Ugh.

[apocalypsos]

In other news:

Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! was arrested on "conspiracy to riot."

blacksquirrel's underage brother was arrested for the high crime of walking back to his car after a concert in the general vicinity of the convention.

Stay classy, RNC.

Comments

[nyoka.livejournal.com]

Yeah, gotta love a police state.

I'm fuming about these ridiculous arrests and raids.

[xturtle.livejournal.com]

I want these people out of my state.

That is all.

[slashfairy.livejournal.com]

ohfer...

incase youtube pulls the vid of Amy's arrest, i ripped it. i will upload to mediafire in case anyone wants it.

[doqz.livejournal.com]

Actually those decisions are made by the city government and police not the RNC. You had the equivalents in Denver (see Denver GITMO), albeit St. Paul protests seem to be more... dynamic.

[snellios.livejournal.com]

mental.

You presume independence.

[seferin.livejournal.com]

Given what they did to the justice department, how can we presume innocence, given the similar things they have done. In addition, if the RNC DID ask/order the police to crack down, do you believe the police would refuse?

Re: You presume independence.

[doqz.livejournal.com]

Yep, I presume that convention hosts remain largely independent. Justice department is a slightly different debate, imo. But in any case - by your logic, one would have to presume that this incidenet:

http://www.denverpost.com/dnc/ci_10317164
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=5670682

was orchestrated by Howard Dean and Barack Obama.

It also helps to remember that St. Paul's Mayor is a Democrat who campaigned with Kerry, and the city is also very much dominated by Democratic party. Are you suggesting that he would rush to do RNC's bidding?

[wrenlet.livejournal.com]

And Donna Brazile got pepper-sprayed.

[pie-is-good.livejournal.com]

My boyfriend's friend was arrested on a felony rioting charge when all he was doing was taking pictures of the people who were rioting. He's currently in jail, was not allowed his bipolar medication, and is looking at being released Wednesday afternoon at the earliest.

Re: You presume independence.

[seferin.livejournal.com]

But in any case - by your logic, one would have to presume that this incidenet:

http://www.denverpost.com/dnc/ci_10317164
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=5670682

was orchestrated by Howard Dean and Barack Obama.

Neither individual you mention is currently occupying the office of President, and thus claiming illegal powers, which have been rebuked by the Supreme Court.

Regardless, if it were police alone, your argument would have merit. I don't recall the FBI taking part in the raids during the Democratic convention, but I DO recall a possible assassination attempt, downplayed for whatever reason. The assassination attempt provides, albeit a poor one, an excuse for actions taken.

In contrast, this appears to be a preemptive attack on reporters as well as the uninvolved, those who do not protest, but rather observe how the protesters are treated. I do not say Democratic politicians do not sin. I say they are currently not in a position to do so.

Re: You presume independence.

[doqz.livejournal.com]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1047937/McCain-HQ-anthrax-scare-mystery-white-powder-arrives-threatening-letter.html

This one was also downplayed, 'for whatever reason.' Reason being, that just as the case you are refering to, the threat wasn't credible.

It's tempting to dramatise the crackdowns during the conventions as a dark consiracy by a fascist government. Usually, I find Occam's Razor to be much more useful.

The city-hosts derive substantial visibility and income from these events, any disturbances are supressed willingly by them. Nobody wants a repeat of Seattle (that mayor lost its job, by the way).

Yet, so far the first reports claim that police presense in St. Paul is less than it was in Denver.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2008/09/02/denver_and_st_paul_a_word_abou.html

Re: You presume independence.

[seferin.livejournal.com]

It's tempting to dramatise the crackdowns during the conventions as a dark consiracy by a fascist government. Usually, I find Occam's Razor to be much more useful.

In any presidency but this one, I would agree. Nixon himself would likely congratulate W with a hearty, "Dude!" and thumbs up, and the slaughter of checks, freedoms, and rights which have been violated in the last eight years.

As for "The case I was referring to", there is a difference between someone possessing firearms and stating a desire to use them, and someone in prison sending talcum powder, or whatever else was sent.