You're right... there's obviously appropriate levels of escalation.
And obviously the police failed to respond in this situation. That's why it was reported as voter intimidation, and not assault. If it were over and resolved quickly, it would have been simple assault.
Firstly, I know that my city PD as well as county sherriff (Joe Arpaio) would get medival on anyone playing this stunt in AZ. Secondly, I know that significant portions of my common citizenry wouldn't stand for it.
And that's why this happened in Philly instead. Because the PD is a combination of corrupt and inept, and the stand-up people in town are already intimidated by PC behavior standards.
One day in the future, AZ will be just as sapped. It's been happening for at least the last 10 years, probably longer.
Frankly... I don't think I'd react the same way if I did live in Philly. I'd call the police and wait for the response, probably. I think I'd push my luck and risk a fight, perhaps even a beat down. Maybe call some friends and try to outnumber them first, if the police were inept at dealing with it. I don't know. Frankly, I just wouldn't live in a place like that to begin with.
Which is why I'd stand up against it in AZ. I'm not a native here, but I like it and I don't want to see it morph into Philly or New York or Chicago or Detroit.
And if AZ sinks to that standard, I'll move somewhere else, until there's nowhere left to move. And then it'll be too late for anyone to make a stand, because all the opportunities to stop small injustices passed us by in favor of nonconflict.
And it was all fistful's fault. :|