New Role for Boston Cops: Protests at Democrat Event

[Judi Lynn]

New Role for Boston Cops: Protests at Democrat Event
Mon Jul 19, 2004 12:40 PM ET


By Greg Frost
BOSTON (Reuters) - Demonstrators outside this year's Democratic National Convention will include the usual suspects -- peace activists, environmentalists and the like -- as well as some new faces: the police.

Disgruntled members of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, who have been locked in a protracted labor dispute with the city, plan to hound and heckle Boston Mayor Tom Menino during the four-day convention that opens in one week.

In the process, however, they may also make life awkward for many of the more than 4,000 Democratic delegates by forcing them to choose whether to cross picket lines to attend certain convention-related events.

An indication of the clout that unions wield as one of the strongest political blocs in the Democratic party was seen last month when Sen. John Kerry, the party's certain presidential nominee, canceled a speech to the nation's mayors in Boston because union members were protesting outside the venue.
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"Democrat event????

[MaineDem]

1. I got an email from the Patrolmen's Assn

It explained that they're not going to picket the Fleet Center only events that Menino is attending/hosting (I forget which it said.) They are hosting their own "Welcome Delegates" party on Sunday.

Many state delegations (Maine's included) have been advised to not cross any picket lines and to avoid any events that are being picketed.

[wryter2000]

2. Thanks for the clarification, Maine Dem

I'd hate to see our side diss police and their union.

[DS1]

3. Maybe we should fly in the Portland PD to beat the shit out of them

:eyes:

[jdsmith]

4. 'Democrat event," "Democratic convention" and "Democratic Party" in story

Which suggests that "Democrat event" is house style, imposed from above on Gerg Frost's text.

[Upfront]

5. Old Union Member

Says this is bull shit. There is a time to fight and there is a time to not. This is a not! What do they want to do help the rethugs who hate unions? Dumb! Or Republicans if the truth is told.

[Justice]

6. This particular union leans to the right, and endorsed Bush I over Dukakis

so I am reading some unpure political motives into their actions.