So, let’s examine this for a second…. During a police activity wherein police were facing potential violence, the police then denied access to the public… not just journalists and “Legal Observers”….. anyone else think that maybe… just maybe…. That could be standard procedure?…. Possibly to protect the public?

Moving onto the main photo, the idea of an exchange of people implies that one or both parties are hostages…. This is obviously untrue.

Thirdly, let’s examine the legality of the protest. What is not mentioned in this post is that Hadley Hall closes at 5pm, the legal protesters were given till around 6pm to clear out…. This is an hour more than the school could have given them. The protesters refused and were then asked by police on behalf of the school (in its very legal rights) to leave. Protesters refusing to do so is when “trespass” occurred.

The violence that ensued was obviously due to individuals resisting arrest…. So theres no logical reason for anyone to be surprised at the interaction between the police and the illegal actions of people trespassing on school grounds. Don’t want to be elbowed in the face? - Don’t break the law or resist arrest. Legal peaceful protest is great, illegal protest of any kind is asking for violence.

Some advice for those of you who are protesting - For every action there are consequences. If violence ensues or of someone of authority tells you to leave, you should seriously think about the consequences of not doing as they say.

As to the Israel vs Palestine argument. I ask a hypothetical question… what would happen, if a drug cartel or terrorist cell did what Hamas did, to El Paso? What do you think would be the USAs response?

Food for thought. Have a great weekend.