German police fire water cannons at PEGIDA protesters in Cologne

[philosslayer]

Source: RT News

German police have used water cannons to disperse PEGIDA demonstrators in Cologne. The anti-immigration movement were rallying against a rash of assaults on women, blamed on migrants in the city on New Year’s Eve.

Over a thousand supporters of the far-right movement took part in the protest in the center of the western German city on Saturday. They chanted “expulsion,” while waving German flags and other banners inscribed with slogans such as “Rapefugees not welcome.”

“Merkel must go” was another popular rallying cry with the demonstrators. The far-right supporters are infuriated with German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her soft stance on refugees, and statements that the country could accept over a million asylum seekers.

Scuffles between the police and PEGIDA supporters started after the demonstrators hurled firecrackers and beer bottles at law enforcers. When they continued to throw projectiles, police deployed two water cannons and used pepper spray to disperse the group. Supporters of the anti-immigration movement were then herded towards an area near the city’s station.

Read more: https://www.rt.com/news/328379-police-pegida-cologne-rally/

[passiveporcupine]

1. key point here

Scuffles between the police and PEGIDA supporters started after the demonstrators hurled firecrackers and beer bottles at law enforcers.

[branford]

2. While I certainly don't support such violence,

it was nevertheless a smart tactic. The protesters managed to avoid arrest and the actions garnered far more publicity than an otherwise peaceful protest. Given the current sentiments in the country, the anti-refugee forces almost certainly had a strong net gain.

[passiveporcupine]

3. the anti-refugee forces almost certainly had a strong net gain.

And you think that's a good thing?

[branford]

4. Huh?

Where in my comments did you get that?

I simply stated that PEGIDA's tactics were effective, and I condemned the violence. Nevertheless, PEGIDA did indeed garner significant publicity, likely politically hurt Merkel and her party and perception of her policies, and still managed to avoid arrests.

As to my personal opinion, I certainly don't support PEGIDA or groups like them, but I also think Merkel's policies were short-sighted and problematic, and many of the current logistical, legal, and political problems should have easily been foreseen. If Merkel doesn't significantly correct course, the democratic voters of Germany may believe groups like PEGIDA or worse will better reflect their interests and values. This is precisely the reason why previously very liberal and "pro-refugee" countries like Sweden and Denmark are now taking a much harder line on migrants.

[passiveporcupine]

11. I apologize if I got the wrong impression from these words

While I certainly don't support such violence, it was nevertheless a smart tactic.

followed by:

the anti-refugee forces almost certainly had a strong net gain.

Sounded to me like you were approving of their net gain. Sorry if I got it wrong.

[branford]

12. All good.

Even if I do not agree with a group or position, I can certainly acknowledge if their message and tactics are nevertheless effective or they're gaining support.

In this instance, PEGIDA's tactics and message seem to be popular in Germany due to clear failure of political and practical foresight and technical incompetence of the government. I hope Merkel and her party properly and quickly adjust or groups even worse than PEGIDA will start gain in popularity and power, as is happening across Europe.

[christx30]

5. So why didn't the cops do this

to the rapists on New Years Eve?

[branford]

6. Don't for a moment think everyday German voters will not notice.

One of PEGIDA's obvious points was that law-abiding Germans are treated worse than the migrants, and they definitely delivered their message.

After the Cologne police chief's ignorant statement about how bigoted comments on right-wing message boards were equally as bad as the actual sexual assaults and rapes, and with government cover-up tactics like trying to not release news of the reports until forced to many days later, it's no wonder right-wing groups are significantly gaining in popularity.

[christx30]

8. Yep, very true.

The attackers used knives and fireworks to hold off the cops during the attacks, and were able to do pretty much whatever they wanted. They have, thus far, been treated with kid gloves.
The protestors have used fireworks to try to hold off the cops. They are getting blasted with water and dispersed. Isn't equal protection awesome?!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

7. Ever hear the phrase, "There's never a cop around when you need one."?

[christx30]

9. There were police there.

And they did such a terrible job at stopping the crimes, the police chief has been fired.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/18-asylum-seekers-linked-crimes-cologne-year-36159623

And people involved in the crimes were briefly detained.

[branford]

10. Detained,... and released!

The German government is trying to make the police chief the fall guy for this whole mess. I doubt it will work. These same type of attacks occurred in other cities and countries, and with marginally better police results.

The government is trying to equate people critical of Germany's "open door" migrant polices with bigotry, all while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity for such things as educating the migrants about women's rights and that sexual assault is not legal in Germany, as well as actually issuing directives to German women on how to behave to avoid being attacked or harassed. There aren't enough police chiefs and lieutenants to fire that will plaster-over the Government-induced migrant problems and other issues concerning lack of assimilation with minority immigrant groups.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

15. There is a hell of an incentive by the Right to exploit this.

[christx30]

16. Yes there is. And I honestly don't blame them.

And Merkel doesn't have anyone to blame but herself.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

17. Her policies have been to the Right for a long time....

Mostly to overcompensate for coming from East Germany. Many feared she'd be a communist.

[Elmergantry]

13. My thoughts too..

If anyone needed a cold shower it was the rapists.

[christx30]

14. Because the government in Germany

hate the right more than they hate rapists. But the people wholeheartedly disagree.

[mwrguy]

18. Good. Fascism needs to be nipped in the bud.

Germans understand this more than anyone.