Doctors: Scott Olsen Suffered Brain Damage, Unable to Speak

[Hissyspit]

Source: Guardian / Raw Story

Doctors: Scott Olsen suffered brain damage and is unable to speak

By Stephen C. Webster
Friday, October 28, 2011 5 Topics: keith olbermann ♦ keith shannon ♦ non lethal weapons

The Iraq veteran seriously wounded Tuesday night at “Occupy Oakland” sustained minor brain damage and has been rendered unable to speak, doctors said Friday, cautioning that he will likely be able to make a full recovery in time.

Scott Olsen, 24, was said to be otherwise lucid and able to communicate with his family by writing notes, but his ability to spell is also damaged, according to sources who spoke with The Guardian. He is, however, able to understand what’s being communicated to him.

Keith Shannon, Olsen’s roommate who served with him in Iraq, explained that “He cannot talk right now, and that is because the fracture is right on the speech center of his brain,” the paper added. “However, they are expecting he will get that back.”

Olsen is believed to have been struck in the forehead by a police projectile, and many speculate it was either a tear gas canister or a beanbag full of lead fired from a shotgun. Both can be lethal at close range, although many police departments use them as “non-lethal” weapons. Video from the scene seems to show him being struck by a tear gas canister fired from just a few feet away, but the image is not clear.

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/10/28/doctors-scott-olsen-suffered-brain-damage-and-is-unable-to-speak/

---

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/28/occupy-oakland-occupy-movement

Scott Olsen 'cannot talk' after injury at Occupy Oakland protest

Iraq war veteran is believed to have sustained damage to speech centre of his brain in injury at Occupy protest on Tuesday

Adam Gabbatt guardian.co.uk, Friday 28 October 2011 14.01 EDT

Scott Olsen, the Iraq war veteran who was seriously injured by a police projectile during a protest in Oakland, has regained consciousness but "cannot talk".

Olsen, 24, is communicating with friends and family at his bedside by writing notes, but his injury is believed to have damaged the speech centre of his brain, according to Keith Shannon, who served with Olsen in Iraq.

Olsen is believed to have been injured by a police projectile. He was hit in the forehead in downtown Oakland on Tuesday evening, after marching with fellow demonstrators to protest the closure of an Occupy Oakland camp in the city.

"He cannot talk right now, and that is because the fracture is right on the speech center of his brain," said Shannon. "However, they are expecting he will get that back."

MORE AT LINK

[TwilightGardener]

1. That is sad. Hope he recovers.

[Amonester]

73. $1500 reward for information leading to the identification of OPD officer

$1500 reward for information leading to the identification of OPD officer who shot Scott Olsen, email [e-mail] or http://www.occupyoakland.org for all info.


Get Well Soon, Scott.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

93. Seems like that can be increased ...

... are they taking donations for the reward fund?

[gateley]

94. I thought Anonymous was offering the reward, but I could

be mistaken. I thought it was kind of low, too.

It might be difficult to determine exactly who fired this particular canister, though, with all the confusion and activity.

[Marazinia]

120. This brings up the tricky issue of right of self defense

We all know peaceful protesters are infiltrated by rock throwing provocateurs and that these informants and agents will start fights with police in order to get protesters labeled as violent. So how do we stop them and when they escalate a situation, what rights do we have of self defense?

First, we need to police ourselves. If a protester hurls so much as a pebble at police or verbalizes any threat, remove that protester from our ranks and get any ID that protester has on him or her. Everyone not involved in restraining the protester needs to either film the event, including the ID of the perpetrator, or block the view of police from it so that is not used by police as a pretext to move in.

Second, when a provocateur or a real protester bent on violence escalates a situation, the first duty is similar to the duty of someone defending themselves by law. Escape the situation without doing violence if that is possible. But if you're cornered, either by people or by structures, then what? That is for every protester as an individual to decide and prepare in advance for. In situations where there is no provocation, it's more clear cut. Violence against peaceful protesters may be met with violence in return. Although it might still be better to flee if possible.

