AJC Sept. 23, 1969 pg 4A Editorial

Sunday in The Park

Hippies have said that Atlanta is the best of the American cities, though they think it much too tough on them. And Atlanta police have earned a national reputation for handling themselves, with restraint in the most trying situations.

Sunday afternoon in Piedmont Part the police and the hippies clashed physical. The immediate cause apparently was an effort of a plainclothes narcotics detective to find narcotics pushers.

The event was ugly. Smoking tear gas bombs arced through the air. Some hippies taunted and rushed at the police. And there were deeply disturbing films of police swinging clubs.

Atlantans have tolerated the hippie community thus far, choking hack deep disgust But they will not tolerate major drug pushers and obstruction of arresting police. Now the citizens probably would approve even tougher mute action. But the police must use great restraint In the face of strong provocation.

To be sure the youngsters are trying to provoke the community to unwise action. We urge the youngsters to consult with any competent observers they trust. Anyone with a sense of community responsibility will counsel them to cool it or leave.

As for the police, courage can be measured in restraint better than in bashed hearts We hope they will use all their background and knowledge wisely, not giving in to the taunts of the troubleseekers.