NationStates Jolt Archive

* whats sick is that this protester is facing more serious charges then the soldiers who actually COMMITTED the abuse and Donald Rumsfeld who ordered soldiers to torture innocent inmates

Boston Protester Faces Felony Charges For Protesting Abu Ghraib Abuse
A 21-year-old college student could spend years in jail on bomb threat charges after he stood silently outside a military recruitment office dressed like an Iraqi prisoner: in a black cape, hooded, wearing stereo wires hanging from his fingers. The police charged Joseph Previtera with making a bomb threat since the stereo wires resembled wires to a bomb.
the article in today's Boston Phoenix begins like this:
"It was a skinny pair of stereo wires that got 21-year-old Joe Previtera charged with two felonies. A week ago on Wednesday, the Boston College student poked his head through a gauzy shawl, donned a black pointy hood, and ascended a milk crate positioned to the right of the Armed Forces Recruitment Center's Tremont Street entrance.

"He extended his arms like a tired scarecrow; stereo wires dangled from his fingers onto the ground below.

"Without those wires, the Westwood native could have been mistaken for an eyeless Klansman dipped in black, or maybe even the Wicked Witch of the West...

"But those snaky cords made the costume's import clear: Previtera was a dead ringer for one of Abu Ghraib's Iraqi prisoners - specifically, the faceless man who'd allegedly been forced to balance on a cardboard box lest he be electrocuted."

Prvitera stood outside the recruitment center for over an hour. And then the police arrived. Within hours he was facing charges more serious than any US soldier is facing for their role in the actual prison abuse in Iraq. Previtera was charged with three crimes: disturbing the peace, possession of a hoax device and making a false bomb threat. If convicted he could face years in prison.

The Boston Herald reported on Wednesday that prosecutors in the Suffolk County District Attorney's office are considering ``amending'' bomb-threat charges against Previtera.

But the Boston police have defended the arrest:

Michael McCarthy, a spokesman for the Boston Police Department told the Boston Phoenix: "It can be implied, with fingers and wires - especially in a heightened state of alert, as we are. Mr. Previtera should know better. He's a young adult educated at Boston College from a wealthy suburb. I'm sure he knows wires attached to his fingers, running to a milk crate, would arouse suspicion outside a military recruiters' office [when he's] dressed in prisoner's garb. If he has any questions as to why people think he may've had a bomb, then he needs to maybe go back to Boston College to brush up on his public policy. Or at least common sense, but they can't really teach that there."

Under ordinary circumstances, I could understand why police might think that this was a bomb threat. But this guy was wearing wires in imitation of one of the most famous photos of recent times. Unless you were completely clueless, you couldn't miss what he was trying to say. The "bomb threat" stuff is bullshit.

Under ordinary circumstances, I could understand why police might think that this was a bomb threat. But this guy was wearing wires in imitation of one of the most famous photos of recent times. Unless you were completely clueless, you couldn't miss what he was trying to say. The "bomb threat" stuff is bullshit.And of course he'll beat the charges, but the fact that he would even be charged this way is a travesty.

Under ordinary circumstances, I could understand why police might think that this was a bomb threat. But this guy was wearing wires in imitation of one of the most famous photos of recent times. Unless you were completely clueless, you couldn't miss what he was trying to say. The "bomb threat" stuff is bullshit.hes really being proesecuted for his political opinions and the cops who arrested him are cleary abusers themselves who no doubt sympathize with the torturers

That's insane. I hate Republicans.

I'm sure that soon the right-wingers will start posting on this thread, ranting about how this kid was an idiot and/or a violent terrorist, whereas the people who abused prisoners were just letting off a little steam.

I'm sure that soon the right-wingers will start posting on this thread, ranting about how this kid was an idiot and/or a violent terrorist, whereas the people who abused prisoners were just letting off a little steam.

Yep, I agree. The first part definitely, defending the abusers, not so sure (more likely deny that it ever happened)

I'm sure that soon the right-wingers will start posting on this thread, ranting about how this kid was an idiot and/or a violent terrorist, whereas the people who abused prisoners were just letting off a little steam.

Yep, I agree. The first part definitely, defending the abusers, not so sure (more likely deny that it ever happened)

Well, the Right still hasn't figured out its talking points on the abusers. Limbaugh goes with the "blowing off steam"/"harmless prank" (http://mediamatters.org/items/200405050003) interpretation, ignoring what was actually happening. Michael Savage thinks that Arabs are non-human (http://mediamatters.org/items/200405140003) and deserve to be tortured. Some right-wingers are still trying to convince everyone that it was a "few bad apples" (who of course should be punished lightly). And of course, there's always the "if you talk about torture, you are a traitor" line. My guess is that we'll hear one of those.

No judge is ever going to let this come to trial--it's clearly overcharging someone. All this really is is an attempt to quash protest.

