Iraq Veteran in Critical Condition after Police Crackdown at Occupy Wall Street

A young patriot is in the hospital, fighting for his life, after he was hit in the head with a projectile device released by the Oakland Police Department. The 24-year-old Iraq veteran served two tours and has been involved with anti-war activities since leaving the military. Scott Olson went off to fight for his country, saw the devastation and needless violence, and began to work for more peaceful resolutions: something many veterans have done in the past.

Olsen was injured Tuesday night after the police used "non-lethal" means to disperse the crowds, like flash bombs, tear gas, and rubber bullets. It remains unclear what type of projectile hit Olsen, but the injury was so severe that he has experienced swelling on the brain and made need surgery. His skull is also fractured.

His friend and roommate, Keith Shannon, believes Olsen was hit with a tear gas or smoke canister because the mark is curved. Shannon also served in Iraq with Olsen, in 2006 to 2007. Isn't it ironic that a veteran who served his country proudly ended up severely injured as a result of police brutality while exercising his right to protest?

The way the police in Oakland, and the mayor, Jean Quan, have handled the Occupy Wall Street protests is shameful, at the very least. Throwing tear gas at people who were not armed, not violent, and simply refusing to disperse is something more akin of what would happen in fascist countries, or in Communist China. Remember Tiananmen Square? These protests are looking mighty similar. Police are under orders to do whatever they need to subvert the protests, but it simply isn't working.

Haven't the leaders of this nation figured out by now that the more they try to suppress resistance, they only serve to make those resisting more determined to win?

Watch the video below. The evidence is undeniable. The police engage a volley of teargas against peaceful protestors. Olsen goes down, and while a crowd of people attempt to help him the police throw more gas bombs directly into the crowd. What kind of people are these cops who would do something so criminal -- yes, criminal -- as to not allow an injured man assistance?

The authorities who are attempting to stop the protestors have gone too far. The protestors have vowed to remain peaceful, but how many more people will be injured, or even killed, at the hands of those supposed there to protect the public, before someone actually pays attention?