Ben Dean-Kawamura,

1) Something is seriously wrong when you compare the right to protest, redress their government and assemble with the "right" to not be inconvenienced while driving.

All most certainly have a right to redress their government. The part where the SDS was unlawful was when they willfully decided to commit an act of civil disobedience by taking to the streets and said act by 100 people usurped the rights of the thousands of other citizens who were Downtown at the time.

It also was a demonstration of leftist elitism, that the SDS felt the need to push their trip on the rest of the thousands of citizens, most who were just trying to get home to be with their families. The rights of the 100 SDS people do not trump the rights thousands of other citizens that were Downtown at the time.

2) This was the second Funk the War march in Rochester. The first one went off without any sort of "tragic situation" and this one would have too if the police had left the marchers alone.

So they got away with it once and when trouble starts on the second one, you're wondering what could have gone wrong??? The SDS was willfully breaking the law. Pushing by the cops is a sure way of provoking a strong response.

Next time, do it right and get a permit.

3) The cops are certain people's friends: people who are white, have significant amounts of money, look fairly straight, etc. If you think they are everyone's friend, then I suggest you talk to some inner-city residents. Many people there have a much different view of cops because they see a much different side of them. Rochester SDS saw that same side on wednesday.

Oh how typical, playing the race card even though most of those who were marching were not black or hispanic, but white college kids. This is such a worn out excuse but it doesn't surprise me that it's still being used by those trying to play the victim. Get a clue, the Rochester Police Chief, David T. Moore, is a black man. Are you inferring that Chief Moore tolerates racism from his Officers?

The SDS willfully committed an act of civil disobedience on Wednesday and only have their selves to blame for what transpired. Take responsiblity rather than crying police brutality!