The American Spectator : Standoff in D.C.

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Standoff in D.C.

By Patrick Howley on 10.8.11 @ 6:24PM

Anti-capitalist protests engulf the nation's capital -- and one American Spectator reporter gets pepper-sprayed.

WASHINGTON -- The fastest-running protesters charged up the steps of Washington's National Air and Space Museum Saturday afternoon to infiltrate the building and hang banners on the "shameful" exhibits promoting American imperialism. As the white-uniformed security guards hurried to physically block the entrances, only a select few -- myself, for journalistic purposes, included -- kept charging forward.

Roughly one hundred protesters marched on the Air and Space Museum Saturday, following a planned assembly held the night before in Freedom Plaza. At that assembly, the "Action Committee" for the protest movement organized by October2011.com suggested storming the museum in order to state their opposition to American militarism, which they perceive as a root cause of the federal deficit. The marchers started out in the early afternoon, and after a roughly half-hour parade through the streets of D.C. they reached their target. As the museum doors approached, all of a sudden liberal shoes started marching less forcefully, and the crowd split into two factions -- those rushing the doors, and those staying behind.

After sneaking past the guard at the first entrance, I found myself trapped in a small entranceway outside the second interior door behind a muscle-bound left-wing fanatic and a heavyset guard. The fanatic shoved the guard and the guard shoved back, hard, sending this comrade -- and, by domino effect, me -- sprawling against the wall. After squeezing myself out from under him, I sprinted toward the door. Then I got hit.

Being pepper-sprayed is a singularly agonizing experience -- enormously painful, but even worse for a hypochondriac. When the spray begins soaking into your eyeball, swelling your eyelids and rendering them largely inoperable, it's hard not to worry that you might soon have to invest in stronger-prescription glasses.

But as far as anyone knew I was part of this cause -- a cause that I had infiltrated the day before -- and I wasn't giving up before I had my story. Under a cloud of pepper spray I forced myself into the doors. Suspecting that the entire crowd would be able to get inside, I ran blindly across the floor of the Air and Space Museum to find a place to observe, drawing the attention of hundreds of stunned khaki-clad tourists (some of whom began snapping off disposable-camera portraits of me). I strained to glance behind me at the dozens of protesters I was sure were backing me up, and then I got hit again, this time with a cold realization: I may have been the only one who had made it through the doors.

The tourist reaction within the museum -- like the reactions of those on D.C. tour buses and sidewalks Saturday -- was one of confusion and mild irritation. In the absence of definitive national polling on the matter, that may be the best opinion sample we yet have of this rash of ill-defined, anti-corporate and anti-bailout protests developing across the country. What began on Wall Street is now spreading, and the question still remains: is it dangerous?

Socialist indoctrination methods are surprisingly effective. It's hard not to get swept up in the Movement when you're among a hundred foot soldiers -- most of them attractive 20-year old girls -- marching down E Street toward Freedom Plaza chanting, "How do we end the deficit? End the war and tax the rich!" Whenever the protesters would pass a group of tourists they'd implore them to join, and when a few smiling college kids would hesitantly jump in everyone would applaud wildly.

It was a miracle that they even managed to get to the museum. At the Freedom Plaza planning assembly Friday night, facilitators from October2011.com struggled to keep order with a system they had invented -- one in which new ideas are called "process points" and "twinkles" (i.e. twinkling your fingers) stand for "yay." No one at the assembly seemed to have any kind of discernable cause ("I thought the government was the problem? Isn't that why we're here?" asked a clueless old man just before the police cut off the microphones). With the lead facilitator -- a redhaired, ponytailed twentysomething woman seemingly just out of grad school -- imploring the crowd to be patient with her as she differentiated between "process points" and "information points," the group grew restless. Disenchanted with false promises of free pizza, they started leaving in mass numbers.

So I was surprised to find myself a fugitive Saturday afternoon, stumbling around aircraft displays with just enough vision to keep tabs on my uniformed pursuers. "The museum is now closed!" screamed one of the guards as alarms sounded. "Everyone make your way to the exits immediately!" Using my jacket to cover my face -- which I could feel swelling to Elephant Man proportions -- I ducked through the confused tourists and raced out the exit. "Hey, you!" shouted a female guard reaching for my arm. "Get back here!" But I was already down the steps and out of sight.

Minutes earlier, I had been among those blocking major D.C. roads chanting "We're unstoppable" -- and from beneath my unshaven left-wing altar ego, I worried that we might actually be. But just as the lefties couldn't figure out how to run their assembly meeting (many process points, I'm afraid to report, were left un-twinkled), so too do they lack the nerve to confront authority. From estimates within the protest, only ten people were pepper-sprayed, and as far as I could tell I was the only one who got inside the museum.

In the absence of ideological uniformity, these protesters have no political power. Their only chance, as I saw it, was to push the envelope and go bold. But, if today's demonstration was any indicator, they don't have what it takes to even do that.

As I scrambled away from the scene of my crime, a police officer outside the museum gates pointed at my eyes, puffed out his chest, and shouted: "Yeah, that's right. That's right." He was proud that I had been pepper-sprayed, and, oddly, so was I. I deserved to get a face full of high-grade pepper, and the guards who sprayed me acted with more courage than I saw from any of the protesters. If you're looking for something to commend these days in America, start with those guards.

More protests are planned for D.C. Sunday, with the internal aim of keeping this disruptive movement going into the work week.

Letter to the Editor

Thank you for reading. Please consider making a contribution.

Occam's Tool| 10.8.11 @ 6:28PM

Patrick, my boy---did you get laid?

That's really the point of attending these things with the 24 year old hippy chicks anyway,right?

Remember the motto, "she who smokes, also pokes."

Thierry Guerrant| 10.9.11 @ 6:40AM

That's really the point of attending, eh? Is that why the teabagger protests were so poorly attended?

beebop2| 10.9.11 @ 10:27AM

Things so dispirited at your usual spots that you just wanted to knock some heads? I believe that teabagging is a practice between members of the group you are supposed to support?

soccermom| 10.9.11 @ 1:25PM

Wow, reporter incites violent protest and rioting because the movement is too peaceful. And ends up getting innocent people pepper-sprayed even though they were too smart to follow his idiotic, testosterone-fueled play-rampage.

Why is this guy a reporter? The only thing worth mocking is him.

soccermom| 10.9.11 @ 1:34PM

And BTW, when will the DC police be pressing charges against you, Patrick? Seems to me you not only broke the law, you are bragging about it. If one incites riots and admits to being an agent-provocateur, one pays the price. Individual responsibility and all that.

So, DC police, how about it?And remember that the other folks, the REAL protesters, were law-abiding and peaceful. You have Patrick Howley's word on it, and he should know.

anon| 10.9.11 @ 2:48PM

soccermom, I absolutely support OWS, and I absolutely suspect that Howley is an asshole.

But where does he incite anyone?

I think his actions were not journalistic, not if he was somehow undercover, but I do not see where he incited anyone.

soccermom| 10.9.11 @ 3:35PM

Hi Anon,

Well, I take your point. Howley just broke the law hisownself, and got law abiding protesters pepper-sprayed into the bargain.

He was just following orders, apparently.

Also, different topic, but noticed Howley says he has an "altar ego", which is apparently no angel, as opposed to a more pedestrian 'alter ego.'

Comedy gold, from one of the new journamalists!

Susie Madrak| 10.9.11 @ 10:19AM

Well, aren't you the charmer! You must have the ladies begging for it - whatever "it" is.

Harold Lauder| 10.9.11 @ 10:46AM

Dude, Bristol must smoke like a chimney, eh!

Bunmi| 10.9.11 @ 12:17PM

I'm a 28-year old business owner who will be attending a rally. I don't "smoke or poke" but I do take offense at bank executives giving themselves massive bonuses after being bailed out by the American people. I'm also outraged by corporate entities buying politicians (on the left and right) in order to ensure favorable legislation. Please keep the crude and juvenile comments to yourself.

Giuseppe| 10.9.11 @ 12:32PM

Right On Bunmi! I've never heard of this organization before, is it a real media outlet? It's a sad reflection of just how far, how bad, our society has decayed, when this is what media has become.

Peace... Keep on keepin' on.

Hellen B.| 10.9.11 @ 12:37PM

I agree 100% I am also business owner who is fed up. I wish I could be there with y'all, will be there in spirit, many Bright Blessings to you!

Harper| 10.9.11 @ 1:02PM

totally agree!!!!!!!!!!! Stupid, childish reporting.
Shame on Spectator for printing.

Tom Hillgardner| 10.9.11 @ 1:30PM

Right on, Bunmi. You nailed it. The American Spectator thinks its okay for banks to privitize the profits and socialize their loses while all the execs continue to get huge bonuses. And that's not even to mention the crimes of Goldman Sachs in selling MBSs with bogus "investment grade" credit ratings to Lehman Bros, Bear Stearns, and others, while taking the other side of the transaction in credit default swaps essentially betting that the American economy would go into the toilet. None of these folks are in jail and anyone who suggests that a full investigation should be had is labeled a "socialist" by commentators such as those at American Spectator. Maybe the American Spectator's days are numbered when all that they offer is such insightful (sarcasm) articles as this one here. I hope so.

shano| 10.9.11 @ 2:45PM

Just another corporate "reporter" who has no idea what the role of journalism (the 4th estate) should be in America. This guy is part of the problem. Crony Capitalism affects all of us, except for the 1% who profit from this system. It has to change. We cannot allow this to go on in America any longer. Everyone who supports the 'Occupy' movement should be on board with Dylan Ratigans #GetMoneyOut (of politics) campaign. this is the only way we can change the crony capitalist system at this point.

Isaiah| 10.9.11 @ 2:57PM

Well-put Bunmi. Occupy Wallstreet is nothing more or less than the voice of mainstream America demanding democracy, economic accountability and justice.

k962| 10.8.11 @ 6:43PM

Socialist punk! They should have laid you out!

kyck420| 10.8.11 @ 10:07PM

This is awesome. The American Spectator kicks ass

rino_in_no| 10.8.11 @ 10:53PM

If the people at American Spectator are willing to get pepper-sprayed so I have something to read, then I will continue to read it.

annie4annie| 10.8.11 @ 11:08PM

Nice. Could it be that The American spectator is...........cool now?

Isaiah| 10.9.11 @ 3:00PM

Why? Because their reporter got pepper-sprayed in the cause of facile, boring pseudo-satire? Give me a break. I've been clubbed for legally protesting this long, insane war when it started. This pathetic little man should be impressed neither with his war wounds nor his writing.

shipley130| 10.8.11 @ 7:04PM

Has Van Jones arrived on the scene with his pals in the New Black Panther Party yet? I have a feeling this could be headed for a shootout. It just takes the correct mix of da peeps.

