Cops find a few bad apples at RNC protest
By M.E. Sprengelmeyer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 1, 2008 at 8:14 a.m.
Updated September 1, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.
Photo by Joe Mahoney
A protester breaks a Macy's department store with a traffic diversion sign as a group of about two or three dozen so-called anarchists marched through downtown St. Paul breaking windows, upending trash cans and damaging a police car on Monday afternoon, Sept. 1, 2008 as the Republican National Convention began.
Photo by Chris Schneider
Laurie Arbeiter, left, of New York, Leslie Harris, middle, of Texas, and Nel LaVar, of Texas, right, wear masks and signs during the rally at the State Capitol before the march into downtown St. Paul on Monday, September 1, 2008.
A protester jumps down from a police vehicle with a broken window in downtown St. Paul before the start of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, September 1, 2008.
Photo by Chris Schneider
Jodin Morey is dressed as a Guantanamo detainee at the State Capitol at the rally before protesters marched into downtown St. Paul before the start of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, September 1, 2008.
Photo by Chris Schneider
Protesters move away from the police lines as they wash a chemical agent out of their eyes in downtown St. Paul before the start of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, September 1, 2008.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Small street skirmishes between protesters and police made up for a shortage of action inside the Republican National Convention.
As Hurricane Gustav made landfall Monday along the Gulf Coast, President Bush canceled a scheduled appearance at his party's convention, and delegates performed only a few routine duties. But the massive storm didn't stop thousands of anti-war demonstrators from mobilizing a march from the Minnesota Capitol to downtown St. Paul.
It was mostly peaceful, but several hundred young demonstrators broke away from the scheduled parade route, broke windows at a Macy's department store, smashed a police car's window and at times drew pepper spray from police in full riot gear.
"Our streets! Their war!" some young protesters shouted as they diverted from the permitted parade route and tried to sneak around police lines to get closer to the Xcel Energy Center convention site.
Property damage was minimal, although a concrete trash container was toppled into a street a few blocks from the convention arena, and Macy's workers spent much of the afternoon replacing smashed storefront windows.
With 15,000 journalists in town and little convention action to cover, the reporters and photographers outnumbered police and protesters at some locations.
Against the war
The day's events began with a diverse collection of anti-war groups mobilizing for a permitted protest on the grassy hill south of the Capitol.
The crowd was made up of activists of all ages, including young members of the group Iraq Veterans Against the War, older members of the group Veterans for Peace and parents of U.S. service members serving in the conflict.
Mike Starr, 55, a 25-year military veteran from Anoka, Minn., stood with his wife, Sue, in the center of the crowd and held a sign taunting Vice President Dick Cheney. It read: "Thank you, 5X 'Deferment Dick' for sending our son to Iraq."
The couple's 19-year-old son is at Fort Dix, N.J., his unit just a few days from deploying to the war zone, they said.
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September 1, 2008
9:49 a.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
I was going to organize a pro-war rally, but we need warriors. We have a shortage.
September 1, 2008
10:04 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
This can't be. According to several bloggers over the last few months this was only the democrats that brought their own protesters. Oh well at least they targeted the real party that is responcible for the war in Iraq.
September 1, 2008
10:20 a.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
Anti-war rally?
News flash: The surge worked, the war's over and we're starting to pull out as planned. Not much left on the war to protest.
September 1, 2008
11:14 a.m.
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bph writes:
Maybe the anti warriors should "flood" into New Orleans and help those people deal with the hurricane "surge". In fact both sides should come together for once and sandbag side by side. Have something in common for once
September 1, 2008
12:01 p.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
The war is over?
Is Osama bin Laden in Gitmo?
Or are conservative crackpots claiming yet another Bush-league "Mission Accomplished"?
Bush's war in Iraq was based on lies and has no strategic value. The real enemy is regrouping in Afghanistan and Waziristan. The Iraqis want our troops out and we are sending more.
Bush and his regime need to be tried for high treason in so far as they lied to send our troops to the wrong battlefield.
September 1, 2008
12:05 p.m.
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ptcruiser writes:
Stop the whining, your son was not drafted! He volunteered and also Biden was 4x deferment, then after lettering football and other sports in school he magically came up with asthma. Let the troops win this one, unlike Vietnam, on a good note, future candidates for the democrat party can say "I protested, like Bill and Hillary"
September 1, 2008
1:06 p.m.
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BO writes:
ptcruiser-
Biden wasn't calling for war, nor was he questioning the patriotism of anyone that disagreed with Bush/ Iraq like "5 deferments" Cheney was. Big difference. What was Biden supposed to do, request they take him and ignore his asthma? The military has their rules. Big difference between playing football with asthma and being in combat. Its also amazing how it is OK to bring up a democrats lack of military service/ deferments, but its off limits when discussing members of the GOP.
