How lethal is lethal?

In the Berkeley Daily Planet's rather one-sided article on the anniversary march of a bunch of protesters who didn't appreciate being shot last time (go figure), check out this quote:

During last year’s demonstration, called to protest the invasion of Iraq, members of the Oakland Police opened fire on demonstrators with supposedly "less-than-lethal" weaponry. Several protesters came away with serious injuries.

Did any protesters come away dead? If not, what's the "supposedly" in there for?

"It’s really critical that the message be sent by the courts that this is not acceptable, that this is a violation of the Constitution. We want them to change explicit policies that will assure that they never again shoot less-than-lethal weapons at peaceful non-violent protesters."

I must be rusty on my constitution, because I can't remember this being addressed. In any case, if they "never again shoot less-than-lethal weapons" at you, guess what kind of weapons they will have to shoot you with.

posted by Beetle Aurora Drake 4/09/2004 02:58:00 PM #
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