Protesters will 'push the limits,' organizer says
By Sara Burnett, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 12:57 p.m., August 7, 2008
Updated 12:43 a.m., August 8, 2008
Linda Mcconnell © The Rocky
Mark Cohen, a member of Re-create 68, addresses the media outside the City and County Building on Thursday.
An organizer for one of the groups planning large-scale protests during the Democratic National Convention said Thursday it will challenge "in the streets of Denver" a federal judge's decision to restrict access to the Pepsi Center.
"We're going to vote with our feet, and we're going to vote in the streets," said Glenn Spagnuolo of the Re-create 68 Alliance.
"We're going to take our marches right to the gates of the Pepsi Center, and we're going to push the limits of that security zone, because sooner or later, at some time or another, Americans need to start resisting and say no, enough is enough," Spagnuolo said.
He added that his group does not plan to be violent.
His comments came after the American Civil Liberties Union, which represented Re-Create 68 and a dozen other advocacy groups, decided not to appeal a Wednesday decision by U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger.
Krieger ruled that the designated protest zone and parade route did not violate protesters' free speech rights and that the city and Secret Service didn't have to give protesters better access.
The ACLU also decided to drop its challenge to restrictions at Invesco Field at Mile High, where Sen. Barack Obama will speak the last night of the DNC. Those issues were scheduled to go to trial next week.
Mark Silverstein, legal director for the ACLU of Colorado, said Krieger was likely to rule the same way on Invesco Field as she did regarding the Pepsi Center.
"The regrettable thing is courts are deferring to security planners who base their plans many times on risks that are extremely speculative . . . and the result is all of our First Amendment rights are diminished," Silverstein said. "That's the world we live in."
The city of Denver and the U.S. Secret Service argued that public access to the Pepsi Center must be restricted because of the risk of a shooting, explosive device or chemical attack.
They argued - and the judge agreed - that protesters have ample opportunities to express themselves during the convention, from demonstrating on public sidewalks to rallies in parks.
The city also agreed to provide a stage and loud speakers for the protest zone, and to distribute leaflets and other information from protesters to delegates inside the convention.
"Our commitment to robust free speech and assembly has never wavered," Mayor John Hickenlooper said after the ruling was announced.
While the suit was unsuccessful, Silverstein said it was worthwhile. "I do think there were several things achieved that we wouldn't have achieved otherwise," he said. Among them: the stage for protesters and distribution of leaflets in the convention.
burnetts@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5343
The ruling
* U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger issued an order Wednesday upholding Denver's security plans, which restrict access to the Pepsi Center during the Democratic National Convention.
The reaction
* Attorneys representing several protest groups said Thursday that they would not appeal the ruling. But individual protesters said the fight was far from over and that they would make their appeal "in the streets of Denver."
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August 7, 2008
1:11 p.m.
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Mayor_Quimby writes:
This is all because BUSH took away your constitutional rights!!!
I hope they just storm the place to make their voices known!!
How much do you want to bet that these would have won if they wanted to protest the RNC?
August 7, 2008
1:25 p.m.
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Gonzopozo writes:
"Security". The Bush-Cheney doctrine of fear has saturated American society. We're all so afraid of what "might happen".
Sad.
August 7, 2008
1:32 p.m.
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whazzamattau writes:
I am worried about this great noble experiment called democracy here in America. Tent State's twisted idea of what free speech consists of is frightening. First, these protesters want to camp out in a public park. Never mind that it is against the law to do so, they want to exercise their free speech rights. Next they want to carry buckets full of feces through the parade route to the Pepsi Center. Never mind that it is both offensive and in outrageous bad taste to do so (and we are expected to believe they won't do anything with this cargo they are carrying). Now we hear complaints that they won't sleep well while they are bedding down on a parking lot.
Free speech was never intended to be used as a lever to break laws and inflict unwanted opinions on unwilling listeners. In a democracy the majority rules and it is simply fascism for these scofflaws to believe it is their right to force us to listen to their unwelcome and unhelpful spew. Freedom for one means freedom for all, and that means that when your message is so warped and democratically unhealthy it is wrong for you to attempt to make others who are unwilling to hear it listen to you.
