Los Angeles pays $12.85 million to May Day marchers and bystanders

  Members of the Los Angeles City Council agreed unanimously today to pay $12.85 million to immigration demonstrators and bystanders who sued the city claiming they were injured or mistreated by police officers during the May Day 2007 melee in MacArthur Park. The payout will settle nine lawsuits against the city.

The settlement is another blow to the city’s treasury related to LAPD misconduct in the midst of serious budgetary problems. The settlement of the May Day cases comes on the heels of the council’s approval last week of a $20.5-million payout to four current and former police officers who claimed they were falsely arrested and mistreated in the wake of the scandal involving the police department's Rampart Division.

The council still faces other legal troubles related to the May Day incident--there were 27 pending cases related to the demonstration before today’s settlement, according to officials with the city attorney. Only one case involving a broken camera had been settled.

Forty-two people, including nine journalists, were injured as a pro-immigration march wound down in MacArthur Park on May 1. LAPD officials said the scuffle was set off by a group of agitators who threw bottles and other objects at police. The department’s Metro Division used batons and fired rubber bullets to disperse what was a predominantly peaceful gathering.
 
Chief William J. Bratton said the fracas was an aberration for the department, but promised it would lead to changes in policy and training. He called the decision of his officers to use that level of force a “command and control breakdown.”

In response to the incident, Bratton announced that he was disciplining 11 officers and calling for the termination of four. In another step toward preventing a recurrence, Bratton set up a new bureau known as the Critical Incident Management Bureau that overseas major events and protests.

-- Maeve Reston and Joel Rubin

Photo: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Katty]

I find the payout to be disgustingly irresponsible.....next time the jerks, protesters, will do anything and everything to cause problems in hopes of also receiving a payoff. HOW SAD!
MONEY IS NOT THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING.

[Kimberly]

Cops have a very disenfranchised attitude toward the general public as a whole. They think they are above the law (because they get away with so much) and they treat people like trash. They are desensitized by their environment and they know no accountability. Everyone covers up for everyone all the way from the top to the bottom and vice/versa and this is the unwritten rule of law enforcement. It needs to change and I don't understand why the L.A.P.D. does not fire these bullies for instigating and creating the havoc on that day. A man is just a man in a uniform. I am pretty sick of hearing about shady/bully cops who hide behind their badge to hit, taser, harass, etc. people just because THEY CAN.

[LL]

You can't throw money at a problem. We don't have enough as it is.

[Kimberly]

Cops have a very disenfranchised attitude toward the general public as a whole. They think they are above the law (because they get away with so much) and they treat people like trash. They are desensitized by their environment and they know no accountability. Everyone covers up for everyone all the way from the top to the bottom and vice/versa and this is the unwritten rule of law enforcement. It needs to change and I don't understand why the L.A.P.D. does not fire these bullies for instigating and creating the havoc on that day. A man is just a man in a uniform. I am pretty sick of hearing about shady/bully cops who hide behind their badge to hit, taser, harass, etc. people just because THEY CAN.

[Jamal]

About $305k for each of 42 protesters. Where do I sign up to get roughed up by the LAPD?

[boo boo]

This money should be deducted from the salaries of the officers involved!
WHY should we the tax payers be punished for out of control police?

Money is the ONLY thing people respond to so if the police knew they were going to be held financially responsible they wouldn't go around abusing, lying, killing, destroyning lives etc etc.

MONEY is the answer and especially in these hard times!

[Freddy]

The Mayor of LA is PRO Immigration and PRO ILLEGAL Immigration... This is what I expected... If I ever get around these people and a scuffle breaks out, I will sue the organizers of the demonstration and bust some heads in the meantime.

[Sara]

Very disturbing that civil disobedience is being rewarded. This payout will motivate people to continue to sue. Nice going City Council- just give it away.

[Jason]

How much will it take to clean up LA's mess with police officers' actions and fire fighters hazing. Can the City afford $40-50? million of wasted taxpayer money.

Let's spend a few million and ensure that our civil service act responsibility with good solid training and background checks. But our government is not proactive and thus taxpayers pay the price.

[Manuel]

In light of all this I really wish I would have been there and gotten hit. This has got to be the easiest way to make money.

[Tip And Ring]

Money may not be the answer to everything but it will buy you a big enough yacht to pull up along side of it.

