For all who are wondering why there are protests at the DNC:

[proud2BlibKansan]

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

[jonnyblitz]

1. anybody with half a fucking brain knows why there are protests

against the DEMS, the lesser evil, ESPECIALLY when it comes to this war. :thumbsup:

and YES I am voting for Obama, I am just am not OBLIVIOUS to REALITY.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Well there are quite a few who appear to not understand

:)

[Cleita]

3. Thank you for the informative post.

And stay safe!

[Sequoia]

4. Why? 'Cause we're the Pepsi Generation

[MuseRider]

5. Do you mean to tell me

that there are people who don't agree with the entire platform? Wow, free spirits with free minds but no longer a free place to speak it, not from either party. All so the world will think we are all one big happy and united group, Stepford Dems. Wow. What a picture to present. When did this become necessary, to shut up the people who would challenge you? I guess when nothing has been thought out enough to be able to have discourse without yelling or shutting the opposition away, just empty platitudes. Yup, put them in a cage. A "freedom cage". I can't even begin to understand this.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. There are quite a few

thug cop defenders here lately. And quite a few who don't understand why protesters are in Denver. It's been an interesting week here to say the least. :)

[MuseRider]

7. I feel a little like

an unwelcome guest these days. I guess it was easier for some to give up their civil liberties than others. I don't know. Scares the hell outta me though. "Freedom cages". How Bushian, how Orwellian. Please tell me they are not really called that.

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. Check this out

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3864642&mesg_id=3866904

[MuseRider]

11. Thanks Proud. n/t

[truedelphi]

12. We are a bit more quiet these days

Can't have anything at DU but that RAH! RAH! RAH! spirit like we are in high school and the cheerleading queen is coming on stage.

[MuseRider]

14. :) or :(

Good to see you. I have no RAH RAH left I am afraid. :hi:

[bvar22]

8. K&R

:patriot:

[MuseRider]

9. Kick. n/t

[eshfemme]

13. Thanks the link. I'm just sorry publicity can't be shared between the DNC and the IVAW's protest

At least from what coverage I saw of protests, it was more Code Pink and 9/11 Truthers being covered. So correct me if I'm wrong in this perception.