Anger over police's 'quit protesting' tweet (From The Argus)
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Anger over police's 'quit protesting' tweet
9:20am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter
Sussex Police have been criticised for encouraging people to quit protesting as a New Year’s Resolution.
The force’s specialist protest team tweeted on December 31: “If you intend to quit protesting, then tonight’s the night to do it.”
It then went on to say that if people did continue to demonstrate then to “keep on talking to us”.
The message prompted a number of angry replies from the public.
One man said: “I’ll quit if you quit policing?” Roy Chard said: “You tweet as if protest is a bad habit that can be given up as a New Year’s Resolution?”
A woman, named only as Ceri, said: “Research shows that protesting is good for you. New Year’s Resolution – encourage more people to take it up.”
The message was re- tweeted – sent on to other people – numerous times as cyberspace condemned the force for the comments.
A spokesman for Smash EDO, which holds weekly protests against the activities of the EDO factory in Brighton, told The Argus it was disappointed the message had been written on an official police account which is linked to Sussex Police’s website.
He said: “Peaceful protest is a democratic right and not something which should be ‘given up’.
“Maybe it was meant as a joke, but it is not one that should have been made.
“It’s not appropriate for the police to discourage people from protesting – even as a joke.
“I think most people appreciate having the right to take part in peaceful, democratic protests.
“There is a sense the police liaison officers do not actually want to work with us.”
Chief Inspector Justin Burtenshaw said: “This was a light-hearted remark on New Year’s Eve and is clearly not to be taken literally – we support the right to peaceful protest and look forward to working with protest and other event organisers in the coming year.
“Twitter is one of the ways our protest liaison team engage directly with the community and is a useful tool to keep people up to date.”
According to Sussex Police’s website, the protest liaison officers’ “primary role is to engage with protest groups prior to, during and after any event”.
It adds: “They will work alongside groups who wish to protest peacefully, always balancing the needs of the wider community.”
Comments(43)
ants4t
says...
10:19am Thu 3 Jan 13
NickBrt
says...
10:37am Thu 3 Jan 13
Andy R
says...
10:53am Thu 3 Jan 13
ants4t wrote:I think they split up a while back.
"Peaceful protest is a democratic right" from Smash ELO, perhaps they should try it some time. Unfortunately this is Brighton and we cant even have a pension march without it being hijacked.
So..there you go...protesting works!!
charlie smirke
says...
10:59am Thu 3 Jan 13
Old Ladys Gin
says...
11:11am Thu 3 Jan 13
If anything we should learn how to hold mass protests peacefully eg;
In Spain it is reckoned 40 percent of the population turned out in largely peaceful protest; this as a result of realising they had been lied to by the government of the cause of the Madrid train bombings.
The protest brought down the government and even members of the royal family took part.
Algeria Touchshriek
says...
11:42am Thu 3 Jan 13
Utter scum come to Brighton every time there is a protest and half of them don't even know what the issue is. It's just a left wing filth brigade who get together to do drugs, moan about the queen and spread AIDS. They also shop life local stores.
Also, these vile cretins bring children and dogs to the protest knowing that the police will withhold from any physical intervention.
You survey these great unwashed and ask "What is EDO?" "What's wrong with sodasteam" "What streets are we reclaiming" "Where is Palestine on a map" the vast majority wouldn't have a clue.
They are so inbibed within their own muck and drugs they couldn't even tell you the month of the year.
Then we had the utter wasters moaning about abortions with their vile posters of foetuses, remember?
Protesters = Filth.
Rant over.
BornInBrighton1968
says...
11:55am Thu 3 Jan 13
ants4t wrote:Smash ELO? That's a bit harsh.
"Peaceful protest is a democratic right" from Smash ELO, perhaps they should try it some time. Unfortunately this is Brighton and we cant even have a pension march without it being hijacked.
I admit, some of their albums were rubbish, but a lot of their singles were quite good...
funkyyoyo
says...
12:48pm Thu 3 Jan 13
hursthill
says...
