3,000 march in largest demonstration of DNC

By Patti Thorn, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 27, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.
Updated August 27, 2008 at 9:41 p.m.

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Marching behind a police vehicle that flashed the words "Follow Us. Welcome to Denver." on an electronic sign, at least 3,000 Iraq war veterans and anti-war protesters made their way through downtown Denver on Wednesday during the largest demonstration of the Democratic National Convention to date.

Though the event, co-sponsored by the anti-war group Tent State University and Iraq Veterans Against the War, was unpermitted, the parade proceeded peacefully.

It began at the Denver Coliseum and ended at the Pepsi Center perimeter about three hours later. There, veterans attempted to contact aides of presidential candidate Barack Obama to deliver a statement urging Obama to endorse the idea of an immediate withdrawal of "all occupying forces" from Iraq among other positions.

The letter also upbraided the Democratic Party for their "initial and continued" support for the war.

After an hourlong standoff, during which tensions between veterans and police escalated, a meeting with an Obama aide was arranged, and the crowd dispersed.

The march began around 3:15 p.m. outside the coliseum after many of the participants had attended a free concert featuring the heavy metal/rap band Rage Against the Machine and three other acts.

Throughout the four-hour show, band members and emcee Jello Biafra, formerly of the Dead Kennedys, offered political commentary and urged audience members to join the demonstration.

They stressed that it would be a peaceful march.

Referring to conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh, who had been widely quoted as saying it would be his "dream" for Denver to break into riots during the convention, rapper Jonny 5 of the Flobots, a Denver band, told the crowd the worst thing they could do was make that dream come true.

While some feared the police would attempt to stop the unpermitted march, officers escorted the group through city streets, redirecting traffic and pedestrians.

The group of mostly young people walked behind a banner that said: "Support GI Resistance."

Protesters appeared to stretch across at least four city blocks.

Wearing T-shirts and stickers with slogans such as "Arrest Bush" and "Make Out Not War," they sang rolling chants, Marine style. "Tell Me What We're Marching For," sang some. "Stop the torture, stop the war," answered others.

People lined the streets to watch, mostly in approval.

As the parade made its way down Brighton Boulevard, Jonathan Paul, general manager of Builder's Outlet, stood outside his door-framing business. "We had no idea (what was happening) until police started showing up, and I went out and talked to them," he said. Paul said he thought the road had closed because of a passing dignitary.

Further down the route, Betsy Crane, a Denver mother, stood with her children, ages 9, 7 and 5. "They wanted to see what was going on," she said. "They're interested in seeing police officers, as well as protesters."

Not everyone was as respectful.

From the balcony of an apartment complex, a man yelled at the throngs of protesters to move on. "Don't come back here," he said.

But one protester had the last word: He suggested the man join the Army.

As the march wore on under a hot sun, some dropped out. Others found ways to take shortcuts. Two teens on the 16th Street Mall shuttle wearing Rage Against the Machine T-shirts admitted they had skipped part of the march and planned to join it as it neared the end.

One foot clad in a black shoe, the other barefoot, James Koller, 17, explained: "Someone clocked me in the face and took my shoe in the moshpit," he said. "This is a quicker route to the Pepsi Center."

Koller's friend, Joey Minicucci, 18, of Littleton, noted that his brother was in the military, getting ready to be sent to Iraq, one of the reasons he was going to the march.

Another woman in the throngs of protesters had her mind on civil liberties: "I'm marching because it seems to be the last vestiges of our free speech and because people have demands and our government's not listening," said Anne Hill, of Montrose.

Montrose and others came to a standstill at the perimeter of the Pepsi Center around 6:30 p.m., at which time they attempted to have the letter delivered to Obama. Once veterans had set up the meeting with a liaison for Obama, tensions defused.

"I figured as long as we kept things peaceful, they would hear us, and they did," said Jeffrey Wood, an Army veteran who served 18 months stateside.

