[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Sparkle

Of course they are in the wrong ! Hitting children and women is never justified unless they attack first.

1) Who on earth would take children to a protest? Even assuming the protest was meant to be peaceful, there is always the chance it will turn violent.

2) Why assume the Police hit first.

No, the authorities haven't had a good kicking. Did you notice the street gangs that turned up to the demos? You think they don't have access to firearms? They all do, and if the police continue with their current strategy then someone's going to get killed. They need to stop instigating the violence before the situation escalates.

I know they do have access to firearms. I know they would also be perfectly willing to use these firearms in a protest without giving a rats about the actual purpose of the protest. This is why I condemn them. I don't actually condemn the students as a whole, nor do I condemn the Police.

Also, there's no need to wonder about my agenda - I'm entirely open with my views on this subject. I may joke about the police horse rebelling against the establishment, but I'd never take any delight in seeing a fellow human being getting hurt, whether they be police or other.

The thing is, you did post a video of a Police officer (presumably) being injured, under a heading that described it as humorous, with no indication that you were being anything other than serious.

Interesting point, I have noticed this too. The press are in the business of selling the news rather than reporting it, and the story right now is how the students have unleashed their rage against the establishment.

You appear to be saying that the Police are the the root cause of the trouble. I have cited examples where actions taken by the Police were found to have caused injury or death to others (well, the attack on the Prince's car didn't cause injury or death, but it is serious). In all those instances, we've had several days with most of the press (and other media ) reporting the story. So far, we've had that in none of the student protests. Why? The Sun and The Mail in particular are not known to be fans of the Police.

---------- Post added at 18:55 ---------- Previous post was at 18:50 ----------

Originally Posted by Gary L

I'm sure the horses are taught and trained not to panic and step on anyone

You can train any animal as well as possible, but there will come a point where it believes it's life to be in danger and it will panic. Regardless of the training it receives.

I don't know the training they give their horses, but the Met so use them regularly in riots, so I am fairly certain they are trained to deal with riot situations as well.