Last month, skye was assaulted while counterprotesting the Chester County “Peace” Movement.
Now, CJ brings attention to an ugly incident that happened to a family in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Not only were Jason and Carrie Swartout assaulted, but so was their 14 year old son. And what is perhaps just as outrageous, perhaps more so, is the behavior of one of the officers involved:
On April 22nd several members of the Northwest Pa. Gathering of Eagles gathered in Edinboro, Pa to counter-protest an anti-war demonstration staged by some students from Edinboro University, their professors and a few unidentified and hygienically challenged others. Initially the operation was quite innocuous with a few spirited verbal exchanges between the two sides. We were positioned across the street receiving many honks and thumbs up from passersby.
Andrew, our 14-year-old son, crossed the street to videotape the “toy-soldier” displays setup by the peace crowd. These displays consisted of many small plastic soldiers glued to a child’s sled, can’t explain that one, and a footlocker with toy soldiers, middle finger pictures and a map of Iraq. Two females began harassing Andrew as they shoved signs in his face and threatened to sue him for videotaping. Carrie and I (Jason) crossed the street to ensure Andrew wasn’t hurt and to explain to the “students” that his videotaping was well within the law. The professors standing with the students goaded the entire thing on failing to explain to the students that they were wrong and out of line. It wasn’t long before one of the peace protesters grabbed the sign out of my hand and threw it into the street. As I attempted to retrieve it she got up into my face. Carrie stepped between us so that I would not have to defend myself to a female. The girl and her sister then stepped into Carrie’s face and swung at her. I subdued one of the girls as the other girl beat Carrie down in the middle of the street, pulled her to the ground by her hair and kicked her in the head…it should be noted the aggressor was wearing boots. Carrie is still wearing her inflatable cast which makes it easy for her to lose her balance. Andrew pulled the girl off of Carrie and she was able to get up. I was on the ground holding onto the other girl until several men attacked me, holding me while one of them hit me in the head from behind. I was telling them I was only holding her so that she wouldn’t attack my wife again. I let go of her due to the punches and was eventually able to get up. During this exchange, my glasses were knocked to the ground and smashed in the street. At this time, Andrew was just videotaping when one of the two girls attacked him unprovoked landing a hard right on the side of his face. I was able to pull her back preventing any further attacks. I had to keep the two girls from attacking Carrie again as they we trying to.
We are so very proud of Andrew. He maintained a very mature and level-head throughout the entire event. He told us he had wanted to “do” more but due to his Tae Kwon Do training, he knows to do the least amount possible to defuse the situation and thus chose only to pull the girl off of his mom. Andrew is learning a lot from these people and understands what is at stake.
The Edinboro Police were called, two officers responded. One of the officers spoke with Carrie and me first, noting our side of things. The other officer was quite agitated and was very aggressive toward us. He said nothing to the members of the peace crowd as they shouted at me but when I said something back the officer bowed up on me, got in my face and threatened to arrest me. I sat down on the curb with Carrie until the questioning process was through. As I was there the one girl came back across the street as she had been directed by the police and spit directly at me, some hitting my leg. The officer ignored it and actually was angry with us for letting it bother us. He made the girl go back across the street with no threat of arrest!!! Andrew played the videotape for the officer and he made the decision that no one should be arrested. We pointed out that it was clearly visible we had not thrown the first blows and that we were clearly antagonized to do so. Also, we asked why, when it was clear a minor was blatantly assaulted, the girl who punched Andrew was not arrested. He really did not explain that one.
Jeff Kays, a fellow member of GOE who was present, went to the police station with me so that I could inquire about the assault on Andrew. The aggressive officer who had threatened to arrest me was the only one there. He was very agitated that I came there and told me that I should be arrested for hitting a girl, which I clearly did not do. After asking why the girl wasn’t arrested he busted out of the door, got into my face and said that I was pushing it and that I had better stop or he was cuffing me. I asked the officer if I could leave, so as not to disrespect him, and he said yes. I left the station. Jeff stayed behind and spoke with the officer. Jeff said that he sat down in a chair so as to demonstrate compliance and asked the officer a few questions. The officer then relaxed a little and told Jeff that the video will have to be reviewed and the DA consulted before a decision would be made how to proceed. Now, wasn’t that easy?
