Having heard 2GB's Ben Fordam's, account of the brutality allegedly occasioned to an individual (by police) during the recent Sydney Mardi Gras, I thought I'd take a peek at the video.

I saw a ('yawn') spectre of large, colourful crowds enjoying themselves immensly, in all manner of attire, with some 'almost' attired, and several visions of some struggling young people. I also heard a lot of noise, and some shrill, intemperate language emanating from a female, shouted demands, and I saw the usual suspects who generally pervade these type of events.

I wonder who else managed to view one of these videos, and those who did to see it, what they thought of it ? And as you'd expect, the coppers are once more, receiving a fair caning over the entire affair. Therefore, I was wondering if any of you thought the complaints against police were deserved, at all ?

In my advancing dotage, I was musing away to myself... if, one day we might reach a 'tipping point' where police will've had enough - absolutely enough of it all ? Enough of the continued (and often unpunnished) violence against police, the abuse, the filthy insults, being spat upon, etc. etc. ? And landing up in an 'imaginary court', with the likes of Ms. Pat O'Shane presiding ? Where the finding AGAINST police is given, BEFORE the actual hearing ? Do I hear a mummer of chuckling ? You can believe it good people !

Successive governments are aware ? But pretend that day will NEVER come. But if it does, what will they do ? With my tired ol' ear to the ground, one does hear rumblings; more rumblings; and yet more rumblings...hopefully that's all they are, rumblings ?

O sung Wu,
Yeah I saw the clip and my view is that the fool deserved a bit of rough handling. I understand he was swearing and making obsene gestures at police beforehand. In other words a real prig.

I think generally the police are too soft at these events and violent protests. Treat them like they do in Russia, where they do not take any lip from idiots and protestors.

Like those fools stopping guests from attending a speech in Melbourne and I recall other socialist protests where the idiots were violent.

Spitting on police at such events should be tandamount of self destruction. Did anyone else get a gander at the sheila yelling, with the green hair, hatched from a parrots egg I'd say, with about as much brains as a galah.

Anyone going to watch that obsene parade should be locked up. Just a heap of exhibitionists who are best ignored.

Pity we cannot cull a few.

o sung wu,
Do you recall the incident about 20 years ago,where a young aboriginal woman did not stop at a RBT near Sydney city somewhere.

Turns out she was the daughter of some government bureaurcrat who had taken his office car without permission. After a police chase she abandoned the car and reported it stolen.

Lucky girl, she was in the court next day before the only aboriginal magistrate in NSW and she was let off. Thats luck, but yeah she had a tough life and parents weree seperated!

I cannot recall her or the fathers name but the magistrate was pat OShane. seems like there are seperate rules for some.

The dropkick from the other evening will get a wrist slap, if that.

Just like the twits that were spitting on Pauline Hanson, the laws are a farce.

Apparently the limp-wristed are planning a Police Brutality protest march.
I think we should support the Police in organising a protest march against stupidity in the community.
We just got to keep the coppers out of the picture.

Good evening BANJO...

I thought there'd be connection with you, and that beautiful, evocative instrument somewhere ! 'Blue Grass' and all that fantastic 'finger pickin' they do, I love it but it must be such a hard, hard, instrument to master ? Without a banjo, no Dixieland Band would sound quite right eh ? That classic, 'Duelling Banjos' is a modern masterpiece of 'finger pickin'. From the movie 'Deliverance' I think ?

I cannot count how many 'disturbances' I've attended, and luckily I've escaped relatively unharmed. I've been reported, on many occasions, having my number (worn on your uniform) taken, and a week or two later, a 'Direction' to see 'Internal Affairs'. I must share with you a very funny intance. One day, I rostered on, and saw a 'direction' to attend an IAD, poking out of my 'pigeon hole', because a misconduct complaint had been levelled against me.

Anyway, after a ten minute chat with IAD, it was determined I wasn't even on duty, the day of my alleged misconduct !

To be honest BANJO, it's been awhile since I've attended any sort of disturbance in uniform. And I've found it's only a small, dedicated bunch (the usual suspacts) that bung it on. No matter what the issue, most people are pretty good. 'Loud' to be sure, 'violent' Only the usual bunch.

However, I'm not entirely sure how I'd manage to maintain my professionally composure, if I were ever again spat upon ? The toughest, thing for any copper to tolerate, is 'extreme verbal and physical provacation'. Usually offered by one of the same group of 'boofheads' you've arrested previously.

You'd recognise the type BANJO - Intention of remaining, longterm unemployed, part of 'rent a crowd', and will arrive for EVERY type of unlawful disturbance, 'stinks' of body odour, foul mouthed, and endeavours to provoke, provoke and provoke ! Moreover, they are often pathological liars ! And on a very personal level...After arresting any of them, I have this immediate 'need' to avail myself of a long hot shower, even before I consume a nice cup of coffee ?

'evening to you INDIVIDUAL & BANJO...

BANJO, you're really taxing my poor ol' brain, no I must admit I can't recall the matter, but dear Ms. Pat O'Shane, who could ever forget the dear lady, who I understand has reached the mandatory retirement age for Magistrates ? I think ?? She will no doubt, be recorded in the massive annals of NSW Jurisprudence, for evermore.

Interestingly, she's quite a nice person to speak with outside Court. Years ago I was in Wollies buying a sandwhich (on the corner of Pitt and Liverpool) near the Court, and so was she. While waiting to be served we chatted for a couple of minutes, as I was a detective by this stage, she still recognised me.