1:08pm Thu 3 Jan 13
AmboGuy
says...
2:53pm Thu 3 Jan 13
Quite frankly if these idiots are that thin skinned that they can't take a joke by the Police then they really need to grow up and stop being so sensitive.
Andy R
says...
3:11pm Thu 3 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:Indeed! If one of the Paveway bombs that EDO contributes parts to was to land on the Clock Tower it would lay waste to an area from Palmeira Square to the Steine. So I can only agree with you about EDO's track record of violence..........
EDO have got a nerve defending the right to 'peaceful protest' when their own track record for violence during marches is so appalling. Quite frankly if these idiots are that thin skinned that they can't take a joke by the Police then they really need to grow up and stop being so sensitive.
Fight_Back
says...
5:27pm Thu 3 Jan 13
hursthill wrote:Wow - not many people not covered by your sweeping generalisations there then !!!! Would you like to come to the Amex and say that on the pitch at half time ?
Half of the protestors are usually students, who are like soccer fans, making a lot of noise so they get noticed & feel important. The other half are sheep led by that headcase tony greenstein.
AmboGuy
says...
5:30pm Thu 3 Jan 13
Andy R wrote:Don't try and be a smart arse Andy R. You know I was referring to SmashEDO. At least now you're responding to me, you went awfully quiet when I picked you up on your comment that nothing was thrown at Mike Weatherly.
AmboGuy wrote:Indeed! If one of the Paveway bombs that EDO contributes parts to was to land on the Clock Tower it would lay waste to an area from Palmeira Square to the Steine. So I can only agree with you about EDO's track record of violence..........
EDO have got a nerve defending the right to 'peaceful protest' when their own track record for violence during marches is so appalling. Quite frankly if these idiots are that thin skinned that they can't take a joke by the Police then they really need to grow up and stop being so sensitive.
Somethingsarejustwrong
says...
7:06pm Thu 3 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:I think the word smart should be removed from any comment about Andy R, although he will be smarting when the cuts escalate and deepen.
Andy R wrote:Don't try and be a smart arse Andy R. You know I was referring to SmashEDO. At least now you're responding to me, you went awfully quiet when I picked you up on your comment that nothing was thrown at Mike Weatherly.
AmboGuy wrote:Indeed! If one of the Paveway bombs that EDO contributes parts to was to land on the Clock Tower it would lay waste to an area from Palmeira Square to the Steine. So I can only agree with you about EDO's track record of violence..........
EDO have got a nerve defending the right to 'peaceful protest' when their own track record for violence during marches is so appalling. Quite frankly if these idiots are that thin skinned that they can't take a joke by the Police then they really need to grow up and stop being so sensitive.
Andy R
says...
7:15pm Thu 3 Jan 13
SomethingsarejustwroWell...yes...."smart
ng wrote:
AmboGuy wrote:I think the word smart should be removed from any comment about Andy R, although he will be smarting when the cuts escalate and deepen.
Andy R wrote:Don't try and be a smart arse Andy R. You know I was referring to SmashEDO. At least now you're responding to me, you went awfully quiet when I picked you up on your comment that nothing was thrown at Mike Weatherly.
AmboGuy wrote:Indeed! If one of the Paveway bombs that EDO contributes parts to was to land on the Clock Tower it would lay waste to an area from Palmeira Square to the Steine. So I can only agree with you about EDO's track record of violence..........
EDO have got a nerve defending the right to 'peaceful protest' when their own track record for violence during marches is so appalling. Quite frankly if these idiots are that thin skinned that they can't take a joke by the Police then they really need to grow up and stop being so sensitive.
" is pushing it a bit in this instance.
It's not as though outwitting you two requires an enormous effect of the intellect.
Somethingsarejustwrong
says...
7:48pm Thu 3 Jan 13
Andy R wrote:If by outwitting you mean avoiding answering questions and running away from threads where you are obviously exposed then you are without doubt a master.
