, and apprehension. Just another sign of the ongoing atrophy, fibrosis, and decay of my country.
5 comments:
My best American friend Vivian tells me that the story is credable and that Dr Watts might be in a lot of legal trouble. Vivian lives quite near that border crossing.
Abuse of power by law officers (or any government official) is right up there toward the top of my most despised actions.
Here is another site with more gathered information. Glad to see the SF community rallying. Forward thinking minds are outraged by backward world.
Amy Goodman, the progressive radio journalist, was recently detained at the Candadian border, by the Canadian authorities:
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/11/28-4
She was driving into Vancouver to give a talk. The Candadian guards were concerned that she was going to say something negative about the Vancouver Olympics. That was their reason for detaining her.
It's getting scary out there.
Hope the charges against Peter Watts are dropped. What a travesty.
Thanks for posting that Areophany. I'd heard some mention of the event, but forgot to follow up.
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