Yes INDIVIDUAL, until the Courts start dishing out the right sort of penalties, there's nothing much the coppers can do really.

One day fellas, just 'watch this space' ? One day, one of these insufferable, 'smelly' Boofheads are going to go a little too far ? And the whole weight of the Judiciary is going to come down right on top of their 'empty banal heads' ?

Listening to the Premier the other morning, by the sound of it he's getting fed up with the constant grief he's been getting from the voting public on issues of Law 'n Order, and Motor Cycle gangs et al ? So don't be surprised to see the re-emergence of the old Summary Offences Act, perhaps not in it's entirety, but nevertheless, part there of, at least.

Thank you both for your contributions, I do apprecaite it.

You would think I would be jack of you lot but hell, in for a penny, in for a pound.

Sure does sound like a caricature of a typical RSL in here. A few war stories, a few tales of how useless the young are today, and the usual calls to get tougher on them.

I'm just waiting for the call for compulsory national service.

I have a brother now retired from the force and a cousin who is currently serving as an instructor.

I can guarantee both of them would have looked at the footage and muttered something along the lines of 'Bloody unprofessional' because that is exactly what is was.

The handcuffed 60kg young man could in no way be deemed a credible threat when he was flung to the ground in that manner.

The fact that those filming were told to stop generally signals that there is something that the police on this occasion did not want recorded.

A Current Affair reported;

Quote;

“Mr Jackson says he has no anger towards the police force in general, only towards the specific officer who threw him to the ground.
At this stage he has no intention of pursuing civil action against the police force.
"I am not angry at the police; I've got nothing but respect for the police. It's just this one act that is unbelievable."

End quote.

We do not have all the evidence before us but based purely on what I have seen the actions of the policeman show either a lack of proper training or a lack of discipline.

o sung wo, saw it and yes a bit rough.
But a kick in the kiber can do more good than harm.
It is a tactic, to provoke police.
And I saw some of that here.
After all even at such a event running around touching strangers that way is not on.
Country Police Sargent worked at the first one Bert was his first name.
A few thought bit would be fun to run up and kiss him!
Bert did not,was a crack shot and, naughty but true re loaded his own service pistol shells.
If we see the likes of that half wit Pat O a real lunatic! we may under stand why the kick in that part of the body works better than court does.

csteele,

Have you seen this footage?

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/youll-make-it-worse-for-yourself-new-footage-shows-mardi-gras-teen-kicking-at-officers-20130308-2fp79.html

It is very likely that you prejudged the police.

There needs to be a bit more information on the man's alleged interference with a woman too. You might notice that it also mentioned in the link.

There is no cause at all for rent-a-crowd to take to the streets in 'protest'.

O sung wo

problem starts with kids not being disciplined at a young age. Once they were taught to respect authority now emasculated parents blame teachers, police or anyone but themselves for their kids acting like pigs. Assange is problem the poster boy for this kind of behaviour. To think people look up to them including some of the press says it all.

Once my friend rang the police to report a woman being bashed by her man. When the Police arrives both the woman and man turned on the police. They are taught to hate authority from a young age. Not surprising as most in our society hate the ultimate authority.

O sung Wu,
The thing that facinates me about good fiddlers and pickers is that they do it so effortlessly, just sorta casual, and I know how difficult it is to reach that standard and how much time.

That smh video showed the twit needed to be completely immobilized, not just cuffed. I reckon his natural tendency would be to scratch, bite, pull hair, spit as well as kick. Good work by the copper. Put him down and hold him down, while keeping an eye out for any of his mates.

60kg young man could in no way be deemed a credible threat when he was flung to the ground
csteele,
I know where you're coming from & I can't dispute it as I have personally witnessed some in my time. But you should not blame the officer for losing it for that moment. Let's look at this senario. You get spat at, called all sorts of names, you get challenged every moment you're there. How do you keep your cool ? The so-called victim wasn't a victim at all, even by his own admission he was a crap-head. That limp-wristed crap probe should have been at counselling about his filthy habit not be in a parade promoting challenging the Police. Police who would be better placed in the suburbs fighting crime instead of wasting time with a crowd of public toilet loiterers. By the way he is a threat despite his puny 60kg. He is a threat to society. To think that these people get a licence to march yet a decent clean person can't speak up ? Give us a break !

Dear onthebeach,

Yes I had seen that footage.

I would like to see what occurred before it was taken. The person who filmed the original clip focussed on some blood on the ground. Was the young man slammed to the ground in the first instance? I don't know that either.

All of it doesn't take away from what happened after he was handcuffed. Being flung to the ground without the means to protect himself ran the very real risk that this could have had tragic consequences. People die all the time from their heads striking the footpath or the curb.

It could have taken a young man's life and ruined a copper's career. His superiors have a duty of care to both and I hope they will be proactive in addressing either the training or discipline issues raised by the incident.

csteele,

What about the alleged interference with the woman? If a complaint was made, what then? You can't just go around handling women.

As for the concerns about the restraint of the man, why do you dismiss out of hand the report that there was a struggle leading up to more forcible restraint? Go back to the article and video.