Tent State and Recreate 68 are not practitioners of democracy; they are disciples of Marxism and fascism. We can do better, and we shouldn't allow ourselves to be pushed around by these tin pot bullies.
August 7, 2008
1:43 p.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
We're so afraid of what might happen that we ignore bad things that are happening.
They took the story off the front of the web site but there was quite the crowd cheering on the Chinese Communists as they arrested Americans and British protesting the Communist oppression of Tibet.
It's disgusting to see anyone who calls himself an American cheering on the arrests, imprisonments, and tortures of the Tibetan people by their Chinese overlords. This is tyranny and terror happening in our faces.
So, what's the response? Oh, take it easy on the Chinese Communists! And let them steal some more American jobs! We love the cheap crap they're selling us! All that crap is so much more important than human rights way up there in the Himalayas!
You know what the trouble is with that attitude? Chinese Communist disrespect for human rights is rubbing off on America.
I propose that we wash our hands of the filth of those tyrants. I propose a graduated embargo on Chinese imports until they respect the rights of Tibetans to express an opinion, any opinion, in their own country.
And I say what's good for Tibet is good for America, too.
August 7, 2008
1:44 p.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
Does a protester need to go to the bathroom? Better consult your lawyer for permission.
August 7, 2008
1:48 p.m.
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sheepherder writes:
Whazz...very well said!
August 7, 2008
1:59 p.m.
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Mayor_Quimby writes:
whazz... all those idiots... i mean protesters are dumbocrats and are protesting their surrender party to surrender in Iraq quickly before we achieve total victory. We cant have that under a republican administration. Dumbocrats are the only ones allowed to start wars!!
August 7, 2008
2:06 p.m.
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Yankee writes:
Lingling
You can go to the bathroom whenever you like but, not wherever you like. Not, for instance, in the middle of the street. You have to go to an appropriate place that the community has set up for that function.
August 7, 2008
2:12 p.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
WARNING: I'm about to inflict an unwanted opinion on unwilling readers!
Conservatives come in basically two types:
1. Elite conservatives are composed mainly of controlling tyrants, incompetent and greedy executives, robber barons, propagandists, business lobbyists, and their hired corporate shills.
2. All other conservatives are fools, cowards, and sycophants who drink hogwash for breakfast. These live in a world of hand-me-down delusions that are so unspeakably powerful that they would climb a tall tree and fall out of it just to vote against their own best interests.
Conservatives pay lip service to freedom of speech but when the chips are down they cry, "No! It's not safe to say such things! Quit demonstrating! I don't want to hear that!"
Conservatives turn against the principle of free speech because the more truth that people discover about how they're being screwed by their self-promoted "leaders", the angrier they'll get. People will also see the power that they have when they unite to serve their own common interests. They will see that they don't need to take joblessness, low-pay, economic ruin, poverty, and being evicted from their homes lying down.
We can stand up. There is only one thing we need to take away power from the elite conservatives listed above: destroy the delusions of the second group that enables and sustains that tyranny.
That is why they're so afraid of free speech.
August 7, 2008
2:14 p.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
HolierThanThou - We don't have to agree with their form of government to believe that they are scumbags in regard to human rights. They, simply, (the ruling party) doesn't acknowledge that others than themselves are human and to be treated with diginty.
And wean them away from the American consumer, SOON! This is a problem cause the avaricious business community of the USA has caused it. So boycott any & all chinese goods. If everyone would do that the problem would solve itself!
August 7, 2008
2:34 p.m.
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paperboy_80110 writes:
I support the ACLU, but I don't get this.
First, it's not the "protester's" event. Asking for the same logistical access as the invited delegates is unreasonable. They can organize all of the protests they like, whenever they like (basically), and include only those they choose to include. Remember Columbus day?
