Monday August 25, 2008, 11:09 pm
The above is an actual picture of the razor-wire topped holding cells in the warehouse that Denver police & sheriffs have prepared for holding protesters at the DNC. We truly do live in a police state.

Monday August 25, 2008, 11:31 pm
Ohhhh, I'm sure they're probably half-full already - probably full of Hillary Clinton supporters! Hush, don't let the Obama delegates know there's still people who haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet.

Monday August 25, 2008, 11:55 pm
We've heard they've taken down the razor wire, it will offer a kinder, gentler, incarceration.

They've also got the 8 floor subterranean prison below Denver International Airport ready and waiting, or is that just a safehouse for the elite, I'm not sure.......I also heard that KBCO radio was interviewing Mayor Hickenlooper, and they put him on the spot about the holding facility mentioned in this news report, and compared it to one UNDER COORS FIELD(Rockies Baseball), and the Mayor didn't deny it, he eluded it was there! I only heard this secondhand.

Thousands of cops, military, SWAT, everywhere downtown. I saw the U.S. Navy fire trucks/ambulances on a donut run. Where's the ocean? On top of all downtown buildings, snipers everywhere. A lone man with a sign against Gays, and a mob of young men in his face, a swarm of cops surrounding them with assault rifles from the hoods and roofs of parked cars! Just one story, I bet there are many more.............

We need Michael C. to ring in, he was down there today, I'll let him know about this post! Without insurance, I am staying away. Noted, thank you Cate.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 12:04 am
I can't get a message to Michael, it's not working?????????????? I'm sure he'll find this post Cate.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 12:11 am
Thank you cate i received this video yesterday and could not believe that this is real i still do not believe that this is real its very easy to get this done by any city in the USA!

Dear friends in America!
All caring people in the Care2 community!

What more proof do you need that, no matter who you choose it will be more of the same! The guy who came up with this idea must have been in the GWB Team! Gitmo in Denver just because people want to speak up?
I hope that the tape is just fake and that this is just a empty city storage !
It would be easy to fake a story like this! But if this is real than you can realy
vote who you want OBAMA does not bring the change that you would love to see!
Mc Cain is to old that is the only reason why you should choose OBAMA!
America would deserve a better political system with more parties!
America needs more diversity! Green Party, Animal Party, Free People Party.... where are they?

You can use a coin if you do not know who to choose! Especially with this VP of Obama it will not make any difference who will win! More of the same or more of the same that is the question!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 1:56 am
AHHH--OUR GOVERMENT AT WORK AGAIN! "WE THE PEOPLE" NEED TO TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 2:08 am
Is this the work of the government you think? Who is responsable for the safety in Denver?
If this would be a large concert than the organizer would be resonsable for the security what makes you think that the government and not some kind of idiot from OBAMAS team is behind this... I think that 15.000 working press members is a rediculous number....since there is allmost no free press in the USA! But maybe that will change in Denver? I hope that we will get our very own reports from people we can trust like Michael!
Who would want to demonstrate? The people who still believe in miracles?
If you want your country back you will need to hit the streets like in the NIXON days!
Those where the days! Where are all the people who are willing to fight for freedom and peace?

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 3:20 am
OMG! This cannot be true! They do it with animal advocates in Austria! And nobody seems to care....
Putting people in prison for speaking up seems to get more and more common!
The number of people who think that this is OK is increasing fast schon wie im Dritten REICH!
Heil Gitmo! In Denver of all cities! Why who planned this? Goebels? Or Grandfather Bush?

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 3:42 am
What happened to freedom of speech. Our country has really gone down hill. I am appalled at this. Noted with disgust. Thanks Cate.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 3:50 am
our rights, evidently, stop when the crooked leaders say they stop, legal or no. how many military bases does Colorado hold? enough to take care of any peaceful demonstrators, I would imagine.
ty Cate, noted with huge disgust, again, for the US

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 4:33 am
I say bring a set of wire snips and carry no ID. Don't give your name and when the timing is right and enough people are ready bust out all at once and run seperate directions.

Of course we shouldn't have to do this if we still had the rights and freedoms we deserve as human beings. I feel more and more like a caged animal every day and I am not even behind chain link. This is absolutly crazy!

13 people got arrested the other day here in wisconsin as well for excercising their freedom of speech. The radio show host said "well they shouldn't be protesting this, that's what they get" The powers that be are trying to send us the message that there is no way to speak out without getting entangled in the corrupt web of the "system".

Thanks for the story Cate.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 4:40 am
Kristopher P, do you have a phone number, can you get one, of the radio station that allowed that comment? they need to hear from us, please post it if you can!
I am surprised such a station can keep listeners, what a ridiculous comment.
"that's what they get" how would that host like arrested for being ignorant? what an ass.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 5:13 am
are we perhaps living in a "military state" at times already?... and just not unaware of it... it seems when the "powers that be" want to enact one, they do it at will...and we like dumb sheep just go along with it...when are people going to wake up and revolt?...:(

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 6:00 am
We are told that America is the LAND OF THE FREE

Oh yeah?