You say that a 60kg man does not pose a credible threat. How patronising! If we just reverse the argument for a moment, where does that leave lighter weight men and women who want to join the police, army, ambos and firefighting to take some examples. If a weight hurdle was imposed in those cases you would doubtless claim discrimination. Of course if it was a 60 kg gay who was being refused job opportunity you would be outraged.

But then there is also the problem of bodily fluids and it is not uncommon for activists and people resisting arrest to spit on people, including police.

Police directions are to be obeyed immediately. That is law in this democracy. Police are not punching bags. They are not there to grapple with, kick, or spit on. Where there is reason to believe that an offence has been committed and the offender doesn't comply with the police directions and struggles instead, what do you suggest should happen? Because I would oppose the police putting themselves further in harms way under those circumstances. A quick take down and cuffing is the minimum response.

What we have to do is get rid of all these silly little girls in the police force.

Back in my day, of big tough coppers, if one of them dropped on you, it would be at least a couple of weeks before you had enough breath back to be able to complain. Just as it should be.

Of course we could issue the girls with a steele. They could just drop his thick head on these rat bags, that should stop them, & it would actually make some use of the twit.

I bet that Police officer won't get any recognition for having to touch 60kg of crap ?

Hi there Folks...

Yes there's some merit in what you say HASBEEN about the ol' style, big coppers. Trouble is today, they'd not be accepted, nor their practices either, particualarly in our highly litigious society.

Years ago, I worked for Insp. Frank 'Bumper' Farrell for a year or two at Darlinghurst. An amazing bloke as well as a terrific footballer. Despite his 'nickname' he was a genuine good bloke, but today he and his ilk wouldn't and couldn't survive ? Though now we've experienced the feminization of the police.

The public only get the police force they deserve. The public can be inordinately hard, and totally unforgiving taskmasters. Both polititians and Police Command, are always wary, even scared of public opinion, and more often then not, will respond in accordance with that public opinion.

It's the guys and gals at the coalface, that have to judge exactly what their bosses and government demand of them, in any given situation. In my earlier days, if I copped a kickin' on the job, I gave one back, times two.

However, once I'd been amongst the 'suits' for awhile I rapidly learnt, when a floggin' came my way, and it did, I simple went down, and contemporaneously with 'going down' - I agonized and wailed very very loudly, all the while, my 'little' mind was operating like a modest cash register, calculating the amount of criminal compensation I'd receive ?

Thus, when my grandchildren were much younger, they'd ask how many fights had I won as a policeman ? My answer was always one of Dollars and Cents, which usually produced puzzled looks !

I used to tell probationers, you're not paid enough to fight. If you're that good, enter the ring and give 'coppering' away.

I often thought of 'trying' to pen a book or something ? There've been so many funny things...? The day while I was stopped at lights, this dishevelled older women jumped into the front saet of the police vehicle - it was dear ol' Bea Miles ! Do any of you good peaple remember her ?

Bea was quite an eccentric but before my time.

I wonder though how many understood the 'Eternity' writ in fireworks New years Eve?

We need eccentrics to remind us that we are all just tiny specks in a very large universe and we take ourselves far too seriously.

Where have the entertaining eccentrics gone, like Rock'n'Roll George? George died, but who replaces him?

Brisbane has an eccentric who collects plastic bags. Boring behaviour, but interesting to talk with I believe.

Yep, saw her once, in Parramatta Rd Petersham.

No air con, central locking, or electric windows in those days, but it was amazing how quickly every one had their windows up, & doors locked.

At least, unlike those today, she did not damage the cars she could not get into.

Hello there ONTHEBEACH...

You are so so right with your truism. We amount (individually) to less than a speck of dust. Yet how many of us consider how special we are, indispensable, without peer.

When I was younger, I put on this very private 'hissy fit' because I had this ridiculous notion that I was more qualified (for acting rank) then several others within my squad. No one detected my pique apparently, except another senior member outside our squad. He did though.

While whinging away to him about my reversal of fortune, I told him I was pulling the pin, and returning to uniform. He promptly replied, OK fine !

He said, nobody in this show is unparalleled nor irreplaceable, no one. If you think you are...just put your hand in a bucket of water. Pull it out, the size of the hole left in the water, indicates just how important you are to this organisation. Another lesson for me, ONTHEBEACH - then I've always been a slow learner ?

Bea Miles, was a intimidating and very intelligent lady, but a terrifying figure, who made it a practice or targeting taxis, police vehicles, in fact anyone she choose to ride with. Bea could also quote Shakespere, Milton, Wordsworth, in fact most of the literary giants. She thoroughly understood Law, better than most senior silks.

She was always getting herself arrested - make off without paying, assault police, offensive language, more assault police etc. failing to remove herself from a taxi/police vehicle/ obstructing traffic. She delighted in frightening the life out of young coppers (me included) !

Dear ol' Bea, knew all the Magistrates by first name, and she'd use them too. She had no respect for the Courts, always behaving with contempt ? I'd describe Ms. Bea Miles, as a (decent) colourful 'Australian Identity' ! Her only crime, she was simply Bea Miles. A former well educated university student, from a very well to do family, who happened to have suffered a severe Nervous Breakdown. Without benefit of todays modern psychiatric treatment. God bless her.

Hi again HASBEEN...

Yep, she got me on the cnr of Concord & Parramatta Roads, at the lights there, Just jumped into the front seat, complete with her multitude of string bags containing all manner of 'stuff', mainly old newspapers. And you're right, she didn't damage cars back then.