Nice that you can tell veterans of the past to "stop whining" about the war. I believe they have earned the right to "whine" more than you ever will.
September 1, 2008
1:15 p.m.
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ajcole22 writes:
They can whine, but they should be whining about their son's decision to enlist. He knew the war was going on, he must have wanted to go. why else enlist? And his parents just disagree, but Bush didn't make the boy go.
September 1, 2008
1:28 p.m.
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Buckwheat writes:
The war was going on when he was in the 8th grade. Still going on when he graduated and inlisted. Now if the thinks the war is wrong knowing that he could get sent over there to support and fight for it why in the name of common sense did he enlist?? Tell you what. Let's pull every troop out of every country, and when the bad guys come knocking we'll let you talk em' down. Oh and also we'll let the tyrants wipe out entire nations. Screw em all right? Bring everyone home now, i'am sick of wiping everyone's nose. right?..
September 1, 2008
1:56 p.m.
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anteup writes:
Agreed ajcole, what part of military do these people not understand? Do they think "armed forces" consists of a free education, a paycheck from the government and benefits after discharge but NO SERVICE? We're lucky that the majority of those that enlist have a deep sense of duty, commitment, patriotism and integrity in spite of their parents.
September 1, 2008
2:07 p.m.
Bluebeard writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 1, 2008
2:20 p.m.
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Conservativeslayer writes:
Good to see the gestapo tactics of the St. Paul PD haven't deterred people from using their first amendment rights. If you didn't know, the St. Paul goon squad did pre-emptive raids on about a half dozen houses where protestors were located. They handcuffed everyone, refused to show the warrant for almost an hour, and where making jokes of executing people. One of the groups they targeted was I-Witness, a very "dangerous" group of individuals for sure. They monitor police and videotape interactions between police and protestors. Their work at the NYC 2004 RNC led to the dismissal of over 400 cases, for police misconduct. It's no wonder they were targeted. Police hate being held accountable and videotape don't lie.
September 1, 2008
2:35 p.m.
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bronco writes:
The surge only worked because of Muqtada al-Sadr called a ceasefire prior to the surge. Im so sick of these people attacking independent minded people who realize that, WE SHOULDN'T BE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!! Luckily dumbfu#@istan looks like it will be in the minority this fall election.
September 1, 2008
2:36 p.m.
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ptcruiser writes:
BO -
I have EARNED the right to insult whiners, I have been to Iraq x2,
Desert storm veteran, Beriut, and my service goes on 26 years + also my son is in Afghanistan. We all volunteered, Biden used his deferments to get out of the vietnam war. PERIOD. He also along with Hillary and numerous other democrats voted to invade Iraq. Obama claims he didn't vote for it, and indeed he didn't because he wasnt even in Washington at the time. IF YOU COULD READ IT SAYS "STOP THE WHINING, YOUR SON...."
It refers to the parents of the young man who voluntary enlisted in the military, before you try to become a E-Thug try reading the post then comment. I would vilify a republican, democrat, independent if they try to weasle out of military service. McCain/Palin 2008
September 1, 2008
2:38 p.m.
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bronco writes:
Palin is a joke, this election is already over.
September 1, 2008
2:42 p.m.
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T1anda writes:
Hoakier than anyone...Osama Bin Ladin was offered to Bill Clinton on a silver platter! In typical Democrat fashion Clinton failed to take Bin Ladin into custody!
Just think, Hoakier than anyone... If Clinton would have put Bin Ladin in chains THEN we more than likely wouldn't have had a 911 with Bin Ladin as the evil mastermind!
September 1, 2008
3:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
jwbeuk writes:
Bronco = Duh!, but what would you expect. As for the mom and dad highlighted in the protest story, "I want my son home"; didn't he enlist while two wars were going on? FYI to loons on the left, both the Pres and VP candidates for the Republican party have children either in Iraq or heading to Iraq. Stop whining about the rich Republican leaders children not going to war and get a life. Course that is the Bush girls helping in the inner city and the third world while Chelsea uses Daddy and Mommy's connections to get a cushy job a hedge fund. There is a reason the Dem party has now become the party of the RICH and spoiled.
September 1, 2008
4:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Shaggy writes:
Big_D writes:
"Biden's son is serving and is being deployed to Iraq. He has a vested interest on doing the right thing."
McCain has two sons serving and Palin's son is being deployed in Sept.
They both have a vested interest in a secure Iraq and to get our troops home.
Obamas kids will never done an American uniform.
They will never see the inside of a public school either.
September 1, 2008
4:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
dragonfly writes:
The thugs are restless in St. Paul. Thanks to the Denver PD they did not cause to much of a problem here. There are reports the thugs threw smoke bombs, slashed tires and attacked bus passengers....Some free speach.