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 6:35 am
sorry guys for the confusing comment, i have a cold, i think you can figure out what i meant to say...:(

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 6:37 am
Kristopher....remember Rush L famous lines 'you do the crime , you do the time'......well he didn't feel that way when he was self medicating, and sure didn't have to answer up like the average person...A radio host like protestors can say whatever they feel like saying..that is free speech..what is wrong is the legal system that is swayed by power, and when one side feels they have more rights than the other side

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 6:56 am
Noted, thanks Cate.
I saw this on CNN last week when the Denver police and Sheriff's Dept. were getting ready to handle any situations with protesters. They claimed no one was going to be held over night, but I don't what they said.

I agree that Rush Limbaugh should have been jailed for his attempt to cash a forged prescription for pain killers that he was addicted to, but his buddy Jeb Bush got a judge and Rush's lawyer worked out a deal with the judge not to prosecute him, but he did get probation. I posted a comment and said Limbaugh would not last a week before he violated the terms of his probation, and I was right. But nothing happened to him. He is one Bush's main mouth pieces and is essential to the Republican Nazi Party for his abillity to pick apart Democrats and find their weak spots, and then pounce of them like he did with Obama and other Dems. He even blasted McCain once or twice, but mostly his job is rip into the DNC. The man is a lying maggot.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 7:07 am
Thank you Cate! :)

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 7:09 am
My husband just remarked that someone ought to ask NObama if he thinks protesters should be rounded up and jailed in place like this...THAT would be a telling answer.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 7:41 am

Conventions are filled with provocative operatives.

This isn't about politics, it's about squelching the passion for justice of the young idealist, and to get ID's. You think Uncle Sam wears that hat for nothing?

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 7:47 am
I BELIEVE THIS IS FOR SECURITY, THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT PEOPLE AT THIS CONVENTION (SUPPORTERS) ACTORS, TV HOSTS, REPORTERS, ETC...THEY DO NOT WANT A RIOT & THAT IS OK, IMAGINE IF SOMEONE GOT SHOT, SOOOOOO YOU NEED SNIPERS & BODY GUARDS, POLICE, SECURITY GUARDS & THIS IS A NORMAL PROCEDURE, WHY MAKE A BIG DEAL OUT OF THIS, MAYBE THE PRISON WONT BE USED, IF THERE IS NO NEED TO, ALL IMPORTANT CONVENTIONS HAVE THIS KIND OF SECURITY, NO BIG DEAL.........

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 7:51 am
This is the USA?Maybe we should call it Guantonimo 2.How do we teach our children to act peacefully when our governments thoughts are just the opposite.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:13 am
Thanks for posting this. Another good artiklce about it here, too-

http://www.care2.com/news/member/264827044/848769

They don't even have sprinklers in these, it says, should fire break out. :(

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:13 am
p.s.- Make that "article".

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:19 am
Willkommen in das vierte Reich!

(Welcome to the Fourth Reich)

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:20 am
COME ON NOW SJ SC, ARE YOU PARANOID..???? OR DONT GET IT STARTED HERE, GEEEEE...SELF CONTROL PLEASE, ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT CAN START A RIOT.......& TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE CONVENTION PEOPLE ARE ACTING PEACEFULLY !! I HAVENT SEEN ANY VIOLENCE OR THREATS ON TV YET......

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:20 am
??? Isn't this putting a little "too much on it"???
They set one up at the 2000 and 2004 DNC-welded the manhole covers shut-they were freaked out because of bombs. There have been riots at other conventions-doesn't anyone remember? I don't think this was set up for "peaceful protestors".

Lets face it, there are some NUTS running around. 4 men were arrested at the one yesterday. 1 brought guns and drugs and was going to shoot Obama...the other 3 were connected to him. I'm sure there were other instances. I didn't see any headlines about innocent protestors being arrested....

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 9:17 am
RIGHT JUNIPER, IT WAS NOT SET UP FOR PEACEFUL PROTESTORS, REMEMBER !!TIM !! IN VANCOUVER - CANADA- I BELIEVE, THE YOUNG MAN KILLED ON A BUS & DECAPITATED BY A !! NUT !! WHILE HE WAS SLEEPING, THESE ARE THE SCARY PEOPLE !! WHACKOS !! !! SICKOS !! WAKE UP EVERYONE, SECURITY IS NEEDED AT THE COLORADO CONVENTION OR ANY IMPORTANT CONVENTION, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT ??? IT IS FOR EVERYONES SAFETY, EVEN THE PROTESTORS.......

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 9:35 am
Really? Only violent protesters, eh? What I say can start a riot.... Interesting. Is THAT what they're calling dissenters these days? Did you even read the article? Did you read about the RNC convention in 2004 in NYC where they were pulling innocent people, not even protesters, but anyone off the street and warehousing them in similar fashion, simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time?

"Tom Mesnick, another protest organizer, said the city has been acting in bad faith, the same way New York City officials did when the made a sweep arrest of 1,800 people four years ago during the Republican National Convention.

"New York is still dealing with the lawsuits," Mesnick said. "They've paid out more than $1 million in claims. They arrested everybody, even people going home from work."

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 9:37 am
Everybody-- This is set up to SCARE PEOPLE. If enough people are SCARED, then they can get away with TAKING AWAY OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES. We will be induced to give up Civil Liberties in return for promised "security". THAT IS THE OLD SHELL GAME.
I don't think this is set up by "The Democrats", by the Democratic Party per se; but rather, by City or State or even Federal govt.........most probably, the FEDS {i.e. Bushco}, are behind it. After all, Bushco is the SPONSOR of the so-called "War on Terror". The war to terrorize us all, comes from BUSHCO.

