Not dignifying in anyway.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been accused of pandering to the far-right in an attempt to boost his popularity.

It follows new government proposals targeting gypsies and immigrants suspected of crimes.

The emergence of video showing police forcibly dragging African immigrants away from the scene of an eviction has left the president exposed to questions about the plans.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10834643

The police response was disproportionate but you can't help but wonder why anyone takes their baby to such a protest to be effectively used as a human shield or to garner sympathy.

I think that is the whole point - To draw attention to their plight. Alternatively, one can argue they had no where else to go, it is their last shred of dignity left etc.

ohhhh !!!!!!!! Africa ohhhh!!!!! Africa

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The police response was disproportionate but you can't help but wonder why anyone takes their baby to such a protest to be effectively used as a human shield or to garner sympathy.

Of course that is the goal, to garner sympathy and make the other side look bad. The police should have known that was the goal and exercised more restraint, because now they look like the villains for trying to do their job. In today's media age, one has be careful of how the actions you take can be portrayed in the media, whether they are right or wrong.