Second, the City has no obligation to allow these protesters to confront the conventioneers in such close proximity that avoidance of violence and potential rioting depend on the protester's good behavior. I love the idea of protests, but I have seen riots begin. One out of control idiot is all it takes.
Third, although the national spot-light may moderate their behavior, the Denver Police, as a whole, are head-knocking thugs, and once the chaos begins even the good cops have little choice but to join the melee.
If tent state pre-schoolers show up at City Park, with or without a permit, there will be blood on the green. Their hare-brained plans almost guarantee it.
The Convention itself could escape unscathed if the cops are careful.
August 7, 2008
2:41 p.m.
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Keno33 writes:
These people are going to burn our poor city. I for one will board up my house and take the family to the mountains. All liberals are messed up in the head.
August 7, 2008
2:42 p.m.
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AmaranthArticia writes:
Oh for the love of god, would somebody shut Spagnulo up? With free speech comes the responsibility to know when to shut up. This dousch already caused one argument between my boyfriend and I, I'll smack him if he causes another one.
August 7, 2008
2:44 p.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
Yankee,
Sorry, I used a lousy example. My point was more so about them checking with their lawyers for permission to do anything, not so much the toilet issues.
August 7, 2008
2:48 p.m.
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ZillaCo writes:
And Liberals always come in one basic form:
People who cannot express an opinion without wallowing around in the gutter and name-calling.
Just because it is beautified by using your thesauras doesn't mean that it is any better than when you were in the playground yelling other childish insults.
August 7, 2008
2:54 p.m.
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sheepherder writes:
HTH...you sound like a broken record!
Glenn is so whiny even the libs won't listen to him!
August 7, 2008
3:11 p.m.
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temurlan writes:
Hey Holier. McCain is now ahead of Obama in the national polls.
Have a nice day.
August 7, 2008
3:20 p.m.
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Ringmaster writes:
HolierThanThou - What color is the sky on your world?
(shh... quiet! I think I hear the black helicoptors hovering outside...)
August 7, 2008
3:25 p.m.
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DemsAreDumb writes:
Holier.... stop blinking!! That's when THEY get you!
August 7, 2008
3:25 p.m.
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temurlan writes:
Ringmaster, tapeworms don't see the sky, just the bowels that live in.
August 7, 2008
3:34 p.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
Holier is someone that knows that it does not have the mental power or physical ability to change anything but his short! So... you see how it compensates.
Labels, Name calling, "Your Protecting the Chinese Goverment" Ramblings, etc etc Only go to show that those crying most about what is wrong with this Country are the least likely to do anything about it.
Holier is a Troll.
August 7, 2008
3:49 p.m.
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temurlan writes:
MarineGrunt, that's insulting to trolls.
Sorry but being the last of six kids (mostly boys) I can't resist a good pile-on, especially when it's not on me.
August 7, 2008
4:02 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
A democratic Mayor and THE DEMS themselves are and have been going to court with R68 and other Liberal Protest groups and IT IS THE CONSERVATIVES FAULT? I am up for defining blame and disgust to all politicians, but this is downright crazy.
I think it was Spanky Spagnalo himself that would love to have the protest areas as close in Denver as they are in MN...........but hey thats politics
August 7, 2008
4:33 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
DOG PILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 7, 2008
4:43 p.m.
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drkenne writes:
We reap what we sow
August 7, 2008
4:53 p.m.
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cooperjtd writes:
everybody has a right to voice their opinion, that is of course as long as it's consistent with the majority. And Marine states this:
Holier is someone that knows that it does not have the mental power or physical ability to change anything but his short! So... you see how it compensates.
Labels, Name calling, "Your Protecting the Chinese Goverment" Ramblings, etc etc Only go to show that those crying most about what is wrong with this Country are the least likely to do anything about it.
Then he calls Holier a troll.
so it's okay for YOU to label and name call, just nobody else. would that be because you 'served our country' and us civilians are below you?
August 7, 2008
5:07 p.m.