If she couldn't get into your car, you'd cop a flurry of words. She was far better versed with 'language' than any wharfie I reckon.

I'll tell you something though, if there were young kids nearby, there'd be no bad language emanating from the mouth of Bea Miles, God love her !

I'll tell you another thing too mate, I'd rather 'ten x Beas' than some of the maggots I've had to deal with since. With her, you got what you saw...and yes, heard !

Thanks for your contribution too fella's, I really appreciate it.

Seems from more news today about this we have been coned.
Many of us will have questioned his right to run through a crowd touching women he did not know.
And at an event said to have formed to protest about sexual discrimination!
New story says he kicked police,and his friends told him to stop it.
I think an event may have been planned, to put on face book, no idea why any one wants that double faced thing to play on.
And find it funny strange funny, that he touched folk he would not have a cop standing on him if he touched me .
Given the bleak life some must have, wanting to star on social media, we must look at how many events such as this are actual events not pre constructed.

Dear o sung wu,

Good Morning. I'm back.

It's interesting that this year's Mardi Gras marks
35 years since 2,000 protestors clashed with the
police - and it looks like not all that much has
changed for some oficers.

Throwing an 18 year old around "like a rag doll,"
(to quote his father), is simply not on for a
trained police officer - no matter what the provocation
may have been. Grabbing a small young man
by the throat and smashing his skull on the pavement
is not how officers are trained to handle any
difficult situation. And for the officer to press his
foot down on the young person's back - reeks of abuse
and of an out of control situation. The officer should
have handled the matter more professionally or called for
back up.

An investigation is definitely in order - and the public
outcry that followed this incident should be taken
seriously by all - but especially by the police whose
job it is to protect people - not abuse them no matter
how provoked they may be. A trained police officer
simply should know better. It is after all - his job.
And if he can't handle the heat - then he's obviously in
the wrong profession. This officer had no right to behave
in the manner that he did.

cont'd ...

The time allowed for the training of police officers
should be re-examined. It takes several years to train
people at TAFE Colletges and universities to undertake
responsible jobs in society.

It appears that there should be a more stringent evaluation
of applicants into the police force. Too many with the wrong
psychological attitude are accepted due to an inefficient
screening process.

We've all met officers who are either too aggressive of are
too weak to deal with any situation and resort to extreme
reactions unwarranted by the given situation.

Yes the good ol' days of rampant police thuggery are hopefully behind us.

The Sydney Mardi Gras brings out the homophobic bigots in all their glory, of which no doubt there are some members in the police force.

Just because one doesn't agree with the lawful practices or lifestyle of others, does not make it ok to 'rough them up' at all.

o sung wu,

No-one has picked up on 'Eternity'.

Why would Sydney city remember that word? It is iconic, but why?

Do copperplate and chalk ring a bell?

Suseonline, "The Sydney Mardi Gras brings out the homophobic bigots in all their glory"

In hundreds of your posts over many years you have demonstrated that you are one of The Forum's experts on gays. You have a talent and a zeal second to none for rooting out 'homophobia' where even the sharpest eye could not see it before.

Apparently it is your mission, along with 'dissing' men. However in both could you pay some attention to providing some evidence, some proof?

Providing proof is tiresome, that is true, but it is something you insist is a critical flaw in other respondents' posts. Such as when any have the temerity to question the ethics of that politician who stands accused of 149 cases of fraud. This one,

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/World/Australian-MP-charged-with-149-counts-of-fraud/-/688340/1680744/-/is32rt/-/index.html

In that case you say that he has not yet been found guilty by a court. So no proof, everyone shut up! Fair enough, but what prevents you from extending the same consideration and the same rights to the police in this case?

Onthebeach, thank goodness we have you to point out exactly what everyone thinks and does.
I was talking in a general sense of course, as no one has been charged in this case as far as I know?

My uncle and his delightful mates are policemen, and I have never met such racist, homophobic individuals. And from the way they talk, it is certainly quite common amongst the older policemen.
Of course, you probably know far more police than I do, and they are all pillars of morality, no doubt...

Hi there Folks...

G'day ONTHEBEACH...

I recall 'eternity' written (yes written) in yellow crayon on many of Sydney's footpaths, for years and years. Even when my dear Grandmother took me into the city (by tram - Brilliant!) as a small boy, mid 1940's to early 50's) He'd been spotted by many a city worker a couple of times, but to my knowledge he scurried away without ever engaging in so much as a cordial 'hello' ?

All of a sudden his beautiful 'script' of 'Eternity' ceased ? Why I've never heard ? To me, this gentleman represented a much nicer, more respectable time, in my beloved Sydney, than today. Obviously he's passed away (given my own age). Whether he was deeply philosophical or religious or both, we'll never ever know ?

That aside, I'd like to shake this unpresuming and very HUMBLE gentleman by the hand, for his lifelong odyssey to spread his lovely (though esoteric) message, about what I'm not sure ? Perhaps he was reminding us of that final, but necessary journey we all must take, at the conclusion of our own lives here on earth ? Who knows ?

Thank you ol' man for another exceptional and thoughtful contribution. I really appreciate it ONTHEBEACH.

Hello there SUSEONLINE...

Yep, police in the past have been heavy handed, me included ! I'll not attempt to mount any sort of defence, as to any police culability, during the recent M G.