While we are all a little sore, we are in pretty good spirits. We are seeking legal representation and will report back soon as to the progress of the case. Carrie has retrieved the video from the police station and is working on getting it posted. The police told her today that this is “simple assault” which does not warrant anyone being arrested. He explained a weapon would have had to been present to warrant aggravated assault or the intent to seriously harm or kill…even on a minor. He explained that they could have crossed the street, punched my 7-year-old and not have been arrested! Carrie then asked, “isn’t a kick to the head an attempt to seriously harm”, he replied that he did not see that so it doesn’t matter. Carrie told him that our daughter Anna saw the kick but he said that was not admissible evidence. Our video clearly depicts the kick. You can see the girls boot fly up into the screen over where Carrie was lying. It should be noted there was an individual on their side that was videotaping. The police did not confiscate her video, which is somewhat curious. She did tell the police that she had videotaped the entire event. I wonder if she will come forward with her video due to the fact that it clearly will not make things any better for them.
Thanks to all for the emails and phone calls of support. We love you guys and hope no one has to ever again endure the ABUSE of the “peace” protesters! Please keep in mind the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall will be in this same city, Edinboro Pa, from May 1st-5th! The opening ceremony for this event is May 1st on the Edinboro University Campus at 12 P.M.
( http://cms.edinboro.edu/promotions/vietnam_wall.dot)May be a good time for a “gathering”!
CJ’s original blogpost about the incident is here.
A former fetus, the “wordsmith from nantucket” was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1968. Adopted at birth, wordsmith grew up a military brat. He achieved his B.A. in English from the University of California, Los Angeles (graduating in the top 97% of his class), where he also competed rings for the UCLA mens gymnastics team. The events of 9/11 woke him from his political slumber and malaise. Currently a personal trainer and gymnastics coach.
The wordsmith has never been to Nantucket.
Even worse than the “We support the troops, not the war” Moonbat’s is the actions of the police.
I expect Libs to act like that, but not the police. Disgraceful.
OMG, you have to be kidding me. this is insane for a law officer to behave this way. they have the tape and they should take it to the media. i would, but the libs would most likelly say that this family desevered it.
I saw a snippet of a McCain speech the other day, and something caught my attention. He was at the bridge where African Americans marched w Dr King and were beaten. It wasn’t a place where he was likely to get a lotta votes, but he was there. He spoke to the handful of people that were obviously outnumbered several fold by the press corps in tow. What Senator McCain said was that Joe Schmoe crossed the bridge, and was beaten. He walked across in the search for equal rights, for real freedom, for real liberty. Instead, he took a blow to the head from a policeman, his skull was cracked, his dark jacket became wet with blood, and he fell to the ground. Others were beaten as well. In the midst of it all, America watched. America saw the actions of oppressors, and Americans saw this in the black and white contrast of people who walked across the bridge peacefully…with dignity.
dignity.
It’s amazing how certain words are translated in different languages. In Japanses, there are several different translations and meanings of an “apology.” In some native American languages, there are dozens of words that mean the same as the one word in the english language that translates as “bravery.” Think about it…how many differnent types of “love” can you describe, yet they all use the same 4-letter word: l-o-v-e. Now think about what it means to walk peacefully, willingly into the face of certain pain, injury and suffering. What word fits that? When people do it in the quest for equal rights, for liberty, and for freedom…what word describes that?
dignity…
For me, it was a single word in a snippet of a speech on a soundbite snapped fragment of news viewed in the midst of channel surfing between Rock of Love II and Dora The Explorer. Yet DIGNITY has a new meaning-a new translation.
To those who gather on the weekends to protest a war that’s little more than a political crutch/draw issue for a political party that knows only opposition rather than progression, I ask:
Where’s YOUR “dignity”?
Moonbats are often of the anarchist variety — they have greater aims beyond anti-war protests, and that is to violently overthrow the government; and since they can’t do that, they attack innocent people expressing their guaranteed rights to speech….they are a sick, disgusting bunch and must be repudiated at every level.