Susie Madrak| 10.9.11 @ 10:21AM

So you're saying that black people are prone to violence, right?

No. It would seem that you said it.

Susie Madrak| 10.9.11 @ 3:47PM

"It just takes the correct mix of da peeps."

No, I'm not the one who only named black people and affected rap argot. See the difference?

RebDeb| 10.9.11 @ 1:40PM

Thank you, soccermom. Precisely. The reason so few stormed anything is that storming is not what this movement is about.

Patience. This movement is only slowly getting organized. I'll bet that it wasn't quite clear what was going on the first few weeks in Tahrir Square. In the end, regime change.

RebDeb| 10.9.11 @ 1:41PM

Oops, sorry, that comment was supposed to be up further -- still figuring out the details of this website's technology.

John Barleycorn| 10.9.11 @ 4:17PM

Yes, I could see how that link in big, red letters - "REPLY TO THIS" is so difficult to navigate.

If you're representative of the type of person who is involved in this "movement" I think the Wall Street types have little to fear.

Buck Ofama| 10.8.11 @ 7:47PM

>With the lead facilitator -- a redhaired, ponytailed twentysomething woman seemingly just out of grad school -- imploring the crowd to be patient with her as she differentiated between "process points" and "information points,"

Most likely a typical description of the pale, freckled, sickly, nerdy, elitist, idealist bookworm type. I'd say the silly bunt just needs a good fvck, but that could lead to replication.

b bayliss| 10.9.11 @ 1:06PM

YA, Those nerdy, elitist, bookworms, always using their brains to think and stuff, we wouldn't want the smart ones to reproduce! Who'd watch Fox?

tifosagal| 10.9.11 @ 2:58PM

bbyliss NAILED IT!

Isaiah| 10.9.11 @ 3:07PM

Wish I could buy you a pint over the net. Well put!

Isaiah| 10.9.11 @ 3:02PM

Haha. Stupid smart people. Getting educated. What a cogent, worthwhile criticism, Buck. You must be very proud of learning to complete a sentence on your own.

Oilfart| 10.8.11 @ 8:16PM

At least you had good reasons to get pepper sprayed, there were 20 y/o girls. That is a conservative male writer.

hoisterray| 10.8.11 @ 11:42PM

good report. keep your friends close and enemies closer

Miranda| 10.8.11 @ 8:28PM

Am I the only one not impressed? You crossed way over the line, Patrick. Storming up the steps, making your way into the museum, yelling along with the protesters? What's next - urinating on cop cars - smoking a joint - protesting at a bank executive's front door?

You equate "cojones" with having the nerve to storm the museum & get inside. You'd have been quite at home during the recent British riots. Hey, what's a brick or two through a window, right? I mean - it's all in the name of "journalism".

Somehow you morphed into a leader of the movement you're supposed to be objectively reporting on - and getting off on it too.

lillith| 10.8.11 @ 9:34PM

OMG "smoking a joint" is the same as putting a brick thru a window? Bill Buckley was a pot smoker, ya know.

craig| 10.8.11 @ 10:13PM

The museum was going to be closed down anyway because of the protesters. howley didn't organize the protests, he just reported on it. good

b bayliss| 10.9.11 @ 12:45PM

Our economy was going to be destroyed anyway, our rights to privacy were going to be rescinded anyway, we were going to war in Iraq anyway, we were going to make sure the President of the United States fails so we can win the next election anyway, we were going to be divided to protect the status quo,anyway. Conservative media didn't create these problems, they just enabled them . good?

zion-i| 10.8.11 @ 10:40PM

GOOD STUFF. I thought the American Spectator only wrote about old people's taxes

sumofthings| 10.9.11 @ 12:38AM

old people's taxes are important, but not for every article

beebop2| 10.9.11 @ 10:30AM

Imagine the state of the United States when there are no old people left to pay taxes ...

Dean from Ohio| 10.8.11 @ 8:39PM

Get rid of this wretch Patrick Howley from all things American Spectator. If I had been there with my family and had to leave early because of some punk masquerading as some other punk, I would have been in your face until my kids' embarrassing glances reminded me of my obligation to be a grown up.

Grow up, and until then, get lost!

craig| 10.8.11 @ 10:25PM

If the american spectator had been doing these kinds of things before, then I would have been reading this site before. These articles are great. Haters grow up

Thierry Guerrant| 10.9.11 @ 7:10AM

"Haters grow up"? That's hilarious. Howley's acting like a tween brat who's been badly parented, damaging the credibility of the right and its media organizations in the process, and you're telling someone who favors responsible conduct in a national museum to "grow up"?

Isaiah| 10.9.11 @ 3:04PM

In all fairness. There really isn't much that can further damage the credibility of the right.

perry2016| 10.8.11 @ 11:01PM

"Dean from Ohio" needs a little pepper spray

Tom Hillgardner| 10.9.11 @ 1:37PM

If by growing up you mean abandonning your values and agreeing to work for the man so you can pay the bank to which you have enslaved yourself by taking out a home loan, no thanks. The banks and bankers are all criminals. This isn't about capitalism and socialism, Its about wealth, power, and the corruption of the American political process. Of course, it is the ox owned by the rich that is about to be gored, so the right's usual cast of characters have condemned OWS as a "socialist, lefty" plot, when really it is just about ending the stranglehold that large corporations now have over Congress.

Tom| 10.8.11 @ 8:44PM

Mr. Howley, your behavior is totally disgusting. I hope your name never again appears on an American Spectator article.

nora| 10.8.11 @ 10:05PM

Tom: Wah, wah, the free website that I pay nothing for had an article on it that I didn't like. Get a life.

hgf223| 10.8.11 @ 10:20PM

Patrick, please keep these pieces coming. Baddest shit I read all day

ruda| 10.9.11 @ 1:59PM

I have to assume it's the ONLY thing you read all day then. This "story" is pathetic. And frankly, it's typical MO of the right to attempt to discredit by infiltrating. Certainly can't win with ideas.

Tom| 10.9.11 @ 12:49AM

Yea, Nora, and you get what you pay for.

Any media outlet that wants to be known for honest adult duscussion does not tolerate such childish--and criminal--behavior.

If this is what you want, then go find the kiddie pool

Tom| 10.9.11 @ 8:51AM

Oh, let me add that although the website may be free of charge, the printed American Spectator magazine is NOT free. I have been a paid subscriber to it for almost 25 years. But if the American Spectator continues to endorse this type of activity, then I will be an EX-paid subscriber.

carterfilesxx| 10.9.11 @ 12:48AM

I hope Tom's name never again appears on an American Spectator comment

Tom| 10.9.11 @ 12:50AM

No such luck.

Larry | 10.8.11 @ 9:01PM

Mr. Howley, just in case you haven't noticed, your ignorance is showing.

LibertyAtStake| 10.8.11 @ 9:25PM

Somewhere, Hunter S. Thompson is smiling at the pitch perfect Gonzo Journalism. The fact you were the only 'Leftist' with the guts to reach the objective is the salient contribution to these proceedings. Barry's Bolshevik Brigade (as I've heard Chris Plante label them) is the Potemkin Brigrade in reality.

d(^_^)b
http://libertyatstake.blogspot.com/
"Because the Only Good Progressive is a Failed Progressive"

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:31PM

LOL. Clueless. Hunter S. Thompson would humiliate this moron.

What a ridiculous comparison: this illiterate and the great HST.

Brianna| 10.9.11 @ 2:10PM

^^ LeftyGrove is right. Hunter S. Thompson would eat this man alive for breakfast, and probably still be hungry after. Seeing how many people actually understand the point of this movement is as simple as scrolling through these comments; The ones who don't get it want to tear us down, the ones who do get it either leave us alone or come to stand by us. I think its kind of funny that you "infiltrated" the movement. It's like you're trying to hard to be a badass, and instead you're just a moron.

Brianna| 10.9.11 @ 2:14PM

The problem with his plan is that he wanted to show how awful this movement is, how disorganized we are, and how dangerous we can be, but instead he proved exactly the opposite. The *only* person to cause any problems was THE REPORTER, who was *intentionally trying to be a dick*. Let me repeat that: Intentionally trying to be a dick. While he was being a dick, the rest of the movement who take this seriously were doing exactly what they should have been doing. It goes to show how organized we are, because clearly everyone *except the guy trying to be a dick* was on the same page. If anything, he just made us look even better and himself look ridiculous.

J. Y.| 10.8.11 @ 9:46PM

Masterpiece! This is exactly the kind of stunt the american spectator should be pulling off regularly. Viva Howley!

Thierry Guerrant| 10.9.11 @ 6:38AM

Why should a magazine editor be pulling off "stunts" in which he pretends to be what he's not and tries to incite violence? That is not journalism, "gonzo" or otherwise.

Bunmi| 10.9.11 @ 12:19PM

Exactly. Journalism meets MTV's "Jackass".

Truth to Power| 10.9.11 @ 12:25PM

You are the most whiny character. You need to develop some intestinal fortitude. The well deserved butt kicking you are going to receive is really going to hurt and you're prematurely acting like a baby. Take it like a man. Get a hobby or something. The irony of Obama'a youth complaining about no jobs is hilarious. Develop a sense of humor. You got most of what you wanted and this is what happened. You should have learned from Hugo Chavez in Venezuela but didn't. Now we have our own Hugo Obama who we need to put in the unemployment line.

soccermom| 10.9.11 @ 1:41PM

Nice word salad there? Any point there other than "My dick's bigger than yours, nah nah?"

Truth to Power| 10.9.11 @ 4:40PM

Soccermom has a real potty mouth and not much else to say.

christina_h| 10.8.11 @ 10:42PM

Ok, so, first time I've ever read American Spectator. Very impressed.

Boston12GS| 10.8.11 @ 10:57PM

Keep up the good work. These leftist infections cannot survive if exposed to the light of reality--so keep exposing.

neverben| 10.8.11 @ 11:12PM

Patrick Howley = cool writer. He seems not to care

rfwewing| 10.8.11 @ 11:20PM

he seems to be crazy, but it works

sumofthings| 10.9.11 @ 12:42AM

"many process points, I'm afraid to report, went untwinkled."

HA!

soccermom| 10.9.11 @ 1:44PM

Until the police press charges. After all, he's publicly admitted to breaking the law, and he's also caught in pics:

http://my.firedoglake.com/cgra...../#comments

I'll give him credit, the pics back up his report.

