The Vanguard is primarily a blog that covers local politics and local government issues. However, there is no denying the fact that much of the world will be focused on the Democratic National Convention next week. So we have asked Don Gibson, a UC Davis Student who is President of College Democrats and an elected Hillary Clinton Delegate to the Democratic National Convention to write about his experiences at the Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado. Here is his fourth report.
by DON GIBSON
The convention activities have just begun today. I moved into the Sheraton where its lobby has all of the important people in California and New York walking through. I bumped into Mayor Gavin Newsome, vice chair of the California Democratic Party Alex Rooker, and campaign adviser Bob Mulholland. This is the place where all of the action is happening. Even though the Pepsi Center is what everyone envisions as the epicenter, the Sheraton has such a large amount of energy that the media does not seem to cover. The press is setting up to find the thoughts of delegates here at this hotel.
The media is trying to find controversy. I had two television interviews today, one for KCRA 3 in Sacramento and another for ABC 7 in Los Angeles. Both of the reporters looked for controversy between Clinton and Obama supporters where I had to talk about how to unite the party. They tried to ask leading questions to have me or other delegates to say something like “I want Clinton to be the nominee” or “Obama is unfit to lead”. The views of the vast majority of activist are that those are flat wrong. I did learn something about the media today; political talking points don’t work for them when you are on TV as a young delegate.
Denver’s atmosphere is completely changed from just a day ago. The police are not only out in force but they have assault rifles and squads of horse troopers are set up to stop anything from happening.
The protesters are finally out. Two people in pig costumes riding around in a coverable were waving signs saying “Tax Meat!” Other groups were not as light. Hardcore pro-lifers held out signs with pictures of abortions. Not fun to say the least. When I was walking out of subway on the 16th St. mall I was able to see the anarchists march down the outdoor mall. The best thing was that 20 officers walked behind the marchers in full riot gear. People may be afraid that the police are taking too extreme of an approach but they not stopping anyone from expressing their views (that I know of).
There does not seem to be tension between the city’s residents and the delegates. People would rant to me or other activists on the light rail but not in a combative fashion. The city tends to have people who want to speak up .
I went to my first totally delegate exclusive event. The Gulf States hosted a reception for the host committee, with great gumbo and live New Orleans musicians to celebrate the revival of New Orleans. They had “Obama Beer” exclusively for the event. It was the first drink to run of all of the bars. It was hosted by Chairman Dean to bring in the thousands of delegates and the open bar kept all of them happy.
Tomorrow young democratic activists and I will be sitting down with John Garamendi to talk policy for an hour. Then have the first event at the Pepsi Center will be fun seeing the first big speakers. I just got offered to be a whip for the floor and I may take up this opportunity to help control the delegation.
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The protesters are finally out. Two people in pig costumes riding around in a coverable were waving signs saying “Tax Meat!” Other groups were not as light. Hardcore pro-lifers held out signs with pictures of abortions. Not fun to say the least. When I was walking out of subway on the 16th St. mall I was able to see the anarchists march down the outdoor mall. The best thing was that 20 officers walked behind the marchers in full riot gear. People maybe afraid that the police are taking to extreme approach but they not stopping anyone from expressing their views (that I know of).
This sort of attitude is one of many reasons I stopped registering myself to vote as a Democrat.
Numerous reports indicate that Denver is under virtual lockdown, with protesters shunted off to caged protest zones. The notion that people aren’t being stopped from expressing their views when followed by police in full Ninja riot gear is ludicrous. It obviously intimidates many who might otherwise participate, but then that’s really the idea, isn’t it?
The consequences of this sort of attitude will reveal themselves on election day.
–Richard Estes
The protesters are finally out. Two people in pig costumes riding around in a coverable were waving signs saying “Tax Meat!” Other groups were not as light. Hardcore pro-lifers held out signs with pictures of abortions. Not fun to say the least. When I was walking out of subway on the 16th St. mall I was able to see the anarchists march down the outdoor mall. The best thing was that 20 officers walked behind the marchers in full riot gear. People maybe afraid that the police are taking to extreme approach but they not stopping anyone from expressing their views (that I know of).
This sort of attitude is one of many reasons I stopped registering myself to vote as a Democrat.
Numerous reports indicate that Denver is under virtual lockdown, with protesters shunted off to caged protest zones. The notion that people aren’t being stopped from expressing their views when followed by police in full Ninja riot gear is ludicrous. It obviously intimidates many who might otherwise participate, but then that’s really the idea, isn’t it?
The consequences of this sort of attitude will reveal themselves on election day.
–Richard Estes
The protesters are finally out. Two people in pig costumes riding around in a coverable were waving signs saying “Tax Meat!” Other groups were not as light. Hardcore pro-lifers held out signs with pictures of abortions. Not fun to say the least. When I was walking out of subway on the 16th St. mall I was able to see the anarchists march down the outdoor mall. The best thing was that 20 officers walked behind the marchers in full riot gear. People maybe afraid that the police are taking to extreme approach but they not stopping anyone from expressing their views (that I know of).