Richard,
The thing is, if these “anarchists” succeed, they would install an oppressive, socialist government which would gleefully, and violently, silence all dissent to (their) rule.
I’m not the least bit surprised, the “peace” movement has a long history of being violent in their protests; perhaps only second to the anti-globalization types.
That said, the conduct of the law enforcement officer in this case is baffling to me… Usually police tend to be of a more conservative bent, and they know very well what antics the “peace” movement are capable of. That would seem to make them more likely to help those attacked by “peace” protestors.
Then again, the left wing nutters usually come well stocked with lawyers, and perhaps this police officer had been on the receiving end of some legal wrangling. But, if there is any honesty in your DA’s office, your video tape should bring you justice. Good luck!
I don’t like their peace. I like our peace.
I always find it interesting when prowar advocates point out how confrontational the “peace movement” is when by the very meaning of being pro-war you are advocating violence.
I agree that certain people in the “peace movement” take it too far, but to suggest that peace advocates lack dignity is a huge stretch as well.
People are angry about the war and rightly so. I read and hear just as much vitriol from prowar advocates as I do from peace activists.
Prowar advocates do not have a monopoly on patriotism or what is or isn’t “American” they just think they do.
I’ll end with the words of our lord and savior Jesus Christ:
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God”.
“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Peace to you my brothers.
Brandon
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By Brad UNITED STATES on Apr 29, 2008
Reading through the blogs, it’s amazing how folks can be so sidetracked from the goal that was intended for both the peace protesters and also the protesters that support the war. I was there on 4/22/08 it’s sad to see the outrage. The bitterness that The pro-war testers have lashing out at the peace protesters. Each side has two political agendas that we must agree that we want our troops to stay alive and come home healthy to enrich their families lives.
All Americans should should want this for our troops. I myself support and hold the upmost respect for everything; the troops have done and are still doing, at the same time. I am antiwar, and my believes, is that the goal in sight, should be to bring them on safely and with minimal harm done to our troops not only physically as possible. I watch Fox news tonight and watched a one sided view point. I have the other DVD video that shows exactly what happened. It shows who had physical contact first image shows who defended themselves. And this DVD will surface soon enough, and all will see the truth. However my one in last point is this young gentleman, that is 14 years old age. Age is a number, and he very well knows it. He’s also approximately 6 foot tall. He also provokes. Not only with his camera, but with his mouth at the same token. No one should touch them, and that was never done. His father with his big mouth is how this could all created. into the individual that was on Fox tonight, singing the blues to Bill O’Reilly asking where the sign went and how it got into the street is when her husband leaned up against his leg while he was picking on a guy in a wheelchair trying to get the gag a wheelchair to hit him. I am this man. In any event, it’s a sad occurrence, both sides have their political agenda, and it should be respected as law-abiding citizens from both parties.
Peace
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By Brad /Sociology Major UNITED STATES on Apr 29, 2008
However my one in last point is this young gentleman, that is 14 years old age. Age is a number, and he very well knows it. He’s also approximately 6 foot tall. He also provokes. Not only with his camera, but with his mouth at the same token.left out one small part. Is this 14-year-old, which is videoed was jumping over and punching two little girls in her head. But however, they are one he won 22, but they weigh 105, 110.this boy’s action was just as bad and was trying to get his shots in as well.
So let’s not betray using this little 14 year old. not true. He is very aggressive with his mouth and his punches, and no one was hold them down. No one was punching him.
In any event, if come to a protest both sides should be more than willing to share information for understanding each party side not saying it’s going to work. If you feel hostility, and you take a walking cooldown. Or that’s when you notice separate. But hey, that’s just my opinion.
Peace
Brandon,
I am an officer in the United States Army. I do not enjoy war. However, the “peace” advocated by the “anti-war” activists is blind submission and surrender to islamofascism just as it was when the “anti-war” crowd stabbed us in the back as we stood up to communism and dictators every other time.
You seem to be under the delusion that we enjoy war and killing. We do not. We do all we can to limit it and keep as many innocents out of the line of fire as possible. Our enemies (who wish to see you dead or enslaved also) hide behind these innocents and use them as shields and media ploys. I am confounded by how you fail to see the vast differences between us and our foes.