[Bill Baker]

I hope the City Council also voted to pay for using by reducing payroll accounts. It's hard to see why residents should have to pay for the incompetence of city employees (police or otherwise) in either higher taxes or fees or reduced services.

[AVRIL]

THIS IS JUST GREAT, MORE MONEY GOING TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. AND IT'S HAPPENING AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME, WHEN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA IS GOING BROKE BECAUSE OF THEM. I HOPE PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS SOME EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO ELIMINATE THE SUPPORT OF NON-U.S. CITIZENS.THIS IS TRULY UNBELIEVABLE!!

[deh]

I want the agitators parents to pay for this. What joke. This is the new way to becpme a millionaire in LA and taxpayers have to pay for it! Where is the sanity?

[Lauro]

Score one more point for illegality, violent conduct by these so called "agitators", and a big win for the open borders crowd. LA Times and the like want to see us not enforce our borders. Maybe some cops were out of line
that day, but for LA City not to fight this is ridiculous. Let those who are here
illegaly and their "supporters" make public policy while the rest of us pay out.
Where were the cops when the anti-illegal immigration demostration got shut down by the other side. Did LA Times, MALDEF, LA RAZA & ACLU come to their defense? Sad day for all.

[Miguel]

or... how about the LAPD stop being so "disgustingly irresponsible"?

This blame-the-victim approach is very irresponsible and hateful. We should place blame, not only, on the LAPD, but on all those who continually support the negative, hateful, (Dare I say it? Yes I do...) racist, and costly culture of the police department.

This economic struggle we find ourselves in is largely due to our inability to regulate what all these big companies do.

We need to turn our attention to regulating all these institutions that pretty much rule our lives... hence the purpose of protests! If we don't, how are we going to recover from a bankruptcy of morals?

[El Guapo]

Hilarious...

And let me guess, it's a total payout going to people that are here illegally.

[Brian]

People actually have a RIGHT to protest. Since the Chief of Police acknowledged that his officers mishandled and misjudged the situation, I think that pretty well says it all. What's unfortunate is that those responsible (the police) aren't the ones who pay. Just as with the racist/sexist actions of the L.A. Fire Department, the tab gets passed along to the taxpayers, allowing those who acted improperly to pretty much get off with few if any meaningful consequences. As long as there is a disconnect between those who act and those who pay, this kind of thing is likely to continue.

[Robt Vesco, Jr]

Dear Katty,

If there shouldn't be a monetary settlement for people who were illegally beaten -- including journalists who had valid press passes -- how do you suggest the LAPD be punished to an extent that might prevent this from happening again?

Also, when you say "jerks," do you mean families who were picnicking at Macarthur Park and were never given any notice to leave before they were beaten?

I'm sure we'd all love to hear your solution.

I'm also fascinated to know why you even bother to read the LA Times when you don't seem to think reporters should be protected from rampaging cops who were, even in the opinion of the LA police chief, their own boss, wildly out of control.

[Marie]

So all you need to do nowadays is cause a ruckus, protest, or get yourself in trouble with the police so they can shove you and you can collect millions.... ? Have multiple babies at one time, taxpayers foot the bill. Cause trouble and if the police touch you in any way, you can sue for millions. No wonder the economy and California are a big mess!!!!

[LA resident]

Irresponsible? I say turn the table and put into perspective the irresponsibility of the city and police department. I doubt those protesters were looking for a payout...but seems to me that is what people want to believe. Would you like to take a rubber bullet for exercising your rights???
Money is not the answer to everything but it sure gets attention doesn't it!

[Karl Overmann]

Absolutetly spineless. It must be easy to reach a "settlement" when's it not your money your're dealing with, but the taxpayers. A great way to undermine any remaining authority of the police departments. Next time an officer accidentally brushes past me, or steps on my foot, I'll be sure to file a complaint with the city so I too can collect thousands of dollars! Just plain lunacy.
Note to City Council - grow a backbone.

[mike rose]

Good to see tax payers money going to the illegals, when will the citizens of L.A. wise up to this shambles?

[Rosee]

Thank you City Council for giving the green light to future troublemakers. If a camera was broke...a person who was actually hurt...then pay those bills and nothing else!
We shouldn't be approving these "May Day" gettogethers! May Day was started and is a Communist Event.
Everytime our City Gov approves one of these marches, protests, gettogethers..it costs us..the taxpayers a pretty penny. Yes..I'm aware that they have the right to protest..but the organizers seem to have another agenda!