• August 27, 2008

  10:09 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  denverrma writes:

  Thank you Iraq War vets for a peaceful march and protest in which the participating groups had a worthwhile opinion on an actual current issue! Not a DEM here, but YES, lets end this war!

  You idiots with "Disrupt the DNC 08" and other "Anarchy" goups need to learn that in order to be a protester, you need a cause or be able to voice an opinion about a legitimate issue...not just be here to block traffic and disrupt the convention!

• August 28, 2008

  midnight

  Suggest removal

  Democracy_In_Action writes:

  As one of the participants in the demonstration, I was very impressed with the Denver Police Force, they we very helpful and respected the Iraq Veterans and their message. Thanks to all!

• August 28, 2008

  12:35 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  cooperjtd writes:

  I too was a participant in the march. The police could have easily turned it into a nightmare, however there was mutual respect on both sides. I am very proud to be part of such a strong statement.

• August 28, 2008

  12:43 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  jaybyrd writes:

  Great reporting! I feel certain the RMN verified the authenticity of the "veterans", considering most military uniforms and military paraphernalia can be purchased from a variety of sorts. Simpletons that the editors of this newspaper are, you may find your elementary school brand of reporting is not taken to heart by many of us...including myself. Happy days in Fantasyland!

• August 28, 2008

  1:59 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  bottomofclass writes:

  Ignorant racist... where's your degree from?

• August 28, 2008

  3:26 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  LOUIE writes:

  It was quite commendable to see people protest, deliver a valid message, and do so in a respectful manner. Spagnoodles and his Recreate68 was a bust thank God. Nobody missed Recreate68 except Spagnoodles, who was surely disappointed by the dismal turnout; surely a no confidence vote by his own ilk. Spagnoodles can go back to his Highlands Ranch home, where every house looks the same, and nurse on the government teat that has provided so well for his family throughout the years. As for the soldiers, the band members, and the thousands that march peacefully through our streets, thank you for having the honor to respect the rights of others; your message was heard and well recieved. Thank you!

• August 28, 2008

  3:26 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  denverone writes:

  That's why we have leadership in our Armed Services. Otherwise some of these guys would turn and run. Anyone here been bombed lately?I didn't thinks so.
  Just shut up and vote for the only man worthy of leading this great country. Obama shouldn't even be allowed to stand on the same stage as McCain. What an embarrassment to this nation and our Founding Forefathers!!

• August 28, 2008

  6:57 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  dilligaf writes:

  Rush is probably really popping the pills this morning. His dream did not come true. What we saw yesterday was our American freedoms at work. The right to assemble and have our voices heard. Now the Republicans can try all they want to take that away but we the people won't let them. KEEP AMERICA FREE DO NOT VOTE REPUBLICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  My hat goes off to the peaceful protesters. You all did it the right way.

• August 28, 2008

  7:11 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  jaykholt writes:

  I feel that your title is purposefully misleading. From the pictures I can find and video on TV I could not see more than about 50 veterns tops. To say "thousands of veterans.." is just not correct. With 500,000 having been in theater, with thousands injured, and re-enlistments surpassing expectations, a serious war protest should have had more than 50 veterans. I know a vetern how has been in Iraq for three deployments and was seriously wounded each time. He supports the troops, the mission and is very proud of what the milatary has accomplished in Iraq. Additionally I do not hear any of these protestors speaking out against Senator Obamas plan to involve us more deeply in Afganistan. Why are your voices quiet on his proposal.

• August 28, 2008

  8:10 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  dilligaf writes:

  jaykholt
  Since you don't know how to spell "VETERAN" you must not be one. Which makes you just a blowhole coward. If you are so much for this war I suggest you go pick up a gun and do your part. As far as Afghanistan if Bush would have finish that mission before taking on another we would have brought the people responsible for 9/11 to justice. Obama wants to go after Bin Laden. Bush had the whole country and world behind him in Afghanistan. But he had to go and fight his own little war. He lost us and the world and divided us all. Get back to me and let me know when you leave for basic training and I will come give you a send off.