But the first one is the most important. Stop escalations by any means necessary. And get as much footage of events from as many angles as you can. Film the police, film your fellow protesters. Prove that it isn't protesters becoming violent against police first, it's police becoming violent against protesters first.

[ThatsMyBarack]

123. Welcome to DU, Marazinia!

:hi:

[Marazinia]

127. Thanks!

I've skated through here a few times, but just now getting out of a slump that left me asking why I should bother with political discussion anymore. If nothing else, Occupy has people like me raising our heads up again and asking ourselves if maybe this time we really can change things.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

130. Beautifully stated, Marazinia.

Gandhi, King, et. al. knew that giving in to emotion and reacting is giving them what they want and turns the public against you. It's very difficult to remain peaceful when under attack, but with a 24-hour news cycle to fill (and corporate-owned media, looking to put one piece of video up with a reaction to play over and over and over), it is part of winning the war. Plus, we've got tens of thousands of video cameras and multiple web sites and blogs (plus one or two tv channels) to record when they attack.

It's slow going, but the tide is turning our way.

[duhneece]

2. Healing and comforting vibes being sent

I pray this courageous young man pulls through completely.

[valerief]

3. I wonder how much his medical bill will cost him. nt

[ArtiChoke]

5. You mean "cost the City of Oakland".

[valerief]

15. I wouldn't assume they'd pay just because they should. If they don't pay, they'll suffer no

consequences. There are no consequences for bullies working for the 1% in this country.

[frylock]

18. the city is going to get their balls sued to the walls over this

[valerief]

21. and some bought and paid for judge will let the PD get away with it.

I have no faith in this country. It's a toilet.

[frylock]

28. i agree, which is why i have no prob with this officer getting dox'd

[valerief]

39. +1

[efhmc]

87. Could you tell me what dox'd means?

[frylock]

90. having your personal information released..

like officer bologna, the pepper spray cop.

[efhmc]

119. Thanks.

[12AngryBorneoWildmen]

110. I second that.

The 'no faith' and the 'toilet'.

[Vanje]

22. Quite Rightly!

[CreekDog]

78. they're going to get sued and they're going to settle

because they know if it goes to court in California, especially in the Bay Area, they'll lose so hard, it will cost me money! (and I live across the bay)

[Vanje]

20. Damn right! nt

[donquijoterocket]

116. and if

His VA medical coverage will pertain or if they'll figure out a way to damage him further with that as well. The PTB do not like to be confronted much less made a fool of. I'm thinking if Sgt. Shamar Thomas had confronted this group the way he reminded the NYC police there was no honor in their actions there might have been live rounds used. Bad enough as it is. Don't know if any deity that might exist accepts supplication from an unreconstructed old atheist but my best wishes and all positive energy to this Marine.

[BlueIris]

4. That is terrible. All best to him and his family. nt

[pam4water]

6. Awww that is just to offal to contemplate.

[roguevalley]

7. if this follows my dad's situation and its in the broca brain he will

have a lifetime without being able to read or speak well to any degree. :cry:

[lunatica]

9. Maybe modern medicine and knowledge of the brain have improved a lot

I have a friend whose 83 year old mother just had back surgery. It used to be horribly invasive and the recovery was difficult and painful, but now they cut a very short 4 inch incision and gently scrape at the bone until everything is back to it's normal size. She was in the hospital for a few days but only because of her age. Most patients go home right away.

It's only been a week or two and she's completely out of pain and walking around quite well. She'll be able to drive again but she'll have to have a bit of therapy to regain the muscle in one of her legs where she used to so much pain that she didn't use it much. She feels great and has a new lease on life.

Medicine and treatments have improved a lot in the last few years.

[tpsbmam]

26. Many variables here, including age

Don't know how old your father was when his injury to Broca's area occurred. Scott's age is in his favor -- he's relatively young. Youth plays a factor in brain injuries -- the younger brain tends to be more plastic than the older brain, meaning it has more ability to form new connections around the injury. So, for example, you really can't compare a 75-year-old's injury due to stroke to a 24-year-old's injury like Scott's.