September 1, 2008
4:03 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
I understand the mother in the article, God be with her. Yet her son chose to serve his nation, do not demean his honor, nor his courage in doing so. It is sad a president had to lie to us all to sacrifice our son and daughters, there were no "Weapon of Mass destruction" ; the most powerful nation on earth, with the best intelligence gathering network, other than perhaps Mossad, knew this without a doubt. America does need change as Mr. Obama puts it, yet niether party will ever give up thier strangle hold on America; instead both partys pursue thier agenda selfishly, at the cost of America. One evil over the other, is not evil , evil? Someday, before I die, I want to see a real American, someone like this woman's son, who puts thier own selfishness aside, for a nation that has stood as a beacon of freedom, in an oppressed world.
September 1, 2008
4:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
bronco writes:
Enough about the clintons, I'm a dem and I can't stand them. She'll soon be relegated to the upper east side where she belongs. Is that all you scumbag neocons can argue about. Look at the state of this country after Bush compared to Clinton, wake up already and stop complaing. Obama is going to be the best prez in 4o yrs.
September 1, 2008
4:41 p.m.
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glock27 writes:
This story doesn't mention some of the more outrageous activities of these "protesters": For example, throwing bags of sand and cement from highway overpasses onto buses carrying delegates to the convention.
These people make me sick.
September 1, 2008
4:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
kc02 writes:
You know, the Rocky Mountain News should have a headline article today about turning Ramadi and Anbar province over to the Iraqis. We suceeded in Iraq, you masked twits who believe in anarchy.
September 1, 2008
5:14 p.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
A idiot blithered: "Hoakier than anyone...Osama Bin Ladin was offered to Bill Clinton on a silver platter!"
And Scarlett Johansson just showed up at my door to take me out for dinner and drinks because she's trying to charm the pants off me!
Ed McMahon dropped by earlier with a check for $100 billion dollars!
Santa Claus is cooking the Easter Bunny for dinner at our local cafe!
George W. Bush will balance the federal budget before leaving office!
Duck Cheney is wearing flowers in his hair, loves people, and is now frolicking and skipping happily through a meadow with Jesus.
And smoking crack is good for you!
September 1, 2008
5:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
River_Bolden writes:
If anyone is interested, I have posted some pics from the “Stop the War in Iran” protest here in NYC.
http://www.scratchpadnews.blogspot.com/
September 1, 2008
5:20 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
These "anti-war" protesters, are a joke. They want the violence to stop, so they respond with what? Violence. That's logical. Talking about calling the kettle black. They are hypocrites. I served in the military and fought and killed for many of their freedoms. They sicken me. They are the same type of idiots with the same mentality, who spit on soldiers in Nam and called them baby killers. Get a clue people. You "pacifists" aren't really pacifists at all. Not when you try to get your point across by attacking the police. You are a disgrace to every true American who served and fought for this country.
September 1, 2008
5:37 p.m.
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drkenne writes:
Yes, Anbar was "turned over" to the Iraqis; however, 20K US troops remain to help if the Iraqis can't handle a surge in violence. The war in Iraq was not the War on Terror, which will be fought for years to come because the criminal Bush shifted resources from the real war on terror in order to bolster his trumped up war in Iraq. What was gained in Iraq and at what cost...well nothing really and at a cost of over 4,000 lives (not counting the secret army of contractors). The Iraqis won’t be a strong ally as Bush/McCain want us to believe and the trillions of wasted dollars that could have been better spent on improving security (not spying), alternative energy, and crumbling infrastructure here in the US. Until we cure our addiction to oil (didn’t Bush say that and what has he done since), we’ll be involved in some Middle Eastern police action for years to come.
Like it or not, we need civil disobedience, free speech, and protest in this country, otherwise, we’re just like the new Russia, Cuba, and any other country where these are not allowed. Without strong voices of dissent and protest, we are just a nation of sheep.
September 1, 2008
5:43 p.m.
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EtJ writes:
So Dynamicdave, How many war crimes are You guilty of ?? Curious !!
September 1, 2008
6:03 p.m.
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bronco writes:
The spitting on vietnam vets returning from SE asia never happened. It's a fabricated lie. What do you care if they protest anyway, I thought it was a free country. Isn't that what you all fought for. Spare us your valiant resumes and stick to the topic at hand.
September 1, 2008
6:04 p.m.
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diggtbks writes:
War's over. Al Quaeda in Iraq, Iraqi insurgents and Democrats lost.
September 1, 2008
6:09 p.m.
BurningChrome writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 1, 2008
7:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
D@mn DFL members...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DFL_Party
It figures...