Under ordinary circumstances, I could understand why police might think that this was a bomb threat. But this guy was wearing wires in imitation of one of the most famous photos of recent times. Unless you were completely clueless, you couldn't miss what he was trying to say. The "bomb threat" stuff is bullshit.hes really being proesecuted for his political opinions and the cops who arrested him are cleary abusers themselves who no doubt sympathize with the torturers

The police and prosecutor overreacted and it is up to the court to reduce the charges. No doubt a plea reduction will be in the offing in weeks to come. In the meanwhile the prosecutor is on page 1 and soaking up the publicity. He's probably up for reelection come November.

To paint the police with the same broad brush of abuse this fellow used against the military is an emotional oversimplification. Reality is generally more mundane.

The cat will walk with a violation for dis-con or the equivalent.

SHL

He ought to walk period--no charges at all. Peaceful political protest is still legal in the US, isn't it?

Under ordinary circumstances, I could understand why police might think that this was a bomb threat. But this guy was wearing wires in imitation of one of the most famous photos of recent times. Unless you were completely clueless, you couldn't miss what he was trying to say. The "bomb threat" stuff is bullshit.hes really being proesecuted for his political opinions and the cops who arrested him are cleary abusers themselves who no doubt sympathize with the torturers

The police and prosecutor overreacted and it is up to the court to reduce the charges. No doubt a plea reduction will be in the offing in weeks to come. In the meanwhile the prosecutor is on page 1 and soaking up the publicity. He's probably up for reelection come November.

To paint the police with the same broad brush of abuse this fellow used against the military is an emotional oversimplification. Reality is generally more mundane.

The cat will walk with a violation for dis-con or the equivalent.

SHL

The cop really went out of his way to be an asshole. ("If he has any questions as to why people think he may've had a bomb, then he needs to maybe go back to Boston College to brush up on his public policy. Or at least common sense, but they can't really teach that there.") Maybe he's gunning for re-election, but I wouldn't think that this stuff would play very well in Boston. Then again, the liberal reputation of Massachusetts has always been exaggerated.

Okay, yeah...i gotta admit. The cops ****ed this one over.

You guys probably see me as a "right-winger" (I'm left actually) who's against the freedom of speech. But c'mon. It was obvious that the guys I was arguing about deserved their punishment.

This guy didn't.

However, I'm sure TRA would be HAPPY to follow this case through to the judge's ruling.

You guys probably see me as a "right-winger" (I'm left actually) who's against the freedom of speech. But c'mon. It was obvious that the guys I was arguing about deserved their punishment.
ummm...what are you referring to here? I've never seen any reason to think you are right-wing...

You guys probably see me as a "right-winger" (I'm left actually) who's against the freedom of speech. But c'mon. It was obvious that the guys I was arguing about deserved their punishment.
ummm...what are you referring to here? I've never seen any reason to think you are right-wing...

not you, specifically

I'm sure that soon the right-wingers will start posting on this thread, ranting about how this kid was an idiot and/or a violent terrorist, whereas the people who abused prisoners were just letting off a little steam.

i think the guy should have been thrown off a cliff instead. i mean, he probably deserves it...

You guys probably see me as a "right-winger" (I'm left actually) who's against the freedom of speech. But c'mon. It was obvious that the guys I was arguing about deserved their punishment.
ummm...what are you referring to here? I've never seen any reason to think you are right-wing...

not you, specifically
Obviously...
And that doesn't answer my question!!

I'm sure that soon the right-wingers will start posting on this thread, ranting about how this kid was an idiot and/or a violent terrorist, whereas the people who abused prisoners were just letting off a little steam.

Yep, I agree. The first part definitely, defending the abusers, not so sure (more likely deny that it ever happened)

Well, the Right still hasn't figured out its talking points on the abusers. Limbaugh goes with the "blowing off steam"/"harmless prank" (http://mediamatters.org/items/200405050003) interpretation, ignoring what was actually happening. Michael Savage thinks that Arabs are non-human (http://mediamatters.org/items/200405140003) and deserve to be tortured. Some right-wingers are still trying to convince everyone that it was a "few bad apples" (who of course should be punished lightly). And of course, there's always the "if you talk about torture, you are a traitor" line. My guess is that we'll hear one of those.why doesnt Michael "Savage" use his real name? what a fake weiner

why doesnt Michael "Savage" use his real name? what a fake weinerBecause he's a self-loathing Jew?

Under ordinary circumstances, I could understand why police might think that this was a bomb threat. But this guy was wearing wires in imitation of one of the most famous photos of recent times. Unless you were completely clueless, you couldn't miss what he was trying to say. The "bomb threat" stuff is bullshit.hes really being proesecuted for his political opinions and the cops who arrested him are cleary abusers themselves who no doubt sympathize with the torturers

The police and prosecutor overreacted and it is up to the court to reduce the charges. No doubt a plea reduction will be in the offing in weeks to come. In the meanwhile the prosecutor is on page 1 and soaking up the publicity. He's probably up for reelection come November.

To paint the police with the same broad brush of abuse this fellow used against the military is an emotional oversimplification. Reality is generally more mundane.

