Political Quotes

“The spectacle of the ``Battle in Seattle'' that most of us saw on the evening news also did not accurately represent the full experience that law enforcement officers on the street endured. These officers suffered through appalling work conditions largely attributable to poor planning by public officials responsible for such preparation. In spite of these conditions, the incidents of confrontation and violence were kept to a surprising minimum. These fine men and women in law enforcement deserve recognition for their vigilance, their restraint, and their dedication. Officers, wearing 60-70 pounds of tear gas drenched equipment, were forced to stand the line with minimal rest, no bathroom facilities, and little food--for shifts of 16 to 17 hours. Given the fact that officers endured a continual barrage of insults and projectiles from out-of-control protestors, I am surprised that there were not more instances where frustration and exhaustion temporarily superceded discipline and training.”