As I think everyone expected, Boston police were relatively respectful. The situation that transpired early this morning was unfortunate and even disgusting - at least in this reporter's eyes - but cops were not out to hurt or harm anything other than a whole lot of freedom of expression. From what I saw and experienced, those who did not wish to get bagged were given the opportunity to avoid arrest. That's only right, but considering the barbarism we've seen deployed against Occupy camps elsewhere I'm happy to show appreciation.

All that said, I did have a shitty encounter with some officers. After flashing my Boston Phoenix business card and embroidered company jacket, I was allowed into Dewey Square along with photographers and some other writers while police were mauling the camp. But after firing off a few tweets and snapping some pics, I felt a light tug at my backpack, and was told that I had to leave unless I could produce a proper press pass. In eight years of reporting at City Hall, the Massachusetts Statehouse, police headquarters, and just about everywhere else in this city, I've never needed one. Until today.