September 1, 2008
7:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
EtJ, anything I do, I do under the direct orders of my commander. I don't rape and pillage. I did however try to stop some of the atrocities being committed in Africa as well as in Kuwait. I'll take your remark as being sarcastic.
bronco, the Vietnam scenario DID happen. Read your history. I watched as my older brother and other soldiers get spit on and had rocks thrown at them, when they came home. Plus, the subject at hand, if you read the opening is "Anti-war protesters flood into St. Paul for RNC". If you would have looked at the pictures of the crowd trying to rush the police officer and he is forced to use pepper spray, you would understand my post. If you don't agree with it, fine. Don't really care. But I'll post what I feel, when I feel, how I feel, just as you will. Oh, and my post WAS about Anti-war protesters. Since I went to war, I have more then a right to post my feelings in the matter. Freedom in America isn't about physically attacking police or others, simply because you don't agree. Peaceful protest is one thing. They were starting to get out of hand.
September 1, 2008
8:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
trinidad writes:
Hey hippie liberal jackass idiots 9/11 and the war are Clintons fault. Too busy having cigar parties with interns to care about what was happening in the world outside his office. If Kerry would've won, people like BurningChrome would happily be saying pledge allegiance to the united states of bin laden under allah. John Edwards tried to keep his mistress and his product of an affair daughter a "private family matter". Last I heard, he's a hippie liberal jackass idiot. I hope the protesters don't kill anybody especially innocent women and children.
September 1, 2008
8:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
urthpigg writes:
Democracy Now! Host Amy Goodman was brutally arrested by police for trying to free her two producers, who were illegally detained. To view footage of this arrest, go to http://www.democracynow.org.
I knew that Bush saw a kindred spirit in Vladimir Putin's eyes, but I didn't know that police would begin attacking journalists in the street.
September 1, 2008
9:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
BO writes:
Trinidad-
Read your last post carefully. You can refer to people as liberal hippies all you want.
But, before you go around calling others "jackass idiots", you should proofread your post. Calling others "jackass idiots" might hold water if you actually came across as semi-literate.
September 1, 2008
10:11 p.m.
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Domino writes:
There is only one this to say after watching Amy Goodman's arrest in Minnesota, "Freaking pigs."
September 1, 2008
10:39 p.m.
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trinidad writes:
BO- I didn't realize that I was going to be graded on my post. If the only fault you can find with it is my grammar then what I had to say actually has an ounce or two of truth to it.
September 2, 2008
8:37 a.m.
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OhBrother writes:
The worst riots in American history will take place at the RNC, you just wait and see! Nevermind, for a second I thought I was part of a failed operation chaos and just wanted to stir the pot but then I realized only idiots make claims like that and actually believe in them. On a side note- Knocked up 2 is in the works and it will be staring Palin, get your tickets now.
September 2, 2008
9:35 a.m.
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ssqured writes:
Bronco -
"The spitting on vietnam vets returning from SE asia never happened. It's a fabricated lie."
Untrue Bronco. I personally witnessed returning Vietnam Vets spat upon and cursed in Los Angeles and San Francisco. My best buddy from my high school was spat upon as we left Travis AFB after his return from his second tour in SE Asia.
September 2, 2008
9:52 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Either the RMN is really going out of its way to downplay this story or the Denver Post is over-exaggerating it. Two completely different takes of the protests.
September 2, 2008
10:11 a.m.
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ssqured writes:
mytwosense -
I noted this as well. The RMN says nothing of the National Guard being called in even though it appears the RMN updated after the DP article. Interesting.
September 2, 2008
2:14 p.m.
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anderson writes:
Bronco, the spitting more than likely did occur during Nam--the veterans were certainly harrassed--but that was a long time ago. Obviously dynamodave has a problem understanding what freedom means, and he apparently has a problem reading too, as the article above makes reference to veterans protesting the war.
September 2, 2008
7:27 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
anderson, I understand more about it, I'm willing to bet, then you ever will. Just because they are Vets doesn't mean anything. Many were drafted. They had no say, so do you actually think they would favor it? I volunteered and served. I knew what I was signing up for. I understand freedom. You obviously don't. Protest all you want, but should anyone spit on me or try to assault me and I will give them a quick lesson in humility. Freedom doesn't mean you have the right to act ignorant or harm those who disagree with you. Get a clue before you speak about what you've never experienced. I know Vets who hated the war, (Nam, Kuwait and the current war in Iraq) but they served, they fought and they still support their country. Do you? Or would you be the 1st to the other side of the border at the 1st sign of a draft? It wasn't the Vets starting the fights and breaking police car windows. It was young, ignorant kids. The Vets who protested the war, did so in a peaceful manner. Just as there are Vets who protest the war, there are those who support it. I don't agree with everything that we do, but I support this country and I support the soldiers. Do you?