These "holding cells" are set up AS PART OF POLITICAL THEATER, folks! Look on them as STAGE SETS {with REAL razor wire}!
COINTELPRO will infiltrate the ranks of the peaceful protesters, TRYING to stir up trouble! TRYING to get impressionable or hot-headed young people to do something stupid!
FORTUNATELY, most people, maybe EVERYone, is by now ON TO SUCH TACTICS.
NON-VIOLENT groups have given EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY AND WARNINGS about such tactics, to their members and to the public! Also, such warnings have appeared RIGHT HERE ON CARE2, as some of you will remember seeing!!!
So, therefore, the COINTELPRO AGENTS, to earn their salaries they are being paid by the Feds {out of OUR tax money!} --
the COINTELPRO agents scattered in the crowds, will have to STIR UP TROUBLE THEMSELVES. Break a few windows or something. Hit a cop.
Then, that will serve as an EXCUSE to get the peaceful protesters right next to them, arrested!
The COINTELPRO instigators, if arrested at all, will be quietly released!
There will be TV images of "violence in the streets" and it will give "Peace Groups" a bad name! That is the whole POINT!!! Groups saying they are for "Peace", "are really hypocrites and dangerous"! That's what they're going to say!

Speaking of Rush Limbaugh: he said he WANTED there to be violence at the Dem convention! So it would hurt the Democrats!!!
This is what happened at the Battle of Seattle {and I was there and saw it happening!!!}. This is what the Feds tried to make happen at the Summit Meeting in Montreal, but were caught at it, red-handed! Ha ha!

Maybe it won't work THIS time, either, like it didn't work for govt agents to instigate violence in Montreal!
I wonder if those FOOLS who were caught "trying to assassinate Obama", were actually GOVERNMENT AGENTS -- or idiots RECRUITED BY GOVERNMENT AGENTS.
NO other explanation seems very likely!!!
The armed police, vehicles patrolling, detention facilities, etc., etc., are just POLITICAL THEATER, designed to INCREASE TENSION and LOOK REALLY SCAREY and also PREPARE YOU if anything should "happen", real or FAKED!

[NO group is as insane as the Weathermen who disrupted a previous Democratic convention in Chicago! That is NOT AN ISSUE any more! The Weathermen are no longer in operation -- their STUPID tactics got no followers and that killed the group!!!]

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 9:44 am
If someone was going there to make serious, actual trouble, if to cause actual hurt and injury to anyone there, believe me, they would not be warehousing them in these. They would be going to real jail cells.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 9:49 am
SJ, you have hit it on the head. If they found truly dangerous people who were really planning violence, they'd be whisked off BY THE FEDS, not the Denver sheriffs.

And BMutiny, YES YES YES - they hope to damper free speech with intimidation and temporary, unjust incarceration. More power to those on the front lines there willing to speak out.

The justification that there "might be dangerous people out there" is like saying "I don't care if the FBI spies on me, my email, my phone calls - I haven't done anything wrong."
You don't HAVE to do anything wrong - the shadow government invents excuses for apprehending people every day.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:08 am
OK, HOW MANY ARRESTS & PEOPLE IN THE WAREHOUSE ????? YOU START RUMORS SJ SC...!!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:09 am
If there are NO "mass arrests", and none planned, then RELEASING THE INFO ABOUT THE HOLDING CELLS, IS PART OF
"PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE".
Black ops. Psy war. "Counter-terrorism".
Of course, if there is the tiniest excuse, we are being "prepared" in advance to NOT BE DISTURBED IF THESE CELLS ARE ACTUALLY USED.
The Feds, CIA and FBI and COINTELPRO propagandists, are being MANIPULATIVE.
This is called a "Mind-oopscantsaythatword". Ok, a "Mind-frick". {"F-word + trick"}

It is very {they think!} EASY TO SCARE PEOPLE. To stampede, to panic, to increase tension, to induce suspension of disbelief and suspension of Common Sense.
In such a state of hysteria, we look for witches to burn, scapegoats to stone.
Peaceful protestors make good targets for such hysteria {for some people}.
The answer is: KEEP YOUR HEAD, and help others to keep theirs!
No masses of raving anarchist destroyers are going to be in Denver. WE know that. People like Rush Limbaugh and his cohorts WISH THERE WERE!!!

For the occasional nutcase, that does of course unfortunately exist, the usual security precautions would be sufficient.

This "overkill", "overdoing it", is A STAGE ACT. A DRAMA. PART OF A NARRATIVE THE FEDS WANT YOU TO ACCEPT.
The Narrative? "WE, the Feds, Republicans, are gonna SAVE YOU from those horrible terrorists/dems/blackpeople/youngpeople/Obamasupporters/younameit".

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:15 am
OK, HOW MANY ARRESTS & PEOPLE IN THE WAREHOUSE ????? YOU START RUMORS SJ SC...!!