With the economy the way it is...to the City officials..why do you still bankroll the Fiesta Broadway every year? I'm sick of paying for the police overtime, sanitation to clean up and not to mention the total closure of many of our streets that downtown dwellers cannot use!

[Matt]

You are right Katty. Money isn't the answer to everything. But do you really think the LAPD is ready to undergo a massive reform in policy? Until that day comes, unfortunately, monetary compensation will be the only way that the LAPD will admit incopetance and wrong doing.

[DD]

How difficult is it to follow directions? The ORGANIZERS asked the LAPD to disperse the crowd since it was getting out of control. If these people don't follow the directions of the police officers walking toward them, they deserve to be hit upside the head with a baton. If I see a man with a gun, baton, shield, whatever, coming toward me telling me to move, I MOVE. Simple as that.

[Ryan]

what a joke. First off, if they were protesting for a stupid cause. Come here legally and if Mexico is so wonderful and great then get the heck out of the U.S. Secondly, people were hurling bottles, rocks, and other objects at police and this cannot be tolerated. They were breaking the law plain and simple. I am sick and tired of seeing people break the law, sue, and get rewarded for it. I guess some may call it the American Dream. Seems more like irresponsibility once again.

[SUEBEE]

Nice to see the gang bangers will be rewarded with money for illegal behavior. I'm sure no one was REALLY injured enough to warrant 12 mil dollars. How sad, now everytime there is a "demonstration" of some kind, people will purposely act out to initiate a police response, then sue. I'm sure the low life laywers will be waiting in the wings to sue, sue sue.

[Sueebee]

You have right to protest "PEACEFULLY", if they had the cops wouldn't have gotten involved. Unfortunately, the spin on this story is that the cops were unprovoked and that is just not true.

[Steve Wimer]

This a travesty of justice. Those protestors should be deported, not rewarded! America is going down the drain, fast. This stupidity is beyond belief.

[LA]

Not one serious injury- WOW! 12 Million Dollars. Our weak city leaders and non-competent city lawyers are squarely responsible for this agreement.

But what the heck it's only tax payers money. They can always raise taxes to get some more funds. So I think I speak for most people. Give, Give, Give away the house we don't mind.....

[Maximinus]

Most cops are cowards who took the job in the first place so that they can beat people up and feel like big men. If the DA's office won't prosecute, and they won't, then big, big settlements are what's needed. Those of you who keep whining like little economic girly men about your taxes, shut up, man up and stop spending all your money on Wal-Mart crap.

[Michael]

Anybody suing in court should have their immigration status checked. People come here legally or illegally and right away use the courts to sue others that would not be allowed in their home countries. Everyone of the 42 should be checked and deported sans the payout if found to be here illegally. As far as journalists go, they are on the payroll covering a protest event run mostly by avowed law breakers and should not collect anything. It seems that everyone involved in these types of events and altercations with the LAPD are just waiting and using whatever happens to sue the city to make big bucks out of it. Disgusting. When are we going to come to our senses and stop some of this abuse of our system.

[Mark Y]

It never ceases to amaze me when I read the comments of conservatives. Brainless nationalists who've probably never read a book other than the Bible. No wonder this country is finished,I bet that average national IQ, brought down by conservatives, is probably around 40.

[David]

I'm tired of paying for people who don't know know better than to stay out of harms way and want to challenge the police. All the people who complain about the police should become a policeman for one day and then they will see what kind of human garbage they have to deal with. STOP the silly payments!

[deBeer]

Money well spent. Should have whacked more of those people. I would gladly pay more taxes for more actions like that. ICE should also have been there.

[pilar castaneda]

It was awful to see that cameraman Stein get beaten...I guess he is illegal.

[mario calderas]

Im an illegal, i just got here, when and where is the next rally so i can beat by lapd and aply for money? thanks

[Jay D., Los Angeles]

So Katty you have this international forum in the form of this comment section to offer an thoughtful opinion, and you use it to call people beaten, etc while using their political right to protest "jerks"? You even had journalists getting physically assaulted by totally unprofessional LAPD officers, who were apparently terrified by... families...journalists...and a hostile crowd with a handful of...bottle throwers. Yeah $12 mil is a huge amount of money, however in light of the previous year's incidents, you'd expect a competent department/para-military force to have prepped for doing their duty with restraint instead of storm-trooping violently in a totally disproportionate fashion, thereby warranting a *possibly* disproportionate settlement.