Today, at most large events, many of us will end up on some sort of visual recording, apparatus. Therefore, we all should exercise caution apropos, how we must behave in such circumstances. Police particulary, MUST remain constantly on alert whenever they're under such scrutiny ?

Besides, it's a well known fact some people hate the coppers ! And many people view them as a necessary evil. And a very few (my dear wife included) actually likes them ? Thus the public will (generally) deliver them all, a good old fashioned 'kicking' if they get the chance !

Thank you very much SUSEONLINE for your terrific contribution.

O Sung Wu,
Seeing we have already spoken about bluegrass music, here is a clip that demonstrates just hopw talented some players are.

You will nottice that the two blokes are playing the same fiddle and it is not 'twinkle twinkle little star either. Bit more complicated than that. I am amazed

volume UP sounds better

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWTG9L_NVuE

and hello there to LEXI and BELLY...

Yes I agree with you, you do need to wonder if some of this stuff is not pre-planned, orchestrated, or conceived ? I heard on ABC radio I think, the 'lady' who was yelling and screaming (with other more 'colourful' expressions) was in reality, the Head of a group against... something or other ? But neither were involved in the actual activities of the Mardi Gras ?

I dunno BELLY, somewhere very deep down within all this mess, there are other motives that have no bearing on this particular Sydney event ? We'll see in the fullness of time I expect ?

Hello there LEXI...

I can only hope you've not been unwell ? But, you're back 'on board'
once more, examining and 'holding me to book' with everything I have to say ? I'd never wish for more LEXI, my 'moral compass' ! You keep many of us supid fellows in check, whenever we allow our mouths to run off, without thinking !

I too hope we've (police) moved on from the days of 'the biff' ? Not altogether I would expect. They have too many processes to audit their 'on duty' conduct and professionalism, then they did back in the fifties to the late eighties.

But LEXI, I'm sorry to disappoint you but I must state quite clearly, and my own opinion too, there are certain police who are BADLY needed to dispense some, as the say, 'sidewalk justice'. Otherwise the country would be inundated with violent street hoodlems the kind that exist now in certain parts of Sydney.

I've heard it said somewhere, 'violence begets violence', and in some cases, so it should. Interestingly, in your last sentence you said '...police are either too aggressive, or too weak...' ? I couldn't agree with you more, there needs to be a precise balance !

Many thanks for your most welcome contribution LEXI.

O sung wu, you sound like a nice policeman :)
I wouldn't suggest that most policemen are thugs at all, but some seem to be.

Mind you, I wouldn't blame them sometimes, with the terrible people they have to contend with on many occasions.

I went out with a policeman at one time, and he found the violence involved in the job to be too stressful.
He left the job and became an accountant...

lexi and susie,
Firstly, Lexi good to see you back and I hope all is well.

I think the bloke in question has been charged and I notice Belly said he had been touching other people inappropriately. I did not read that but saw he had been 'inocently tickling' people. what ever that means.

It is obvious from the smh video that he was violently kicking out at police and it seems to me total immobilization was appropriate. I think the copper did a good job of that.

Years ago the police were all big and their size demanded respect. A few youngsters got a swift kick in the bum and that was the end of their playing up. Not so these days and there is a general lack of respect by many toward others and some care not if they spoil an event for others. They also think they should not be hurt and treated with kid gloves. Coppers today need gloves to stop getting an infection from them.
Below is a link about the conduct of many yesterday at Randwick. It is indicative of how some people act.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/charged-at-music-festival-in-sydney/story-e6freuz0-1226594084283

You hate your uncle and he is an old man. But he does not represent police of any age. He does not represent all men.

Overwhelmingly, the men and women who enter the force to serve the community, and yes I do believe they retain their good morals and sense of duty. You besmirch this cop and you disgrace all men with your unreasoning hatred,

http://mobile.news.com.au/national-news/amazing-photograph-shows-officer-calm-in-the-face-of-danger-at-height-of-queen-street-mall-gun-drama/story-fncynjr2-1226593540966

You generalise about 'old' policeMEN. But I could tell other stories. For example the senior sergeant who led the search for a child lost in the bush near our property. All of the local farmers were in the search and so was I as an adolescent who knew the bush as my backyard. I remember this policeman in a state of collapse refusing to give up. His exasperation and fear were well-based, the tiny scrap of humanity we were seeking could have been passed by (small children curl up very small when exhausted). They found this earnest cop with a torch out combing through previously searched areas instead of sleeping.

You don't need evidence for your opinions. You are free to say whatever you like. But without evidence your credibility must suffer, particularly when you generalise from your own limited life experience of your uncle.

My above post was directed to Suseonline. I should have noted that.

Onthebeach, I think I said SOME police have problems, just like SOME men have problems with all women.
You will believe what you want though.

I admire many police, but you would be naive to think that every one of them is above reproach, as it would be in all professions.

It seems nothing I say is ever ok with you Onthebeach, and I can't help that...

Dear o sung wu and Banjo,

Thanks for your concerns.

I under went my "AF ABLATION" procedure on Tuesday,
5th March, and stayed in hospital over night.
But I've been sleeping a lot ever since.

It's not something I ever want to repeat - and basically
they burned my heart (going in through the groin).
However, this procedure is supposed to regulate my
heart rhythm. I'm still in pain, still have heart palpitations,
however they say that's normal until my body adjusts.
They've changed my meds - and all I want to do is sleep.
I can't lift anything for the next couple of weeks and I've got
to follow the doctor's advice to the letter.