Boston12GS| 10.8.11 @ 11:20PM

By the way, been pepper sprayed myself, was a requirement for becoming an instructor, getting sprayed sucks, but as you've found you can fight past it without too much difficulty. Word of caution to anyone carrying pepper spray as protection against the zombie apocalypse--pepper spray works best against people willing to succumb to it. Against a truly motivated individual (e.g., a parent whose kid was being snatched) not so much.

hhmmm| 10.8.11 @ 11:52PM

wow. this is pretty intense.

Doris Lambord| 10.8.11 @ 11:56PM

I do hope you are feeling better and that your eyes have recovered.

Most people don't know this, but most officers who use pepper spray have been sprayed themselves during training. Perhaps that's why you received the reaction, "that's right". Because he knew what you were feeling. As if to say, "That's right it hurts, but it could have been worse."

Let this be a warning to those who flagrantly engage in civil disobedience against a building full of innocent tourists and for the police, whose duty it is to protect them. An angry mob is angry.

hhmmm| 10.9.11 @ 12:05AM

If these people are causing so much damage in D.C., I'm glad there's reporters getting in among them. You should keep doing that as long as these protets last

Thierry Guerrant| 10.9.11 @ 6:35AM

"Reporter"? He's not reporting on the protest, he's breaking the law and inciting violence. He admits he's the only one to force his way into the museum. That's not reporting, in fact, it violates every principle of journalism. What would you have said if a Mother Jones editor had pretended to be a teabagger and provoked an incident by charging security officers in a federal building?

TruthSpeaker| 10.9.11 @ 12:11AM

I never really understood the mob mentality. I am not a joiner, I think for myself, independent minded. So all that community organizing has no appeal. Do any of the sheeple think for themselves?

Bunmi| 10.9.11 @ 12:20PM

Mob mentality is so lame. I mean, what was MLK thinking? And as for woman's suffrage...they really just should have stayed in the kitchen. Gotta go watch some reality tv- bye!

carterfilesxx| 10.9.11 @ 12:59AM

bold stuff. spectator.org just got bookmarked

snapples| 10.9.11 @ 1:25AM

I suspect Patrick is going to have a rather brief career as an agent provocateur. Generally, the more successful agents don't write about their skullduggery. They don't get pepper sprayed either.

Is Patrick out of shape? Slow on the draw? What's his problem....aside from being intimidated by the Movement? 10,000 protested in Portland, Oregon on Thursday. Should they be warned that agent Patrick may be headed their way? Shiver me timbers!

raoul d.| 10.9.11 @ 1:46AM

Yes! GONZO JOURNALISM LIVES!

fransother| 10.9.11 @ 1:47AM

It will be a short career because it seems like he's going to get himself killed

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:01PM

One could only hope. However, we all now that redneck wingnut douchebags never die young. Therefore, we are stuck with this idiot.

Howleyfan#1| 10.9.11 @ 12:44PM

HOWLEY IS THE HEIR TO O'KEEFE! PROVOCATIVE JOURNALISM FOREVER!

b bayliss| 10.9.11 @ 1:30PM

The word Journalism has a meaning. YOU MIGHT WANT TO LOOK IT UP! (caps lock is fun)

ebecker2000| 10.9.11 @ 2:39AM

Just look at this YouTube and you will get some idea what its like to parade around "K" street and see what people read into the Occupy DC folks!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJTnxvkrzAs

elizabeth Berry| 10.9.11 @ 5:07AM

No surprise here. Your photo looks like you are a twin to James O'Keefe.
You both need to go back to journalism school and learn the difference between reporting the news and creating the news.

michael| 10.9.11 @ 6:58AM

I wonder how long before this gets article gets deleted.

zoi| 10.9.11 @ 11:56AM

I've saved and printed it for the court.

Southern_Comment| 10.9.11 @ 7:40AM

Look at Mr. Howley going old school with the journalism tactics. Good job!!!!

In other news Anderson Cooper cried on Oprah and finally cited the reason for exiting the unworkable world of war corespondency - "They called me NAMES" he weeped. Oprah empathized and donated a billion dollars to the DNC in his name.

Southern_Comment_2| 10.9.11 @ 12:02PM

Not intended to be a factual statement.

Southern_Comment| 10.9.11 @ 7:41AM

sorry spell checker is in the shop - correspondency.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 7:45AM

You know one question that always occurs to me is this: How come the police allowed this mob of 100 to get that close to the Air and Space Museum ? I doubt that they had a permit to get there. I wonder if they had any permit ? No, I believe that in certain area of the country these mobs are tolerated if not supported by local Socialists authorities. Recall the terrible riots in Great Britain. These riots turned very ugly because the government allowed them to happen. Thus I will tell Mr Howley, better be cautious in the future
because this is only practice for the "real deal". You could get much more seriously injured or worse. Unless, you are a Revolutionary.

Independent| 10.9.11 @ 12:35PM

"How come the police allowed this mob of 100 to get that close to the Air and Space Museum ?"

Probably because this "mob" was exercising its First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 8:04AM

I read the Gateway Pundit report of the Mob attack on the Air and Space Museum. And, I also saw reports of mob violence against NYC police. Howley buddy--be extremely careful--I hope you know that this mob you were with will get further and further out of control especially if it appears that the Socialists will lose in 2012.

Martin J Smith Know Nothing| 10.9.11 @ 9:40AM

What exactly was the violence against the NYPD.? Was is the peaceful females that got pepper sprayed in the face? Or the officer that bragged about beating people with his baton? I think you mean the violence committed BY the NYPD, not against. Get it straight.

Dani| 10.9.11 @ 11:55AM

Oh, dear. You DO realize the writer of this very article just explained in this very article how he was the only 'angry' one and the one who, in fact, led the charge into the museum?

In other words, it appears the only mob-like behavior was incited by Mr. Howley.

Unless a large group of people marching peacefully is considered a mob in your book?

Troy Davis| 10.9.11 @ 9:37AM

We are not Democrat
We are not Republican
We are American
We are Human
We are Legion
The tipping point has arrived

Truth to Power| 10.9.11 @ 12:30PM

Are still at room temp, you American killing piece of crap?

ToBad| 10.9.11 @ 3:05PM

keep on listening to rush and watching fox news. It seems to me America is already bleeding to death as it is, even before these protest started.

Truth to Power| 10.9.11 @ 4:42PM

Great point. You should have listened to your parents and stayed in school.

Alby| 10.9.11 @ 9:51AM

If the intent of the article was to show that corporate tools will do anything to discredit their enemies, then job well done.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 9:58AM

The lying trolls have arrived. They will us first hand what kind of viscious, violent and useless folks they are. For example Mr Stupid ( aka kknow nothings forgtet to note that these so innocent people pushed there way thru or tried to--and s/he forget to mention that they had permit to block traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge.
You Mr or Ms stupid know nothing fool no one.
Oh and let look at the Mob at their Air and space museum--another "peaceful protest. Mr or Ms Know nothing -you are a know nothinat and most us who post here can see right thru your lies. .

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 10:00AM

Troy davis--You are Socialists,Communists,Anarchists,Black Panthers
among others --we know who you are--Liars.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 12:07PM

my illustrious ancestors, on the other hand, are Klansmen, Nationalist Socialist party members, uneducated yet dogmatic hypocrites, and corporate shills. Much better.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 3:09PM

I've been brain washed by fox news and don't know how to research the truth so I let others tell me what I should think so I continue voting against my own interest.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 10:02AM

elizabeth berry--You are full of it. This is not news this is an experience. Your Communist Socialist crwd present the moral equivlent of Pravda and Izestia just like in CNN and the NYT>

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 3:11PM

The Koch brothers love my ignorance and inability to think for myself so I can be their puppet.

Susie Madrak| 10.9.11 @ 10:31AM

It's fascinating to me that the "conservative" movement consists primarily of those who primarily react against other people's ideas. We won't even get into the fact that they have so few ideas that aren't simply a rejection of someone else's -- let's just examine the fact that a movement that claims to "conserve" is essentially destructive, not creative. What was the last big idea out of the Republican party that wasn't simply a plan to get rid of some Democratic policy? When will a Republican have some interesting, creative idea of his or her own?

There's a reason why conservatives are so bad at the creative arts. They're so much better at breaking things.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 3:16PM

During our Tea Party rallies we sling our guns over our shoulders and slap guns to our hips so the world knows when we say no we mean it! USA! USA! USA!

Tina B| 10.9.11 @ 3:30PM

OK Susie Mad,
You want to know why the Conservative Movement is reactive rather than creative? And creative is certainly a subjective concept anyway, don't ya think? Well, how about this for an answer.

Our Conservative forefathers were creative enough, thank you very much, to envision and then give life to this great nation called the United States of America. Their original vision included a limited government, with three main branches of high power, and lower regulatory powers that were divied out to the State governments, the Local governments and all of this to be under the ultimate power of ordinary people to regulate their own lives to a large degree. Great idea then, great idea now.

No new government creation ideas needed, a Constitution worth conserving, along with ways to ammend it as the people see fit, and if we had held to those once high standards and morals, nothing but a nation of informed voters needed.

But. . . . we have drifted, almost over the edge into an abyss that is filled with failed governments, failed monarchies, failed communistic systems, failed socialist states, failed coups by failed men, successful coups by failed men, anarchies, oligarchies, both godless and ultra-religious fascistic governments out to rule the world.

We are the last great nation to fight Socialism, Communism and now Islamicism. If we break the power of those three isms, we may actually get to continue living our lives in the home of the brave and the land of the free. If not, we may become one of the three.

The Conservatives are not all strong Republicans, but the Liberals are all strong Democrats. Almost all of their recent "ideas" have needed rejecting, especially those coming from the current admin. Getting rid of Dem policies is in itself a GREAT IDEA. Destroying the current administration's powerhold is another GREAT IDEA.

The Obama government must be destroyed before it destroys America. A new government does not need to be created, the one we had WAS perfectly good until the culture began to go downhill and the likes of Bill Clinton and his antics became the norm. Lying, cheating and stealing may have always been in political parties, because they are made up of humans. But only Bill Clinton tried to make such behavior acceptable for a POTUS.

I pray that America survives this coming election unscathed and continues to be the home of the brave and the land of the free. But I do have my doubts.

Susie Madrak| 10.9.11 @ 3:55PM

Haven't you noticed that Obama, if he is, as you say, "destroying America", is only doing so because he keeps giving into Republicans?

Or do you also think destroying Social Security and Medicare is a "great idea"?

Where your thinking goes even further off the rails is that the Founders were more worried about the undue influence of corporations than anything else. And if you'll recall, George Washington warned against foreign wars.