It's very soon after the injury. There's no doubt Scott sustained a brain injury. You really can't tell this close to the injury what kind of lasting effects there will be. Early reports indicated there was swelling -- if so, that needs more time to resolve. And in general, it'll take more time to know the real lasting effects. He will have lasting effects -- even "minor" head injuries can leave people with sometimes subtle and sometimes not so subtle lasting effects.

[iris27]

70. The fact that he is able to communicate by writing is encouraging, though, since production

of intelligible written and spoken language both depend on Broca's area.

[No Elephants]

100. I am so sorry about your father. Blessings.

[roguevalley]

125. thank you. he was then and always will be one of my two heroes.

Mama is the other.

[PADemD]

108. Speech aphasia

Over 10 years ago, my mother suffered a stroke which resulted in speech aphasia. She could only say one word, “yes.” The only therapy she received was music therapy at home. She listened to classical music (Mozart) for one hour each day; and, in one month, her ability to speak short sentences returned. After several months, her full ability to speak returned. She swore that listening to that music helped her regain the ability to speak.

Music Therapy Improves Stroke Outcomes
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/20/AR2008022001414.html

Music Therapy

Wilson, Parsons, & Reutens looked at the effect of melodic intonation therapy (MIT) on speech production in a male singer with severe Broca's aphasia.<31> In this study, thirty novel phrases were taught in three conditions: unrehearsed, rehearsed verbal production (repetition), or rehearsed verbal production with melody (MIT). Results showed that phrases taught in the MIT condition had superior production, and that compared to rehearsal, effects of MIT lasted longer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_therapy

[xxqqqzme]

117. He is young and that makes a big difference

w/ brain injuries. My brain trauma was on the right side and affected, primarily, the nerve bundle in my left shoulder resulting in my left arm & hand movement being severely restricted. To a lesser extent, it also affected my ability to swallow. I was in a coma for 4 days that was medically extended to 10 days to give my other injuries a chance to start healing. I was 47 and it took close to two years of therapy to get back to a semblance of normalcy.

At first I couldn't read because my eyes wouldn't track from the end of one line to the next. Recovery from brain trauma takes time and hard work. I was lucky because I had some wonderful, dedicated therapists. I hope Scott has the same good fortune. The people aiding his recovery will have a huge impact. It will take hard work on his part as well. It was the hardest job I ever had, but the rewards were greatest.

[riderinthestorm]

128. Wow! What a story. I am so glad you shared that. So there's hope for this young man. I'm worried nt

[Exultant Democracy]

8. Don't worry Scott thousands of voices across america will speak for you while you can't.

Heal quickly.

[HughBeaumont]

12. Hundreds of thousands, hopefully.

Goes through an illegal nightmare of a war, comes home, all to get unremorsefully assaulted by someone he swore to protect and defend.

Ain't that America? You and me? Ain't that America? Something to see? Ain't that America? Home of the free?

[pasto76]

17. except that 99% of you can not speak for him. You're not veterans

collectively, this country lets us fall through the cracks, but in a case like Olsen's, way too many of you are willing to jump on our coat tails.
There have been real struggles and issues for veterans in the last decade. most of you couldn't be bothered - yes even on the "left". Try to maintain some integrity and not throw this kid's name about too often.

[stlsaxman]

40. i CAN and WILL speak for him as an American citizen and human being...

and don't you try to fuckin' tell me i can't or you're just as bad as the cops!

:mad:

[unionworks]

41. amen

All words, no matter how well intentioned, ring hollow in my ears. There are no words for this, and I feel exactly where you are coming from.

[kestrel91316]

65. If you actually hung out on DU instead of the obvious elsewhere, you would

know how much we all support veterans.

[unionworks]

96. think you misunderstood

The intention of my post. I know most DUers support vets. And as far as I'm concerned, the protesters who risked their lives to drag him to safety are heroes. I was only trying to say that this tragedy is beyond words.

[unionworks]

42. please think

..of the other demonstraters who ran back after being hit with flash/bang grenades to save Scotts life. They weren't military, they were just brave kids who really loved Scott and risked their lives for him. Without them he certainly would not be alive. They deserve a fucking. Medal.