SomethingsarejustwroWell...yes...."
ng wrote:
AmboGuy wrote:I think the word smart should be removed from any comment about Andy R, although he will be smarting when the cuts escalate and deepen.
Andy R wrote:Don't try and be a smart arse Andy R. You know I was referring to SmashEDO. At least now you're responding to me, you went awfully quiet when I picked you up on your comment that nothing was thrown at Mike Weatherly.
AmboGuy wrote:Indeed! If one of the Paveway bombs that EDO contributes parts to was to land on the Clock Tower it would lay waste to an area from Palmeira Square to the Steine. So I can only agree with you about EDO's track record of violence..........
EDO have got a nerve defending the right to 'peaceful protest' when their own track record for violence during marches is so appalling. Quite frankly if these idiots are that thin skinned that they can't take a joke by the Police then they really need to grow up and stop being so sensitive.
smart
" is pushing it a bit in this instance.
It's not as though outwitting you two requires an enormous effect of the intellect.
JHunty
says...
8:54pm Thu 3 Jan 13
Andy R wrote:I think you mean "effort" not "effect", but then being an intellectual giant you probably misspelled your comment ironically.
SomethingsarejustwroWell...yes...."
ng wrote:
AmboGuy wrote:I think the word smart should be removed from any comment about Andy R, although he will be smarting when the cuts escalate and deepen.
Andy R wrote:Don't try and be a smart arse Andy R. You know I was referring to SmashEDO. At least now you're responding to me, you went awfully quiet when I picked you up on your comment that nothing was thrown at Mike Weatherly.
AmboGuy wrote:Indeed! If one of the Paveway bombs that EDO contributes parts to was to land on the Clock Tower it would lay waste to an area from Palmeira Square to the Steine. So I can only agree with you about EDO's track record of violence..........
EDO have got a nerve defending the right to 'peaceful protest' when their own track record for violence during marches is so appalling. Quite frankly if these idiots are that thin skinned that they can't take a joke by the Police then they really need to grow up and stop being so sensitive.
smart
" is pushing it a bit in this instance.
It's not as though outwitting you two requires an enormous effect of the intellect.
Somethingsarejustwrong
says...
9:06pm Thu 3 Jan 13
JHunty wrote:I think you are giving Andy R more credit than he deserves; not sure he knows what he is saying most of the time, or remembers having commented afterwards.
Andy R wrote:I think you mean "effort" not "effect", but then being an intellectual giant you probably misspelled your comment ironically.
SomethingsarejustwroWell...yes...."
ng wrote:
AmboGuy wrote:I think the word smart should be removed from any comment about Andy R, although he will be smarting when the cuts escalate and deepen.
Andy R wrote:Don't try and be a smart arse Andy R. You know I was referring to SmashEDO. At least now you're responding to me, you went awfully quiet when I picked you up on your comment that nothing was thrown at Mike Weatherly.
AmboGuy wrote:Indeed! If one of the Paveway bombs that EDO contributes parts to was to land on the Clock Tower it would lay waste to an area from Palmeira Square to the Steine. So I can only agree with you about EDO's track record of violence..........
EDO have got a nerve defending the right to 'peaceful protest' when their own track record for violence during marches is so appalling. Quite frankly if these idiots are that thin skinned that they can't take a joke by the Police then they really need to grow up and stop being so sensitive.
smart
" is pushing it a bit in this instance.
It's not as though outwitting you two requires an enormous effect of the intellect.
That said its people like Andy R that make the rest of the population seem very intelligent.
AmboGuy
says...
10:15pm Thu 3 Jan 13
Maybe it's too much 'effect' for your intellect to answer me though.
ourcoalition
says...
10:52pm Thu 3 Jan 13
Not only that, there were adequate laws there already, and his one is half-baked, as it missed out entirely, commercial premises! Never mind, he can do another one next year!
Andy R
says...
11:39pm Thu 3 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:Why would I want to answer you? It's more interesting to see where you'll go with it, and how stupid you'll end up making yourself look......
So Andy, seeing as you've now decided to make your reappearance on this forum will you answer the question about Mike Weatherley's attack or will you continue to dodge the question?