However, we know that we must defend ourselves and our nation from clear and present dangers you seem to willfully ignore, and some on the “anti-war” (which is really very PRO war, just not on the West’s side) openly ally with. Looking at the signs, slogans, positions, actions, and funding of the “peace movement” shows me that while no one has a monopoly on “patriotism” and “pro-American” positions, the “peace movement” DOES have a monopoly on “Hate America”, “Blame America”, “wish to see America destroyed/subjugated”, and sedition.
Thanks for that reply and your service Chris. It amazes me how many people fail to see the dangers around them even when they are told to them in plain English.
[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran:
Undoubtedly, I say that this slogan and goal is achievable, and with the support and power of God, we will soon experience a world without the United States and Zionism and will breathe in the brilliant time of Islamic sovereignty over today’s world.
Open your eyes and see the fate of pharaoh. If you do not abandon the path of falsehood, your doomed destiny will be annihilation.
The anger of Muslims may reach an explosion point soon. If such a day comes, America and the West should know that the waves of the blast will not remain within the boundaries of our region.
If you would like to have good relations with the Iranian nation in the future, recognize the Iranian nation’s right. Recognize the Iranian nation’s greatness. And bow down before the greatness of the Iranian nation and surrender. If you don’t accept [to do this], the Iranian nation will force you to surrender and bow down. ]
Those are the words of the leader of another country!! Wake up people. We won’t even quote the words of the Jihadists (there, I said it!) Freaking PC police will be showing up at my door. And Obama wants to sit down and “talk” with these people. Oh yeah, sure, military options are on the table. From reading that does anyone think that he wants us to say anything other than we submit to you O great ones?
Video: Why We Want To Kill You
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/04/30/dnt.terrorist.lecture.kusa
I will refrain from ranting about the other dangers that it seems many people fail to realize:
wild animals attack = don’t be surprised when you try to live or play with them and they kill and eat you. That’s what they do.
Politicians lie = They will tell you anything to gain power over your life.
Jonn,
I can see you’re not aware of my intentions, I was all away at the other end. Not knowing what was going on at all, what the boy video taping. I was coming down the walk, to help one of the girls unload her vehicle and set up the displays. That is when I ran into Jason, and he was screening vulgar words at the girl in a white dress. My input to him was that it was not necessary, as he was trying to get his point across to me. I could see at this time, we are getting nowhere. So I simply suggested that he would go across the street and rally. So there would be no disturbance. At that point in time, he was trying to provoke me to hit him. So yes, I was inching my chair towards him slowly to get him to move away but as you seen by the video. He stopped dead in front of me and refused to move instigating and trying to provoke me to hit them. And if you clearly look. I never once touched him so Jonn before you post, please get your facts straight. In any event, each side has the right to go on either side of the street. But if you’re crossing the street within intent to provoke the other side. then you’re clearly in the wrong. This is not rocket scientists. I have no problem, nor should anyone else with the boy videoing, however as a parent if he asked questions and don’t like the answers that does not give him the right to talk inappropriately and downgrade other members that are protesting.
I viewed other tapes that this young gentleman has made, and I think it’s great for him to build his documentary work for school or personal reasons. However, there is no call for the way he talks to adult members and the same goes for antiwar protesters should not do the same.
Each side has their political agenda and views and maybe if we try to work together to understand each other. Instead of fighting there would be a better resolution and the outcome.
This also refers to form talk, bashing one another is not solving anything. But hey, that’s just my opinion.
Dan Maloney, I don’t have the program that the girl had video
on 4/22 so I’m having a hard time saving it to my computer. So I can upload it on youtube, I’ve been working on it for awhile. Hopefully ill get it done soon. If I can’t get to work I’ll e-mail you. Thanks for offering your assistance.
Protesters pro-war or antiwar, we can have our beliefs, but scrutinizing and disrespecting others is not the way to go about it, something to keep in mind that your next protests. We have enough fighting around the world. We don’t need to be doing in our backyard.
Peace