[girl_interrupted]

47. Excuse me, but Scott isn't only a veteran

There is a lot more to him than that. And I'm sorry to tell you, that if you go on Facebook, there are 2 pages dedicated to Scott on there, and some of the comments about him by veterans are far from complimentary "He's a disgrace to the uniform" . And I'm not surprised by it sadly, because when Sgt Shamar Thomas stood up to NYPD officers at OWS, who were ready to beat protesters there he was yelling "This isn't a War Zone, these people aren't armed, there is no honor in what you are doing", I was shocked by the nasty comments about him on Facebook too, by veterans.

So he doesn't only belong to veterans, he belongs with the people he CHOSE to be with and that encompasses a lot of people, some veterans, some not.....but all calling themselves the 99%

No one is riding his "coat tails". The references to his military status, cannot be avoided, because like what my dad once told me, "Once a Marine, always a Marine" and the most ironic fact of all...that he served two tours in Iraq unscathed, to come home and be attacked by his own government. That fact is inescapable.

And while I understand some of your disappointment about veterans issues, you aren't the only ones getting the shaft, lots of people are and thats what the OWS movement is all about, fundamental fairness for all.

Scott stood up for this movement and will stand up for him. We offer him our respect, our love and our prayers.

[Katie]

56. +1000

[FailureToCommunicate]

58. Well put!

[unionworks]

61. I love Scott

As did those around him who became true heroes in the act of saving his life.

[quakerboy]

82. Though to be fair

Anyone can claim to be a veteran online. And that kinda BS is what the RW trolls excel at. So keyboard critics of Shamar or Olson who claim to be veterans ought to be taken with the annual output of a salt mine.

[No Elephants]

101. Yes, even at DU, claiming to be a veteran--or anything else-- is easy for anyone.

[quakerboy]

102. Truth

[pacalo]

92. I'm very disappointed to hear that. However, here's a link to a reddit site where many Marines &

other servicemen have discussed their feelings. They are outraged & are very supportive of Scott.

http://www.reddit.com/r/occupywallstreet/comments/lqjx2/how_i_feel_as_a_united_states_marine_about_what/

[cui bono]

104. Well said, thank you. n/t

[kestrel91316]

48. I don't know a single soul on DU who isn't 100% behind veterans.

[tabasco]

54. You talkin' to me?

I'm a combat infantry vet and I think anyone who believes in the cause that Olsen believed in can speak for him.

You seem to have a malfunction.

[unionworks]

63. sorry to dissapoint

He is nlot gonna fucki'n "be okay"don't believe the bullshit they are feeding you THEY FUCKED HIM UP

[kestrel91316]

66. Yeah, because brain tissue has ZERO healing capacity.

Sigh.

Do you happen to recall one congresswoman from AZ who was expected to DIE from her brain trauma?

[unionworks]

98. yes

And I happen to believe the M$M is minimizing his injuries to try and abate the rage we feel over this. They had to put hhim in a coma and he can't talk, for chrissake.

[tabasco]

67. Did you mean to post to me?

I'm confused.

[unionworks]

97. nope

Sorry. That happens a lot with the tiny buttons! :-)

[riderinthestorm]

88. What's really weird is that there are a whole LOT of DUers who are vets!

More than freepers if I can recall....

[No Elephants]

99. You may or may not grok this, but you can't speak for him, either.

Sadly, he apparently can't speak for himself.

[Hissyspit]

106. People have been posting about veterans issues here for a decade.

[riderinthestorm]

129. You know, that's bullshit. Here's a link to my latest effort on behalf of veterans

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php/http:/bcnews.go.com/Blotter/egypt-crisis-omar-suleiman-cia-rendition/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=9798677&mesg_id=9798677

Would you go vote? The deadline is rapidly approaching. While I'm not a vet, I am passionate about poverty issues and the veterans homeless shelter is a pet project of mine - for a decade now.

Please don't be so snide about DUers. Many DUers are vets. Many more DUers support and help vets. Your snark isn't appreciated.

