About 3,000 demonstrators, a coalition of activist groups, are just now marching down the streets of Denver to convene at the city's Pepsi Center, where delegates have just nominated Obama . It's about time, many people say. Dozens of media reports and local residents here have insisted the activist turn-out so far at this convention has been surprisingly small ; they were expecting to be overrun.
For those (like me) immersed in the demonstrator world here, it's tough to lift your head from the sand to notice the activist presence hasn't been quite so overwhelming. Which may explain why police seem to outnumber protesters two to one at every action, why some respond with disproportionate aggression (as they were trained to respond with such urgency) and why reporters have rushed to cover any sort of demonstration (although, in contrast with the conventions of 2004, few seem attracted to cover the anti-choice and anti-gay demonstrations of disgusting, propagandizing enormous posters picturing bloody fetuses and homophobic Biblical messages. They somehow seem tired issues, overshadowed by the convention-goers focus on change and progress, and activists' emphasis on ending the war, healthcare reform and alternative energy).
It's impossible however to expect thousands upon thousands of activists to take leave from their jobs and their family obligations, spend hundreds of dollars on airfare and housing. Those who have the privilege to do so most likely made the trip here (and of course, those with privilege most likely have little to protest). And the Democratic Party has not exactly welcomed activists' voices with open arms, but an enormous cage out of sight and earshot of delegates. So much for rights.
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Yeah, and you should see Fox News' coverage of the march. Disgusting what counts for journalism in this country.
i'm very proud of Iraq Vets against the War and others finally got to get out and march on this sham of a convention. It's disgusting how journalists and protesters are being treated as terrorists there. All to protect the status quo. It pisses me off that more people aren't standing up to the Democrats and demanding that they listen to what the activists have to say. They ran on a anti-war platform and have enabled the war to continue. Everyone is so afraid to criticize them when blame should be placed squarely on their shoulders along with the Republicans. Why is impeachment off the table? Why can't we stop the unjust wars? And another thing, I've never seen video of an anti-abortionist getting their asses kicked during their protest? Why is there such aggression against PEACE activists? UGH!!! Also, the majority of the Denver "police" have no identification on their uniforms allowing them to suppress people with impunity and no fear of any legal retribution. Honestly, it all makes my heart sink to think about it.
I was assaulted by police in Montebello at the protests against the SPP. Trouble is, they brought in so many police from all over the place, there was zero chance for liability.
They (for no reason) tried to pull me behind the line. i'm a petite fille (french for lass) and presumably this would incite a struggle with protesters, so then it would look like we were getting violent. Anyways, my friends grabbed onto me one arm, they had the other arm, and suddenly one of the policefacists started pinching my neck, going for the artery to make me pass out. i faked passing out (good tactic!) and went limp so they eased up, and thats when my friends hauled me back over. I have photos and had the bruises to prove it, but, did you get the officers name? badge number? unit? oh well then it never happened.
Check out the coverage from the IVAW website, www.ivaw.org
Denver became a police state during the DNC. As a Denver native, I know the Police Department here has a long history of brutality. The $50 million spent on security effectively militarized the city. I live near the capital and black hawks with snipers hanging out of them would fly over the city all the time. All police were in full riot gear all the time. For each march I participated in the police lined the streets on bikes, had walking troops behind, large SUVs with more police holding on to the side of the van were on all the side streets and then more police on horses just in case. Each officer was fully protected by body armor and equipped with pepper spray guns, batons, restraints and real guns.
What did the protesters have? The had bandannas, banners, bucket drums and a few street medics and legal observers to help them out. No one could see the protests behind all the police and fences. It was intimidating and oppressive.