Did you read the news? did you read the article link I posted? It came from an actual news report, go look there.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:17 am
Another article :

http://www.onnyturf.com/blogs/view_post.php?c

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:18 am
NOT HAVING SECURITY IS ASKING FOR !! TROUBLE !! & IS THAT WHAT PEOPLE WANT ?? WHY DOES SECURITY BOTHER YOU PEOPLE SOOOOOO MUCH ??? USUALLY SECURITY BOTHERS THE !EVIL !! WITH BAD INTENTIONS !! OTHERWISE, KEEP QUIET & NO RIOTS !! SOME OF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING !! SPIED !! ON, GIVE ME A BREAK, YOUR NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR THAT !!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:21 am
USUALLY SECURITY BOTHERS THE !EVIL !!

Tell that to the innocent people arrested in NYC at the RNC convention in 2004.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:23 am
SJ SC YOU SPEAK IGNORANCE & BULL !! I ONLY GIVE YOU CREDIT TO BE A GOOD RIOT STARTER !! TROUBLE MAKER !!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:24 am
P.S. tell that also to the many peaceful antiwar groups, protesters and protests that have been under continuous surveillance. You can look that up in the news as well.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:44 am
Read "It Can't Happen Here" by Sinclair Lewis. This was all foretold in this 1935 novel "that tells you what will hapen to your family if America gets a dictator."

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin, 1775.

Freedom vs. Security: A False Choice

by Rep. Ron Paul, MD

In recent days administration officials have warned the nation about possible terrorist attacks, subjecting us once again to color-coded threat charts and puzzling admonitions to go about our lives as usual. The message is clear: grave danger surrounds us, but ordinary citizens should do nothing and trust the government take care of it.

But the obvious lesson of September 11th is that government cannot protect us. Even with trillions of tax dollars spent on “defense,” hijacked planes flew unchallenged over our skies and attacked national symbols of business and government. Yet now we’re told to put even more faith into the same bureaucracies that failed us so miserably in the past? Self-reliance and self-defense are American virtues; trembling reliance on the illusion of government-provided security is not.

It’s easy for elected officials in Washington to tell Americans that government will do whatever it takes to defeat terrorism, but it’s your freedom and your tax dollars at stake – not theirs. The history of the 20th century demonstrates that the Constitution is violated most egregiously during times of crisis. Many of our worst unconstitutional agencies and programs began during the two world wars and the Depression, when the public was anxious and willing to view government as a savior and protector. Ironically, the Constitution itself was conceived in a time of great crisis. The founders intended to place inviolable restrictions on what the federal government could do even in times of great distress. America must guard against current calls for government to violate the Constitution – meaning break the law – in the name of law enforcement.

The misnamed Patriot Act, presented to the public as an anti-terrorism measure, actually focuses on American citizens rather than foreign terrorists. For example, the definition of "terrorism" for federal criminal purposes has been greatly expanded; future administrations may consider you a terrorist if you belong to a pro-gun group, a citizen militia, or a pro-life organization. Legitimate protest against the government could place you (and tens of thousands of other Americans) under federal surveillance. Similarly, your Internet use can be monitored without your knowledge, and your Internet provider can be forced to hand over user information to law enforcement without a warrant or subpoena.

The biggest problem with these new law enforcement powers is that they bear little relationship to fighting terrorism. Surveillance powers are greatly expanded, while checks and balances on government are greatly reduced. Most of the provisions have been sought after by domestic law enforcement agencies for years, not to fight terrorism, but rather to increase their police power over the American people. The federal government has made no showing that it failed to detect or prevent the September 11th attacks because of the civil liberties that will be compromised by this new legislation.

America was founded by men who understood that the threat of domestic tyranny is as great as any threat from abroad. If we want to be worthy of their legacy, we must resist the rush toward ever-increasing state control of our society. Otherwise, our own government will become a greater threat to our freedoms than any foreign terrorist.

June 2, 2004

Dr. Ron Paul is a Republican member of Congress from Texas.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:56 am
HOW DO TERRORISTS GET IN OUR COUNTRIES..MOST BY PLANE, LIKE 911..DOES THIS MEAN THAT YOU PEOPLE AGAINST SECURITY,BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD NOT HAVE SECURITY AT OUR AIRPORTS, WE SHOULD HAVE PEOPLE CHECKED WHEN TAKING, THE TRAINS & EVEN BUSES FOR LONG DISTANCE OR BOATS OR ANY TRAVELLING ACCOMODATIONS TERRORISTS MAY USE....

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:57 am
noted thank you

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:58 am
Hello all,

I just came back from Downtown Denver just a few minutess ago and I was there all day yesterday.

Never in my years of living in Denver would I ever thought that I'd see police, secret service in riot gear for a peaceful protest.

The delegates can't even see us; even if they could, we have a right to hear our voice heard.

There shbould be seating accomdation made for every american who wants to be there. They are our elected officials and we are the ones who put them in their jobs.

I've seen many arrests plus one guy nearly clubbed. The news would have you believe that there weren't many arrests.

What they won't tell you is that it is a complete police state in Denver right now.

Sorry to be so negative, but I call it as I see it.

On the positive side, there's a little bit of everyone here. I've met members of codepink plus an 89 year old man who came here from Salt Lake City, against doctors orders, so he could participate. I've made tons of new friends.

