Kerry MUST condemn the DNC free speech zone NOW!!!!

[rocktivity]

1. Check out the photos of the DNC Convention’s free speech zone at
http://parkerpettus.com/fleet/index.html

2. Call John Kerry’s campaign office of DNC headquarters at one of these phone numbers:
Washington DC
202-712-3000
202-712-3001 (fax)

Massachusetts
617-367-1551

DNC Headquarters
202-863-8000

3. Tell them that you are outraged, and that before the convention starts, John Kerry MUST publicly denounce the zone as being as unsafe as it is unconstitutional.

It might strike you as odd that we should want Kerry to look out his own protestors. But think of the "fun" the mainstream media would have blaming Kerry's "endorsement" of nazi-like tactics if major violence or arrests were to break out. If he takes a public stand against the zones, he would be in a position to say, "Well, I warned you, didn’t I?" So don’t just sit there—tell your friends and get to work!

:headbang:
rocknation

Thanks for the inspiration, Matcom and Plurality!

[ChocolateSaltyBalls]

1. I thought I heard R. Rhodes say yesterday (or the day before).........

that Republican protesters were being allowed to set up shop directly across the street from the convention.

[IndianaGreen]

5. Randi is being her usual misleading self

While there is no doubt that we are going to see the handful of Freepers that show up at every antiwar rally, the majority of the demonstrators are antiwar, antiglobalization, and human rights activists of many stripes.

From the Boston Globe:

The lawyers are representing at least three groups that have received permits to rally in the area: United for Justice with Peace, the Boston Coalition for Palestinian Rights, and the Bl(a)ck Tea Society.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/07/21/protest_zone_draws_ire?pg=2

[ChocolateSaltyBalls]

8. Thank you........

I thought it sounded a tad off base.

[kaitykaity]

37. What a cheap shot.

Why don't you call her and tell you that?

Randi's a lot of things, but misleading isn't one of them.

[Spiffarino]

80. I don't know...

...I've been listening to Randi Rhodes daily since getting XM, and she strikes me as a Limbaugh for the Left. Don't get me wrong: we need more like her to counter the wingnut yakkity-yak machine.

I don't think for a moment that she's fair and she obviously shills for Democrats. The good news is, she doesn't tell out and out lies (which Rush does daily); the bad news is she shouts people down, cuts them off, and doesn't let them get a word in edgewise.

Sorry Randifans, but I call 'em as I see 'em. It doesn't mean I'll quit listening to her. She's a great radio personality who entertains as she levels the radio playing field.

Kick ass, Randi!

[Selwynn]

55. I don't think anyone has hard evidence on what the "majority" will be

Randi included. You included as well.

[thebigidea]

63. well, there's a pizza shop directly across the street with...

... a Democrats go Home sign or something. It ends with a dopey "go bush!" - cspan inexplicably gave it rapturous coverage.

[wyldwolf]

2. It is too bad this is happening... but...

..you said...

think of the "fun" the mainstream media would have blaming Kerry's "endorsement" of nazi-like tactics if major violence or arrests were to break out.

I think it is already embarassing that protestors from the left will even be there. The media has done such a good job associating the democtatic party with every crack pot activist group that it is already going to be spun as "Kerry's own people are protesting him.."

[Pastiche423]

4. "I think it is already embarassing that

protestors from the left will even be there."

If anti-war issues were part of "the party's" platform, maybe there would not be a need for protests.

But alas, the party's platform is fucking pro-war!

What embarrasses me, is that the Democratic Party does not want to honor free speech at the DNC. How many here have time and time again bitched and screamed at the right for not allowing free speech?

[Catt03]

6. There is a big difference

I don't like the option of either/or.

I am neither pro war nor no war.

If war is the premise you are arguing on then you have lost a large part of the Democratic Party.

Also, free speech is not strictly about war even though the demonstrations in Boston are being sponsored by ANSWER and The Black Tea Society.

[Pastiche423]

11. The premise I am arguing on

is FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

Freedom of speech is for all Americans - Democratic, repug and all other parties, recognized or not.