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timeandagain writes:
This quote from Glenn Spangnuolo would make much more sense if it read as follows:
"We'll file our appeals in the streets of Highlands Ranch," Spagnuolo said. "We intend to march, and we still intend to go to the Highlands Ranch Recreation Center."
Because, as it currently reads, the quote makes no sense coming from him...
If Glenn Spangnuolo is so against the government, maybe he should not accept the US Government employee benefits from his wife! Glenn is a POSER and a walking contradiction!!!
Glenn Spangnuolo lives is Highland's Ranch!!!!!
August 7, 2008
5:08 p.m.
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EZBakeOven writes:
Oooh, snap!
August 7, 2008
8:29 p.m.
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robert10001 writes:
These are not protesters. They are attention getters. What is their cause? Right, who knows? They simply want their own narcissistic 15 minutes of fame. Give me a cause and I would out there too.
August 7, 2008
10:16 p.m.
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Glenn writes:
I do not usually blog with all the non-sense on here, but what in the hell are you talking about when you refer to my wifes government benefits, I think you got the wrong person fool.
August 8, 2008
6:02 a.m.
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Aliverer writes:
What about the freedom of expression to have a Columbus day parade Mr. Highlands Ranch?
August 8, 2008
7:05 a.m.
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fencergal writes:
You would think that these protestors would start to get the point--that Free Speech applies only when you are saying what the Democrats want you to say. These are the same people who want to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine and silence talk radio because they are upset that thinking Americans are getting news and info from a myriad of sources and thus can make up their own minds about an issue instead of it being fed to them by MSM.
August 8, 2008
7:07 a.m.
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MNM writes:
The idea of urine and feces came from Denver City Council and staff, not from the protesters. And anybody biking through Denver also faces possibly being stopped, questioned and searched if they carry a bike lock or other various items, because of all the possible situations Denver has predicted.
August 8, 2008
7:35 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
Wow, Glenn has actually stepped up and blogged here. Glenn, why don't you abide by the judges ruling and quit being a freaking whiner! Nowhere in the 1st amendment does it say people have to be FORCED to listen to your crap. And I love all the non-violent talk. How about the morons who will be in the center of your group throwing things...didn't you recruit them Glenn? Have you been saving your poo and pee Glenn? GROW UP!
August 8, 2008
7:51 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
Glenn?
August 8, 2008
8:46 a.m.
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DemsAreDumb writes:
Dumbocrats are stupid!
August 8, 2008
10:19 a.m.
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jrod193 writes:
It is amazing to read posts from the apathetic and docile cowards on this board. Does it not piss you off that the government is restricting free speech by subjecting 'demonstrators' to a CAGE not even within shouting distance of these delegates? Agree or disagree with the cause each of these groups represents, it is the principal of the matter that is of importance here. What happens when at the next convention it is determined that the 'demonstration zone' will not be allowed in the same city as the convention? What happens at the convention after that when it is determined that dissent will simply not be allowed? At what point will you p*ssies finally stand up and say enough is enough?
August 8, 2008
10:45 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
jrod, I would say the city has done a great job at giving these people a voice for a PRIVATE event. I say enough is enough when groups say they will throw pee/poo bombs, rocks, use sling shots to shoot bolts...thats enough for me. It would appear small groups like R68, anarchists, black block have ruined it for the people who wish to protest using legal methods. You need to open your eyes brother, this is NOT an "anything goes" society thank god.
August 8, 2008
10:51 a.m.
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jay writes:
jrod, you also need to consider that there's a huge difference between limiting free speech and maintaining safety at an event such as this.
August 8, 2008
10:52 a.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
jrod I understand what you are saying and I too have problems with how this is all being handled. From the protesters to the Mayors group, to the DNC and its security.
But look at this way, what would you do if you were the face of this mess? Groups promoting violence, and upheaval(sp). They showed their cards before the hand had been fully dealt and he betting started. Again what would you do if you were in charge and STILL wanted to maintain some credibility at a local and national level?
Dont worry they will get out of the cages. Get their message out via the streets..........