Teenagers are ditching school to be here; sometimes with the parents!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 10:59 am
ANYWAY STICK TO YOUR CHOICES & I WILL STICK TO MY PERCEPTION ABOUT SECURITY, THATS IT, THATS ALL, END OF DISCUSSION !!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 11:12 am
Jossie security is good but what my friend Michael describes is a police state of the worst kind!
I agree that all the big events can be very dangerous because but normal protests should be possible! The USA is like China! Not one difference i can see! Both the USA and China kill people both nations have concentration camps! Both nations put people in prison without any reason! But i am glad that you feel free! Thats a good sign as long as you feel free they can do what they want! Homeland security in Denver!
Good luck give us more information Michael! We cannot trust the media! 15000 working press members in Denver.....insane

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 11:32 am
Michael, glad you're back and safe. I am sure that downtown Denver look JUST like downtown New Haven did in 1970 on May Day...military planes overhead taking aerial photos, troops in the street in full gear with drawn bayonets and gas masks, windows on nearby businesses boarded up, police on horses, in cars and in large group formations everywhere and thousands of peaceful people like you and me in the streets, protesting the shoddy tactics of the DNC in your case and the Vietnam War in mine, and us wondering why our governments thinks it needs to be prepared to shoot and/or arrest us.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 11:32 am
Jossie darling, you are too afraid of shadows invented to control us...hugs

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 11:44 am
Update on those "dangerous" guys with guns and plans to kill: Feared Obama Assassination Threat Not Credible Straight from News9 in Denver.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 11:47 am
And another updated story: Riot Police Mace Crowd In Front Of Civic Center Big bully boys and their toyz...Amerika, Amerika...

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 12:27 pm
BMutiny...your comments make alot sense. This is intimidation from the neocons.

I agree we need heavy security for the politicians, entertainers and everyone involved in the activities. Why don't they have the usual barricades where people cannot cross over the line? Why not have heavy security on the people who need protection?

This is all done to incite, intimidate and incriminate. Only the hardcore protestors will stand up. What makes this who process inhumane and part of fascism is interfering with free speech and inhumane conditions (heat stroke, no toliets, no medical, lack of food and water, no privacy, public humiliation...)

Excerpt:

"The growing fascism in the US is in it’s infancy, really, but will undoubtedly (imo) become significantly worse...The road to fascism is a one way street too. There will be no turning back now, which can only happen upon the ashes of the old.

Increased surveillance, investigation, ‘thought crimes’, RFID (radio frequency identifiers), human implants, cameras, legislation, militarized police force, federalization of local, regional and state police, massive budgets and more bogus ‘terrorism’ false-flag events will continue to increase the goosestep into a fascist empire of tyranny.

Its effect on you will be far more noticeable with mandatory demands for ID (Real ID comes next year), registration of guns, children, invasive “census” reports, increased infractions for online comments and thought crimes, repressed dissent and protest, more extensive “free speech zones” encompassing entire cities, more police presence at all public venues and transportation, ‘turn-your-neighbor-in’ programs with awards and cash bonuses, more seizure “fever” and illegal private property thefts by government thugs.

All of these are already underway and even more “authority” is being demanded to increase such activity. Internment camps for Americans are also being setup to house dissenters and political ‘prisoners’. Bush is seeking exemptions from the Geneva Convention to continue to use torture and rendition in the ‘war on terror’ which now includes journalists, housewives, political protestors and children.

Large, stupid segments of America will go right along with this as the guns are banned and their children continue to be brainwashed and indoctrinated by the media and schools. Resistance groups will develop but will be quickly overwhelmed by the massive police state apparatus and the public's perception of ‘terrorists’ being grossly distorted and manipulated by the media. Increased demonization of anti-nationalism and anti-patriotism will continue to distort the real meaning of those words."

http://survivalacres.com/wordpress/?p=325

_________
"and they thought they were free..."

"My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger... My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others and we will prevail." - George W. Bush - March 19, 2003

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 1:22 pm
Police are keeping the bonds low for those who are arrested; I just heard.

Not that it'll matter, because as many arrests as they've been making it could take the better part of the week for them to get out.

By the end of the week I'm willing to predict that thousands will probably be arrested.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 1:24 pm
Thanks Cate, Sandra & Hans.

I'm getting my voice heard but I'm being smart about it at the same time.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 2:42 pm
I'm there in spirit Michael...Sad to see my ole' home town become what you are describing...Thank you Cate!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 2:44 pm
Good to hear you had another exciting day Michael, and that you are OK!

I agree with everyone who has mentioned fear and intimidation. We get this stuff jammed down our throats so much that we live in constant terror (at least that is what "they" want) which makes it easier for the government to control us.

Cate I liked your story about protesting the Vietnam war. Its no different now. I've been to two protests in DC of the current Middle East wars and the police presence was as you described - helicopters, police in riot gear lining the streets, police on horses, all for an entirely peaceful demonstration. Ridiculous. Thanks for this article.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 2:51 pm
Thank you for posting this Cate as I am still not catching on (not so computer savvy) on how to post these things...