Every single American has the right, given to us in our 1st Amendment, to peaceably assemble.

Btw, it is not me that has lost. It's the Democratic Party.

[IndianaGreen]

15. It used to be that all of America was a "free speech" zone

I am sorry to see that the Fascist Republican practice of penning demonstrators is being adopted in Boston.

I am even more troubled about plans to use military anti-personnel hardware during the GOP Convention in NYC.

What can we expect from people that support the PATRIOT Act?

[PeaceForever]

34. Yeah good point.

What's up with the "free speech zones" these days?! And why is the Democratic Party supporting that sort of thing?

It's odd that the Democrats would act so much like Republicans.

[GeronimoSkull]

84. It was the same thing at the last DNC

Demonstrators were kept in a little caged pit across the street from the Staples center in LA. It got quite ugly.

If I'm not mistaken, the whole "free speech zone" thing started under Clinton. Not too many here would have noticed that, probably.

[PeaceForever]

108. Too bad about that.

But the good news is that now that Democrats are conscious of the fascistic effects of "free speech zones," maybe we can work to end them.

[rocktivity]

48. Originally posted by IndianaGreen

I am even more troubled about plans to use military anti-personnel hardware during the GOP Convention in NYC.

If this is true, it's all the MORE reason why Kerry should disassociate himself from the Boston free speech zone. He would be taking a stand in defense of people who don't even like him, and the Repubs are planning a militarized zone? It would be a public relations coup--think about how that would make Bush look!

:headbang:
rocknation

[mdmc]

65. We are running between the Greens and the GOP

we need to fight off the left and the right.

[Sterling]

88. Lets just lock them all in camps and be done with it.

Democracy is way to complicated.

[PeaceForever]

82. Well-stated.

Right now, foreign policy is at the heart of what this country is about. Being antiwar means supporting the traditional freedom and progressiveness of the republic. Being prowar means supporting fascism and corporate rule. Sadly, the Democratic Party seems to have chosen the latter. If you protest that, you get put in a caged pen.

[IndianaGreen]

7. They are not crackpots. The only crackpots are the ones for the war!

These are the same groups that are going to be marching against the GOP Convention in NYC.

The GOP is guilty of war crimes for unleashing this criminal war in Iraq. The Democrats are guilty of silence! If you don't believe me, read the proposed 2004 Democratic platform. It doesn't say shit about the war being evil and wrong, it endorses the ongoing occupation of Iraq, and it is totally silent about Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands.

[KG]

24. the dem. party is only for Sensible Liberals, IG

if you don't worship at the alter of Kerry-ness you have become a 'crack-pot' :eyes:

[Zidane]

13. nm

wrong protest.

[Suzi Creamcheese]

50. Protestors in cages? This is a disgrace. Is it part of the Patriot Act?

We have been warning that this is what Aschroft would do when he started shredding the Bill of Rights. All Americans have to rise up against this fascist tyranny. This is the most repressive thing we have seen since this administration took over. It just shows what we will get if the Patriot Act is not repealed

[Sterling]

90. Yes we should all just support whatever the party does no matter what.

:eyes:

[Mr_Spock]

3. If they just use that area as a safe setup area for thier contingent,

it may actually be good for the protesters. If the "pen" in their only place to protest, then Kerry should push to open things up, just like he pushed hard to get that free concert.

OMG! I just figured it out - he's gonna pull a Reagan!!! "Tear down that wall" he'll say and look like a hero!!! I'm serious!! This is what is going to happen, why didn't I think of it 'till now!! My jaw literally dropped open when I realized how obvious this is!!

[realisticphish]

14. whoa

if that actually happened, it would be an incredibly stunning political move; this campaign would go into history as one of the most intelligent ever...


:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[Mr_Spock]

21. I am going to be an optimist and believe that he is this clever.

It would also put TONS of pressure on the Republicans. Hey, how do I email Kerry - he needs to see my idea if he isn't already planning it! I think they just wait 'till things get a little noisy, then open the gates - it's such a good idea.

