That moment when you suddenly wonder if Ferguson is in Ukraine, not Missouri.
(via redditor kevan)
So, there was huge news in Ferguson, MO last night, unless you were watching the news, in which case you were hearing about Obama's visit to Martha's Vineyard. One of the reasons for this (besides apathy) is that the police seemed to have a zero tolerance policy for news crews. It's almost like the St. Louis PD (who were running the operation) realized that using overwhelming force and military-grade equipment against unarmed protestors in a small American town didn't have the best optics.
Local tv cameraman patched into @msnbc right now said police ordering media to shut off cameras as they advance into crowd. #Ferguson
— Nick Confessore (@nickconfessore) August 14, 2014
Cameras were shut off and crews were told to leave "for their own safety" so that the police could move in with body armor, crowd control tanks (with cool microwave weapons that can make hundreds of people feel like their skin's on fire! You can see them on top of the vehicles in the video) and tear gas to secure a city of 20,000 people.
The gentleman on the left has more personal body armor and weaponry than I did while invading Iraq. pic.twitter.com/5u6TxyIbkk
— Brandon Friedman (@BFriedmanDC) August 14, 2014
Usually they just did this by pointing sniper rifles at reporters from the tops of tanks, or slamming them into drink machines in McDonald's. They decided to take a slightly different route with America's favorite unwelcome news channel, Al Jazeera.
I'll say this for Ferguson police: they have good aim. Cops weren't just having fun outdoors, though, they also came into McDonald's on the off chance that news was happening there. First they came in and told people that they would no longer be answering 911 calls in the area or guarantee anyone's safety. When that didn't seem to phase people, they came and demonstrated just how unsafe the area was.
Hooray. Of course, let's remember that it's not the press that's protesting in Ferguson, it's the people who are upset about the police shooting of the apparently unarmed and surrendering 18-year-old Michael Brown. That said, there's a lot that's happening to the press.
No place in journalism I'd rather work. And can't imagine a better, more supportive boss. Thank you, @PostBaronpic.twitter.com/teg1dEIJR4
— Wesley Lowery (@WesleyLowery) August 14, 2014
I'm emotional, but need to note: Ryan and I are fine. Have seen people in Ferguson hurt by gas/rubber bullets. This wasn't that
— Wesley Lowery (@WesleyLowery) August 14, 2014
Let me try to address the St. Louis PD in a tone they might understand: Bro, do you even America?
— Aaron Douglas (@theaarondouglas) August 14, 2014
(by Johnny McNulty)
