I hardly think that maintaining some sembalance of order is being a thug. It would seem to me that those who advocate anarchy are thugs and deserve to be put down.

Regarding your first amendment rights, where do you draw the line? If a group of people with some random incomprehensible demands starts blocking bus loads of people trying to get home to their families, I don't think containg them to the sidewalk violates their rights.They should not be able to block the street. If that requires arrests/violence so be it.

With tonights rediculous flaunting of the limited amount of control the Mayor has, I think this protest will turn somewhat violent.

If I were a homeless person or one of these "99%" , I would certainly be camping out at City Hall. Seems like the Mayor has opened it up for a permanent camp.