Hopefully this will give me my life back after it's all
over.

Anyway, back to the topic. I'm still a firm believer that
police officers should be trained well enough to be able
to resist resorting to violence. I'm sure there are other
techniques that can be used.There must be Other ways of restraining
offenders without smashing their heads on pavements. And
as far as punishment goes it should not be "quid pro quo."
It should be left up to the courts.In my view - once an
officer loses control of the situation - he's lost his
cred. as well.

o sung wo I think you will forgive my honesty.
As a young scrubber in far different times, I had my ears boxed by a cop.
He was a thug, at that point of my life, 16 years old bush bred I was too.
He grabbed me comeing out of an SP booky shop in Villawood, as he and his crew was entering to raid it.
Just out of the bush, working in Sydney and living just over the road we swapped punches, he won.
May I say to Suseonline hog wash?
And remind posters this event has two sides, this goose, had he been straight, and ran in to a crowd touching females, would have seen demands he be arrested!
The fact is groups within, but not reprsenative off, such as gays, ride on their back, making any chance to get in the spotlight a must.
Suse, know, it is not compulsory to like gays, to always blame the police.
And too this clown by the words of his friends bought it on himself.
Ever seen a cop after a bottle smashes on his head, hate by all means the slugs in uniform, but lets not let this goose of the hook.
Last time, about the 10th, time I saw a cop king hit a person, it was after he had his face spat on.

Suseonline,

Your 'racist and homophobic' allegations came out of thin air.

On the other hand you were not at all concerned that the man was allegedly interfering with women. Nor with the reports of his struggle with police.

Good evening to you all...

Gee LEXI, that sounds like a terrible procedure to endure ? BUT, if in the end, you feel much better, more energy, with a renewed sense of wellbeing, it's worth it. My little game with the Medicos at the moment, is having a multitude of BCC's excised. I know all the skin specialists by first name ? Who the hell am I kidding. Being on the face, neck and head, after each 'procedure' means I can't wash my hair (I mean what little hair I've got left) until the stitches are removed, ah well more inconvenience, than something to worry over unnecessarily ?

Pleased to hear that all's so well with you LEXI, and please take care of yourself ! Is this the last treatment for your medical condition that you'll need, or is it something that will need to be repeated ? You're so right about the quality of life LEXI. Bit over a year ago, I had cataracts removed from both eyes - to me it was a miraculous transformation ! Hitherto, I needed glasses for everything. Now, I just need them to read, and use at night on the computer, amazing medical technology really, similar to the procedure that you've just undergone ? Imagine access to the cardiac area, through a small incision in the groin, the stuff of medical magic eh ?

Thank you too SUSEONLINE, I don't think too many crooks I've managed to lockup, think I'm very nice ? Though, the real 'hardhead' or 'boob rat' provided it was a fair pinch, they generally don't get all that steamed about it. The old verbal, setup whatever, they get pretty 'crooked' on that. A fair pinch, to these blokes is just viewed as an occupational hazard is all ? Often, they may wish to call-in all their warrants too, which clears the books so to speak.

My thanks to each and every single one of you good people for your brilliant contributions. I learn so much from your comments, opinions and views. And I'm not 'bull....ing' either ! Thank you.

Thanks to you too O Sung Wu, you are a true Gentleman.

Lexi, I am sorry to read you haven't been well.
I did wonder where the true lady of reason had gotten to!
Give your poor heart time to heal, and I am sure you will feel better soon.

All the best,
Suse. xx

I may have been mistaken, did I not spy Indi at the wheel of his 'Ole Holden Ute' dressed up as the XXXX float, bring up the rear at Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, I'm sure it was he, with a reading of 5 on the bozz-o-merter, but driving along quite safely at 5 an hour. Indi had left the Deep Deep North a week before hand, heading south into that hostile foreign berg known as Normality. Pulling up along the way to pick up his motley band of Village People, better known as Sung Wu, Banjo and Onthebeach. As they crossed the frontier and to the strains of 'In The Navy' with a quick diversion, Belly was in the back, the Village People were complete.
As I stood in Oxford Street, in a state of total bewilderment, I'm sure there were the lads, in all their natural splendor, and to the twangie sound of Y.M.C.A, happily throwing XXXX condos to the multi as they passed, exclaiming, its a happy happy day.

Lol Paul!

You have given me my first real belly laugh of the day.

Cheers,
Suse.

How are you PAUL1405...

You sound a bit irritated even a little piqued at some of us ? Has anyone herein upset you or your speculative theories on the meaning of anything ? Mate, it's all just a bit of a giggle you know, we throw a couple of broadsides across the bow, and move on ? With your latest thread, I detect half a mil of H2SO4, dripping through it ? Life's not a dress rehearsal ol' man. Every second we squander, with sentiments of anger, vengence, hatred, loathing etc, you get the idea ?

On an O/T shift years ago, though I'd been out of the 'blue discount suit' for some years, I was case officer for a sudden death.
At the autopsy, I looked at this trim, tanned, 'well cut' bloke in his early twenties, but what struck me were his fantastic looking running shoes. Not a mark, not grass, not even a tiny pebble stuck in this complicated designed sole, the shoes were pristine ? For all intents, he looked normal - but very dead. I thought of his shoes, I interviewed his Mum and his Dad, seems he wanted to squeeze every available second into his busy day - he didn't want to waste a second of his very valuable time. That early morning, as he left for his run, his mother remarked he hadn't had his breakfast, he said he was running late and would grab something on his return, didn't want to be any later, just because of breakfast ?