[rocktivity]

49. Ding Ding Ding! Mr. Spock, you're our grand prize winner!

...If the "pen" is their only place to protest, then Kerry should push to open things up...
I just figured it out - he's gonna pull a Reagan!!! "Tear down that wall" he'll say and look like a hero!!!

:bounce: :party: :bounce:
HOORAY--SOMEBODY GETS IT!

This has NOTHING to do with WHO'S doing the protesting--this has to do with Kerry being willing to state that NOBODY should be penned in like a hog just because they don't agree with him!

:headbang:
rocknation

[Selwynn]

57. That's so cool that it will never happen - cool things like that...

..just don't happen :)

Spare me the political stunt crap. That's what politics is, and if you haven't figured that out yet, I'm sorry. It would be a great, slick, masterful move that would have the benefit of being BOTH an excellent poltical move and right message ideologically.

[Mr_Spock]

61. Well, is anybody emailing Kerry to at least plant the seed?

I have given to him three times, but I am too stupid to find his email address. I'll do it if someone will point me in the right direction...

[Selwynn]

86. Sadly I don't know how to do it either.

[rocktivity]

105. Here's the e-mail address to kerry's web site

http://www.johnkerry.com/contact/involved.php

:headbang:
rocknation

[Selwynn]

110. woot!

[Mr_Spock]

113. Thanks for the email address - I sent Kerry the folowing email...

"Dear Senator Kerry,

There has been a significant amount of talk on Democratic web sites (and other places) about the "Free Speech Zone" near the convention center in Boston. Many people are very very upset that the Democrats have allowed this fenced in (and razor wired) area to exist as this reminds us all of the type of thing the right-wing folks do to suppress people's opinions and keep Bush sheltered from the truth. It is inappropriate for the Democrats to support this sort of "containment zone". I realize that the Homeland Security folks may have forced this zone to be fortified as it is, but that doesn't excuse the Democrats from not speaking out against it. My solution is this - Sen. Kerry himself should get on the podium and denounce this zone in no uncertain terms. This "tear down this wall" type speech has been used successfully in the past by you-know-who (since passed) from the opposition. Kerry would not only look sensitive to the rights of protesters, but his proactive approach would make him look decisive and would force the folks in the administration to admit that they had forced this situation onto the Dems. As you know, Faux News will use this "free speech zone" issue to bash away at the Dems. You know that Republicans (Faux News) are FAMOUS for using THEIR weaknesses as criticism of their opponents to take the focus away from themselves. Please have Sen. Kerry carefully consider my suggestion as I believe he can make lemonade from the lemons he has been dealt."


I'm sure others can express themselves better than myself - feel free to write to Kerry expressing this same idea.

[Sparrow]

9. good luck

The war in Iraq is more disgusting, immoral and unconstitutional and Kerry won't denounce it.

[blm]

10. They can't argue with the Secret Service. No doubt they are pushing it as

a Homeland Security exercise.

You do know that Kerry has no control over decisions made by the Secret Service at this point, don't you?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

12. Are they using duct tape to keep him from speaking out?

Perhaps that's why he won't speak out against the occupation.

[Pastiche423]

18. Nah, it won't speak out against the occupation

because he is a Sensible Liberal.

:eyes:

[blm]

19. Typically useless, unrealistic slam.

.

[Pastiche423]

25. Are you saying kerry is NOT a Sensible Liberal?

You, that have stated ad nauseum that kerry is themostliberalsenator in like, forever?

[blm]

29. Are you replying to the appropriate post?

I think not. My reply was to bandera's post.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

30. You mean Kerry is speaking out against the war and the censors?

Gee, I must've missed it.

[bullimiami]

47. quote "They can't argue with the Secret Service."

Well he can denounce the policy publicly and in the news and if the SS insists then it is Bushco pulling the strings and we can let everyone know.

[Elidor]

16. It's come to this

Free speech is something that is only permitted to occur behind barricades, safely out of sight and mind. You want free speech? Sure! Step into this room and yell yourself silly. What bullshit.

