I hope that the proliferation of this sort of police / fascist control is not the change that Barack Obama wants us to believe in.
http://newsproject.org/videos/113
“There’s a powerful police presence here. The chill of 1968 is in the air of Denver,” Ron Kovic
I hope that, if elected, Barack Obama will adhere to the following:
US Constitution, Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Is that Obama, though? The Denver PD seems more of an issue–or, police forces in general are the issue with peaceable assembly. Shall we blame it on Obama??
I am not blaming Obama. I do however think that as the presumptive Presidential candidate, and therefore leader of the DNC he is a player in the going’s on in Denver. I see nothing wrong with protesters peacefully marching up and down the streets of Denver before, during and after the convention. If we are to believe that if Obama is for change, I would like to see him exert some of his considerable influence over the event and the host city to ensure that Constitutionally guaranteed rights are not trampled upon.
Giving the danger of the situation,and grim possibility of an assassination, it is understandable to be over-defensive.
However, a few people speaking their minds in the street to an army of riot police is hardly a riot, and the use of a chemical agent is extremely unnecessary. Let us not forget, of course, a real “riot” would “force” police to pepper-spray and arrest to “restore order” and protect “public safety”
That being said, I personally don’t think Obama has any authority over the local law enforcement, and realistically couldn’t do anything about it.
I agree with anonymous.
And did you see the RNC police attack on protesters? I definitely agree with you, Shane, that it’s a problem–I just don’t think it’s a reflection on either candidate.
Both sides are hypersensitive for a ton or reasons. Read this article:
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_10385797
I saw the footage for that, it was ridiculous! Those cops should be arrested.
Wow, that is sickening!