Namaste

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 3:05 pm
Shelia G. ; I am sorry I do not have the phone number or even the radio stations name. I was flipping channels as I usually do and this radio show host was going off about it. I was on my way to work when I heard this closed minded nonsense. This incident happened at Fort Mccoy in Wisconsin here and the thirteen were charged with trespassing in order to justify arresting them for protesting. I am from a small town as of right now and I seemed to be the only one who noticed; as usual which is very disheartening in itself.

The main thing here is once you start to get into the system that's it, it's usually a downward spiral from there. The radio show host also justified his comments by saying that one of the groups members was a known activist/ protester. Also stating the fact that she had several other priors as though to continue to rally support to his view and degrade her and her group for doing anything out of the "norm".

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 3:09 pm
She also received a higher set of charges as opposed to the rest of the group for being a known activist.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 3:19 pm
When I first read about what they were planning on doing, I was blown away. Impossible, I thought. But, no... Let's just hope they don't get gun happy or taser happy. Thanks for video Cate. Seeing is believeing.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 3:20 pm
"The main thing here is once you start to get into the system that's it, it's usually a downward spiral from there."

Kristopher...I agree. Protesters need to ensure they have money and time against losses that will surely set them back. There are other things to consider as well. These are different times than when I protested in the 60s and 70s.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 7:08 pm
What I don't understand is why all the police bullying and brutality? Are they that scared of free speech, nonviolent protest and democracy?

It doesn't matter

WE ARE THE MAJORITY

OUR VOICES WILL BE HEARD!

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:32 pm
CATE, HON. I AM NOT TRYING TO CONTROL ANYONE, IT IS FRREDOM OF SPEECH, DONT FORGET, I AM GIVING MY OPINION & SPEAKING MY MIND, IS THIS ALLOWED HERE..LOVE YA GIRL.......LOLLL

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:37 pm
DONT BE SOOO SURE YOU ARE THE MAJORITY MICHAEL, MANY PEOPLE PREFER SILENCE, BUT APPROVE SECURITY FOR ALL, SOOOOO I SAY OUT LOUD WHAT OTHERS, MAY THINK SILENTLY, SOOOOOO NO MATTER HOW MANY OF YOU ARE AGAINST MY POINT OF VIEW, I STILL REMAIN POSITIVE ON SECURITY,CUZ I DONT FEEL THREATENED BY POLICE, SOLDIERS,RCMP, NAME IT........

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:43 pm
I MAY ADD, ALL OF YOU SECURITY NEGATIVES, ARE NOT IN JAIL, SINCE YOU ALL POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE, SOOO WHY ARE YOU SOOO BOTHERED BY POLICE ,ARMY OR WHATEVER, ITS ALL IN YOUR MIND TO BE AFRAID OR MAY I SAY AN ILLUSION OF !!FEAR !! FOR NO REASON.....

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 8:48 pm
CONGRATS. MICHAEL, YOU HAVENT BEEN PICKED UP YET...LOLLL...!! NOW !! FEAR NOT.CUZ YOU WONT BE....BUT OF COURSE THEY WILL PICK UP TROUBLE MAKERS & I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST THAT .....

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 9:19 pm
Jossie, I am not saying YOU re trying to control anything..what I meant is that your fears are in response to false flag warnings that the government invents to control us.

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 9:32 pm
Jossie, PLEASE stop shouting....

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 9:42 pm
KATHLEEN, I ALWAYS WRITE WITH CAPS, ANYONE WHOM KNOWS ME, KNOW THAT SWEETIE & IT IS FREEDOM OF WRITING WITH CAPS..&..!! NOT !! SHOUTING !!, EXCUSE ME !! AN OTHER ILLUSIONISTE.....MAKE MY DAY.....

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 12:26 am
How many protesters were caught in that Cop Sandwich in Denver today? Did most of them get sent to little Gitma

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 12:29 am
Oh Lord, Jossie, we meet again. It is considered net etiquette not to type everything in caps, it's considered shouting, Once again, you are missing the entire point of what is being said. Noone said having security is wrong, however, holding cells in storage lots are pretty well unacceptable as a form of security. From the coverage I have seen the portesters WERE peaceful, the police herded them between buildings and peppersprayed and paint balled them because *gasp* they were walking down the street. No I haven't been peppersprayed, but I certainly hope it doesn't hurt as bad as tear gas does and I know for a fact being hit with paintballs without appropriate protective gear hurts and can injur a person. So it you want to shout about free speech and security, at least figure out when free speech is being violated and what level of security is appropriate and what level is overkill into the area of stomping on human rights.

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 4:28 am
Josie Ross; When you type in all capitals it is as though you are yelling! Next off when you say that "I BELIEVE THIS IS FOR SECURITY, THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT PEOPLE THERE"

So do you consider activists like me or Michael C (who actuallly attended) unimportant or somehow a lesser form of human being than Mcain or Obama Because last time I checked the constitution it said all men were created equal. Mcain and Obama are no better than me and I would not really be aroused in any sort of way for meeting these two sellouts they are just people. THEY ARE NO MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU OR ME!

Michael C. Did you have any first hand accounts or stories you might like to share with the group? I would love to hear some more details. Please share if you have time.

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 4:42 am
Good points, Kristopher...while certain people may carry more weight in the eyes of the world, we are all inherently equal as far as our humanity.