He didn't come home did he, he died suddenly during his run. The pathologist said lack of breakfast, low blood sugars, and a hitherto unknown diagnosed heart failure, and it finally failed. When I delivered all his property to his Mother, she looked at the shoes and said to her hubby, we better put them in it's box, he might need them ...? This lad didn't waste a milli second of his young short life.

Go kindly there PAUL1405

Hi Lexi, glad they have done the job for you. Do keep us updated on your progress, which hopefully is all positive. We really do want to know how you're doing kiddo.

Were they nice, & give you one of those expensive fiber plugs in the hole on the vain in your groin? Or did they leave you sitting still for 2 hours, holding pressure on it with your thumb, to make a clot form? That 2 weeks of no lifting is so you don't blow that clot, so take it seriously.

I've had them in there 4 times, & twice they gave me a plug, & twice the other system. It really is ridiculous that the worst part of having a wire stuck into your heart, is your sore back side, from sitting still on a hard hospital bed for so long. With experience, the second time I demanded a pillow to sit on.

Yes our medical science is really something, pity so much is so lousy in other areas. I recently heard an old mate in PNG had died a few months after a minor heart attack. Too much damage had occured between the attack, spending 24 hours getting to good treatment for it to be repaired. We are wise not to get too far from paramedics as we get older, or less well.

Just because one doesn't agree with the lawful practices or lifestyle of others
Suseonline,
being lawful doesn't make it any cleaner an act. the only reason it is deemed lawful is so that the many law makers can practice the f...h without impunity.
It's got nothing to do anymore with so-called love.

Paul funny, you should stick to humor.
After your GREENS LOST EVERY ONE of 4 seats in upper house WA election
Lexi hope it gets better.
Have to review my thoughts,did not feel racist/xenophobic of anti anything.
But must be,surely I just must be?
Or those making such claims.
Could they be?
Seems unfounded claims damage those making them more than the target.

Hi o sung wu, and Belly, I don't get irritated with anything on this forum, I don't take anything anyone posts seriously. Mate, it's all just a bit of a giggle you know agree.
you say; "sentiments of anger, vengence, hatred, loathing etc" My Village People post is not meant to insult you or anyone its a joke, nothing more than that. I cop heaps on here from the stoogy old conservatives.
Why the sad sad story about the young bloke? What was the point? The conservatives like to think the world is a terrible place full of hate and suspicion of others. I say come out of your dark, dark world and smell the flowers.
Here is a story for you. I was on a train yesterday in Sydney heading for Central, at Strathfield, and by the standards of many, a strange old Chinaman got on carrying a sandwich board and a large lollipop sign. He was heading for Central Sydney to preach his simple message of "peace and happiness" didn't ask for money, didn't want to convert us to some religion, never mentioned god, the only thing he wanted was for us to get his simple message that peace and happiness is important to all. Talking to 'Dan' for 10 minutes gave us something worth more than money.
Belly, I'm not happy with WA, we are both in trouble in the short term. But as I have said before its not the short term ups and downs that count, far more important is the long term outcome for the Nation. If we lose 4 seats in the WA upper house, so what.
As Labor craves power now, they must be beside themselves with grief, NSW, Qld and now WA, all since Gillard came to power. Not just marginal losses but thumping defeats! Come September....

Dear Lexi,

Glad to hear you made it out the other side. You speak of following doctor's orders to the letter and that is something I would echo strongly.

Even then it can still bite you. I was ordered off the water for 3 months after mine so I left all instruction appointments till then. My first one back, 3 months to the day, the client got himself in trouble, no biggie but the adrenaline hit popped the damn thing out and I was back in hospital that afternoon. Turns out they had missed completing the 'ring barking' by 5mm.

So back a few months later to have the whole thing done again, which is a bit scary as it means having accumulated the equivalent of over 300 xrays in a short space of time.

As to the feeling of palpitations my experience is they will continue for years to come but your anxiety about them decreases over time when you realise they do not mess with the underlying rhythm.

Although the temptation is to get drug free I would be conservative about easing off the meds as your heart will have gained hundreds and thousands of new receptors during your time on them and they need a chance to revert. Once again follow doc's orders strictly.

I have been free of drugs or issues for over 5 years now and am really happy for you because I know how different your life is going to be without the 'beast' lurking.

I think that what has emerged from further information and photos is that the individuals that were treated roughly, were violently resisting police control, and that the "video" first submitted to the news channels had this removed. The assumption by these bleeding hearts is that everyone should be treated with kid gloves even while assaulting the police.

I am greatly hearted by the various state elections which shows that the greens are being held responsible for their part in the carbon tax "bait and switch" that was foisted on an unwilling public with a massive drop in representation.

I guess the reason that Paul thinks everyone else's posts are a giggle is because the greens are a complete joke, that most people are no longer finding funny.

Belly take heart, I don't think the end result was quite as bad for your lot, as it looked like it was going to be early on.

The big losers were the Greens. Their vote dropped dramatically in both houses. It does look as if the general public has finally woken up to them. Nothing like a few months in the real spotlight of government, to show them as they really are.