[dick bohanon]

one side didnt comply with police instructions
the other side decided force was necessary to make them comply.
both sides obviously were out of control.
and guess who pays again and again.
easy money will always be a motivation for non-compliance.
no accountability will always lead some to overstep their authority.
the taxpayer will always lose everytime.

[Laid-off professional]

Are the protesters' receiving IOU's?

[Matthew]

There is plenty of hate and a lack of the facts on this discussion. There where even more aggressive activities going on with the Israel and Hamas rallys ( I was there) and the cops were pretty good. Look illegal immigration is a big issue and it is touchy. Some people hate until they are part of the hated and then they see the world through another mans eyes.

[ballrmom]

If anyone is an illegal immigrant they should be paid and deported, why don't they go to Mexico and protest so they can live and prosper in their own country!

[Xenu]

It should be 12.85 million PER incident. THAT would send a real message to the LAPD.

[A concerned Citizen]

While the money paid out does seem to be a lot, and a lot of people are disturbed by that, when you feel yourself getting upset, stop and think about all the money the government saved by covering up the censorship of killercop.com!

[J.M.]

The message is clear:

1) Illegally enter the United States

2) create a violent disturbance that puts 10 police officers in the hospital

3) Get payed tens of millions of dollars

I sure hope that those dirt bags assaulting the police are required to use the money they get in their settlement to pay back any and all public assistance they may have received,

[swf]

Were any of the 300 defendants in the country illegally, and do they still get to share in the $13 million?

[Liz Wetzel]

I WANT TO SUE Antonio Villagroisa for using my tax money to pay his compadres. This has to stop, we cannot mexico taking our money and creating chaos in our neighborhoods.

[tx_john]

Cool, less money for the needy in the city.

I'm sure all the do gooder protesters are parting it up right now.

[David]

Wow, I didn't know there were so many racists blogging at the LA Times. The money issue is a good cover though. Keep bringing it up.

[Doug]

Let's let the liberals pay for this since they are sooo sympathetic to lawbreakers and hoodlums. I'm surprised we haven't seen the "it's Bush's fault" yet.

[ginger]

As an American this settlement really upsets me. I think there should be a law against ILLEGAL immigrants being paid money for any reason. ILLEGAL MEANS AGAINST THE LAW.

[Robert]

Here's the funny part... only about half of those 42 people actually proved they were even in the park. For $300k, I'd happily hit myself with a baseball bat a couple times so a lawyer could take a picture of the bruise.

Oh, no, they wouldn't do that. I mean, look at how much they respect the rest of our laws.

Oh, BTW, the Rampart cops didn't "claim" anything, a jury VERDICT awarded them $15mil, and the City appealed, and lost, costing the officers more in legal fees (and the City too).

These guys are geniuses.

[Ricardoh]

We are governed by idiots. Each protester caught should pay for his or her share of police overtime after they get out of jail or the hospital.

[Santiago]

Yes Let the LAPD pay! SHAME on the LAPD, they are there to PROTECT and SERVCE!!! Not to be treating people like this! LET THEM PAY!!!!

I am so GLAD that we have laws to protect everyone not just U.S. citizens. Like our dollar bills say " In GOD we trust " Everyone should be treated with respect.

[JJ]

Wait a minute, do you know how many of them are actually illegal? People that don't support any type of social change area apathetic! I would have a greed that the marchers were beaten if they have caused chaos to the general public and the business around;however, it did not occur like that. They are human. For example, I remember seeing a video online when a lady was leaving and because she didn't left the area fast enough how the cop wanted she got beaten. But lets all remember, "not all the apples are bad," some cops do the job good. The follow all the rules and try to take the criminals to jails. But once again, who would have think that this happen in 2007. This type of act is unacceptable! And yes, it is a lot of tax payers money. Money that could be spend in better things,such as cleaning the streets of gangsters that make the city have a bad reputation.

[Ames Tiedeman]

Are any of you surprised? Look where you live. Look who your leaders are. You chose to live in a liberal time bomb. Deal with the mess you helped create. Did any of you ever protest this? Have any of you ever been to a City Council meeting to voice your outrage? Of course not. You do nothing and then wonder why your city and state is a mess.