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 8:05 am
OK Jossie, loud and rude, gotcha Sweetie - no illusions there :)

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 8:49 am
KATHLEEN, LOUD & RUDE, ARE YOU KIDDING ME ??? EXCUSE ME, NOTHING RUDE HERE...DONT READ ME IF IT BOTHERS YOU, SWEETIE..HAVE A NICE DAY.........

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 8:56 am
wrong wrong wrong. I have waited for years for people to wake up and start a movement against bad leadership. Hear a lot of talk, see no action. This president has broken laws we would never believe a president could break. He should be in jail for fraud, for lying, for breaking his oath. Obama invited everyone to this "shindig". Republicans would lock us up in a minute but who'd of thunkkkk!!! I watched Veterans lose rights year after year and wondered when they were going to react to the idea they fought for these rights for this country and other countries and we just dumped em after the job was done and broke all promises we made to them. If we don't do something about it...we have it coming.

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 9:06 am
Jossie - Loud = all caps; Rude = not following polite net etiquette. If you were in Denver they'd spray you with pepper spray and put you in the "cage" LOL. Sorry, you're right, I'll just ignore you. Peace :)

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 9:25 am
To all who have commented, I thank you. You have captivated my attention and I have been researching the topic all morning. Jossie, I ask you this, do you think that at any point throughout history the people of any oppressed nation knew from the start that they were living under a corrupt government. Your comments, though you have every right to say them, suggest to me that you suffer from the "it will never happen here, it will never happen to me" line of thinking. It is exactly that kind of thinking that allows dictators to gain control of free people. The "important people" which you speak of are nothing more than human beings, and are very capable of human error. You have the choice to dictate your own life, are allow others the right to dictate it for you. The path that our nation is on is a path to tyranny. Liberty and Freedom are the foundations of our nation, and they are guaranteed to all men who live within its borders. The very ideas are more important than human authority or government officials. Decide now which is more important to you, the right to voice your opinion free from oppression, or the right to travel a public road. This morning a group of people were maced for blocking a public road and refusing to disperse. These brutal and bullying tactics should not be tolerated. We cannot afford to lose any more of our God given rights as we have already lost so many in recent years. there is a difference between security and oppression, and I suggest you discover for yourself what it is.

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 11:20 am
Grant...Thank YOU for saying what needs to be said. This topic and thread is about something critical to all Americans - Our Constitution and Bill of Rights which is quickly disappearing to fascism and tyranny. While everyone has a right to speak their mind in this thread, it is a waste of our valuable time to veer off topic where we can discuss a matter that affects our very lives and future.

I suggest to all that you not engage with others who are silly and immature. You feed their ego and need for attention. Stay on topic and ignore people who contribute nothing to this or any other thread. By engaging with them, you will receive the same reputation as they have at Care 2. While this is a public forum, our conduct, sociability, contributions, sincere helpfulness are all taken into account by others. So don't get swept into anyone's ego trip. Move right on over them and the situation will eventually right itself.

Getting back on topic, I agree: we are on a dangerous path to tyranny. We have already qualified with the 14 points of what constitutes fascism in a country. America has hit on all 14 points: http://www.ellensplace.net/fascism.html

I was surprised yesterday during the DNC speeches and talks by the media. Clinton, Brian Williams (media), Tom Brokaw (media) and several other unlikely right wing advisers said America is on the wrong path and pretty much heading over the cliff. In other words, even the republicans and middle of the road politicians and media understand we are at a critical crossroads and heading for a train wreck.

I greatly admire these protesters because they are fighting for our rights and future while we sit home and risk nothing. If the majority of Americans had balls, we'd all be out there with them. I'm older now and exhausted, but I was a protester many moons ago. I was fortunate to never have been arrested or beaten up. Today it's much worse: these protesters are labeled and risk being unemployable, unable to travel and being harrassed for the rest of their lives. They risk being locked up for years as Bush has sealed the laws to give no rights to protesters and they face possible torture.

Anyone who ridicules or takes lightly what these brave people are doing for the rest of us Americans, is ignorant and grossly uninformed. I recommend not spending time with these people and stick to trying to figure our way out of this nightmare. The uninformed will find out soon enough on their own.

---
Anyone disregarding the rules of netiquette these days obviously doesn't care about good communications, being understood or developing relationships that matter. They will eventually be ignored and not enjoy the best of the online world. Would you walk in a room and SCREAM at everyone with no cause? Would you scream "FIRE" in a public place when there is no fire? Those who would face the wrath of others and will not enjoy the process.

Netspeak. Although electronic communication is still young, many conventions have already been established. DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS. This is regarded as shouting and is out of place in a classroom. Acronyms and emoticons (arrangements of symbols to express emotions) are popular, but excessive use of them can make your message difficult to read.
http://online.uwc.edu/technology/onlEtiquette.asp

______
"Go search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the Old World, travel through South America, search out every abuse and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival."
Frederick Douglass - July 4, 1852

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 1:10 pm
Well said Marion. I think that these protesters shuldl be lauded as heroes. They get out of their comfort zone, are verbally and physically abused for remembering that this country was founded on a Constitution that GUARANTEES rights and says that all men are created equal, not all politicians are important. I am as some of you may know a vet, and I am happy to see people protesting, excercising their rights, and at times risking everything becasue of it. I'm glad that some Americans are willing to stand up and say that the things being done are wrong and they won'tback down.