[Manix]

17. I was wondering what the repug "actors" get paid.

[blm]

20. I hope the more naive left don't let the GOP operatives have their way.

But I fear the worst, because some are so young and SO easily led.

All you have to do is look at some posts at DU and you can see there are those who are easily swayed by rightwing-generated propaganda pretending to be from the left.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

32. Free speech is a Republican Plot??

And, here I've been thinking that it was the 1st Amendment all along.

BTW I'm 60 and not so easily led by the DLC/DNC stooges who are "playing it safe" at the convention of the warm & fuzzy Democratic Party that should be speaking out against Boobya instead of making nice.

[blm]

38. And GOP operatives would NEVER be planted at Dem events

to cause disruption.

Nope...those flag burnings set up by the DelGaudio brothers during the 88 campaign were totally legitimate events by committed leftist protestors.

Try using my real words and my real point instead of twisting them to make yours.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

40. So, we should eliminate free speech in fear of the GOP?

So what? If the puglys want to try and disrupt the convention by using agents provocateurs, are we to eliminate free speech because they threaten us?

Get real. The DLC/DNC party bosses don't want anyone to know that there are anti-war Democrats out there who aren't all that pleased with the pablum they're being told to swallow.

[blm]

41. I never said that. You are changing my point just so you can argue

your own.

[PeaceForever]

35. Just because the right points out something doesn't mean it's wrong.

Declaring "free speech zones" and putting non-violent protesters into cages is wrong. Period.

The fact that the right wing says it's wrong doesn't change a thing; all it means is that the right wing is correct on an issue.

[blm]

36. Get a clue. The GOP paid AGITATORS

who will no doubt be in attendance POSING as leftist protestors.

They've been doing it for decades.

Or maybe you replied to the wrong post?

[Sterling]

91. That is just too stupid.

I know people who will be there and no one is paying them shit. You are much closer to being a repub than they are that much is clear as day.

[blm]

106. I never said ALL the protestors, Sterling. Why PRETEND I did

and base your argument on such a false impression?

You want to go on record and assure young activists that GOP operatives NEVER infiltrated protests and NEVER agitated the left, have at it.

DelGaudio brothers NEVER had operatives burning flags ahead of Bush 1 campaign stops? Have at it.

You choose to insult me as a Republican when I am the one warning of the tactics they have used for decades. Why on earth would any REAL activist from the left not want younger activists to be warned? Whose agenda does THAT serve?

[Name removed]

51. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[IndianaGreen]

62. George Orwell called it "blackwhite" behaviour!

This is what George Orwell called blackwhite in his novel 1984:

blackwhite - The ability to accept whatever "truth" the party puts out, no matter how absurd it may be. Orwell described it as "...loyal willingness to say black is white when party discipline demands this. It also means the ability to believe that black is white, and more, to know black is white, and forget that one has ever believed the contrary."

The Complete Newspeak Dictionary

http://www.newspeakdictionary.com /

[Name removed]

71. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[blm]

107. David Horowitz was SINCERE to you, IG?

DelGaudio brothers burning flags was SINCERE to you, IG?

You trust that the all the protestors are sincere. I am saying that most are but SOME are there as GOP plants to agitate and escalate the passions of the more naive protestors who are unaware of their past tactics.

You want to go on record as saying that doesn't happen, have at it.

[blm]

69. You're too young to have heard of David Horowitz, I guess?

Too young to know about the 68 and 72 agitators at the Dem conventions?

Too young to know that it was GOP operatives who were burning flags in cities scheduled for GHWBush campaign stops in 88?

My post was directed squarely at those activists too naive to know the difference between rightwing operatives and their deliberate, possibly violent, agitation and earnest protest. I have no idea why you would find offense or feel obligated to include yourself as a target of those remarks.

[BrotherBuzz]

22. I had a dream...

That Kerry put out the word for the Vets to fill the pen 'asses to elbows' and that Kerry went out unescorted to join the people. They had a great time and I had a great night sleep. Dream on.