The cat will walk with a violation for dis-con or the equivalent.

SHLwell hopefully this case will make this wormy prosecutor lose re-election

i think the guy should have been thrown off a cliff instead. i mean, he probably deserves it...throw the prosecutor off a cliff--this guy shouldnt be punished for pricking peoples consceince

why doesnt Michael "Savage" use his real name? what a fake weinerBecause he's a self-loathing Jew?someone should lock him in the holocaust museum and let him see the end results of what he advocates

Once again, TRA posts bullshit articles without attribution. When will this wankery cease? I'll give it a month until his MKULTRA account is deleted..
Knowing the kind of scum TRA is, he probably did a little creative editing on the article, that is if he didn't write the article himself..

You guys probably see me as a "right-winger" (I'm left actually) who's against the freedom of speech. But c'mon. It was obvious that the guys I was arguing about deserved their punishment.
ummm...what are you referring to here? I've never seen any reason to think you are right-wing...

not you, specifically

I'm sure that soon the right-wingers will start posting on this thread, ranting about how this kid was an idiot and/or a violent terrorist, whereas the people who abused prisoners were just letting off a little steam.

I don't know you or what your previous argument was, but I was referring to the American far-Right in general, not to any specific person.

Once again, TRA posts bullshit articles without attribution. When will this wankery cease? I'll give it a month until his MKULTRA account is deleted..
Knowing the kind of scum TRA is, he probably did a little creative editing on the article, that is if he didn't write the article himself..

A short trip to Google gives this link (http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/this_just_in/documents/03885837.asp), if that's any help.

He ought to walk period--no charges at all. Peaceful political protest is still legal in the US, isn't it?

Free speech is not an unlimited right. Disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct does not fall under that protection. That said it will be next to impossible to prove intent to make a terroristic threat since the aproximation of the Iraqi prisoner was a clear enough statement - in hindsight.

The cop really went out of his way to be an asshole. ("If he has any questions as to why people think he may've had a bomb, then he needs to maybe go back to Boston College to brush up on his public policy. Or at least common sense, but they can't really teach that there.")

I'm not from Boston and I don't know the cop so I can't say. If you look at his statement it accounts for why the reaction was as strong as it was. Law enforcement officials are trained to expect the worst when it comes to possible terrorist threats.

Granted, it may not have occurred to the protester that his appearance might suggest something other than what he had in mind and it may be that the politics of the recruiters, the cops and the prosecutor have played a role in the charges being as serious as they are. That is why I believe that he will ultimately be cleared of the more serious charges and get a slap on the wrist.

well hopefully this case will make this wormy prosecutor lose re-election

If history is any teacher at all, I doubt it.

SHL

Once again, TRA posts bullshit articles without attribution. When will this wankery cease? I'll give it a month until his MKULTRA account is deleted..
Knowing the kind of scum TRA is, he probably did a little creative editing on the article, that is if he didn't write the article himself..its a true news story and if you had a single active braincell youd even be able to look it up

If I were him I would refuse a plea bargain and force them to take it to trial. Make it a real travesty. Show what dolts these Constitution smashers are.

If I were him I would refuse a plea bargain and force them to take it to trial. Make it a real travesty. Show what dolts these Constitution smashers are.he could face the same kinda torture in american prisons that the innocents in abu ghraib were subjected to

Once again, TRA posts bullshit articles without attribution. When will this wankery cease? I'll give it a month until his MKULTRA account is deleted..
Knowing the kind of scum TRA is, he probably did a little creative editing on the article, that is if he didn't write the article himself..

A short trip to Google gives this link (http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/this_just_in/documents/03885837.asp), if that's any help.That was easy, wasn't it? :lol:

Once again, TRA posts bullshit articles without attribution. When will this wankery cease? I'll give it a month until his MKULTRA account is deleted..
Knowing the kind of scum TRA is, he probably did a little creative editing on the article, that is if he didn't write the article himself..its a true news story and if you had a single active braincell youd even be able to look it up
Well, knowing your history of posting things (Such as some of the Sharon "Quotes") I doubt he wanted to go on what could have been quite a long search.

What's funny is that Boston is a liberal city....... You want to know what's a crime? Closing down 40 Square miles of a Major city for the DMC.

Once again, TRA posts bullshit articles without attribution. When will this wankery cease? I'll give it a month until his MKULTRA account is deleted..
Knowing the kind of scum TRA is, he probably did a little creative editing on the article, that is if he didn't write the article himself..its a true news story and if you had a single active braincell youd even be able to look it up
Hey, you stupid piece of shit, you're the one that's always posting unattributed bullshit. It's not my job to search for corroboration, it is YOUR obligation to post the source from which you quoted, idiot.

Well, knowing your history of posting things (Such as some of the Sharon "Quotes") I doubt he wanted to go on what could have been quite a long search
Precisely. I'd bet $100 that he's going to reply that he "always uses credible sources" and that we're somehow responsible for looking up the sources HE chooses to use.

Hey, watch it, no need to hurl insults