Maybe it's too much 'effect' for your intellect to answer me though.
AmboGuy
says...
12:24am Fri 4 Jan 13
Andy R wrote:Or maybe it's because you know you've been caught lying....again.
AmboGuy wrote:Why would I want to answer you? It's more interesting to see where you'll go with it, and how stupid you'll end up making yourself look......
So Andy, seeing as you've now decided to make your reappearance on this forum will you answer the question about Mike Weatherley's attack or will you continue to dodge the question?
Maybe it's too much 'effect' for your intellect to answer me though.
I suppose really there's no point in you responding now as SNOBs own website has confirmed what happened already and had shown us that your account of what happened is false. This would explain why you got so angry when I first suggested that your version of events might be a little porky!
I was more interested in seeing if you would be big enough to admit this but I guess not.
getThisCoalitionOut
says...
12:30am Fri 4 Jan 13
There's so much going on by our current unelected rotten government that we should be coming out onto the streets to protest far more - all of us, all at the same time.
wippasnapper
says...
1:31am Fri 4 Jan 13
wippasnapper
says...
1:41am Fri 4 Jan 13
hursthill wrote:Led by that headcase tony greenstein. Ill have you know that headcase most probably has more sense and decency in his little tow than you have in your small minded pathetic head, tony Greenstein dose more for peoples rights in this city than most protests do in there life time he may protest but he protests for peoples rights and welfare never seen any of your dum **** students helping those in need giving up there time.
Half of the protestors are usually students, who are like soccer fans, making a lot of noise so they get noticed & feel important. The other half are sheep led by that headcase tony greenstein.
AmboGuy
says...
8:48am Fri 4 Jan 13
wippasnapper wrote:Could you try improving your spelling and grammar and posting that again please.
hursthill wrote:Led by that headcase tony greenstein. Ill have you know that headcase most probably has more sense and decency in his little tow than you have in your small minded pathetic head, tony Greenstein dose more for peoples rights in this city than most protests do in there life time he may protest but he protests for peoples rights and welfare never seen any of your dum **** students helping those in need giving up there time.
Half of the protestors are usually students, who are like soccer fans, making a lot of noise so they get noticed & feel important. The other half are sheep led by that headcase tony greenstein.
Many thanks.
hursthill
says...
8:52am Fri 4 Jan 13
I have made a note to stand well clear of your mobility scooter.
- But try and lay off the booze after midnight - it clearly reacts with your medication.
Andy R
says...
9:13am Fri 4 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:Why don't you try taking your own advice?
wippasnapper wrote:Could you try improving your spelling and grammar and posting that again please. Many thanks.hursthill wrote: Half of the protestors are usually students, who are like soccer fans, making a lot of noise so they get noticed & feel important. The other half are sheep led by that headcase tony greenstein.Led by that headcase tony greenstein. Ill have you know that headcase most probably has more sense and decency in his little tow than you have in your small minded pathetic head, tony Greenstein dose more for peoples rights in this city than most protests do in there life time he may protest but he protests for peoples rights and welfare never seen any of your dum **** students helping those in need giving up there time.
AmboGuy
says...
9:47am Fri 4 Jan 13
Andy R wrote:Likewise Andy 'effect of intellect' R.
AmboGuy wrote:Why don't you try taking your own advice?
wippasnapper wrote:Could you try improving your spelling and grammar and posting that again please. Many thanks.hursthill wrote: Half of the protestors are usually students, who are like soccer fans, making a lot of noise so they get noticed & feel important. The other half are sheep led by that headcase tony greenstein.Led by that headcase tony greenstein. Ill have you know that headcase most probably has more sense and decency in his little tow than you have in your small minded pathetic head, tony Greenstein dose more for peoples rights in this city than most protests do in there life time he may protest but he protests for peoples rights and welfare never seen any of your dum **** students helping those in need giving up there time.
Andy R
says...