[KG]

23. he doesn't care.

the voice of the people is as nothing to the dem leadership. the ignored 1 million people in the streets against the invasion.

they've already struck thier deals with the powers that be. democracy is dead in america.

[G_j]

26. nice thought but

I'm fed up with calling these ppl. Nothing but the cold shoulder since before the war. It seems they have their own agendas and I doubt all the calls in the world will make one bit of difference.

[G_j]

89. but putting my cynicism aside for a moment....

I'll will place some calls tomorrow. :-)

[levdog]

27. here is the full report

http://www.comedycentral.com/mp/play.php?reposid=/multimedia/tds/helms/helms_9007.html

[peace4all]

28. "Freedom of Oppression"

on the money LOL

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

31. Sorry, but the bosses prefer pablum to free speech.

It might upset the moderates if they think that some Democrats are against the war.

[AntiCoup2K4]

74. But no Democrats are against the war.

We're all "Republican operatives", remember? :eyes:

[scarletwoman]

33. Yeah right. Fat farking chance.

Kerry works for the Ruling Class, why would he give a sh*t about the rabble?

sw

[CaTeacher]

39. I am on the side of the

Coalition for Palestinian Rights. As Kerry is not standing firmly for the rights of the Palestinians, they have every right to protest him.

They will protest both main parties AS IS THEIR RIGHT. If I could, I would be right there beside them. And yes, I will vote for Kerry--but he needs to know that he is betraying these people. He needs to be using his power and position to advocate on their behalf.

[LibDemAlways]

42. Anyone here given any thought to

the "pen" being the brainchild of Rove built under the banner of "Homeland Security" - but actually constructed to embarrass the hell out of the Dems.

The repukes have had "first amendment zones" for years and the media has been silent. Now, a draconian razor-wired encampment shows up at the DNC and the whores are all over it. Heard two commentators on CNN joking about it this AM. There won't be a person watching the convention this week who isn't made aware of the "Democrat Internment Camp." And I predict some pretty clean-cut repuke types protesting in favor of Life, Faith-Based Charities, etc. will be photographed and interviewed in there.

Kerry had damn well better come out strongly against this shit - NOW - or risk a huge PR disaster.

[Kat45]

56. That's an interesting thought about Rove.

Tom Ridge was in Boston earlier in the week for homeland security purposes, and if I remember correctly, I think I heard that he had something to do with it.

[Monte Carlo]

43. Not this time.

This is not the time nor the place. I will not support anything that would disrupt Kerry's campaign.

[Pastiche423]

44. You are for censorship?

You believe that Americans do not have the right to peaceably assemble?

[rocktivity]

45. Kerry's advocating free speech for even his protestors would help him

He would be loving his enemies--you know, that Christian stuff that Bush is supposed to have cornered the market on! It would make him look strong, decisive...PRESIDENTIAL!!!

:headbang:
rocknation

[texastoast]

95. Yea! Somebody's got it

Money - mouth. I love it!

Integrity by example!

[KoolAidJones]

70. See and hear no evil

All hail the new boss...same as the old boss.

Fool me once.

[bullimiami]

46. I agree

I will call on monday.

B*** created the no speech zones and Kerry needs to get rid of them.

[KG]

52. bush didn't create free speech zones,

they are a legacy of the battle over abortion rights. created to keep anti-abortion protesters away from the front of clinics.

[joanne]

53. Kick

[bullimiami]

67. wrong KG

The abortion protesters were just not allowed to block access. They were not penned in where they could not be seen or heard.

No. this IS a B*** creation.

[KG]

68. no, i'm not wrong

but, do feel free to believe what you want to believe.

[G_j]

72. from the ACLU archives

http://archive.aclu.org/features/f072100a.html
<snip>
Freedom hard to come by in Philadelphia

In a creative attempt to control and limit uninvited speech in Philadelphia during the Republican National Convention, the city designated a Free speech Zone and issued an "Omnibus" special events permit. The Zone is a 40 by 190 foot staging area intended to be the only space to hold protests in the city during the convention. To use it, groups had to apply for one of 72 time slots. Each slot provides 50 minutes for a group to say its piece and exit in time for the next groups of protesters. The special events permit gave the Republican Party control of virtually all of the city's public spaces for use during the convention and gave convention organizers the right of first refusal. Thus, only groups approved by the Republicans would be able to speak publicly during the convention, except in the limited time and space provided by the Zone.