[MindandSoul]

85. That's the America I can love!

[MindandSoul]

37. YES. Thanks for reminding us that WE can be Scott's voice until he heals!

[nc4bo]

10. Tragic, tragic.

:cry:

[Katashi_itto]

11. RESIGN MAYOR...FIRE POLICE CHIEF

[sakabatou]

23. And definitely get rid of the guy that fired the "canister"

[Kolesar]

64. The police department needs an inquest

But the "Blue Code" means that police cover up for each others' abuses.

[SoapBox]

71. Ditto, Ditto, Ditto...

outrageous.

[rpannier]

107. I thought the Police Chief already had.

But I love this little tidbit from the Mayor

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, who was in Washington DC when the clashes occurred, has sought to distance herself from the police action.

"I only asked the chief to do one thing: to do it when it was the safest for both the police and the demonstrators," she said.


She's done as Mayor

[PSzymeczek]

121. The Oakland police chief

resigned yesterday.

[liberalmuse.com]

13. Glad he's going to be ok. I was really worried about him.

Get well soon, Scott. Your message lives on.

Also, has anyone thought this can be kind of symbolic? He spoke out against corruption, and the police cracked down and SILENCED him.

[Posteritatis]

14. I wouldn't call Broca's aphasia 'okay,' really. (nt)

[Bladian]

80. So you know more than the doctors who said he's probably going to be fine? nt

[Lost-in-FL]

16. He is going to do well.

He might not be able to talk right now but the fact that he is able to write is great news.

Here hoping for a speedy recovery!


:patriot:

[Remember Me]

19. What an incredible metaphor -- unable to speak

That's exactly what he was experiencing: an attack on his (and our) ability to speak, our First Amendment rights.

Speedy recovery to him. I'm relieved to read that it's not likely permanent.

[Kaleko]

27. You make a great point.

Rendered speechless by the nation that sent him into a war to bring democracy and freedom to a foreign land.

The hypocrisy is killing us until we start to roar in unison, worldwide.

[harun]

77. +1

[Why Syzygy]

115. Definitely..

my thought too. Amazing.

[MannyGoldstein]

24. Guy goes to Iraq to defend our rights

Then he gets blasted in the head for exercising those rights.

I guess he was only defending the rights of the 1% in Iraq.

[socialist_n_TN]

68. And there you have it in a nutshell Manny

"I guess he was only defending the rights of the 1% in Iraq."

How's this for supporting vererans? NO MORE IMPERIALISTIC WARS!

I hope this brave young man recovers fully.

[snagglepuss]

72. Effing bang on.

:mad:

[stockholmer]

74. +100, spot on as usual

[SammyWinstonJack]

118. That's whose rights every troop in both Iraq and Afghanistan are defending

The filthy 1%.

[jwirr]

25. Hope his ability to speak recovers. This is iron. A man practicing

freedom of speech is denied that right by police attack and now cannot speak.

Truly there is no honor in attacking unarmed protesters. I hope whoever did this to him is feeling some of the dishonor of his actions.

[DeSwiss]

29. K&R n/t

[dddem]

30. I'm thankful the outcome wasn't worse

And I'm hopeful that he will recover fully.

[DemOhio]

31. The right-wing is using this to discredit OWS

They are saying the OWS movement and the liberals don't support the troops and we only rally around this veteran because it "helps our cause."

They are saying that we dont want him to recover so that he becomes a "martyr" for the movement.

It's disturbing, but the comments on right wing blogs and Fox News are saying that OWS (and democrats in general) are guilty of using this marine's injury to win political points.

I hope he gets better soon.

[Moosepoop]

44. Some of those same sentiments were expressed

in a post upthread ... :yoiks:

[unionworks]

46. who gives a FUCK

What comes out of COWARDS mouths

[greiner3]

32. I'm hoping that there is a modern day;

Madame DeFarge out there taking down names!

[unapatriciated]

38. There is many of those who are live streaming during a police action

who repeat badge numbers so that it is documented.