No, I think you ingest a lot of feel-good "patriotic" blather and fear perpetuated by sites like this without once actually reading any of the original source material. (Hint: Glenn Beck's version is not original source material.)

Some people just don't feel alive unless they're angry and afraid. Sounds like you're one of them.

Tina B| 10.9.11 @ 4:15PM

Au contraire, I live for a different kingdom. I am fine with whatever God has in store for the USA as well as my family here in it. I am happy a lot of the time, but not with the current government and the poison spewing from it like oil from the Exxon-Valdez.

I am always suspicious of greedy men, hence I know about the tyranny of the greedy unconscionably rich rulers of industry (and Wall St.) and the lack of appropraite honest regulating and the consequences of ignoring this.

The bailouts made me crazy from Bush's second term on.

But bigger government and growing entitlements is the opposite of what is needed. That is the Democratic Way and the Labor Unions' Way. It is crazy to continue doing what is bankrupting us. The Dem Way is insane, Susie M, I have open eyes and I can see it. Try opening yours.

P.S. I don't watch Beck, and I do I believe you are a jaded intellectual. This is NOT a hate site, but I've read more hate from trolls on this particular thread than ever before. I sense the hate and that's what adds to my doubt about America's future as a free country.

Rudy| 10.9.11 @ 10:43AM

One of you employees just admitted to multiple criminal acts, not just to influence a current event but to actually incite a riot. He indicates that others are acting under the same orders. Your employee admitted to this publicly, and given that he's published his actions under the masthead of the magazine, one must conclude that this was done with acceptance, if not collusion, of the publication itself.

Para Salin| 10.9.11 @ 10:44AM

You should see a cosmetologist about those eyebrows if you don't want to have PETA throw paint on you.

Deana M. Holmes| 10.9.11 @ 10:50AM

I dropped out of journalism school at the University of Texas one class short of graduation back in 1982. I think I did pick enough up there to know that going to a protest with the intent to incite violence is NOT journalism. I'll leave it to the courts to decide whether or not this behavior is criminal. The American Spectator should be asking itself this week whether or not it wants to be associated with this kind of editorializing, which is neither good journalism (nor journalism at all) nor good opinion work. I sincerely hope that the adults at the American Spectator send real journalists to cover the #occupy* movement, and not agent provocateurs.

Herman B| 10.9.11 @ 11:05AM

When a so called " Democracy " becomes more and more FASCIST over the years , it is finally time for a wake up call , time for the lumpen Zombie masses to break away from their electronic gadgets and toys and to speak up and take action . We have troops in over 135 countries , we have had non stop wars since 1950 and have attacked at least 28 to 30 3 rd world countries . We obviously have no intentions of leaving Iraq or Afghanistan no matter what the cost in human lives . After the 1990 Bush war against Iraq , we , the U.S. demanded an embargo of all food , medicine , etc. to Iraq . According to Lancett , the British Medical Journal , the 6 or 7 year embargo cost the lives of over 500,000 Iraqi children . This atrocity was not the work of Saadam but of the U.S. government . This was a WAR CRIME if their ever was one.
Never ending WARS , torture of " suspected " Terrorists , is this the beginning of the so called
" New World Order ? " There is an EVIL CABAL ,
, the Anti Christ who are the real power behind the throne . Our elected officials are afraid to speak up partly because they are bought and paid for . They sold out for 30 Silver Shekels .

michael| 10.9.11 @ 11:22AM

Howley, you are an utter moron. Seriously.

For your next story, please pepper spray yourself and video it. Your neanderthal fans here in the comments will go absolutely gaga over it.

John| 10.9.11 @ 11:23AM

Considering almost no one reads the American Spectator, but lots and lots of people heard "protesters pepper sprayed at free + public museum"on the news last night, the movement should be thanking you, Patrick. Keep it up.

Jason S| 10.9.11 @ 11:24AM

So, let me get this straight.

You went to a totally peaceful protest, attempting to prove that group of peaceful protesters to be disruptive, obnoxious, criminal @$$holes. The only way you could do this was by...acting like a disruptive, obnoxious, criminal @$$hole, crossing a line that said group themselves did not, only yourself? Moreover, you were sad and surprised that you were the only one who crossed the line?

So basically, you have no problem engaging in criminal behavior to maliciously attempt to paint political opponents that are not acting in a similarly criminal way, for no other reason than because you want, for political purposes, to portray them in a negative light. And you admit to this? Publicly? In print? Proudly?

You, sir, are nothing more than an agent provocateur. You seem to have no problem whatsoever with engaging in criminal behavior to attempt to discredit a peaceful, non-criminal movement.

Astonishing. You are proud of this behavior on your part, yet dismayed that the Occupy folks didn't do the same? Simply astonishing.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:04PM

Yep, you got it. That's all "conservatives" have going for them these days.

Who needs terrorists when we have Republicans?

Mike| 10.9.11 @ 12:19PM

I like the fact he turned around and nobody was there. What a true leader.

That fake protestor should go home and let sincere American's do their work. America is bankrupt. If we taxed everyone at 100% of there earnings, we would still be running deficits. That has been true for a few years and people are waking up to that fact.

This knuckhead thought he was being cute making light of these protests. He should be spending his time finding a home in a gated community with very tall walls. This guessing this highly paid journalist only makes enough to afford a one bedroom apartment and will not be able to afford security the 1% will soon need.

Wait till we acknowledge we are really bankrupt and the food stops flowing. This knucklehead will change his tune and realize what a fool he was.

Steve| 10.9.11 @ 12:30PM

Exactly right, Jason S.

In Patrick's feeble-minded view, the protesters are either lawbreakers or cowards. Or both. There's no other option.

This isn't gonzo journalism, it's Bizarro journalism.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 11:34AM

Let me say this about that: First off this article is about a foolish guy who gavea first hand account of rioters who were not at all peaceful and represent the true ( in my view ) of this so called M000000000-
vment.
Second of all these so called protesters have dots connecting them right up to the Byeli Dom ( That is the White House ). And we have President Obama's full support along with his Union THUG allies.
These people are not American In Spirit--They are Socialists, Communists,Anarchists and other related LEFT groups.
They must be watched because in my view they intend to escalate the violence and especially by the Spring of 2012. I would bet on that!!!!!!!!!.
This article was written by a fool ,who in my book goes not understand the danger he put himself in.
Pat: It will get worse--but if you continue t6o participate in this stuff even as a "journalist"--its
your behind. We have just seen the start.

Let me also add that in NYC this crowd pushed its way onto the Brooklyn Bridge blocking traffic for hour5s. This is not peaceful protest. Once you go over the line of what is allowed by law and what is not --your moral integrity is diminished.

Finally if you opposed Crony Capitalism I would very much feel differently. But what you really support is Class Warfare against not only the very people who support Barack Obama ( that would be Wall Street and the Banks ) but who you really hate are the middle class--small business owners . That is how I see your M00000000000
vement. Good BY

whatatard| 10.9.11 @ 11:55AM

Uhhuuuduuuhuuu these aren't AMERICANS because my little pea brain doesn't agree with them!

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 12:10PM

let me also say this; i've never read a book in my life and only get my news from Fox! they say theyre fair and balanced, so it must be true! When I cant back my arguments up with facts, I resort to name calling, because thats how I was taught to argue!

Omgomgomg| 10.9.11 @ 12:24PM

Yeah maaaaaaaaan those small business owners, god I hate em, thats why there are hundreds of them participating in the "moooooooovement" (hahahahhuhuhuhuhuhbefjrhfbjyrdf u so fahhhhhnnny), so they KNOW from the SOURCE that we just hate the hell out of them. OOOOH GOD THOSE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS MAKE ME SO MAD. Seriously, are you TrYING to be
this dimwitted or is this your usual?

ruda| 10.9.11 @ 2:10PM

As a small business owner let me just totally disagree with you 100%. This movement is about opposition to crony capitalism, practiced by the left and the right. So jump aboard and let's save democracy.

Sean| 10.9.11 @ 11:48AM

You're the definition of a douchebag and you don't even realize it.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 11:52AM

looks like some wood shampoos are in order.

lolfascism| 10.9.11 @ 11:53AM

It never surprises me what passes as news nowadays.ah well, enjoy living in your little fascist fantasy. Oh, and nice eyebrows, brah. (Not to mention all the ads on this garbage site :3)

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 11:55AM

The dregs of society on a rampage, what a shock.

Dani| 10.9.11 @ 12:04PM

Sorry I have to ask (I can be a bit dense), but I really want to be clear here.

We're talking about those "dregs" of society who--seemingly ever more up in arms over the rise of an unstoppable, organic, peaceful, inclusive people's movement--have apparently lost their minds and begun attempts to incite rampages, as in this case, actively participating in criminal acts for the purpose of sabotaging an otherwise peaceful protest.

Those ARE the dregs of society on a rampage you are referring to, am I right?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:09PM

yep, the ones that hate all that succeed .

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:57PM

Do you have an interpreter for your English-challenged posts?

Let me guess -- from the South?

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:07PM

Yep, what a shock that the dregs of society turn out to be conservatives. Wow, shocker indeed.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:14PM

lay off the weed.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:15PM

No weed needed. A five-year-old would know that Republicans are creeps.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:20PM

Can't wait to hear you stupid progs crying when the hussein and the wookiee get '86ed in a few months, fun,fun,fun.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:22PM

Fantasizing again, eh? I hear that's what drives terrorists. Fantasies...

Good luck with your progressive-wingnut Mormon.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:30PM

I'd vote for a Mormon over a rag head any day, you can kiss the hussein's purple lips bye, bye....

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:32PM

Well, of COURSE you are a redneck racist. That's the only way to earn your Republican card.

Congrats on your inbrededness!

Really?| 10.9.11 @ 2:49PM

So how would you feel if Herman Cain won thebid to run against Obama? You should be scared the black man who never ran for office night be your party's choice! Many at these protests do not support Obama at all. It was Obama who endorsed these bailouts, prolonged Bush era big brother laws and the patriot act.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 11:59AM

What a d-bag POS. Of course, if you weren't one, you wouldn't be a conservative, now, would you?

pathetic| 10.9.11 @ 12:05PM

Yu know, this is probably the most traffic this site has ever had. Also, never even heard of this news site before coming here to take a steamy dump on it, and that coupled with the "quality" reporting I've seen so far well, lets just leave it at "this site should be called the American Toilet."