[jubilee shine]

we need an all-elected, all-civilian, police control board.

[Ken]

Every time I read, the Members of the Los Angeles City Council unanimously give out $, $ , $ in legal law suits. I think they just like giving our city tax payers $ to every one. We need ALL NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS who can do a job instead of giving millions of dollars to every one who files ridiculous law suits.

[Brijesh]

IOU checks of another 12.85 Million thats what I see it...

[mg]

I was there documenting the protest and got caught in the middle of the chaos. I left exhausted, a little bruised, and completely blown away at the total lack of fair policing that took place. I didn't sue, but I'm glad others did because the only way the police will restrain themselves is if they know it will cost the city. In hindsight I find it VERY unlikely that LAPD leadership didn't plan things to happen the way they did -- especially considering the overwhelming protests that happened the previous year -- where the police were effectively powerless.

The conflict started on Wilshire near the west side of the park. The LAPD ordered the tail-end of a very long, peaceful march to move off the street onto narrow, overcrowded sidewalks -- and when a young protester either dropped or threw (I didn't see how it got onto the street) his baseball hat onto Wilshire and then went to pick it up, LAPD immediately beat him. The protester was immediately joined by 10 or 12 other young men, and if the LAPD wanted to they could have easily arrested all of them. The rally would have continued, and the city would have close to $13M to put toward schools and infrastructure.

Instead, LAPD riled the kids and eventually pushed them back into the park -- and once the kids were far enough they started running toward the east side. Hundreds of police immediately got into formation on the south and east sides of the park, and within minutes they were storming crowds that were peacefully rallying -- many of whom were there with young children. The was absolutely NO excuse for what the police did, and aside from intimidating future protesters there is also no logical reason.

A few minutes before the "melee" I approached one of the nearby Police Sergeants to show him my press credential, ask about the formations, and find out where I could position myself. He bluntly told me to "get the F**K out of the park" and pointed south. The cops on the ground knew exactly what was about to happen...

So why the big payout? Well, for starters because there was a better solution (making 10 or 12 arrests much earlier), and LAPD needs to know that this kind of policing is completely unacceptable.

To the people who are saying that it was just 'illegals' in the park that day...c'mon, that kind of callousness doesn't help anything...including your cause. It renders you as simple, as not having done your research, and as simple bigots. Immigration reform will happen when both sides of the debate start talking -- not by billy clubs and hate. It was more like a picnic than a protest before the LAPD started swinging. What a stupid way to treat people...

The sad thing is that we all pay for this kind of behavior, and even with a settlement this size it will probably happen again.

[Joe Citizen]

This is sooo stupid. Go to a park, spit at the police, get roughed for NOT following directions....GET RICH!

sign me up for the next Los Angeles lotto!

[Ron Moore]

Wow. Looks like participating in a riot and throwing rocks and bottles at the police paid off.

I wonder what people who riot expect the cops to do....just stand and watch even when they are attacked with weapons that could cause grave injury or even death.

Apparently nothing.

[Scy]

Police work is ONLY easy in a police state. If cops don't like the Bill of Rights, then please head to China or North Korea.

Nothing but a bunch of thugs on the force.

[Jack]

Really, what's all the fuss about, a few million.

Illegal aliens already cost us countless billions. What's a few million more thrown down the rathole?

[rvrgal]

SUCK IT UP LOS ANGELES....HOW STUPID CAN ONE STATE BE???? BLAME IT ON THE LAPD...HOW ABOUT THE "PROTESTERS" SEND THEM BACK TO MEXICO....OOOPS FORGOT, THEY LIVE IN MEXIFORNIA NOW.

NEVER SAW SUCH A SCREWED UP POPULATION AS CALIFORNIA...THE COURTS, THE JUDGES, THE MAYORS AND LET'S NOT FORGET ARNIE WHO RAN GRAY DAVIS OUT BECAUSE HE COULD NOT BALANCE THE BUDGET.

SO GLAD WE LEFT MEXIFORNIA YEARS AGO.....

