Will the "designated protest areas" be equal for the DNC and RNC?

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

It's already started, eh? Will protesters at the RNC also be "out of sight to most delegates and passers-by?"

Convention protesters demand more visible space
Boston plans more officers, cameras, closures next week
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/07/24/dems.main/index.html

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.


U.S. Capitol police officers support the security efforts in Boston.

[AndyP]

1. what makes me most mad

is that all of a sudden it's a big deal to them. I hate the idea alltogether but Bush has been pulling this shit for how long now and there hasn't been a peep out of the freepers, but since it's them who are not going to have the chance to be heard, they are frikin freepin' out.

[Imperialism Inc.]

3. It isn't freepers doing the protesting.

It is mostly people from the left agains tthe Iraq war. These are the same people that have been protesting Bush and his policies. I'm sure if they were aware of "Free Speech Zones" that they were upset with them.

[rocktivity]

2. Check out this thread

It contains photos of the free speech zone and numbers you can call to urge Kerry to publicly condemn it. Even it they were safe--even if they were decked out like Buckingham Palace--they'd still be unconstitutional. Besides, he'd look pretty good stucking up for the rights of people who don't even like him!

Glad to see the story has legs!

:headbang:
rocknation

[jimshoes]

4. If I heard Randi Rhodes correctly the other day

when the rnc has their little pukefest, the free speech zone is practically in another area code it's so far away. (Not her exact words btw, just paraphrasing)

edit: content

[rocktivity]

5. There's only ONE entrance?

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.
What if there's a sudden rainstorm, or something on the stage catches fire, or a fight breaks out? Guess they haven't heard about that fire that killed 100 in Rhode Island.

Because of...closures, the city has asked workers to stay home during convention week.
And get paid anyway, I hope.

:headbang:
rocknation