Don't fence us in: Activists shun `protest pen'

[G_j]

http://news.bostonherald.com/dncConvention/view.bg?articleid=37086

Don't fence us in: Activists shun `protest pen'
By Dave Wedge

Sunday, July 25, 2004

<snip>
The fenced-in area, which is adjacent to the FleetCenter and shrouded in netting and barbed wire, initially was built to hold 4,000 people, but the judge reduced the capacity to 1,000. Protesters have vowed not to use it and are posting messages online to stay out of the ``protest pens''

<snip>
Activists have posted a scathing report by a Gloucester security expert who claims the protest pen is a deathtrap - and security overall at the DNC is ``absolutely appalling'' in its weaknesses.

Security consultant Jim Atkinson says he's documented lapses ranging from unlocked gates around the FleetCenter to unprotected ventilation systems in the media pavilion.

Perhaps most troubling is his claim that more than 400 manhole covers in the area are unsecured and appear not to have been swept for explosives.

..more..
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http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/07/25/dems.main/


Convention protesters demand more visible space
Boston plans more officers, cameras, closures next week

Sunday, July 25, 2004 Posted: 1:33 PM EDT (1733 GMT)


BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) -- Protesters at the Democratic National Convention say their designated area outside the FleetCenter infringes on their safety and free speech rights.

At a news conference Saturday, protesters also complained that the fenced-in area is out of sight to most delegates and passers-by en route to the arena. The convention begins Monday. (Special Report: America Votes 2004, the Democratic convention)

"We are very alarmed that our First Amendment rights have been undermined to the degree that the city of Boston now thinks the rights of free expression, the right to rally and protest means you get out into an area like this," said Leslie Cagan, co-founder of United for Peace and Justice, who likened the protest area to an internment camp.

The area, with a small stage, is surrounded on three sides by a wire fence with razor wire on top. A dozen U.S. Army troops joined Boston police inspecting the space Saturday.

..more..

[maggrwaggr]

1. This doesn't make it to mainstream news until GOPers want to protest

What a coincidence.

Finally they're experiencing what we've been experiencing now for four fucking years.

Welcome to Bush's America, GOP

[Columbia]

4. Well, we've had Free Speech Zones even before Bush

They're just a bit more noticeable now since there are more protestors to fence in now.

[UpInArms]

2. what is it that these creeps say when

the left protests about the stolen election and "1st Amendment Zones"?

Oh, yeah - Get over it!

"We are very alarmed that our First Amendment rights have been undermined to the degree that the city of Boston now thinks the rights of free expression, the right to rally and protest means you get out into an area like this," said Leslie Cagan, co-founder of United for Peace and Justice, who likened the protest area to an internment camp.

Well, f***wads, what do you think and how does it feel?

[Tosca]

3. Hmm,

Mebbe they could throw a tea party instead.

[King of New Orleans]

5. I'm tired of progressives and liberals citing stories

from notorious right wing rags like the Boston Herald and NY Post.

FWIW--I would stay out of the "protester pen" too, If I were a protestor, I'd stay out in the big empty lot adjacent to the "pen" that is part of the protest area too.

[NashVegas]

6. duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x707151

[GHOSTDANCER]

7. 1000 People???? LOL LMAO LOL

The GOP better set aside space for Hundreds of Thousands come New York. 1000 lol(They probably won't even fill that)

[GHOSTDANCER]

8. oops

[Wolftone378]

9. What the hell is

a "free speech zone"? Thought we all had that! That damn civics class - wrong again. They are going to need more that fences, razor wire and netting to pen us up in August. :kick:
Linda

[samsingh]

10. maybe they should talk to bush about his fight against freedom

and talk to unilever about rehiring whoopi (if she accepts)

[nodehopper]

11. yeah, I saw this pen. Like a greenhouse. Perfect for cops macing

the protesters