I hope nobody feels sorry for the young man who got Tased. I expect that on campus this week, angry protestors will blame the University Police Department for being too aggressive, or blame Accent for inviting Sen. John Kerry to speak or blame Tennessee for riling us all up.
After debate between the student and the senator became heated, police officers ushered him away. Even after he was asked to calm down, Mr. Enthusiasm pressed on to further aggravate the police officers present at the event. He ended up resisting arrest, and he was shocked by the result.
Sorry for the easy joke.
I'll concede the fact that he didn't really deserve the Taser. UPD went overboard in its handling of the situation. They could have easily removed him from the audience without resorting to violence. He fought hard, but his thrashing was nothing trained police officers couldn't handle without vicious weaponry.
Insisting on your rights can get you burned.
There is a valid lesson to be learned from this man's experience. No matter how adamantly you feel about an issue, remember police are allowed to bust a move as they feel necessary. In protesting, you have to be aware of the consequences. The police may not always be correct, but they have weapons and the legal system on their side.
Don't get me wrong, I'd protest for something I believe in right next to anybody with a similar opinion. The student's protesting went overboard. The most effective protestors of all time are known for peaceful resistance, not over-aggravated machismo. Many protestors feel like being obnoxious is the only way to be heard, but these are people who have nothing to say to begin with.
It wasn't like he was standing up for a relative issue, either. The student was apparently outraged that in 2004 Kerry neglected to contest the presidential election results. Issues like that go cold for a reason: they've sat on the backburner for too long. Does Sen. Kerry really need to explain why he didn't waste the time, money and effort arguing election results? Current issues like universal health care and human rights be damned!
I give credit to the protestor for asking why there haven't been moves to impeach President George W. Bush. This issue is on the minds of many Americans. The problem is these arguments are bigger than one person, and misguided outrage and temper reflect poorly on the rest of the liberal students at UF. Even if I agree with his stance, shouldn't I be embarrassed by the actions of the lone protestor? Unless you feel ready to die for an issue, relax and do what the law says. The most effective protestors think about whom they will affect before they open their mouths.
The appropriate way to handle a speaker is with respect. Kerry didn't have to come to UF and answer our questions, and he certainly didn't come here to put up with bratty students. If you were a politician, wouldn't you think more critically about an issue raised by a civil, articulate audience member? Politicians see whiny, screaming people every day, and chances are they don't listen to concerns voiced by a single one of them.
Kyle Cox is a junior majoring in marketing and anthropology. His column appears on Tuesdays.
