I don't ride CM. I find that it doesn't really achieve its objectives, and is not for me.

That said, I find the ignorant reactions by the police involved to be FAR off the reservation. It is inexcusable to throw cyclists on the ground when there is no violent crime committed by the cyclists.

Police Officers hold an immense amount of power. They are permitted to carry deadly weapons even when local law prevents ordinary citizens from doing so. With this power comes the responsibility to hold emotions in check and behave properly.

My advise to CMers: If you're going to ride in CM, take a video camera along. Get everyone else on the ride to do so as well. Mount them any way you can, and film the actions of the police as they happen. This can be presented as evidence in a brutality or misconduct trial, and it can also be released to the local media (you may even receive money for it) to increase pressure on the police via bad PR.