[T Penn]

THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION. THE LA TIMES NEEDS TO BEEF UP THIS TYPE OF ARTICLE SO THE PEOPLE KNOW WHAT KIND OF PAY OFF IS BEING GIVEN AWAY BY OUR FECKLESS CITY COUNCIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ndynamite]

Hmmm, asked by the police to disperse, ignore their lawful orders. ... Throw bottles, rocks and whatever else you can get your hands on. Police react and disperse the crowd. Now get paid. I love this town. Thanks Antonio, let's give the town over to illegals.

[T Penn]

Our city council is spineless--THIS IS A CRIME against the citizens of this city. The protesters were INCONVENIENCED. Over $300 K to someone who got pushed? ARE YOU KIDDING ME????????????????

[About time]

I saw the footage, both on that Univision and Fox News. I saw the police shooting and beating members of the press, tossing strollers around, pushing families to the ground. One clip a woman (a white woman, not someone you can label "illegal" because their skin doesn't match yours) wasn't moving fast enough, she got beaten by the police. When another woman came to her aid, SHE got beaten. Some of the people who got caught up in that were just cutting through the park after leaving work.

That was a *permitted* rally that the cops (black, white, and female cops) went in and started shooting rubber bullets at everyone.

There are certain procedures the LAPD are supposed to follow. There are certain rights guaranteed to the press, and to the right of assembly for the populace.

The LAPD made Los Angeles (again!) look like some third world police state. I personally have no problem with the LAPD teargassing anarchist punks into next week, those kids are useless trust fund babies - but the LAPD went way beyond any rational action on that day by marching into the park and attacking innocent families. It was horrifying to watch. Check youtube for those videos. See if you can still make nazi comments then.

And even if one person there was illegal. That is what deportation is for. So why is it okay to beat defenseless human beings? If I wasn't an English citizen, and got beaten by police in London, I'm sure this board would be full of people demanding justice.

What is wrong with some of you people? Are you just trolling? Or are you really secret members of the Klan.

[Inland Empire]

As long as LA is a city that harbors illegal aliens and other criminals, we can expect more of the same at any given time.

[6vina]

Where will this year demonstration be held? I'll be there!

[Erik]

Hate to say this, but in most cases the police have not a single worry about the money. They swing their clubs knowing that the City will pay off any suit brought against them. So if I were a cop, there's really nothing to worry about. . . almost nothing. The system needs change. Cops will be cops.

[TomB]

I hope the citizens getting this money will never complain about city services not helping them. We always hear the bus service is bad in certian areas, or crime is bad and not enough police in these areas, and these nieghboorhoods are not getting the fair share they should. Well now we know why, the city has to pay millions to the people who cry about city services. They may not have the service they want in their nieghboorhood, but they got american greenbacks.

[Karl in Burbank]

Its all good....the state will get it all back in Lotto ticket sales

[DK]

I hope hundreds of police, firefighters and teachers get laid off to find the money to pay for this. Im sure all this money will be donated to charities and be used to teach about discrimination and free speech.

[Nick Charles]

Everybody seems to have forgotten (conveniently) that the underlying problem with a police force that brutalizes the very public they are sworn to 'serve and protect' have been given the 'green light' by the U.S. Surpreme Court. In ruling after ruling the Supreme Court made up of a bunch of dubious characters and neo-nazis, has said that police forces may do pretty much as they desire with impunity.

Bratton calls it an aberration, and I say that it is business as usual and there will be more acts of repression by the so-called "LA's Finest".

[Trajan]

First of all, to have the Mayor of the City of LA joining and supporting these Mexican flag waving illegal immigrants in their protest is despicable! Then to award those who have attacked and provoked police officers at a rally full of illegal immigrants with millions of taxpayer dollars is downright criminal and irresponsible governing. This type of leadership in City Hall needs to be stopped immediately! Fire the police officers and the officials responsible but don't give away the taxpayers hard earned money over this mess at a time when the state is going broke!! Our economic/immigrant problems are indirectly related to leadership like this. Whoever supported this type of payout in the City Council needs to be voted out of office.

[Russell]

LAPD just aren't that smart. This will happen again.