10:16am Fri 4 Jan 13
Thank you for your interest in this position, but having assessed your efforts during your probationary period I have decided not to confirm you in the post. May I take this opportunity to wish you the very best in finding an outlet for your very particular "talents".
gaz scott
says...
10:33am Fri 4 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:This thread has taken the usual tedious and predictable route so I'll be predictable too and chip in. It is considered bad form to just write off someone's comments because of apparent bad English for many reasons (including desperation) unless as Andy R points out they appoint themselves a Constable of the Grammar Police in which case they make themselves fair game.
wippasnapper wrote:Could you try improving your spelling and grammar and posting that again please.
hursthill wrote:Led by that headcase tony greenstein. Ill have you know that headcase most probably has more sense and decency in his little tow than you have in your small minded pathetic head, tony Greenstein dose more for peoples rights in this city than most protests do in there life time he may protest but he protests for peoples rights and welfare never seen any of your dum **** students helping those in need giving up there time.
Half of the protestors are usually students, who are like soccer fans, making a lot of noise so they get noticed & feel important. The other half are sheep led by that headcase tony greenstein.
Many thanks.
We all make mistakes and typos but it should also be pointed out that some disabled people have real problems using a keyboard. The usual Common Humanity Deficit reveals itself on this list yet again.
AmboGuy
says...
12:33pm Fri 4 Jan 13
I consider myself told off now then Gaz. I assume that the next time you pull me up if I make a typo (which you have done in the past) that you'll welcome my feedback too.
Andy R
says...
1:41pm Fri 4 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:Breathtaking.
At last the resident troll pipes up. I consider myself told off now then Gaz. I assume that the next time you pull me up if I make a typo (which you have done in the past) that you'll welcome my feedback too.
You of all people calling someone else the "resident troll". You, who never has anything whatever to say on the story in question, but simply joins discussions to stalk and disrupt.
I don't think I've ever come across someone as lacking in self-awareness as you.
AmboGuy
says...
3:21pm Fri 4 Jan 13
Andy R wrote:Or as unable to tell the truth as you eh Andy? As a serial liar on this forum you've got a nerve to criticise others.
AmboGuy wrote:Breathtaking.
At last the resident troll pipes up. I consider myself told off now then Gaz. I assume that the next time you pull me up if I make a typo (which you have done in the past) that you'll welcome my feedback too.
You of all people calling someone else the "resident troll". You, who never has anything whatever to say on the story in question, but simply joins discussions to stalk and disrupt.
I don't think I've ever come across someone as lacking in self-awareness as you.
Those in glass houses.........
gaz scott
says...
5:09pm Fri 4 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:Presumably you're talking about the time when you said EDO make door release mechanisms which they don't rather than bomb release mechanisms which they do. That wasn't grammar policing on my part it was pointing out an(other) inaccuracy in your post which completely changed the facts. If it was a typo you were given a chance to explain exactly how it was. OK it's ancient history but let's keep it factual.
At last the resident troll pipes up.
I consider myself told off now then Gaz. I assume that the next time you pull me up if I make a typo (which you have done in the past) that you'll welcome my feedback too.
AmboGuy
says...
6:01pm Fri 4 Jan 13
gaz scott wrote:(Sigh) and so it begins.........
AmboGuy wrote:Presumably you're talking about the time when you said EDO make door release mechanisms which they don't rather than bomb release mechanisms which they do. That wasn't grammar policing on my part it was pointing out an(other) inaccuracy in your post which completely changed the facts. If it was a typo you were given a chance to explain exactly how it was. OK it's ancient history but let's keep it factual.
At last the resident troll pipes up.
I consider myself told off now then Gaz. I assume that the next time you pull me up if I make a typo (which you have done in the past) that you'll welcome my feedback too.
Always one to jump in when he's not wanted just to spoil the forum and bore everyone else.
Always answers on behalf of Andy R (very sweet).
Has never let the truth get in the way of one of his 'clever' responses.
It's our own weapon carrying, window breaking and police hating SmashEDO thug and Internet troll Gaz 'Citizen Smith' Scott.