The first group to discover and challenge these rules was Unity 2000, a coalition of more than 50 protest groups planning an event with an estimated attendance of more than 10,000 people. Unity 2000 sought a permit to hold a march and rally on July 30, 2000, the even of the convention. Their request for a permit had been denied several times because the space requested, Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway, had, of course, been reserved for the Republicans' use. After repeated negotiation attempts with the city failed, the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of Unity 2000 and a second plaintiff, the Ad Hoc Coalition on Healthcare. Shortly thereafter, permits were granted to both organizations.

Additonal organziations have sought and been denied demonstration permits. They too have turned to the ACLU, which is in ongoing negotiations with the city to honor the free speech rights of all citizens. In response to an ACLU request, the Police Commissioner has promised that the police will not use pepperspray or handcuffs on nonviolent protesters.

Los Angeles Awaits

As in Philadelphia, Los Angeles city officials designated areas for protests. Democratic Convention organizers recently announced the proposed location of the protest area, far away from cameras and conventioneers. But, in a triumph for the ACLU, the First Amendment and everyone who wishes to speak out at the Democratic Convention, a federal judge struck down the plan to corral the protesters. U.S. District Judge Gary Feess said that the plan to restrict demonstrators to designated areas violated their free speech rights. Feess said that a major political convention is exactly the type of event that Americans should be allowed to attend and where they should be free to protest, without being muzzled by authorities.

The ACLU of Southern California has sued the city and its police department, challenging the restrictions on protesters on behalf of groups that plan to stage demonstrations during the convention.

This year is not the first that convention has sought to restrict protests to specific times and places. Four years ago, at the Republican Convention in San Diego, the ACLU successfully sued to have a designated protest area moved closer to the main convention site.
---
http://archive.aclu.org/news/2000/n081100d.html

Three Seattle Residents Accept Judgments in
ACLU Lawsuit over WTO "No Protest Zone"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 11, 2000

SEATTLE, WA -- Three local residents have accepted offers of judgment in the American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit challenging the Seattle's establishment of a "no protest zone" during the meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on December 1-3, 1999.

The three individuals will receive $5,000 each, plus attorney fees and costs. The ACLU said today that it is proceeding with the challenge to the "no protest zone" on behalf of four other plaintiffs.

"These judgments mean that the City committed serious violations of citizen rights," said Kathleen Taylor, Executive Director of the ACLU of Washington. "The City essentially created a militarized zone in downtown Seattle and banned all protest within this zone. The ACLU is seeking a court ruling that the City's actions were unconstitutional and cannot be repeated."

<snip>

----
I think what is true is that they have been able to get away with more since 9-11.

[bpilgrim]

79. they have certainly turned up the heat since 911

this cartoon world view is gonna get us all killed or in camps if we don't snap out of it and start calling things by their proper names like CAGES-WALLS-TORTURE etc...

thank GORE he 'INVENTED' the internet ;->

:hi:

peace

[KoolAidJones]

73. I hate to bust your bubble

Bill Clinton signed the FSZ into law.

[texastoast]

98. Do you recall

who introduced the bill? I don't and would appreciate a little help in researching the legislative history.

[scarface2004]

54. i say herd those right wing....

fucks into the pen, spray it with gasoline, and have kerry throw a lit cigarette at it....then he would win in a land slide!!!

[Catscape]

93. great idea, Scarface

Round em up and kill them all. Is this what you call "tolerance"?

[scarface2004]

115. i gotchyer tolerance right over here!!

i m done toleratin' them cretins!!