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 2:34 pm
Hats off to you as a vet, Myriah...and for having the sense to know what is worth fighting for. I am also a vet. Most military personnel believe war is the absolute last resort, because once we go there, it brings out the worst and ugliest in us. To fight an illegal war will mess up the minds of those vets and our country for years to come. The world already knows. It is America that hasn't fully caught on to the truth yet...and the repercussions.

It's not surprising that most protesters are young, college students, like Tom Hayden (politician and former husband to the actress, Jane Fonda) was when he protested the Viet Nam War. These people are highly educated or shooting for that. They are in the know about geopolitics and history. They know that getting information from local and mainstream news is mostly propaganda and brainwashing. They do extensive, exhaustive research to uncover the truth. "In order to know where you're going, you must understand where you've been..."

Most of the people in this thread have done that. It takes a certain amount of maturity, experience and curiosity to seek the truth. Once we have done that, we can go back to mainstream news and read between the lines. We also learn that media like Fox News represents Bush and the neocons, and is nothing but a mouthpiece for them. But to blindly believe a few sources as absolute truth is foolish. We don't have to have a degree in college to find this out, yet it is the first thing educated people learn. Research ALL sides of an issue to discover the truth.

Personally, I'm secure. I've worked all my life and have a certain level of comfort and no worries. WRONG! My life can be turned upside down just like everyone else's because of the disastrous policies that Bush has unleashed on us and the world. That is why I spread the truth as I know it and will not rest as long as these crooks govern our country.

This crooks and those who support them are anti-America and un-patriotic. It is the protesters and those who question the corruption who love America and are loyal to it.

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 5:59 pm
Well said, yet again Marion, in addition to the mental exhaustion of this war on the troops, and America in general, it is devestating to come home from a combat zone to find out you are fighting for a lie. Supposedly the war was over when I got out, well we see how over the war was foru years later, and we are still fighting and dying over there. They told me that treaties were broken, I still haven't seen the WMDs. Like I said I served to protect the Constitutional rights of my country, and if I thought I'd be able to do that by rejoining, I would. But it breaks my heart to see soldiers dying for lies, just like pawns in chess. (Oh sorry a bit of a War Pigs moment there) But it is the truth, we're losing lives of friends, family, loved ones over lies and now we can't even protest that without being subject to arrestand being herded into cages when all we want is a peaceful solution? It is disgraceful, and shameful, and I have been brought up my whole life to be patriotic and to be porud of my country, but what can I do when my coun try's leaders are being unpatriotic, putting their oil and money ahead of the country that they are supposed to love, and want to protect. State run education is a joke, health care for those of us who are poor is a joke, and veteran's benefits, what are those? I sure as hell haven't seen any that pertain to my life outside of college. I sure could have used some medical help from the country I served when I miscarried my first child, but nope, none here. Now I have 5000 in medical bills that will probably end in me going to court over them because I can't' pay the amount that they want me to pay in one shot. Yeah I'm unhappy with the state of affairs our country is in and I have a really loud mouth, so i have no problem calling the government the way I see it.

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 11:05 pm
Wow. I don't know what to say. I think it all has been said.

Thursday August 28, 2008, 12:34 am
The first message that i opened today came from denver!

Greetings from Denver!

Hey everybody, this is Jonathan Williams, I'm the Student Peace Action Network coordinator writing to you from Denver. I'm here with SPAN activists, war veterans, grandmothers, teachers, and union workers gathered outside the Pepsi Center. I wanted to reach out to you to tell you the stories you won't hear on CNN about the Democratic National Convention - the stories of activists. They are trying to contain us in a "freedom cage," harassing activists while we sleep, and trying to suppress our power. But we're fighting their military state with the highest form of patriotism - dissent.

The thousands of protestors at the DNC are here for many reasons. There are activists performing water boarding demonstrations, some others are focused on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. More still are fed-up with elected leaders who cater to corporate interests while ignoring citizens' demands.

The number one issue on the minds of protestors is Iraq. Regardless of party affiliation (or lack of it), the American people are sick of this war. I spoke with a mother who took all her vacation time to come out to both conventions in protest. She blamed Republicans and Democrats alike for our failing economy, the quagmire in Iraq, and high gas prices.

Yesterday, I joined the Iraq Veteran's Against the War (IVAW) for Operation First Causality. Watch the video of them in action in DC. In a flurry of activity these former and current GI's show what kind of work they did in Iraq - securing the area, interrogating civilians, forcefully detaining bystanders. This is the real deal - and it's the picture of Iraq the American people never see.

Today, we'll march from the convergence space to the Pepsi center to deliver a letter to the presumptive nominee, Barack Obama, demanding we end the occupation in Iraq, take care of vets when they return, and provide reparations to Iraqis for the damage we've inflicted on their country.

The next stop is the Republican National Convention. I'll be meeting up with Peace Action affiliate groups there from Maine, Wisconsin, and California - we'll send an update to you when we get there. If the reaction to the Democrats is any indication the Republicans will meet serious resistance in St. Paul - and it's about time.


Sincerely,

Jonathan Williams
SPAN Coordinator
Peace Action

Sunday September 7, 2008, 4:37 pm
It's a sad state of affairs.