The guy was just another whackjob politico who believes his opinion to be so important and influential that they be forced to sit and listen to it. In a closed-event session with John Kerry. For patrons with paid tickets.

He took it upon himself to interrupt those proceedings and purposefully cause disruption socially. This isn't entirely an arrestable offense, but it definitely oversteps the boundaries of civility and common courtesy.

However, the trouble begins when he continues these antics and is tased by the police officers growing weary with his display and fearing he is becoming increasingly belligerent. To stop this they overstep the boundaries of their duties and use a "less-than-lethal" takedown tactic for violent or threatening perpetrators.

In all senses of the word, it was an overreaction, at the very best, on the part of the police. The guy did not pose an immediate physical threat -- not one any more than standard assault -- and an egregious and improper protocol was executed likely for the sake of the relative importance of the speaker there, John Kerry.

I agree with those who say the kid should not be considered a victim in that he acted only properly and within his rights as a citizen, but he most certainly is a victim of what is tantamount to excessive police force. These police will likely be treated neutrally in the incident, but more officers in this country need to realize that their guns, tasers, pepper spray, batons, and otherwise are for situations that physically demand it.

One arrogantly obstreperous, politically outspoken, and civilly disruptive young man should not warrant the use of this type of response.