Somethingsarejustwrong
says...
7:56pm Fri 4 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:AmboGuy has as usual hit the nail right on the proverbial head.
gaz scott wrote:(Sigh) and so it begins.........
AmboGuy wrote:Presumably you're talking about the time when you said EDO make door release mechanisms which they don't rather than bomb release mechanisms which they do. That wasn't grammar policing on my part it was pointing out an(other) inaccuracy in your post which completely changed the facts. If it was a typo you were given a chance to explain exactly how it was. OK it's ancient history but let's keep it factual.
At last the resident troll pipes up.
I consider myself told off now then Gaz. I assume that the next time you pull me up if I make a typo (which you have done in the past) that you'll welcome my feedback too.
Always one to jump in when he's not wanted just to spoil the forum and bore everyone else.
Always answers on behalf of Andy R (very sweet).
Has never let the truth get in the way of one of his 'clever' responses.
It's our own weapon carrying, window breaking and police hating SmashEDO thug and Internet troll Gaz 'Citizen Smith' Scott.
Gaz and the other idiot just keep rattling away - in casino speak they are the 'perfect pair'
Andy R
says...
7:58pm Fri 4 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:Crikey! Aren't you rattled all of a sudden. Is that because the actual "serial liar" has just been identified?
gaz scott wrote:(Sigh) and so it begins.........
AmboGuy wrote:Presumably you're talking about the time when you said EDO make door release mechanisms which they don't rather than bomb release mechanisms which they do. That wasn't grammar policing on my part it was pointing out an(other) inaccuracy in your post which completely changed the facts. If it was a typo you were given a chance to explain exactly how it was. OK it's ancient history but let's keep it factual.
At last the resident troll pipes up.
I consider myself told off now then Gaz. I assume that the next time you pull me up if I make a typo (which you have done in the past) that you'll welcome my feedback too.
Always one to jump in when he's not wanted just to spoil the forum and bore everyone else.
Always answers on behalf of Andy R (very sweet).
Has never let the truth get in the way of one of his 'clever' responses.
It's our own weapon carrying, window breaking and police hating SmashEDO thug and Internet troll Gaz 'Citizen Smith' Scott.
And where do you get off laying down the law about who can and cannot join discussions?
Flamin' cheek!
AmboGuy
says...
8:34pm Fri 4 Jan 13
gaz scott
says...
9:28am Sat 5 Jan 13
AmboGuy wrote:I'm sure like me Andy has absolutely no problems with annoying the hell out of the likes of Amboguy and the other reactionary nut-jobs on here - in fact it's what makes it worthwhile. But it's reassuring to see him confirm it. Gotta have some fun.
I think a lot of people get annoyed with you and Gaz aka Dumb and Dumber.
Living in the real world.
says...
11:19pm Sat 5 Jan 13
I for one happen to find you and Andy R very annoying when you try to justify your actions but I choose to keep quiet. I'm glad you enjoy annoying people as you seem to be very good at it.
Your sort is not wanted on this forum. We are fed up with you and your 'humour' so , and I ask this as a Brighton resident for over 40 years, stay away and stop rubbing our noses in it.
Somethingsarejustwrong
says...
6:12am Sun 6 Jan 13
Living in the real world. wrote:If I could have my way this underclass would be locked away, together with all the scruffy, disheveled miscreants who were blocking Western road yesterday waving their flags and causing a general nuisance. Ideally they would be placed in one large communal cell with all the street drinking homeless beggars and be left there to rot.
As a resident of Lewes road who has seen both violence and property vandalised by SmashEDO I fail to see any funny side in anything you or your organisation say.
I for one happen to find you and Andy R very annoying when you try to justify your actions but I choose to keep quiet. I'm glad you enjoy annoying people as you seem to be very good at it.
Your sort is not wanted on this forum. We are fed up with you and your 'humour' so , and I ask this as a Brighton resident for over 40 years, stay away and stop rubbing our noses in it.
fred clause says...
9:47am Thu 3 Jan 13