[Lee]

Mr. Baker nailed it.
If the perps were illegals, they shouldn't be entitled to a payoff. Civil rights have to do with citizens don't they?
The Liberals have no idea what they are saying about stopping bad behavior, but why should they, they continue to think free handouts are part of some left entitlement program. And finally,
if the perps were legals, why can't the city be protected to handle the case like a workers comp case for a business? After all the LAPD works for us.
In other words, they mis-used their batton to hit instead of push causing a bruse. That bruse should have a price tag through our LAPD workers comp insurance program. they get paid what it's worth and then we as tax payers don't have a lawsuit.
Someone along the line has forgotten that we employ the police to serve and protect ME AND YOU. Let's let them do their job - PLEASE

[Lee]

second post

I just watched the other link found on Google

The three video's don't show where the bad apples were that probably sparked the reason the police had to evacuate the situation for public safety. I guess the public is not entitled to be safe? As usual the video that breaks the camels back doesn't pick up right at the beginning

At the same time it shows bottles and things being throw at the Police.

I understand mistakes were made, but at what expense????

Nuts and Nuts.....

Lee

The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:

Shortcut to: http://xicanopwr.com/2007/05/may-day-violence-at-los-angeles-macarthur-park/

[pitbullstew]

beautiful...we the tax payers pay for the illegal conduct of both sides of this matter, the cops and the undocumented aliens?
How stupid are the American Taxpayers.

[Magic Eyeballs]

For several commenters who skimmed too quickly, the $12.85 million amount is the amount that will "settle nine lawsuits" against the city.

As any fool knows, a settlement is always LESS than the actual amount claimed in the lawsuit. In other words, the nine lawsuits collectively claim damages of much MORE than $12.85 million. The whole point of a settlement is to transfer LESS money in return for saving everyone the pain of going through discovery and trial (and perhaps appeals).

The plaintiffs get less than they think they can prove they deserve. The defendants pay less than they might have had to pay. But everyone gets to go home early.

Now, it's perfectly fair to wonder aloud whether any of those nine lawsuits would have actually won the damages sought. But that's just like second-guessing a fire insurance policy where the premiums paid seem like a waste given that no fire happened.

[LA Libertarian]

The cops were totally out of control that day. They were using their batons on reporters and security guards (all of whom were here legally) in addition to the protestors. This is the same sort of thing that happened at the DNC and LAPD hasn't learned a thing.

And to Sara and others like her, civil disobedience is, historically and to this day, an important part of the protection of American democracy and civil liberties. Remember the Founding Fathers?

As far as the settlement is concerned, you should all thank your council members for saving the city the expense of having to go through trial and then getting slapped with a big verdict. Ultimately, this is a much more cost effective way for the icty to resolve this issue.

[Trajan]

Settling out of court to avoid a much larger payment over this issue is even more ridiculous. Our state is broke and no official whether Councilperson or Judge should be handing out millions of taxpayer money like this. Our system seems to be corrupted to the core when people, especially illegal immigrants expect extravagant monetary compensation for provoking police and then getting roughed up. The thought that our elected officials can throw away money like this just shows how inept and irresponsible our city government is today.

[oh brother]

The ones who really hit the jackpot are the attorneys - don't they take 50%? I loved the quote from the attorney who said "our clients are really happy" I could just imagine the $$'s right where her eyes should be.

Can we find out who voted for this amount, and which council members approved it?

Pretty soon, the police will have no power at all, and we might as well turn the city over to the criminals and thugs...

Very sad....

[oh brother]

I did go back and watch some video, and there did appear to be excessive force at times, but was it worth $13 million?

The attorneys are happy with the settlement. If they are so righteous (someone has to represent the little guy), why do they take 50%?

You can see what I think of them...

[ryan]

LAPD = Out of control, ignorant beasts

LA Mayor = Uneducated, unethical, pro LA Raza

Immigrant protestors = Low moral standards, no parental supervision, taking advantage of the system

Finally, Lawyers involved = No morals, No integrity, racist

[movingtola]

If someone threw rocks at me, I would respond with candy and flowers. But I hope they wouldn't get mad and sue me too if I asked them to pay for my injuries because I know rock throwers are just trying to use violence to make the world a better place.

I think we should be able to do anything to cops we want and not be accountable. They get paid for us to try to hurt them whenever we want anyway, don't they? It's just part of their job, isn't it?

We can always claim their motives were racist too, if nothing else works. The best people are in Los Angeles.

Like the procreator with six children who had eight more and a million dollar medical bill for taxpayers to pay, like the taxpayers paying $12.85 million to rock throwers and others.

I want to move there and maybe work for the government going bankrupt so I can get furlowed off my job for two days out of a month. What a great place.