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 12:08PM

These idiots support the RICH as long they are of the LEFT. Many of these idiots come from very wealthy homes i would bet. Some are fellow travelers who have no clue what they got themselves into.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 12:14PM

I wish I knew what was actually going on, but yelling on the internet is the best I can do.

Martin j. Smith| 10.9.11 @ 2:53PM

You know those protestors on WALL STREET protestin them big ol banks and are complaining about no jobs and massive debt? They must be rich!!

FU| 10.9.11 @ 12:14PM

You're an idiot.

FU| 10.9.11 @ 12:15PM

...and I'm referring to the author of this POS.

ohlawdy| 10.9.11 @ 12:15PM

After reading through some of the comments Im not surprised I havent heard of this rag before. You people are even worse than "pants-on-head" retarded. So much so, I have to create a new classification of stupid to even speak of you people to other purveyors of stupid. I think I'll call it "American Spectator Stupid" or ass for short. In closing, you're all asses.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 12:18PM

I prefer to double-down on my ignorance! That's why I love this site!

b bayliss| 10.9.11 @ 12:18PM

What a courageous act! This is journalism in the fine tradition of james okieffe. Can you spell Quisling?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:26PM

That was great when him and Hannah Giles busted The ACORN husseinites, outstanding.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:24PM

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/chave.....47992.html

rightwingr| 10.9.11 @ 12:24PM

and you call yourself a journalist? wow. you are a prime example of how other republicans act in this country. YOU are the reason people are standing up against this screwed up world. I wonder why your right wing, lying, wanna be self was the only person who actually stormed the doors. hmm, maybe because the real protesters are all about PEACE?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:28PM

idiot, they're getting arrest across the country, they're are lowlife garbage. TEA party rules.

Mark T| 10.9.11 @ 12:32PM

Some real tea party members are actually joining us. Not your pseudo tea party republicans.

Im teh 1800s| 10.9.11 @ 12:32PM

Child labor! no regulations! Poor medical coverage! Famine! drought! Narcotic-based magical elixers! ALL THIS AND MORE CAN BE YOURS if you subscribe to the sheer lunacy that is the tea party! Good for the corporations means GOOD FOR YOU! I'm the 1800s and I approve this message.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:37PM

Your a commie.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:38PM

Superb English skills. If you're going to live here, learn the language, OK?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:41PM

You're a useless idiot commie.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:51PM

Yay! You used "you're" instead of "your"!

Did you have to look that up? You earned a gold star in 3rd-grade English!

Ashamed4You| 10.9.11 @ 12:36PM

i wouldn't call someone an idiot before you know what you're talking about. This movement IS about peace, there will always be a few individuals at things like this that get out of hand, but for the most part the arrests have been for blocking traffic. And if you think the police are always in the right, why dont you check out some of the wall street police brutality videos on youtube? I bet the college kids who got maced and beat while shouting "we're not doing anything!" would appreciate your intelligent feedback, not the vomit you just posted.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:37PM

Speak the English language much?

Uneducated moron.

Martin j. Smith| 10.9.11 @ 2:59PM

Us teabaggers spit on members of congress cause we can't use words!

Truth to Power| 10.9.11 @ 12:48PM

Gosh you screwed yourself on camera and now you are trying to blame me? I am not playing. Obama accomplished most of what you wanted while taking big money from Wall Street and passing it out to his worthless friends. This economic reaction was all predicted. It didn't work in the Soviet Union, its not working in Europe, its not working in Venezuela and it won't work here. You should start listening to those that predicted this mess and ignore those that told you that things were going to be great. Ignorance won't be an excuse. You might get the foolish idea that Obama was corrupted in some way. This is the way the left wing dribble always goes. They promise and things get worse except in their lives.

Mark T| 10.9.11 @ 12:31PM

I don't understand what you were trying to prove in this article. You showed how deceitful and fake you conservative butthurts are capable of being. So you can be hostile towards a president and political party but you cannot against big business and banks. I don't understand your logic.

Brian Morrison| 10.9.11 @ 12:31PM

You are a liar and an ass. I was there. No one was scared of anything. We were prevented from going in , by Park police, and the body's intolerance to mace. We stood our ground. Our actions, along with those of people in over 1000 cities now, will be vindicated as we slowly change the paradigm. We are the 99%, just like you. we are fighting for you too, ya' know.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:33PM

You're a commie.

Truth to Power| 10.9.11 @ 12:56PM

The idiotic mob is always so well behaved. Right. You are doing what you are doing because your whole way of thinking is founded on false premises. Give them up and your life will get better. This will take a lot of humility on your part. A study of the effects of left wing theory in the past would be helpful. You are walking a path causing untold human suffering, mass murder and the destruction of civilization. Socialism wasn't invented yesterday. It has a sorry history. It is not too late to walk away from your chosen ignorance.

Ashamed4You| 10.9.11 @ 12:32PM

You "infiltrated" the group to undermine them? I wasn't aware a journalist's job was to sabotage the movements of others. It's a shame that someone with decent writing skills such as yourself can't take the time to do some research on exactly what it is you are undermining. Socialist? Left-extremist? Wake up you sheep. The people in the streets are occupying for your rights too. Nobody is trying to topple the government, they just want an end to bs, plain and simple. Do you not believe that the federal government has elements of corruption that need to be flushed out and held accountable for their actions? This movement might seem unorganized, but it's certainly better than sitting in front of the television whining to nobody about problems and waiting for someone else to solve them; just like the entire country has been doing for the last decade.

You are entitled to your opinion, but before you go spreading sensationalized lies to the masses, please check yourself to make sure you're not working against a good thing.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:32PM

The hussein and Chavez support these lowlife maggots, that pretty much says it all, COMMIES.

wowyoureallyarethisstupid| 10.9.11 @ 12:36PM

COMMIES, REDS, PINKOS, TERRORISTS, INSURGENTS, POOPOOHEADS OF EVERY STRIPE! THIS LORD AMONG LORDS HAS FOUND US OUT! I REPEAT, PLAN STALIN IS IN EFFECT, PLAN LENIN IS A GO! I suggest a vasectomy before another sentient being has to endure the severe limitations of your neurogenetics, bro.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:39PM

You forgot traitors, commie.

ohyeahididsowwy| 10.9.11 @ 12:42PM

AND TRAITORS, CANT FORGET THAT ROWDY BUNCH.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:49PM

Your keyboard caps-lock key is broken. Oh, and you're a dumbass.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:50PM

I apologize. You were making fun of the inbred! Sorry.

my feelers!| 10.9.11 @ 1:42PM

Y u hurt dem?

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 3:07PM

Not hurt at all. Laughing at the ignorant Repukes.

Claude | 10.9.11 @ 12:33PM

So admitting that you went there to try to incite a riot and that you yourself were the one mainly responsible for the criminal acts that got people pepper sprayed discredits the Occupy movement HOW exactly?

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:36PM

Heh. Conservative Logic. Same logic they use as poor uneducated Southerners who vote to help rich guys.

Henky Dory| 10.9.11 @ 12:36PM

This is NOT journalism, it's activism and biased. You influenced the subject you were reporting on. You have reflected on your experience, so you are biased. This is activism and you are negatively sensationalizing a story to promote yourself and your ideals. You over-simplified a complex issue and event to make yourself look smart and cool, of which, you are neither.

Continuum| 10.9.11 @ 12:36PM

Let's see.

American Spectator acts as agent provacateur in order to create fabricated news story of unruly demonstrators.

How are his actions not criminal in inciting to riot.

bryan paul| 10.9.11 @ 12:37PM

"mommy, why are they protesting?" ....."well honey, the government flys robot planes into other peoples countries illegally and kills innocent people like me and you and they pay for it by taking money out of mommy's paycheck"
the specific target of this action was the "drone exhibit"...well justified civil disobedience, in my opinion....hope this keeps up

Jebs| 10.9.11 @ 12:37PM

Yawn. Another bored, excluded square who should be writing contrived action screenplays rather than trying to be taken seriously as a journalist. Yes, we know you don't get the point of these assemblies, THAT is the point.

brad mehring| 10.9.11 @ 12:37PM

You think you have any credibility after admitting your goal was to mock the protesters? Real journalist report on events, not create them. You're no journalist, you're a joke. I, too, am glad you were pepper-sprayed

jay| 10.9.11 @ 12:38PM

You are not a reporter. You're a brainwashed right wing douchebag

Jestic| 10.9.11 @ 12:38PM

"Minutes earlier, I had been among those blocking major D.C. roads chanting "We're unstoppable" -- and from beneath my unshaven left-wing altar ego, I worried that we might actually be. "
Well, keep worrying, we are unstoppable. We, and that includes you, are the 99%.

fransother| 10.9.11 @ 12:40PM

AWESOME. LONG LIVE THE AMERICAN SPECTATOR. You wouldn't see the New york Times doing this (and yes, that's a good thing)

ololololololololololo| 10.9.11 @ 12:41PM

http://siteanalytics.compete.c.....tator.org/ HEY GUISE I WONDER IF THIS SITE IS ANY GOOD

Architect| 10.9.11 @ 12:42PM

Trying to incite a riot?
Disappointed that the movement is too peaceful?
Howley, you are a disgrace.
Disgrace to the Conservatives, disgrace to the Media, disgrace to our citizens. You ARE the problem.

Anon| 10.9.11 @ 12:42PM

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

H FOOL| 10.9.11 @ 12:42PM

Wow, what a journalist! Inciting violence to discredit the people you are supposedly reporting on! Just so you know, reporters aren't there to "mock and undermine" - they are there to accurately, you know, "report" on what's going on. The fact that the Spectator indulges in this sort of immoral, not to mention illegal, activity does nothing but discredit the organisation. You are nothing but a fucking shill, a disgusting worm trying to ass-suck your way into the halls of power. Good luck, lackey.

eDahms| 10.9.11 @ 12:43PM

A pathetic attempt to characterize a protest growing rapidly out of independent, decentralized pockets of citizens with similar beliefs and desires. First, this group, as I understand it, was not an extension of OccupyDC (and you'll notice the author makes direct reference to it). Secondly, this account of forcefully entering the museum is one of the more aggressive altercations from any group of protesters in the past month - and it was in part perpetrated and supported by this author who admits attempting to undermine the group. This event was NOT a result of the Occupy movement, and this article is a blatant attempt to overextend the conclusions made by a self-righteous instigator seeking to disrupt and mischaracterize a self-proclaimed, and proven, non-violent movement made up of citizens from dozens of demographics.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:43PM

You know the columnist it the nail on the head when this many commie pigs come out and preach big government

Jeff| 10.9.11 @ 12:43PM

I can't believe this. You should seriously be ashamed of yourself. why would any published company hire such a childish, deceitful, and plain ignorant individual such as yourself.I'm not a radical, or a hippie, but I am an american. And I want to kno why someone with a press badge is trying to detract from any movement. You are there to observe and report, not influence. Maybe these protesters are right, I mean, look at how your little newspaper acted. The ppl have alot to complain about, and I'm glad they are standing up to corrupt organizations such as the american spectator.