This sort of attitude is one of many reasons I stopped registering myself to vote as a Democrat.
Numerous reports indicate that Denver is under virtual lockdown, with protesters shunted off to caged protest zones. The notion that people aren’t being stopped from expressing their views when followed by police in full Ninja riot gear is ludicrous. It obviously intimidates many who might otherwise participate, but then that’s really the idea, isn’t it?
The consequences of this sort of attitude will reveal themselves on election day.
–Richard Estes
The protesters are finally out. Two people in pig costumes riding around in a coverable were waving signs saying “Tax Meat!” Other groups were not as light. Hardcore pro-lifers held out signs with pictures of abortions. Not fun to say the least. When I was walking out of subway on the 16th St. mall I was able to see the anarchists march down the outdoor mall. The best thing was that 20 officers walked behind the marchers in full riot gear. People maybe afraid that the police are taking to extreme approach but they not stopping anyone from expressing their views (that I know of).
This sort of attitude is one of many reasons I stopped registering myself to vote as a Democrat.
Numerous reports indicate that Denver is under virtual lockdown, with protesters shunted off to caged protest zones. The notion that people aren’t being stopped from expressing their views when followed by police in full Ninja riot gear is ludicrous. It obviously intimidates many who might otherwise participate, but then that’s really the idea, isn’t it?
The consequences of this sort of attitude will reveal themselves on election day.
–Richard Estes
I do find it interesting that the commentator finds it comforting the police are there to keep in check protestors that do not agree with his views, but I suspect would be the first to cry “police brutality” if his right to express his views was closely monitored by the police in the same way.
This goes along with my concern about the courts overriding the people’s vote on the gay marriage issue. When judges legislate from the bench, folks don’t mind if the court’s views mirror their own. But they will be the first to cry foul if the court were to legislate some view not in agreement with theirs.
You can’t have it both ways. Either you agree with legislating from the bench or not; close police monitoring of protests or not.
I do find it interesting that the commentator finds it comforting the police are there to keep in check protestors that do not agree with his views, but I suspect would be the first to cry “police brutality” if his right to express his views was closely monitored by the police in the same way.
This goes along with my concern about the courts overriding the people’s vote on the gay marriage issue. When judges legislate from the bench, folks don’t mind if the court’s views mirror their own. But they will be the first to cry foul if the court were to legislate some view not in agreement with theirs.
You can’t have it both ways. Either you agree with legislating from the bench or not; close police monitoring of protests or not.
I do find it interesting that the commentator finds it comforting the police are there to keep in check protestors that do not agree with his views, but I suspect would be the first to cry “police brutality” if his right to express his views was closely monitored by the police in the same way.
This goes along with my concern about the courts overriding the people’s vote on the gay marriage issue. When judges legislate from the bench, folks don’t mind if the court’s views mirror their own. But they will be the first to cry foul if the court were to legislate some view not in agreement with theirs.
You can’t have it both ways. Either you agree with legislating from the bench or not; close police monitoring of protests or not.
I do find it interesting that the commentator finds it comforting the police are there to keep in check protestors that do not agree with his views, but I suspect would be the first to cry “police brutality” if his right to express his views was closely monitored by the police in the same way.
This goes along with my concern about the courts overriding the people’s vote on the gay marriage issue. When judges legislate from the bench, folks don’t mind if the court’s views mirror their own. But they will be the first to cry foul if the court were to legislate some view not in agreement with theirs.
You can’t have it both ways. Either you agree with legislating from the bench or not; close police monitoring of protests or not.
enforcement of the equal protection clause of the California Constitution for everyone is not “legislating from the bench”, but, it’s an academic question anyway, because I suspect tht the voters will resolve this debate by defeating Proposition 8 in November
–Richard Estes
enforcement of the equal protection clause of the California Constitution for everyone is not “legislating from the bench”, but, it’s an academic question anyway, because I suspect tht the voters will resolve this debate by defeating Proposition 8 in November
–Richard Estes
enforcement of the equal protection clause of the California Constitution for everyone is not “legislating from the bench”, but, it’s an academic question anyway, because I suspect tht the voters will resolve this debate by defeating Proposition 8 in November
–Richard Estes
enforcement of the equal protection clause of the California Constitution for everyone is not “legislating from the bench”, but, it’s an academic question anyway, because I suspect tht the voters will resolve this debate by defeating Proposition 8 in November
–Richard Estes
BTW, I saw Don on Channel 10 Sacramento this morning, blogging away. Hope he was working on his Vanguard Post.
BTW, I saw Don on Channel 10 Sacramento this morning, blogging away. Hope he was working on his Vanguard Post.
BTW, I saw Don on Channel 10 Sacramento this morning, blogging away. Hope he was working on his Vanguard Post.
BTW, I saw Don on Channel 10 Sacramento this morning, blogging away. Hope he was working on his Vanguard Post.