Since Los Angeles has more violent gang members than anywhere, hopefully some of them were in the crowd so they could enjoy some of this settlement money.

I'm proud that people are finally realizing that police officers are the problem. With this settlement, it will finally be fixed. Now we will be able to finally walk all the streets in LA alone at night. Those lawyers will donate all their settlement money to the victims of violence fund because it's all about how much they care, unlike the cops.

[susan]

who do the police work for? private business or the people?
if they treat the people unkindly or with guns and force.. when they are protesting and acting on their god-given and country-given rights, then the police are wrong. they should pearn senstivity training and how to deal with large crowd and the public better. they are probably just protesating the fact that their food and housing prices are going up. the stimulus package is needed to deal with the problem of greedy corporate interests, especially in the last eight years, they got away with making millions and the people have suffered. it has gotten out of hand, concerning the profits that ceo's have made. they want more, they will always want more because that is all that they know, the government has to tax them and hold them accountable for the damage that they cause, to the environment, to neighborhoods, etc. not reward them
for many thousands of years people got along fine without large corporations. do we need them?
really
?

[rev.dak]

I'm really surprised how many racists have read this, and have decided to reply with their hate. You folks are pathetic.

This was a May Day rally, which is the International Worker's Day. Which is celebrated ALL OVER THE WORLD, and in fact STARTED IN THE US.

In LA, where the focus is on Immigrant Workers, I can see how easy it is to just see it as a "Immigrant Protest", but that's not what it was. It was a PEACEFUL demonstration and celebration of our rights. I was there. It was completely PEACEFUL and CELEBRATORY. It was the cops who came in DONNING RIOT GEAR.

Look at it this way, they came to the demonstration wearing armor and weapons. How would you feel? Intimidated and insulted comes to mind. Attacking security guards & news reporters? That's the actions of an oppressive regime, not the actions of a peacekeeping organization.

[fantazamaraz]

I lived in LA and Southern Cal. since the 60's and have observed

it's many changes and transformations. The police, City, County

and State problems are all interelated. I recall in the 70's when I

personally witnessed police brutality in downtown LA. A

busload of LAPD rookies were brought in to beat the crap

out of a peaceful demonstration, without ANY provocation.

I also noticed carloads of plainclothes lawenforcement and

other governmental types cruising around in cars and

giving orders by radio,etc. During the same period the

LASD assassinated a lot of people with strangleholds, it

was like a sport to them. The Sherriff at the time was

Sherman Bloch, a jewish anti black and hispanic racist

who previously had been deputy to Sherriff Peter Pitches.

The main policy of both departments at the time was to

protect the interests of the wealthy jews, movie and tv

industry famous and rich business communities,etc.

Law enforcement was more like a special interest

private security and a lot of them moonlighted for

wealthy folk and businesses which they still do.!

affluential areas of LA, such Beverly Hills, West LA,

The SF Valley and Malibu area,etc. Any black or hispanic

driving or walking in those areas were inviting to be stopped

and harrassed.! Many of the cops were brought in from

the extremely racist South Eastern States at the time.!

It wasn't just aimed at minorities either, if anyone looked poor

like they didn't belong in the neighborhood, they were

stopped and queried, often searched and likely to be

busted on trumped up charges,etc.

These tactics weren't just limited to LA, they existed

throughout California, mainly because the State was

and still is controlled by wealthy, right wing conservatives.!

During this period there was also a large influx of East Coast

organized crime people and money to LA AZ NV and FLA.

Previous criminally obtained money was invested into

huge real estate developements in all these States like

around Westlake Village, North Hills Hidden Valley,etc.

The rich groups regarded the blacks and hispanics as

necessay cheap labor, but at the same time, sub human

and used law enforcement as pawns to harrass, arrest and

control them.! There was an LAPD unit known as the

public disorder team or something like that a captain

cleghorn used to head it, when their racist and fascist

tactics and behavior got attention, it was disbanded and

he later became chief of Corona pd. LA is my favorite

City in the whole World, but it has changed a lot and

unless you are well off and live in the RIGHT area it is

no longer a pleasant place to call home. I have lived all over

the World and never known a more fascist or racist bunch

of bullies that compare with California law enforcement.!

fantazamaraz: Writer-Director Critic-Commentator Former top
British radio personality UK AUSTRALIA US.