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In search of free speech

August 26, 2008 By David

We started at the security station where anyone who wants access to the Pepsi center has to go through an airport-like security check.  All the delegates and all the press attending the convention have to pass through this station.  Here’s how we started off.

We walked up to the white tent, and continued our journey.

Rounding the bend, we headed into the homestretch.

At last, our destination!  There were a few other curious onlookers there.  Not much protest action.  We were told that a group fo anti-war protesters had marched to the free speech zone, but when they got here, they decided it was so absurd that they wouldn’t bother.

I confirmed that this parking lot is, indeed, the free speech zone.  Since the parking lot is not visible from the security station where we started out, it seems unlikely that delegates or press would see what was going on here, unless they chose to make a special trip.

Are some sort of security measures necessary at these conventions?  Well, yes.  Is it sad that it’s come to this?  Absolutely.  Is it necessary to put free speech in a parking lot out of sight or earshot from the rest of what’s going on?  Hmmm….

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Filed Under: User Tagged With: 2008, bmg, denver

Comments

  1. stomv says

    August 26, 2008 at 7:28 am

    the top delegates — senators, members of the house, governors, etc — would make a point of hanging out inside the free speech zone whenever possible.  As word got out that big fish were there, others would join them, and before you knew it the FSZ would be full of activity.

    <

    p>I guess news of David and Charley in the FSZ just didn’t get out.

  2. noternie says

    August 26, 2008 at 8:34 am

    They decided to have the Democratic National Convention in China? I guess they figured they already had the tables and chairs pulled out and set up so it would be easier.

    <

    p>What? This is in the United States? Did they just bring the planners over from China?

    <

    p>Guys, can you ask a bunch of delegates if they are going to visit the Free Speech Zone? I’d like to see how many respect stomv’s fantasy.

    <

    p>And before you get accused of being too “old media” how about a google earth image showing the distance between the arena and the “free speech zone”? Film is so network news-y.

  3. goldsteingonewild says

    August 26, 2008 at 8:53 am

    Depressing.  It’s such a parody of First Amendment compliance.  

    <

    p>They ought to get a corporate sponsor for the free speech zone.  Like Altoids.  You’d see more coverage of the “Altoids Free Speech Zone outside the Pepsi Center.”  And with the $$$, they could set up some catering.  Food always brings people.

  4. nomad943 says

    August 26, 2008 at 9:06 am

    Free speach rocks.
    I am totaly in agreement with GoldsteinGoneWild, that what is needed is to get some corporate sponsers for the zone.
    I’m not certain about the Altoids Free Speach Zone though.
    I was thinking that Flomax would be a better sponser.

  5. marcus-graly says

    August 26, 2008 at 9:41 am

    I was in town for an interview (I eventually took the job and moved here)and was spending the afternoon exploring Cambridge and Somerville.  I was a bit apprehensive going into Boston at all, given the rumors of very tight security, “Fortress Boston” I called it in an email I sent home, but it turned out not to be bad at all.  Other than a little bit of a police presence near John Kerry’s house, (I didn’t know at the time that’s what it was), I pretty much moved around downtown uninhibited.

    <

    p>When I crossed over the bridge from Cambridge I saw the FSZ and there were actually some protesters in it pressed against the fence with their signs like starving animals in some dilapidated zoo. Why on earth anyone would protest there, when Boston has some many good public spaces I really I have no idea.  Why couldn’t they have been on the Common?  That’s sufficiently far from the convention that there wouldn’t have been any security risks, but a nice open space to hold a good rally with a long historic tradition of public use.  I’m not sure if the police prohibited protest there or if the protesters in their desire to be “closer” to the action didn’t think of it, but either way it was poor planning.

    • noternie says

      August 26, 2008 at 10:58 am

      On Friday night, prior to the convention, I drove my wife to Mass General Hospital. Boston was a ghost town, except for the police/military presence.

      <

      p>They did such a job talking up what a zoo it was going to be around here, that everybody took off early and made plans not to be in town the week of the convention. It was very quiet.

      <

      p>Driving in and out of town, it was odd to see so many police and miliary on every corner. There were police/soldiers at every entrence to the hospital building and wandering the grounds.

      <

      p>My wife’s room looked down on that Ebersol field, the one everyone was complaining about here a few weeks back. It was empty, then overnight it was packed with statie cruisers, military vehicles and mobile comand units (winnebagos with lots of antennas). It was a little intimidating.

      <

      p>I’d say you’re right that the confusion and crowds weren’t that bad. But I chalk that up to the pre-event hype that scared everyone off and the “security” presence that repeated the effect.

  6. lynne says

    August 26, 2008 at 11:03 am

    “Apparently free speech involves a lot of jersey barriers.” Charley you are too funny.

    <

    p>And yes, this is sad. While I definitely see a need for security in these situations, can’t there be a better way for protesters to gain the media/delegate access they would want to spread their message?

    <

    p>Even if it meant, I dunno, metal detectors or something?

    • charley-on-the-mta says

      August 26, 2008 at 12:31 pm

      • noternie says

        August 26, 2008 at 1:25 pm

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