The Democratic National Convention was filled with great speeches as well as memorable moments. I have a good friend that lives in Denver who was excited about the DNC up until the first day. He lives in an art gallery that has been tattered with gang signs and local artists putting thier ‘mark’ on the aged buidling in an ‘indie’ section of downtown. He was woken by the sounds of power washers to find Denver police in full riot gear removing the graffitti. He then heard a knock on the door asking if the car parked outside was his and if he lived there on a permanent basis. He answered yes to both questions and went back upstairs. Two hours later he responded to police again who asked the same questions. This happened 5 times the first day and throughout the entire convention police patroled the area practically intimidating residents.
This is a mild example of what went on in Denver throughout the DNC. According to releases by the ACLU 5 individuals were arrested for protesting and put in cold jail cells. Prisoners were shackled together and not allowed to use the bathroom privately (they had to take thier cell mate with them) and most of all they were not allowed to make a phone call or seek legal counsel. They were brought into a courtroom early the day after they were arrested and plead guilty in order to be allowed to leave.
City attorney David Fine responded to these charges saying that the city worked hard to protect the rights of the protestors. This statement was to a Denver Newspaper, ‘Rocky Mountain News’ after a comment was requested of him. He then promised than an investigation would be held regarding the incidents. It’s going to take some work for the Denver police to be fully trusted by residents like my friend along with the 3000 people who have viewed this so far.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6eGWgA6yNc
