'Murkans made aware of "FreeSpeechZones" at Dem.convention ($100 offer)

[underpants]

This is a spin off of matcom's "...MAKE ME SPIT" thread.

As we all know a "Free Speech Zone" has been set up for protesters at the Democratic convention in Boston. Sadly this will be the first time that many will be introduced to the idea. I expect that Fox will drag the rest of the media (CNN will just follow) into a discussion about this and they will make it seem like this is an invention of the "they hate your freedoms" Democrats.

The first I became aware of this practice was when several elderly Floridians were kicked out of (arrested?) a celebratory post election open air rally for W in a stadium in Orlando (I believe). These individuals were there to express their outrage at the way things went down in Florida. They were told that they couldn't be there without an invitation, which they had, then they were told that they could only protest at the "Free Speech Zone" that had been established several blocks away.

Now "Free Speech Zones" have been an option for the Secret Service for quite some time but they were seldom used until W&Co inc. seized power. Very quickly the mass media made everyone aware of that fact thus extinguishing any further discussion. They also pointed out that "Free Speech Zones" WERE used for Pres.Clinton but I don't remember them being used to anywhere near this extent (someone can refresh my memory on that if they like). When Clinton went to England he was actually able to go out into the streets to shake hands to the surprise of many that he met and to much consternation of the Secret Service.

So here is my offer. I will contribute $100 to any charity/campaign of the choosing of anyone who can provide evidence of any coverage of the ACTUAL history of "Free Speech Zones" (specifically any report busting W for hiding behind them). ON EDIT-Any discussion NOW/in the midst of the convention of the actual history.

[trumad]

1. It was in Tampa...

[underpants]

3. Thanks-------- I knew it was in Central Fla.

couldn't remember exactly where.

[nostamj]

2. when he went to MLK's grave

there was TV coverage of the buses used to block the protestors.

[underpants]

4. Right-sorry I added ON EDIT:

ON EDIT-Any discussion NOW/in the midst of the convention of the actual history.

[matcom]

5. Guy In Charge Of Security On CSPAN Now Says 2000

that was the first "pen" errected - during the 2000 Conventions/Elections

on edit: i wonder WHY they felt it necessary then? what did they know and WHEN did they KNOW IT????

[matcom]

6. Whadda I "win"?

x(

[underpants]

8. CSPAN?

(runs for asbestos blanket)

I was looking for a more "mainstream" source. Something >20 people are watching.

Just joking-I will take that as a winner but I still feel this coming.

Tabulation of the results will be done at the conclusion of the convention and closer to pay day-I forgot to put that on the original thread.

[matcom]

9. SNARF

will it was GREAT coincidence that the head of Convention security was giving an interview at the EXACT moment you posted this thread. :D

as for the donation Closer to pay day think http://www.democracyforamerica.com/ could use some extra cash :)

[underpants]

11. Hmmmm

The Dean thingy? Okay that looks like a good cause. :thumbsup:

[matcom]

12. its the "Democratic Wing Of The Democratic Party" after all

:D

[kentuck]

7. I think we need to stop calling them "free speech" zones.....

They have nothing to do with "free speech". They are totalitarian .

And most of the people that have been put into these "zones" have been Democrats trying to protest this illegal charade we now have in hte White House.

[kohodog]

13. Right, we need to rename them.

Protest Pens

Homeland security clearinghouse areas

I don't know, but we should find another phrase to start using. Free speech zones is like clear skies initiative, etc. A rep framing of the issue and we need to take it back.

[Bread and Circus]

10. I was a victim of "free speech zoning" during the Dem Debate

in Detroit Michigan.

They took our Clark signs everything because we were
"in a no-free speech zone". They put them in a Restaurant
Hockeytown USA (across from the fox). When the cops weren't
looking, we went and got them back, only flashing them when
a cop wasn't around.

It was all so stupid that we couldn't cheer on Clark at a
Dem debate near where the debate was occurring. The fact that
people are willing to live with such infringement is scarier yet.