[AtheistCrusader]

33. Shit.

[unionworks]

34. I don't care

...right now about "how this will affect the movement"or any other goddamn thing. All I care about is hearing that this outstanding young American has made a full recovery. The mayor of Oakland must resign. I don't giveafuck about ANYTHING she has done before. What I would love to know is WHO HAS HOLD OF HER FUCKING PUPPET STRINGS TO ALLOW THIS TRAVESY TO HAPPEN. HOW BOUT SOME ANSWERS, JEAN!!!!!

[LiberalEsto]

35. Sending love, light and blessings to Scott

and to all the brave Occupiers everwhere

[MindandSoul]

36. I want to do something. Does he have insurance? Shouldn't we start a drive for

his medical bills?

[DemOhio]

45. Military

he is a vet. So I think he is covered the VA. At least thats what some of my friends who were in Iraq have. Double check though, not sure if there is a loophole or co-pay.

[stlsaxman]

43. so in the attempt to restrict his freedom of speech they took away his ability to speak.

[Dragonbreathp9d]

49. Doctors: Scott Olsen suffered brain damage and is unable to speak

Source: Rawstory

-snip-
The Iraq veteran seriously wounded Tuesday night at “Occupy Oakland” sustained minor brain damage and has been rendered unable to speak, doctors said Friday, adding that he will likely be able to make a full recovery in time.

Scott Olsen, 24, was said to be otherwise lucid and able to communicate with his family by writing notes, but his ability to spell is also damaged, according to sources who spoke with The Guardian. He is, however, able to understand what’s being communicated to him.
-snip-

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/10/28/doctors-scott-olsen-suffered-brain-damage-and-is-unable-to-speak/

---

Livid and sad at the same time. WTF Oakland

[DearAbby]

50. He survived two tours in Iraq

only to be seriously wounded on the streets of USA. Disgusting. I have never been more ashamed of this country. Healing thoughts to him and his family. Healing thoughts to us, this country as well. We can heal ourselves once we realize every human being has value. Just by the virtue of BEING.

[otohara]

51. Hang In There Scott

we need your voice!

[newfie11]

52. SON OF A BITCH!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope the cop that shot that thing is proud of himself NOW!!!!!:grr: :grr:
Shit he was safer in Iraq then his own country!!
Land of the free MY ASS!

[Darth_Kitten]

112. Geez, I hate that....

here's to hoping he WILL make a full recovery.

[democrank]

53. Stand up and speak out

for Scott Olsen.

[sandyj999]

55. Scott Will Be OK. nt

[senseandsensibility]

57. What a tragedy.

Of course I am optimistic that he will eventually make a full recovery. He is young and healthy. But the pain and suffering he has already been put through, and the long struggle he now faces are both completely unnecessary and senseless. I obviously have nothing original or groundbreaking to add, but I was very saddened to hear this news.

[polichick]

59. What a poignant symbol - losing his speech simply for using his right to free speech...

Thank God he'll make a full recovery - BLESS SCOTT OLSEN!

[FirstLight]

60. the MSM etc must be doing their magic

I was talking to me mom earlier and brought this up. Granted, she's older and was never an activist type, and after living in Oakland for years, she also harbors some of her latent southern predjudice in the back of her mind too. However, i wonder what she must be hearing on the news for her to say
'those people in oakland are nothing but savages.." and " they aren't organized like the people in new york" and "they are mostly made up of homeless people and junkies.."

so that's why scott olsen *deserved* what he got? :wtf:

I am horrified still that this happened, and even told my mom i had to stop talking about it with her because i'd just get mad. I think it's bullshit that some people think that these protestors, ANY of them, deserve to be squashed down...why? because they "lack a coherent message"..?