Lois Chadwell Cruz| 10.9.11 @ 12:43PM

This has got to be the singularly most asinine piece of "journalism" that I have read this year, and after reading it I can well understand why you all are begging for money. Is Patrick Howley condemning the protesters for NOT doing the WRONG thing? I think Mr. Howley should have given more thought to this all around...the only one who looks foolish in this story is him.

Wow| 10.9.11 @ 12:45PM

Hey punk, you are the type of asshole that the protestors need to be aware of. Hope you get what will eventually come to you. Lay off. Not Laid Off. Cause a wanker like you can smirk and smile at all the comments you get and then whack off on to your HP.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:47PM

lefty idiot, for one that uses such poor punctuation you sure like to tell others how to type. I guess that means you have no retort, typical prog useless idiot.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:48PM

You bore me, inbred. Plus, your English-as-a-second-language requires too much effort to decipher, especially considering your idiocy.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:50PM

Yep, your a dumb one all right, purple lips loves your kind.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:53PM

Haha! "Your" again.

Are you an illegal alien? Surely, you aren't illiterate in your ONE language? LOL, moron.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:56PM

ha,ha, no argument from you, only typo hunting, you are ssttttuuupppiiiddd.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:59PM

Type in English, and perhaps you would get an argument. As it is, your illiterate ramblings suffice to display your inbred intelligence.

Botany | 10.9.11 @ 12:49PM

Your are no better than James O'Keefe and stupid
too ..... now that you have put your name out there
an admitted to what you did I hope the Smithsonian files charges against your punk ass. Your actions show just how weak your side is on the issues and how scared you are of real Americans.

zook matthews| 10.9.11 @ 12:49PM

you're an asshole and got what you deserved ...you are exactly what is being protested ...Loser!

Muther Gumper| 10.9.11 @ 12:50PM

I'm impressed Corky Thatcher infiltrated the Spectator.

Virginia Jester| 10.9.11 @ 12:51PM

You are a complete moron, sir. This is not a violent movement, and the fact that you, an 'infiltrator' as you touted yourself, were the only one in the museum is quite telling of how little you understand what is intended by peaceful protest and activism.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:51PM

look at all these prog useless idiots on here crying up a storm, this yummy.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:52PM

Mr. Howley , my hats off to you, the MSM wouldn't dare do what you did and seek the truth, you are a true American.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 12:55PM

So, did you take off multiple "hats" for this POS?

A "true American" would be able to use English.

Wow, so stupid....

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:59PM

leftygrove is not a word. You must be an affirmative action recipient like the hussein.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 1:00PM

Huh? Wow, you are really weak. I'm starting to feel bad for picking on the challenged.

"nohussein" is a word then? Genius.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:02PM

I'm not the one nitpicking about typo's, retard.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 1:03PM

Uh, inbred, those aren't typos. They are massive misspellings and general butchering of the English language. Are you posting from Iran? Pakistan? Or is it just the Deep South?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:08PM

Rag head,Stay on the topic, " Uh, inbred, those aren't typos" is not a sentence and a stupid assumption to boot , I hate rag heads and you are stupid ,BOY, stay on the topic or go stuff some fried chicken between your watermelon lips.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 1:20PM

You keep hitting the comma button when you intend the period. You surely aren't an American, are you?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 12:55PM

The good stuff will start when the cops start issuing wood shampoos to these commie dregs!

PP| 10.9.11 @ 12:56PM

Interesting! You first say you charged ahead for "journalistic purposes," then you admit to "infiltrating" the movement to "mock and undermine." That's not being a journalist; that's being motivated to grab web traffic in hopes of intentionally discrediting an event with zero objectivity.

Also: "No one at the assembly seemed to have any kind of discernable cause..." False: http://october2011.org/issues; http://october2011.org/faq

If you'd take a moment to read about the October 11th movement, you'd know they advocate for nonviolence actions -- hence the lack of "nerve to confront authority." They want to bring attention to their causes without fostering chaos. That doesn't always mean every single person in the group will do so, but it appears that you certainly were no help... as you proudly brag about being the only one to push your way through into the museum.

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 12:58PM

The way that this writer seems to equate non-violent passive resistance with cowardice, and excessive force with courage would be infuriating if it wasn't so depressing. So tell me this, Big Man, what's braver: shooting an unarmed man, or being the unarmed man in the crosshairs and refusing to move based on your principles?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:01PM

Dumb analogy.

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 1:11PM

Dumb how? He criticizes the protestors for not having to guts to "confront authority", which in his mind seems to mean "commit criminal trespass, and get people pepper sprayed", but he praises the authorities who opened up with the spray, nailing protestors who hadn't done anything themselves along with ACTUAL journalists and tourists. Clearly, in his mind, non-violent protest = cowardice, and violence in response is somehow justified. That is the kind of thinking that in undemocratic regimes gets unarmed dissidents shot.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:13PM

Anarchy it what the protesters angle is, prove otherwise!

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:03PM

I can't wait till the first wood shampooing is performed on a protester, I hope it is video taped.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 1:05PM

Like the third reference. Pretty proud of yourself?

Run-on sentence, BTW. Moron.

ruda| 10.9.11 @ 2:23PM

Ha. You are really cracking me up. Thank you.

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 1:12PM

So you can masturbate vigorously to the sight of human suffering?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:14PM

No one forced them to protest, if you play ,you must pay.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 1:19PM

So the answer is yes to the masturbation then, inbred?

Perfect Repuke.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:22PM

watermelon lips, shhhuuutuuuppp retard, "repuke"?

oh laedy| 10.9.11 @ 1:46PM

Hooo lady, the hick is racist too? Tell me, how do you pay for net with foodstamps?

Bunni| 10.9.11 @ 1:04PM

Wow, you're lucky you escaped their clutches. I'm all for getting a story, but risking life, limb and eyesight is either very brave or very stupid.
Be more careful next time you infiltrate, and let the others go charging in!

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 1:19PM

You do realize that being willing to break the law for the sake of his pathetic so-called "story" makes HIM the most dangerous person there, don't you? Oh no, I guess you don't. Which is why most of these protesters have more to be worried about from you then you do from them.

Craig Tock| 10.9.11 @ 1:05PM

Patrick Howley, you're a disgrace to your country and the principles it was founded upon. You falsely presented yourself as a political demonstrator to "mock and undermine" the protest movement then take part in breaking the law and instigating violence to create your own story, not objectively report on THE story. This makes you one, an opportunist, and two, a hypocrite, because you flagrantly break the law for your own self-interested purposes while belittling others for their genuine political dissent.

The reason you have freedom of the press (among other freedoms) is because others fought to achieve and maintain that freedom.

I find it interesting that when accessing 'The American Spectator' website that readers are immediately met with a donation request to support young writers in pursuing journalistic freedom. Well, I can think of a number of other organizations where my money would be better spent rather than supporting tripe like this.

Liberal Reader| 10.9.11 @ 1:07PM

How is it socialist indoctrination to advocate for ending a war and taxing rich people at levels we had in the 1990s?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:09PM

"Rich", what is it and who decides the cutoff point.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 1:22PM

LOL, as if an inbred like you that can't even speak English would be affected...

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:23PM

Watermelon lips, good God almighty are you stupid.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 1:56PM

Yep, guys that can't speak and write basic English are millionaires all the time.

Ignorant inbred

Wisco| 10.9.11 @ 1:10PM

So when are you turning yourself in to the police?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:11PM

Some rubber bullets.

Michelle P.| 10.9.11 @ 1:14PM

sup trick

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 1:28PM

Admit it: the thought of a college student or an unemployed worker with a red, pepper swollen face covered in bruises and bleeding from the scalp while a cop steps on his neck gets you harder than a riot club doesn't it? I bet if you read that this idiot had gotten somebody killed you would have ejaculated all over your computer screen.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:33PM

Go save some trees.

no| 10.9.11 @ 1:13PM

youre an idiot, youre not helping

Michelle P.| 10.9.11 @ 1:13PM

How is this not illegal?

Fred| 10.9.11 @ 1:24PM

Now I know why I have never read American Spectator. Your blatant ignorance ( 'Socialist indoctrination') and quest for a cheap thrill are exemplary, Patrick. You really write this kind of cr@p for a living? lol.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:26PM

Come november this will just be a bad memory, hussein free, the way America will be, God bless America and destroy communism.

Cosmic Surfer| 10.9.11 @ 1:27PM

Hey, FOOL. You still don't get it. You are part of the 99% and you deny your own enslavement. Could you BE less in touch with your own existence? I don't think so.
Wake up or has your master kept you dosed into that Flat World so long that you can't feel his boot on your neck?

GLENN BECK| 10.9.11 @ 1:29PM

I LOVE THIS ARTICLE AND I HATE NIGGARZ

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:36PM

alert, alert, race card.

Batman| 10.9.11 @ 1:35PM

We meet again mr. beck.

bill meradeia| 10.9.11 @ 1:38PM

So you went to the protest, pretended to be a member, and provoked a confrontation with police to delegitimize the protesters and hurt the occupy wall street protest? What if I had gone down to a tea party meeting and started screaming racial epithets about Obama and provoking confrontations with the police? Because that's basically what you did.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:42PM

We wouldn't let you do that!

heather| 10.9.11 @ 1:42PM

Umm, Mr journalist? That should be 'alter ego' and not altar ego. When you learn how to be a real journalist you might also do away with the nonsense and also use a spell checker. Too bad your real ego is a blinded, simple-minded, twit.

Norwegian Occupier| 10.9.11 @ 1:42PM

All I will say to you is this: You better hope that the poor, black population on the "wrong side" of DC don't get involved through "#OccupyTheHood. You and your people will be in trouble.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:44PM

Bring it on.

Paul| 10.9.11 @ 1:43PM

And you call this journalism? Well, I suppose it is, yellow though it may be. It strikes me that the name of your magazine is apropos to what you want your reading audience to be: spectators. Yes, just stand around and let banks, corporations, the military industrial complex, the Christian right, the do-nothing legislators of both main parties, and the mainstream media tell you how to act, what to believe, what is right and wrong, and what a "real" American is. But there is a growing movement of people who will no longer be spactators. And we will not be silent or cowed by such cowardly journalistic acts as "infiltrating" a group of fellow Americans exercising their right to dissent. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:46PM

the only group that is trying to tell people how to act is the hussein and his minions.