[cmkramer]

58. Unfortunate but necessary

I know most of you think that "free speech zones" started with this Administration, but actually they've been going on quite a long time. They even have them at those "red carpet events" like the Oscars. The truth is that while most demonstrators and demonstrations are peaceful, there is always an element that has to cause trouble. This goes for both rightwing and leftwing demonstrators, by the way. You're going to find idiots every place on the political spectrum. And, unfortunately, as evidenced by what happened in Seattle a few years ago, those things can turn nasty very very quickly. And, yes, bad police work comes into it too.

I think the new wrinkle that Bush put into it is that they had to be far enough away that he couldn't see them. I don't think that was ever the case before.

[mbee]

59. I just sent them an email about the protest zones and also about

not treating Michael Moore fairly!

[texastoast]

103. What email address?

Several people on other threads were wanting to email the campaign.

[Radical Activist]

60. This convention should be about ending the police state tactics

and fear that inspires the free speech zones. If we're going to end the type of government Bush believes in then we need to start by rejecting Bush-style infringement on constitutional rights to speech and assembly.

[vetwife]

66. Look it doesn't matter , this is an American issue

I don't believe in herding people in areas and silencing their voice of dissent no matter which party they belong to. Everyone here knows I am no friend to the Republican party. What I am is an American.
I don't want any American silenced as law as they are lawfully asembled. My husband and others went to war and paid a Hell of a Price for no other reason, they tell themselves (The Vietnam Vets) that wrong was war but at least they feel We should have Freedom of speech. They know now they were lied to about Nam but they still paid a price for what they believed was our Freedom.It was a lie, our freedom was being taken away from here not Vietnma but its the only way many can face their war trauma. No. I can't go along with herding dissenters away from those who need to hear their dissent be it republican or democratic. By the way, where were the Free Speech Zones when Delay's bunch descended on Florida and intimidated the Miami folks from counting the votes. I agree this should be addressed. Bu you know Homeland Security put this up and its like yelling into a jar, its not going to be heard, but its not constitutional either !

[Sterling]

97. Yes you are a patriot.

No american could see that pen and fell good about it or that it can stand while we pretend to be free.

[Sterling]

96. When I look at those pens it becomes clear who the enemy is.

It's our system, not a party. This was a real eye opener for me. I needed this. I needed to know that Kerry is not on my side. Thx for the heads up DNC. I had almost forgotten the last 4 years of fuck ups and sell outs. Now I see you want me in a camp as much as the RW does.

[rocktivity]

64. Sunday kick

:headbang:
rocknation

You can also leave an e-mail at http://www.johnkerry.com

[Q]

75. Does it really matter which party invented these 'zones'?

- The fact is that they're now being used as oppressive measures against free speech and the right to assemble. Both parties now ACCEPT them as a means to keep the 'noise' far away from where THEY assemble to make decisions about OUR future.

- In just a couple decades Americans have conceded so many of their rights that it doesn't even look like America any longer.

[Sterling]

101. This is a wake up call.

One look at that concentration camp changed my whole worldview.

I think it is time to arm ourselves heavily. I am starting to see what the RWers are afraid of. We have a government that leaves us no other option.

[latebloomer]

76. It is an outrage!

When do we see a change? Do we just continue with the abuses that the Bush administration has fomented-- war, rape and pillage of civil liberties? When Bush does this it is an outrage, and it is an outrage now!

[vetwife]

77. Don't forget Homeland Security (R) and Governor (R)

wanted this up. I heard a spokesperson a (R) say yesterday that
the pens were in place for the State. Just because the democratic convention was here, they had to look out for the entire State.
Get real ! They want to show the democratic party in the worst light and the Dems can't do anything about this. Remember the good old FEMA and Homeland Security guys call the shots !

[latebloomer]

78. You may be right

but I'd like to hear Kerry speak out about it. And when I hear him denounce the war and vow to repeal the Patriot Act I'll feel a WHOLE lot better.

[Spiffarino]

81. Totally, unequivically, K-E must come out against censorship!

This is a no-brainer. For years we've been knocking the Duhbya regime about their "Free Speech Zones." We are hypocrites if we let this stand.