• August 28, 2008

  8:33 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  hoek writes:

  Why was this demonstration not required to have a permit?
  People calling our troops in Iraq occupying forces only feeds into the hands of the terrorist.

• August 28, 2008

  8:41 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  18Zwife writes:

  The lying treasonous sons of whores of IVAW or Neojohns (the new John Kerry/ John Murthas) as I call them, march up and down U.S. streets accusing all soldiers currently in harm’s way of systematically committing heinous crimes against civilians in Iraq. The IVAW say that they not only witnessed said crimes while in Iraq, but personally participated in them too. My question to the sons of whores is this: If you’re truly guilty of war crimes, why in the hell haven’t you turned yourselves into The Hague? Apparently, your newly found epiphany of conscious (amazingly discovered on the safety of U.S. soil) only goes so far (up and down the street) and not as far as The Hague.

• August 28, 2008

  8:46 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  JFKlamb writes:

  <I feel that your title is purposefully misleading. From the pictures I can find and video on TV I could not see more than about 50 veterns tops. To say "thousands of veterans.." is just not correct. With 500,000 having been in theater, with thousands injured, and re-enlistments surpassing expectations, a serious war protest should have had more than 50 veterans.>

  If there were 3,000 VERIFIED veterans (to YOUR standards) , you would tell us that 3,000 of 500,000 is only .6 %, right?
  First, though some wore uniforms, not every veteran might have. I even think you aren't SUPPOSED to wear a uniform for such a purpose, but I might be wrong.
  SECOND, since the protest was in Denver, and the veterans are from EVERYWHERE in the US, AND the war duty has put many military families under much stress, especially financially, it's understandable that many simply couldn't afford to attend. Even "driving distance" has been redefined with the advent of $4 gas.
  Oh... and Mc Cain was a POW because he CRASHED his plane, because he lacked the skills and shouldn't have been in the air. He was still allowed to fly, though, because of an Affirmative Action program.(Dad and grand dad were Admirals).
  And the wife that stood by him while he was a prisoner? he DUMPED her in grand family values style, and went for an old school Paris Hilton .

• August 28, 2008

  9 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  JFKlamb writes:

  <Why was this demonstration not required to have a permit? >

  You would have had to go up to veterans who fought "for our freedom", and tell them that they were not free to exercise their clearly written freedom to free speech and peaceful assembly, as clearly spelled out in our Bill of Rights.
  They couldn't find anyone disrespectful enough of their service to volunteer to tell the vets this. Perhaps next time, YOU can volunteer to tell them!
  awwww... are you just angry that no Starbucks windows were broken?
  It would be one thing if "permits" had simple rules, and could be applied for, and given out with no problem, but then...there ARE problems, and delays and "what if" questions could hold up a protest for ...ever.
  I recall the F-16 protest in NYC, before the Iraq war began, and how marches weren't permitted. Hey! even the Bush White House wrote to the City to encourage the city NOT to allow a protest march! I thought Conservative believed in a small fed government (that you could drown in a tub!) and were supporters of states rights ? In fact... I can't think of 3 things that Bush DOES believe in "Conserving" ! Shouldn't they come up with a new description for themselves?
  Don't worry if this is over your head! Ron Paul will certainly be able to explain it at the RNC convention. I wonder when his speech will be?

• August 28, 2008

  9:25 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  7_ogNiOj writes:

  Support the troops, encourage desertion!

• August 28, 2008

  9:31 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  dilligaf writes:

  JFKlamb writes:
  "and McCain was a POW because he CRASHED his plane, because he lacked the skills and shouldn't have been in the air. He was still allowed to fly, though, because of an Affirmative Action program.(Dad and grand dad were Admirals)."

