Who are these Occupy protesters?

The pictures are dramatic:

But the photo doesn't tell the whole story. Meet Elizabeth Nichols, another pepper spray victim of law enforcement run amok.

...Elizabeth Nichols, a 20-year-old originally from Arkansas who moved to the West Coast about six months ago and made her way from Seattle to Portland a month later. Her mother, Annie Nichols, said after the photo was taken, police threw Elizabeth to the ground and arrested her. Annie, who is housebound with multiple sclerosis, said Elizabeth joined Occupy Wall Street because of her parents' dire situation. "I have no medical care. I'm not eligible. My husband's disabled ... We live on one disability check. No, we don't live. We exist. Lizzie knows this. That's why she's doing this." Elizabeth, whose mug shot is posted at left, wasn't always an activist, Annie said. "She never took part in anything like this. Of course, it's Arkansas. There isn't a lot of that here." The Portland Police Bureau website says Elizabeth was charged with second-degree trespassing.

I'm sure we can all agree that such a heinous crime as "second-degree trespassing" justifies a face full of toxic chemicals delivered by the hand of those who swear to "serve and protect" the public.

[More posts daily at the Detroit News.]