This video is flabbergasting. I became aware of it from Marxsite. It shows Andrew Meyers, a University of Florida student getting tasered for asking John Kerry too many awkward questions. It illustrates quite neatly the point made in SR’s Savage Capitalism about how one of the spinoffs the new imperialism is readiness to suffocate domestic dissent.

When I was at university politicians, particularly the Unionist ones, expected their meetings to be rowdy with some mild violence of the pushing, shoving, egg and chair throwing sort. Ian Paisley always handled it well and it gives me a chance to repeat my Paisley story.

One heckler called out “Paisley! You’re a wanker!” Paisley replied, “Sir, my hands are on the table. Where are yours?” That’s what I call class.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the taser business doesn’t give ideas to anyone running some of the meetings I’ll be attending in the next couple of months.