August 8, 2008
11:01 a.m.
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Biff writes:
I would be willing to bet that Glenn is a trust funder with nothing really better to do with his life....I'll excersie my right to free speech....I think your a loser Glenn....
August 8, 2008
11:11 a.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
I've never seen a more hateful race than liberals. It's amusing now to see them hating each other.
August 8, 2008
11:29 a.m.
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Reason writes:
"I do not usually blog with all the non-sense on here, but what in the hell are you talking about when you refer to my wifes government benefits, I think you got the wrong person fool."
Don't you just love unnecessary hyphens? Sounds like Glenn is fine with chickens coming home to roost, except when they're his own. Ain't free speech great?
August 8, 2008
12:05 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
What this "protest" is all about is the hate party isn't hating enough.
August 8, 2008
12:22 p.m.
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duncan writes:
"... i mean protesters are dumbocrats and are protesting their surrender party to surrender in Iraq quickly before we achieve total victory."
"Total victory". The famous last words of a bushnik who supports the new amerikan police state under herr Bush and is upset set to see it all going down the toilet were it all belongs. Other famous lies by the bushniks "Mission Accomplished", "Saddam is an evil-doer", "Under the Bush regime we will have freedom in America", "Saddam has WMD's and is plotting to attack the U.S.", "Saddam is apart of combined effort with Osama to attack the U.S.".
You repub's had your chance to show the world how you support liberty and ya blew it big time. You people are corporate fascists who hate liberty and freedom of speech.
Oh yea, I am not now nor have I have ever been a member of any left wing parties to include the other party of hypocrites called the Democratic Party which is anything but democratic. So your assertion about the protesters being democrats is a lie, but then this was the MO of Adolph Hitler and the MO of the Republican party. Lie big, lie often or all the time and eventually everyone might believe you.
You democrats are just as guilty. Under Komrade Klinton 83 innocent people were slaughtered in Waco all in the name of gun control, ergo left wing fascist with a pink shade of communism behind that smile of Obamarama's.
August 8, 2008
2:07 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
In the 1960s Martin Luther King, Jr. marched wearing a suit and tie, locking arms with fellow marchers such as Robert Kennedy. The issues were voting rights and school segregation. Today, Glenn Spagnuolo will be marching with a bucket of feces (probably stolen) and a bottle of urine to launch on the people who marched with Dr. King. The target of the protest will be the second black president.
August 8, 2008
2:55 p.m.
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timeandagain writes:
Sorry, Glenn, it is the Town of Castle Rock that Barb works for - not the US government... Regardless, you are a toolbag that feeds at the government trough! Stay down in Highlands Ranch where you belong!
August 8, 2008
3:34 p.m.
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sheepherder writes:
I notice that Glenn was too much of a coward to come on here and debate his points. BUT he will be in Denver with his merry bands of morons behind him! Tough guy when he's surrounded by his "supporters."
August 8, 2008
4:32 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
If your protest is going to be peaceful, as you have stated, why won't you abide by the safety regulations appointed in specific regards to your gang & other gangs like yours? Just remember we live here...our families live here. Please respect my home & my freedoms as you still have your right to spout whatever it is you continually spout about. Better yet, just stay home. We will all be better off. Create a blog, or something that reaches more people rather than simply gettiing your face on TV.
August 8, 2008
5:11 p.m.
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sec970 writes:
The last time I checked, freedom of speech does not require the government to provide you with a platform and/or a stage for that speech. No one is stopping these people from speaking--the officials are just trying to preserve the rights of other Coloradoans to go about their lives during the convention as well.
Get over yourself, Spagnuolo! (oh wait, I can't say that, because that is not the right KIND of free speech....)
August 19, 2008
8:59 a.m.
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Flipper writes:
Treat all Liberals and protestors like a 5 year old, hopefully they can follow simple commands. Listen the first time every time...No sassing...lend a hand...Be responsible...Do the right thing.
I guess since these are difficult rules to follow let the DPD put the beat Down on them