It seems pepper spray is the deterrent du jour these days, and this morning in Phoenix, at the States and Nation Policy Summit of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the orange plume appeared once more.
A group of about 150-200 protesters were greeted by a strong police presence Wednesday morning at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in northeast Phoenix for the American Legislative Exchange Council meeting Wednesday afternoon.
The protesters for the most part were orderly, but at one point, police used pepper spray to move a group of about half a dozen people who were not clearing an area in front of an entrance. Arizona Republic
Most problems were blamed on a group of anarchists who were bused in from out of state. According to police, a few wielded nail-filled sticks. Seven were arrested.
"Unfortunately, a few anarchists have joined the Occupied movement, and crowds tried to push their way through the police line on to the resort property," [Phoenix Police Sergeant] Crump said. "OC spray was deployed twice on aggressive groups, which was effective in stopping their actions." Arizona Republic
Naturally, the ALEC meeting kicked off today with a talk by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. It's no secret that she and many of the state's leaders, such as recently-recalled Senator Russell Pearce, colluded with ALEC to write and pass laws like SB 1070.
"Long ago, ALEC's corporate members figured out they could make big bucks by locking people up," said Caroline Isaacs, program director for the Arizona branch of the Quaker-based social justice group American Friends Service Committee. "Immigrant detention is the new growth industry." Arizona Republic
According to the protestors' website, a Tohono O'odham elder was sent to the hospital because of breathing difficulties after the pepper spray incident. The group said the police actions will not disrupt their planned protests over the four days of the meeting:
"We will continue to use diversity of tactics to send the message to ALEC members that the we are watching and we will not stand for the further destruction of our communities and environment that ALEC members push into law in order to fill their own pockets." Stated Alex Soto of O’odham Solidarity Across Borders. "The amount of force that police are using to protect ALEC’s corporate interests reveals how corrupt this system is.” Stated Soto. ShutAlecDown
For more information about ALEC, its members, who funds it, bills that are being considered, and how this Koch Brothers wet dream operates in your state, visit ALEC Exposed.