  JFK I,m a Obama supporter and many of your views are mine also. But please refrain from lowering yourself to the Republicans dirty politics (Swift Boat Vets). McCain is a veteran of war and should deserve more respect. It is his issues that should be questioned.

• August 28, 2008

  11:15 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  GTFOOH writes:

  @dilligaf

  Subject, verb, POW -- the way McCain plays his get-out-of-trouble-free card constantly should be questioned! He mentions his 40-yr old POW biography so often and for such stupid reasons its becoming a joke and insults the real sacrifice of all war veterans. Forget how many homes you own? "I was a POW!" More war for 100 years? "I was a POW!"

  http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives...

• August 28, 2008

  11:36 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  dilligaf writes:

  GTFOOH
  Can't disagree with you I don't like him using that crutch either. My point I was making (and I'm a Vietnam Vet) is it is not right to question someones service in war. The man went and fought just like Kerry. Now Bush weaseled out of it and that is a different story. But it was wrong to question Kerry's service and to be fair it is wrong to question McCain's. I do not like him as a candidate for President. But has a Vietnam Vet he is my brother.

• August 28, 2008

  3:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  GuyFawkes writes:

  Amen dilligaf. You can dislike McCain for many other reasons without having to question the sacrifice that he made by being in Vietnam. As an Admiral's son, he could have enjoyed laying on some beach somewhere, but that was not what he did. And for those who think that it was a cakewalk being a POW, imagine the treatment you would receive being sent to prison in some third world country. Now imagine that same treatment, 100 times worse and with no embassy to look in on you.

  The sacrifices made by McCain are not open for debate!

• August 28, 2008

  5:14 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  alsxrf writes:

  I agree, I think McCain would not be a good president for many reasons but, please do not let us stoop to swift boat levels! It's not necessary and only weakens many strong arguments against him.

• August 29, 2008

  12:57 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  elmysterio writes:

  hoek said: "People calling our troops in Iraq occupying forces only feeds into the hands of the terrorist."

  There are two things wrong with that statement.

  1. What are the troops doing in Iraq if not occupying it? When one country invades another country and then keeps it's troops there in continuing military action and counter-insurgency, it's call an OCCUPATION. Doesn't matter what patriotic blather you wrap it in, it's still an occupation.

  2. The people fighting the US forces in Iraq are NOT terrorists. They are insurgents or resistance fighters. The right of a people in an occupied nation to resist the occupying force is enshrined in international law.

• August 29, 2008

  12:59 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  elmysterio writes:

  ssqured said: "Rush Limbaugh, regardless of his political orientation, can only be characterized as completely irresponsible for urging riots in the City of Denver during the DNC"

  Ah, I don't know why anyone takes that blowhard hatemonger Limbaugh seriously. Come on, the guy is disgusting. Everything that comes out of his mouth is a lie or half-truth wrapped in poisonous hatred. The country would be much better of without hatemongers like him poisoning the airwaves. But free speech right... so therefore, it's up to the people to ignore his bullsh*t.

• August 29, 2008

  1:16 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  elmysterio writes:

  dilligaf: Yeah, McCain didn't "crash" his plane, he was shot down over Hanoi after dropping his bombs on civilians. He was then captured by the people, beaten senseless and handed over to the NVA. He then spent that next 5 years in "captivity" but collaborated with this captors earning himself the nickname "songbird".

  Let's not forget the tragedy on the USS Forrestal when McCain the loose-cannon "wet-started" his A-4E Skyhawk and shot a huge flame out the back of his jet. The 'wet-start' 'cooked off' and launched the M34 Zuni rocket from the rear F-4 that punctured the Skyhawk's fueltank, knocked the M-65 1000 lb bomb off it's 500 lb rated mount, and touched off the explosions and massive fire. This killed 134, injured 161, destroyed 21 aircraft and cost the Navy $72 million.

  McCain was then quickly transferred off the ship, escaping court marshal due to his father's position in the military and a cover up ensued. He was shot down not too long after.

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