Richard,
That sort of tactic by the cops keeps the fringe element nuts from disrupting your entire life. As long as people allow others to express their opinions without infringing on the rights of all then they can protest.
The problem is the nut factor. Ie; if you do not agree with me then I will interfere with your right to speak, demonstrate of give your opinion. The cops do not do anything but protect you and me from anarchists.
Richard,
That sort of tactic by the cops keeps the fringe element nuts from disrupting your entire life. As long as people allow others to express their opinions without infringing on the rights of all then they can protest.
The problem is the nut factor. Ie; if you do not agree with me then I will interfere with your right to speak, demonstrate of give your opinion. The cops do not do anything but protect you and me from anarchists.
Richard,
That sort of tactic by the cops keeps the fringe element nuts from disrupting your entire life. As long as people allow others to express their opinions without infringing on the rights of all then they can protest.
The problem is the nut factor. Ie; if you do not agree with me then I will interfere with your right to speak, demonstrate of give your opinion. The cops do not do anything but protect you and me from anarchists.
Richard,
That sort of tactic by the cops keeps the fringe element nuts from disrupting your entire life. As long as people allow others to express their opinions without infringing on the rights of all then they can protest.
The problem is the nut factor. Ie; if you do not agree with me then I will interfere with your right to speak, demonstrate of give your opinion. The cops do not do anything but protect you and me from anarchists.
Anonymous said…
Richard,
That sort of tactic by the cops keeps the fringe element nuts from disrupting your entire life. As long as people allow others to express their opinions without infringing on the rights of all then they can protest.
The problem is the nut factor. Ie; if you do not agree with me then I will interfere with your right to speak, demonstrate of give your opinion. The cops do not do anything but protect you and me from anarchists.
8/26/08 3:00 PM
well, I guess that’s the mainstream Democratic Party partisan position, a sort of contemporary neo-fascism, we can’t have people exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and association without an overwhelming, intimidating police presence because of the nuts
which, again, is why I’m not registered Democrat
by the way, I’ve participated in quite a number of events over the years associated with anarchists, such as opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and neoliberal policies imposed upon other countries through the IMF and World Bank, they are far from nuts for promoting such perspectives, which, for me, are far superior to anything on offer from the Democratic Party
–Richard Estes
Anonymous said…
Richard,
That sort of tactic by the cops keeps the fringe element nuts from disrupting your entire life. As long as people allow others to express their opinions without infringing on the rights of all then they can protest.
The problem is the nut factor. Ie; if you do not agree with me then I will interfere with your right to speak, demonstrate of give your opinion. The cops do not do anything but protect you and me from anarchists.
8/26/08 3:00 PM
well, I guess that’s the mainstream Democratic Party partisan position, a sort of contemporary neo-fascism, we can’t have people exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and association without an overwhelming, intimidating police presence because of the nuts
which, again, is why I’m not registered Democrat
by the way, I’ve participated in quite a number of events over the years associated with anarchists, such as opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and neoliberal policies imposed upon other countries through the IMF and World Bank, they are far from nuts for promoting such perspectives, which, for me, are far superior to anything on offer from the Democratic Party
–Richard Estes
Anonymous said…
Richard,
That sort of tactic by the cops keeps the fringe element nuts from disrupting your entire life. As long as people allow others to express their opinions without infringing on the rights of all then they can protest.
The problem is the nut factor. Ie; if you do not agree with me then I will interfere with your right to speak, demonstrate of give your opinion. The cops do not do anything but protect you and me from anarchists.
8/26/08 3:00 PM
well, I guess that’s the mainstream Democratic Party partisan position, a sort of contemporary neo-fascism, we can’t have people exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and association without an overwhelming, intimidating police presence because of the nuts
which, again, is why I’m not registered Democrat
by the way, I’ve participated in quite a number of events over the years associated with anarchists, such as opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and neoliberal policies imposed upon other countries through the IMF and World Bank, they are far from nuts for promoting such perspectives, which, for me, are far superior to anything on offer from the Democratic Party
–Richard Estes
Anonymous said…
Richard,
That sort of tactic by the cops keeps the fringe element nuts from disrupting your entire life. As long as people allow others to express their opinions without infringing on the rights of all then they can protest.
The problem is the nut factor. Ie; if you do not agree with me then I will interfere with your right to speak, demonstrate of give your opinion. The cops do not do anything but protect you and me from anarchists.
8/26/08 3:00 PM
well, I guess that’s the mainstream Democratic Party partisan position, a sort of contemporary neo-fascism, we can’t have people exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and association without an overwhelming, intimidating police presence because of the nuts
which, again, is why I’m not registered Democrat
by the way, I’ve participated in quite a number of events over the years associated with anarchists, such as opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and neoliberal policies imposed upon other countries through the IMF and World Bank, they are far from nuts for promoting such perspectives, which, for me, are far superior to anything on offer from the Democratic Party
–Richard Estes