Tell Kerry and Edwards - and the DNC - to shout from the hilltops that protest is good for this country and that we Democrats ardently, fervently, and unreservedly believe in free speech and the right to peaceably assemble.

I'm calling them now.

[seabeyond]

83. kerry if you are listening

i wrote this after viewing the threat with picture of the prison walls (for me) the people will be put into, having a vision of camps in america. this is the post, sharing here:


when they say, what issue do you have with patriot act...........show a picture of this. say you dont want to put a lot of fellow americans, in this, that it is just too uncommfortable, that it is prison like, and i wont create america into this. that it appears, hilter like, nazi type images and just doesnt float your boat

that this is why you say the patriot act has gone too far. and if anyone cannot understand this concept, simply look at the picture

a huge eeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

kerry, call it the way it is, go back to the revolutionary days, the words of those fighting said repression

this is your passion, this is why you are here in this time, with experience sittin before congress all those many years ago in your glorious 20's............

do not validate this behavior, do not ignore, shy away from or embrace. it is not someone i will be, behind those wires, and teaching boys to nev-AH allow

[Sterling]

85. I don't think I can support the partyanymore.

I had reservations about the ticket anyway but I am not sure I belong in a party that can do this kind of thing. I won't be donating anymore money to the party thats for sure. I may vote Nader here in NY as a reaction to this event.

[seabeyond]

87. geez sterling, have you heard any response from kerry

i do not know what he thinks of this. has anyone heard anything. i havent been following thread, and i havent watched news of late, in the mountains. do we know anything

i would prefer to wait to see what develops, i think kerry could equally use as a tool. like so many months ago, when he left on his microphone and calling them crooks and liars. now, he didnt stand in truth as much as i would have liked, but he was brave in not backing totally down

would like to see kerry grab hold of this in reason and use it for a tool for his campaign in tlaking with people

[Sterling]

99. You can hold your breath if you want.

Sure, I would fell differently if Kerry came out against it but what are the odds. Talk to me later this week. If he did the right thing you have made a good point. I have a feeling you and I are going to be disapointed. My statement stands. If this goes on without him addressing it favorably I will not support him or the party.

[seabeyond]

102. no holding breath

they do/ they dont........there is an opportunity there. i am just suggesting, not going re act just yet. will wait and see.

i am a believer in seeing the possibilities though. like i tell my boys, if i dont at least have an expectation, a thought of grander, how could it ever be. not gonna just happen

and if they dont, not dissappointment, just another opportunity missed,...................we deal with what we have

[vetwife]

92. That is exactly what the R's intended for you to do !

Since when have the dems had any say so at all ! The R's are controlling everything. It really hurts me because my husband fought in an unecessary war and the only thing he hangs on to is that we have free spech. Every American but I tell you this is all Homeland Security, The FEMA boys and girls and the Republicans themselves. I got this on good authority... Either you believe what I am saying or throw your vote away ! They are winning with this pin. Look what they did to the G-8 here in Georgia? Was that dems?
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNO !

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

94. Get the Dems to condemn it.

Where's Kerry or Edwards voice? Why aren't they shouting their heads off in protest of such tactics?

[Sterling]

100. All Kerry has to do is come out against it.

Sorry but he is accountable and will be even more so if he is elected. At this point he is playing into puke hands if he is against the zone and not saying anything.

I will give you that much, that this is what the RW would like to see. However don't blame me, it was not my call.

As an American I cannot tolerate this kind of abuse of our citizens.
American first, Democrat second.

[Sterling]

104. Still waiting JFK.

You still have a few hours to do the right thing.

[Individualist]

111. So am I

but the silence is deafening.

My sig line says it all.

[kiahzero]

109. It's actually not unconstituonal

So long as they're not discriminating who goes there on the basis of content or viewpoint, it's a valid "time, place, and manner" restriction as discussed in Hill v. Colorado.

[Zidane]

112. The legality is not in question

the ethics involved are.

[Fescue4u]

114. If we can regulate and license guns, why not free speech?

Slippery slope in action here folks.