:banghead:

[Marazinia]

124. A lifetime of conditioning

Americans, despite being raised in a country many proclaim to be Christian, have had a lifetime of conditioning to accustom them to the idea that the homeless, the mentally ill, and the unemployed are all disposable people, dirty, savage, and undeserving. We have been raised to support members of the military only when they are blindly following the orders of their superiors. We have been raised to accept the very notion of superiors in our own workplaces, despite being the land of the free. Our culture, our public education system, our political rhetoric, are not and never have been designed to teach people how to think about history and politics. Quite the opposite. Despite this, many of us can and do think for ourselves. It is our jobs to open dialogue with those who cannot, to teach them, not to think like we think, but to think for themselves, even if that means that they oppose our views in the end. It's okay for a thinking human being to disagree with me. It's not okay for Rush Limbaugh to disagree with me through the mouths of those conditioned to have no real opinions of their own.

[underpants]

62. Just like the 1% would like all of the public to be

Good luck Scott. We are rooting for you. And thanks.

[tclambert]

69. No such thing as "non-lethal" weapons. The preferred term now is "less lethal."

Tear gas grenades, bean bags, rubber bullets, and water cannon can kill if they hit a person just right (or wrong, depending on your point of view) at close enough range. There's one less lethal weapon that is like a giant silly string sprayer, inspired probably by Spider-man, that hoses the targeted person with a sticky, gummy substance. That can kill if it covers the person's nose and mouth.

Basically, people are the problem--they vary too much in what they can take and what can kill them. Anything strong enough to incapacitate Ken Shamrock would kill Justin Bieber.

[AllyCat]

75. Sending healing energy to Mr. Olsen...

...and I hope we have enough money and energy to sue the bastards that did this. GRRRRR....

[defendandprotect]

76. kr -- Criminal activity by police -- !!!

[47of74]

79. My interest in becoming a lawyer has been renewed...

...so I can stand up for people who are hurt by these scumbags.

[goforit]

81. This unbelievable!!!

This is so wrong!!!

[ProfessionalLeftist]

83. Horrendous. I hope he makes a full recovery & his family sues

The crap out of the dirtbag sheriff. His azz needs to join the unemployed.

[Name removed]

84. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Dutchmaster]

86. It's ON now Motherf@#%ers!!!

[WingDinger]

89. Shove this so far u0p thier asses, they GET solar energy{ see the light}.

[solarman350]

91. Scott has Now Become the Symbol of the Occupy Movement

--just as Ron Kovic was and still is for the Anti-War Movement. Both cut down while protesting injustice. Hopefully, Scott will heal and not remain mute.

.
.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Black bird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
all your life
you were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise,
You were only waiting for this moment to arise,
You were only waiting for this moment to arise


-"Blackbird" as composed by Paul and sung by the Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrxZhWCAuQw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfjUEBT9I&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAgceen153I&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wibdPc3LvrQ&feature=related

[ZombieHorde]

95. I hope he heals well. I hope his family OK. nt

[Tx4obama]

103. Scott's roommate talked with Olbermann Friday night and gave an UPDATE - see link below

Interview video:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2206337

[Enthusiast]

105. kr, This is incredible........nt

[Honeycombe8]

109. Oh, God. Let's hope he recovers fully. What a bizarre response by the authoritiies

to a peaceful demonstration. What a violent reaction, esp in a country with a guaranteed right and a history of peaceful protests. Then again, there was Kent State.

[civilisation]

111. Being rendered unable to speak is "minor brain damage"?

The cop who aimed and shot a metal tear-gas can at another human being's head KNOWS what s/he did. The karma on an action like that is not good,. think before you attack people., you only make your life worse.

[orbitalman]

113. Oh... Oh... Oh... This case needs a lawsuit so BIG...

It would draw the attention of the ENTIRE world!!!!

[WillyT]

114. K & R !!!

:mad:

:kick:

[indepat]

122. Hopefully the Oakland PD has already given assurances that they will be picking up

or covering all hospital, medical, and rehabilitation expenses and the loss of wages. :patriot:

[dipsydoodle]

126. Wack on the left side of head I guess

Hopefully when the swelling goes away his speech will restore to normal. If by chance anyone can contact the family, and he can speak any foreign language, then although it wont have occured to him tell him to use that for the time being. It will work - trust me.

[solarman350]

131. Where is Anonymous to DOX the shooter?

It's "eye for an eye" time. Pigs don't understand anything else....nor does a frightened and stockholm syndromed populace.