Steve Jumonville| 10.9.11 @ 1:47PM

What an uninformed moron, and a jerk! You assume that only liberals are involved, that only liberals care about where the military-industrial complex takes America ... Dwight Eisenhower cared and he wasn't a liberal you twit!

Batman| 10.9.11 @ 1:47PM

nohussein loves to suck his mommy's tits

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:49PM

You must be a little kid then, I only bed 30 and under, I'm 49.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 1:55PM

LOL, internet bragging is so funny. You're a toothless inbred.

Craig List| 10.9.11 @ 1:47PM

Removing yourself from the 99% is like trying to not be part of society or human. It is innate, unless you are a blue blood 1%. I don't see blue blood in Patrick's veins. Do the math. 53% is in fact a subset of 99% and it is made up of 26.5% Democrats and 26.5% Republicans. The same two parties in charge during every depression, recession and war this past century. Pure and simple racism and discrimination at work in this pitiful country that could have been so great!

Jim| 10.9.11 @ 1:48PM

Well played Patrick - a fine demonstration of your class and character. Hopefully the teabaggers will aim for the bar you have set.

And thanks for pointing out the ludicrous logic of "How do we end the deficit? End the war and tax the rich!". Everyone should know by now that straighforward math is left wing propaganda and doesn't work in the real world.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:51PM

faggot, quit the fag talk.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:50PM

fatman- handle changes are so easy to pick up on.

thissiteisajoke| 10.9.11 @ 1:52PM

Admins deleting rational dissent while some fuckwit racist gets away with lines like "watermelon lips"? Check. No fuckin wonder this shithole only nets 500 users a month. Enjoy your traffic crashing back into the unmentionable zone once the actually intelligent people get back to doing important shit like *gasp* fighting for your rights, you intolerable fuckwads.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:55PM

how about jungle plum lips? Better!

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:54PM

It was funny, on the news yesterday they asked some of these dregs why they were protesting, their answers were on par with union idiots on strike, dumber than rocks.

Batman| 10.9.11 @ 1:54PM

herp derp

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 2:09PM

Do the Koch brothers at least supply you a napkin for your mouth when you get off your knees for them?

ToBad| 10.9.11 @ 1:54PM

Just forwarded this article to the police department. I'm sure you'll be hearing from them soon.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:56PM

A member of the hussein's Gestapo I see.

ToBad| 10.9.11 @ 2:46PM

This movement is peaceful and we will not tolerate violent acts. Those arrested and sprayed totally deserve it.

Batman| 10.9.11 @ 1:55PM

I am already after him.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 1:57PM

In the batmobile no doubt, bwbahahahehehe.......

ToBad| 10.9.11 @ 2:49PM

lol y'all are scared now because you know as this movement gets stronger the less power you'll have.

EriktheRed| 10.9.11 @ 1:57PM

You're actually ADMITTING this???

Wow, just wow...

DJ BALL| 10.9.11 @ 1:57PM

Patrick
I personally know people that find what you have done reprehensible and will be looking for you.
You won't know when a "crazy" hippy might just snap and take your head off.
I hope this trash article is worth having to look over your shoulder for the rest of your life.
It's bad enough that mediwhore lapdogs peddle lies and treason but now your trying to fuck up democracy.
Patrick Howley, an enemy of freedom that has just put himself out as America Al Qaeda, a hater of freedom.
Enjoy the bullseye.

Linda Howe| 10.9.11 @ 1:59PM

It seems to me that YOU caused the spraying of not only yourself but others by being the only one charging into the building while the more law abiding peaceful protesters were outside. I can't tell if you are criticizing them for protesting at all, or for not being more forceful????

Brian B| 10.9.11 @ 2:11PM

Guess you missed the part about the muscle bound protestor shoving the guard, eh?

Dre| 10.9.11 @ 2:03PM

Whose got a home address for this fuck ?
He needs to be "rewarded" for getting people maced with his vile actions.
I cant wait to run up on this bitch in public.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:06PM

he'd kick the living hell out you commie.

Dre| 10.9.11 @ 2:35PM

he weighs 130 lbs i would snap this traitor in half with one arm and look forward to the day i run up on him in person.

Robyn| 10.9.11 @ 2:04PM

Shame on you. It's called journalistic integrity.

JC| 10.9.11 @ 2:06PM

you deserved getting pepper sprayed koch sucker

BAXT| 10.9.11 @ 2:07PM

I am part of the 99%...I think you explained yourself clearly...However I ask you to look deeper as a fellow citizen of our beautiful country...there is a deeper story here..and it is not just some cute 20 something girls...we are also 30's ,40's and beyond...we are downtrodden,we work, pay our mortgage,raise our families on less and less..we vote we participate in our government...but our voices are ever more ignored...Our rights are being chipped away...I do stand with the 99%...and ask you to really talk to people..open your mind and see the whole story...it is not just the young,..I respectfully read your story... now please read mine...I am the 99%....I do not agree with what you wrote...but as Voltaire said I defend your right to say it...Now you return the favor...I challenge you to open your eyes and see both sides without bias and see the Citizens of America are hurting...and have no recourse except to use our voices as our forefathers did in the past...This is a right many in my family have fought for..are are still fighting for as service men and women...This is a right of free speech that I fight to retain for my children...submitted respectfully by an American Citizen....BAXT

kailan| 10.9.11 @ 2:09PM

Wow, seriously? Just wow. I hope you get busted for trespassing on federal property and attempting to incite a riot. That you are bragging about it here is unforgivable.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:11PM

Come on progs, keep " getting in our face", bring it on scumbags.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 2:17PM

^Blows Kochs for a living

Kate| 10.9.11 @ 2:12PM

Shame, shame,shame. Corruption for a buck.

Principled American| 10.9.11 @ 2:14PM

Wow, Patrick. You are the kind of clever guy who in 1933 Berlin would have stolen a yamulke and prayer shawl, closely followed a stream of Jews heading to their synagogue, and then broken windows in all of the churches you passed. What a hoot! Too bad you were born too late to help the Germans see the evil Jews living in their midst. Fortunately, others were there to do what you would have done, and look how well that worked for Germany and Western civilization. If only Hitler's "brown shirts" had thought to call themselves journalists, the parallel would be perfect.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:15PM

Pure communism, thats what this is, this is what happens when government schools our young, so sad.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 2:18PM

Haha, so an illiterate inbred like you went to private schools? LOL, right.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:29PM

Don't be jealous of me because I get hot girls , have money and know who my parents were, I'm just better than you, It's that simple, begone lowlife, you're a loser.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 2:34PM

The internet is wonderful for losers like you, isn't it? You can fantasize about a life that toothless, inbred illiterates could never dream of having.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:35PM

You support this shit and the hussein and call me a loser, wow.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 2:42PM

Uh, yes, here are the criteria for a loser:

1. Racist. Check.
2. Illiterate. Check.
3. Bragging about their life on the Internet. Check.

Yep, that does it...you're a loser.

From the South, right?

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 2:27PM

I've noticed a lot of references to "Watermelon Lips" and "Jungle Plum Lips". You seem awfully hung up on Big Juicy (presumably black based on the context) Lips. You want to hit Obama in the lips with your big throbbing truncheon, don't you? "That's it Mr. President, right in the mouth. Oh, YEAH!"

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 2:35PM

You can't be a real solid Republican, without first being a raging racist.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:37PM

Night stick, I just call a spade a space, reality sucks for some, I rather like it.

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 2:41PM

So dumb. The South, right?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:21PM

The title of the column should read " government support addicts stink up DC".

Lisa| 10.9.11 @ 2:24PM

Uh, Patrick, you really don't understand how stupid, immature, and unprofessional you sound, do you? You're a what? A "journalist"? Hah.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:25PM

The desperation from the dregs is so evident it's hilarious, you never did and never will get that government free ride you so desperately seek.

Batman| 10.9.11 @ 2:31PM

you sound fat

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:40PM

6'0 190.

Yep, fatass.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:44PM

ha.ha, 34 inch waist, you?

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 3:06PM

Ha, I have a 34, and I am your height and weigh 170. I'm sure, just as your "bedding" of 20-somethings, another internet lie.

You, lying on the internet? Nah...

What a loser.

Geoffrey Mason| 10.9.11 @ 2:35PM

I actually have, off and on, been enjoying reading American Spectator. However, Patrick Howley seems to be the kind of idiot who gets off on yelling "FIRE!" in a crowded theater to see how many "suckers" would rush out, taking extra glee seeing people get hurt in the process.

Patrick Howley is the type of "journalist" that would call in a bomb threat, just to be able to report on the story of how many police and first responders he could call into action.

Patrick Howley -- grow up.

Raymond Weaver| 10.9.11 @ 2:36PM

So you were the only one to actually tresspass, i.e., BREAK THE LAW, and it's still the muscle-bound left wing fanatics who were at fault?

Since you've confessed to being a provocateur, perhaps those who were innocently assulted because of your deliberate action have a suit against you and your magazine.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:39PM

More race card being pulled, where is the fear and hate cards progs? you're so predictable , weak and stupid.

Joe McCarthy's Ghost| 10.9.11 @ 3:03PM

Someone spends half the day shrieking about 'watermelon lips Hussein' and then complains about 'the race card'. I knew it was coming, but I never thought I'd see the day.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:37PM

Awww, don't like it when it gets turned around on you!

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:38PM

by the way, I called lefty watermelon lips, the hussein is purple lips, get your facts straight, jeez.

Loaffe Pyncheon| 10.9.11 @ 2:43PM

Hawley's eyes look like they were already peppersprayed when his thumbnail was taken.

Mike| 10.9.11 @ 2:47PM

A reporter who sides with multinational corporations and bankers over the poor and middle
class trying to start a riot "Gonzo"? Are you fing kidding me?? It isn't journalism, it isn't Gonzo, its jack booted fascism, nothing else.

Slam1263| 10.9.11 @ 2:48PM

I came to the OWS site Friday night to offer my assistance as a non-profit organizer. I can do basic coding of web pages, accounting, and other functions.

Mainly I wanted to get some sanitation facilities out to Zucotto (sic) park.

In a matter of about 20 minutes I found over 15 contact listings, and left vmail and email on every one of them.

24 hours later, no response. They aren't even updating the site anymore.

Where did everyone, and the "tens of thousands" http://afgj.org/?p=1765#more-1765 of dollars go?

Well, the General Assembly never was in the US, they are operating out of a hotel room somewhere in Nicaragua, and the money has been deposited in a Central American bank.