At least folk have seen them as a blind alley of ideological clap trap, suitable for discussion only among academics & at inner city chattering classes dinner parties.

At last WA is escaping the cloud of stupidity they spread. Pity it is probably too late for Tasmania. I think their fate as a beggar state is now sealed. No one with half a brain would invest there, as long as that crazy electoral system is in vogue.

The absolute point of, 'the sad sad story' - there's no point ? If there were, perhaps it might be, never let the moment of getting a good pair of runners slip by. Or might it be something else ?

Thank you for your contribution, I appreciate it PAUL1405.

Paul no problem here I liked the humor!
SM, hold me upright! I agree!
Hasbeen with you too.
Paul greens are in it,the figures prove, given the result in WA, you need help, !
I have no joy in seeing my predictions come true, worse is that the idiots seem not to care.
You know, party infiltrators who own us, maybe miss spelled the, traitors.
Gillard is a Latham /Crean clone, of no use to anyone.
I predict the dills will not have the heart to put Rudd back, so will put one of their own up, soon.

To everyone - Thanks for all your good wishes.
They are greatly appreciated.
I'm not the best at present. A high pulse rate
is still with me. And I'm still in pain.
They did not put a plug into my groin. They
merely pressed down on it and bandaged it up.

But I am following the doctor's instructions and
hopefully things will improve.

Once again - Many Thanks to you all.

Thank you, Lexi, for the leading contender for the OLO "Best Line of the Year When Quoted Out of Context Award" to date...

"They did not put a plug into my groin." will be hard to beat.

Plus, you can now cite numerous doctor's reports should any posters call you heartless.

Rest and recover well.

Yes Lexi, rest up and give it time.
I for one miss your frequent contributions to this forum, but you should probably give it up for a few days for now, as you don't want to get too excited!

Love,
Suse xx

Lexi I too will miss you and just remember never give up, my fight is still not sure of out comes but the little and simple things make life great, may it be so for you for many years.

We should no ignore a growing truth in this thread and others.
Men and women do think very differently.
And maybe we say it differently when in print.
Lets face it, most men face to face, would change the subject, rather than confront a woman.
And both sexs convince themselves they are right, best kid the other side.
Maybe, in my view often, the truth is a combination of both views.
Few women, not one in fact, would have all those years ago seen this then blocky bush kid throw a few punches at the police man.
If they had seen him in two puches put and end to my dreams? I could have looked like the victim.
And a photo of a young girl, drunk, and abusive hand cuffed and on her face on the footpath may look bad, not to me.
But as she shouted abuse at every one threatened the cop,would we be upset if it was us she targeted?
Come on, cops are good and bad this one seems to be targeted for doing what we pay them for and to say it was anti gay is.
Until proved an opportunistic lie.

Lexi,

Get well soon. I look forward to many more robust debates.

Hi Belly, something you and I seem to discuss over and over. You said;

"I predict the dills will not have the heart to put Rudd back, so will put one of their own up, soon"

If I was Kevin07 I would not be doing my "mates" any favors. I would not take on the leadership pre election at any price, No chance of me taking one for the "team". Rudd would be on a hiding to nothing. There are the back stabbers who gave Rudd the punt now realising Gillard is toxic and most of them look like loosing their seats. If I was Rudd, and the mob who dumped on me came running now begging me to try and save them, I would say "stick it where the sun don't shine." On election night it will give Rudd no end of pleasure watching "mates" fall of the perch one by one.

will give Rudd no end of pleasure watching "mates" fall of the perch one by one.
Paul1405,
If it weren't for Rudd's academic ignorance/incompetence Gillard would new have been able to get where she is now. Get that into you, it's ALL RUDD's DOING !

indy get well soon take the medication!
Paul, you asked but lets be honest as your dream turns to mud you need cheering up.
Say they dump Gillard, please!
Shorten wants the job, Conroy too wants to convert the power they both own, so he gets his pick.
Rudd.before or after the election leaves politics.
QLD? leaves the ALP in droves, take three elections to get them back.
Now they give Rudd Gillards dirty linen, but too late, he is replaced?
Look if my party is fair dinkum Combet gets the nod, Shorten is brilliant, but while voters will fall over their feet to worship him, nearly as much as he does!
He let the team down, then again he is brilliant, hard is it not?
Once thought the sun shined out of him, now some times wish it did.
Party first some times forces truths some never listen to.
Would you rather front the election with Gillard or Rudd if you found your self in my shoes?
I would pick our jolly old indy, lost in a world that never existed rather than Gillard.
PS Indy was on that last float!not however smiling

Belly, to offer the Labor leadership to anyone is a poison chalice. Why would anyone want it. Even the lackluster trio you offer Shorten (I'll have what she's having), Conroy (I almosted puked at the mention of his name) and Combet (always reminds me of Athol Guy from the Seekers retro 1966, half expect him to break out with some mournful rendition of 'The Carnival Is Over').

Indi "If it weren't for Rudd's academic ignorance/incompetence Gillard would new have been able to get where she is now. Get that into you, it's ALL RUDD's DOING !"
Again missing the point, I don't know Rudd's thinking, but I doubt HE would agree with you on that score, even if it is true. So he may well take joy seeing certain colleagues take the high jump on 14th Sep. I think he would love to see a certain person do the swan dive.
SM Oh yes millions take your comments seriously. Can you name any one of them? Its all a giggle as you say.