How could the people do this to our citizens, how can members of our government support this?

They have to know, it only took me 20 minutes to find out, and they had days and hundreds of people on their staffs.

Rick V.| 10.9.11 @ 2:49PM

"Disenchanted with false promises of free pizza, they started leaving in mass numbers." That's funny. These faux protestors will desert their "cause" when the organizers lie about free pizza, but their president has been promising free, tasty treats since he was given the keys to the kingdom - how well has that worked out for anyone?

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 2:48PM

Let's break this down to it's basic elements: Patrick Howley went to this protest to "infiltrate" and mock it, not to report. Thus, he is not a journalist. Frustrated by the protesters unwillingness to commit acts of violence, he sought to incite the more excitable elements in the crowd to act up, committed criminal trespass, and provoked authorities into using pepper spray on himself, the protesters, and uninvolved bystanders. Thus, he is a criminal provacateur. He then arrogantly admitted to these actions in print, in the bafflingly misguided belief that it would make the Occupy movement look bad and not himself. Thus, he is a moron. If a liberal so called "reporter" had committed the exact same actions at a Tea Party rally, the same people who are touting Patrick Howley here would have torn that guy to shreds, and rightly so. Anyone who denies that is true is at best short sighted and at worst, utterly delusional.

Leigh Bailey| 10.9.11 @ 4:01PM

Yup.

nohussein, you too are a tool. A genuine, in all senses of the word tool.

Suck It| 10.9.11 @ 2:52PM

Wow. There's probably a reason you work for a shit hole online newspaper that no one's even heard of. This isn't news. This isn't reporting. Did you even go to school? Jesus Christ this is pathetic.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:56PM

poor lefty, trying to bring others down instead of rising up, typical loser prog, " I can't compete so government will provide", pathetic.

Doug| 10.9.11 @ 2:57PM

How can you be employed after this shameful act of unethical journalistic behavior? Oh right, you write for a conservative publication so ethics are irrelevant.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 2:58PM

Well, it appears the progs here have been slapped down enough, I may check back later!

LeftyGrove| 10.9.11 @ 3:08PM

LOL, yeah, right. Tired of getting owned?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:35PM

I own everything I have, you?

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 3:14PM

Yeah, You really taught us all a lesson with the racist, homophobic gibberish that you seem to think passes for political discourse. Even when I (admittedly) made it personal by suggesting you masturbated to videos of people being beaten up, and implied that you were sexually hung up on black men's lips, the best you could come back with was "Go save a tree." Quick, get this guy a book deal and his own talk show! Wit like this deserves to shared with the world and recorded for posterity.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:34PM

Thank you!

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 3:47PM

I have to admit trying to turn it around on me like that would almost seem clever if it was anyone else, but it was you so no. Still stupid.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:58PM

Stick to the fear, hate, race, that's all you know.

Claude| 10.9.11 @ 4:11PM

I'm not the one tossing around gems like "Faggot'' "Watermelon Lips" and ''Hussein's Gestapo" here snookums.

brian borrello| 10.9.11 @ 2:59PM

Patrick: It is too bad for you that provoking and getting pepper-sprayed will not be the extent of your pain.
The long term implications to any "career" you might have entertained as a journalist just vanished as this was published, as this piece of bragadocious tripe will certainly haunt you forever. I hope that you- irresponsible and cowardly, will face arrest as an agent provocateur inciting violence and face civil suits from those sprayed and injured.

Leigh Bailey| 10.9.11 @ 3:59PM

Well said. Let's just hope he doesn't decide to teach in public school, eh?

markie| 10.9.11 @ 2:59PM

Mr Howley, you are an idiot acting like a brazen agent provocateur. A nice embrassment for a magazine. Five gold stars for your idiocy!

Melanie| 10.9.11 @ 3:00PM

So, to discredit the movement... you decided to be a jerk. So were you a bully in high school or did you just want to be one, envying those with power so much that you wanted to emulate them. You seem to fail at it. A poor man's O'Keefe. If you start wearing a pimp suit, you should be aware that you will have reached the pinnacle of your career. So is this publication going to be renamed the American Spectacle in this guy's honor?

jim messenger | 10.9.11 @ 3:14PM

You are a facist idiot.

GungHo-LongAgo| 10.9.11 @ 3:20PM

I suggest that Patrick Howely get to a recruiting station ASAP and sign up for a couple of tours in Afganistan.

When (1f) he gets back, he can tell us about it.

arthur payne| 10.9.11 @ 3:21PM

well said melanie. that clown wouldnt make wart on a real journalists back end. this old MARINE thinks he is dispicable.

Stop Hurting America| 10.9.11 @ 3:33PM

This story has been edited several times since it's initial publication... with the apparent intent to make the poster look better. Luckily, many watchful people, myself included, got screen captures before Mr. Howley attempted to whitewash his foolish diatribe masquerading as journalism.

Stop Hurting America| 10.9.11 @ 3:37PM

http://i789.photobucket.com/al.....-42-38.png - the original article, before the whitewashing to try and remove Mr. Howley's criminal liability

Batman| 10.9.11 @ 3:40PM

The original has been saved by many people and other news sites are already reporting their whitewashing.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:46PM

dada, dada dada dada, batman, LOL.

Leigh Bailey| 10.9.11 @ 3:58PM

Good for you. May this little boy endure all the humiliation he so thoroughly deserves.

Kelly| 10.9.11 @ 3:33PM

Conservatives, Liberals, fuck your Left vs Right bullshit. It's all divide and conquer so billionaires can keep you monkeys at each others throat.
Republicans and Democrats are bad for America, this 2 Party fuckfest is a joke, but this writer needs a serious shit kicking.
He's going to be hunted down , strapped down with eyelids pinned opened Clockwork Orange Style and have a gallon of mace poured in his blue eyes.
Patrick Howlwey you rat bastard.
The police should come arrest your ass you fucking weasel. Your actions could have resulted in somebody seriously injured or even dead.
You need to pay and i hope it's street justice when karma comes knocking.
either that or let Bubba and the cellblock run trains on your 135 lb frame.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:39PM

malt liquor calling is it?

Kelly| 10.9.11 @ 3:46PM

I'm going to knock this bitch out if i ever get to see him in person.
Half my girlfriends could beat the shit out of him.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:47PM

half my girlfriends, one's not enough?

Leigh Bailey| 10.9.11 @ 4:07PM

So amusing. How's your mom's basement treating you, nohussein?

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 4:10PM

my mom died 8 years ago.

Leigh Bailey| 10.9.11 @ 4:25PM

You probably ought to move out of her basement then, huh?

Kelly| 10.9.11 @ 3:49PM

Patrick Howley just announced to American Patriots that he is "fair game" when the Revolution really kicks into high gear.
Traitors like Patrick will be dealt with.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:51PM

bring it on, nohussein Life Time NRA Member!

Batman| 10.9.11 @ 3:52PM

I wonder if all that editing will keep the police from paying your a visit?

I am guessing no.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:54PM

What does Robin say about this, hahahahaha....

Leigh Bailey| 10.9.11 @ 3:55PM

Patrick, you're a tool. And an incredibly crappy "journalist." If you don't understand how what you did was absolutely dishonest and absurd (and I'm sure you don't) there's clearly no hope for you. Enjoy your very short career.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 3:56PM

What goes around, comes around!

Rea Patt| 10.9.11 @ 3:57PM

The rally you attended in Freedom Plaza was the October2011 action, not the "OccupyDC" action. So, to add to what should be your shame and embarrassment, you went to the wrong party. Perhaps you should have read this: http://occupydc.org/to-the-med...../#more-461

If you ever attend the real thing, you will discover that the organization (including the twinkling fingers) is very effective and very democratic. You don't get a following of 20,000 on a single march without credence. I do realize that in this corrupt farce of a government, democracy is truly hard to identify. It's somewhat foreign to most of us.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 4:03PM

America is not a democracy, it is a democratic republic, big difference!

Wildeye| 10.9.11 @ 4:02PM

Why is this story constantly being rewritten instead of being amended to preserve the original? I'm talking about more than fixing typos and punctuation here. It's very confusing.

gbeck| 10.9.11 @ 4:03PM

Calling o'keefe! Keep f*cing that chicken Patrick.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 4:05PM

him and the lovely hannah Giles exposing ACORM ( the hussein's baby), that was great!

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 4:13PM

the good part about these commies protesting is they are crawling out of their hole, delightful.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 4:19PM

the commie movement , along with the hussein is are fizzling and being brought to light, i love my country.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 4:24PM

There is either a Martin J Smith double or some jerk --your choice. Those of you who regularly post be aware of that there could be a human virus afoot.

mikwag| 10.9.11 @ 4:24PM

When a journalist like Upton Sinclair infiltrates a corrupt organization to get the real story, that's what journalism is at its finest.

When Patrick Howley infiltrates a grass-roots protest and seeks to undermine it by provoking a riot, that's what the FBI did during the 60s.

If Mr. Howley's news organization, The Spectator, drops him for this gross violation of journalistic ethics, it's no big deal -- Murdoch's News Corp will pick him up right away!

Johnny Dangerously| 10.9.11 @ 4:32PM

Rarely is someone so honest about their own douchebaggery. Thank you Patrick, the shame you have brought to your ancestors is entertaining.

martin j smith| 10.9.11 @ 4:34PM

This article has attracted a number of idiots--the regular posters can separate fact from fiction, I wonder how much money the Obama administration is paying them to [post false,lying or annoying posts. My advice --if this post is any template for things to come--smell out the BS posts and virtually ignore them. But It would be a good idea for the regulars to monitor what is happening. Lets not allow the morons to have much more than hot air.

As an example--regular posters know I say something about trolls.

There are posts that are not mine example 1210 pm,1214 is not mine,259 is not mine--
So this shows that the Socialists are extremely retarded in their thinking and demonstrate just how stupid they are to believe they mask other people's posts with their own cockamame crap.
Collective the posts from the LEFT show they
have no substance all junk. Thank you phonies for showing your underwear.

nohussein| 10.9.11 @ 4:37PM

Id theft, prog 101.

circadia| 10.9.11 @ 4:38PM

Infiltrate? It's an open group of people sharing grievances. It's not like you need to be undercover to join them. And for joining in on that march to the museum, Patrick Howley is just as big of an ass as the rest of those demonstrators.

Loaffe Pyncheon| 10.9.11 @ 4:44PM

The Libtrolls have fanned out to more and more sites. They smell the merciless asskicking that is coming and they are desparate.

The American Spectator

Breaking News

Standoff in D.C.

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