The Political Voices of Women

In Denver, during the Democratic National Convention, there will be a special location for protesters. That’s good, right? This area is being called the “Free Speech Zone.” But, how “free” will this zone be? I guess that depends on how free people will feel being in “caged” locations. Is it just me? Or does it seem odd to have the “free speech area” caged in? Let me know what you think in comments.

Apparently, there is also a warehouse being setup arresting protesters.

Here is an interesting behind the scenes look, at the caged free speech location, and the secret detention center.

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Free Speech at the Democratic National Convention

If there’s one thing the United States stands for, it’s unfettered free speech. It is vital to a functioning democracy. Unfortunately, the increasing use by government and law enforcement officials of “free speech zones” and other stifling tactics to purge dissent has largely undermined the First Amendment’s safeguards for political free speech.For example, President Bush’s Presidential Advance Manual outlines the specific strategies his administration has used to “minimize the demonstrator’s effect.” It includes such Orwellian tactics as selling tickets exclusively to presidential supporters and creating “rally squads” of supporters who will surround and drown out protesters with pro-Bush chants. The manual also discusses the strategy of asking local law enforcement to create a designated protest zone, “preferably not in view of the event site or motorcade route.”

Free speech zones have been employed by both Democrats and Republicans at past political conventions. This year, however, Democrats face the embarrassing possibility that they will be the only party actually caging dissenters. Protesters at the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver in late August will be corralled into caged “free speech zones” made of chicken wire and chain link fences which are located more than two football fields from the delegates’ entrance. Those who attempt to exercise their First Amendment rights outside this makeshift cage, which is partially obscured by trees and sculptures, will be arrested.

The Death of Free Speech at the Democratic National Convention

Surprise, surprise– the “party of change” is afraid of the potential of “free speech.” Protesters at the Democratic National Convention in Denver late August will be relegated to “free speech zones,” because security supersedes freedom in this Orwellian, post 9/11 world. Those not happy with keeping their voices confined to zones where their speech is contained and neutralized will find a newly built home at “Gitmo on Platte,” complete with stun guns and barb wire fences…

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So…What do you think about this? Is this any way for a country that prides itself on freedom, to treat it’s own people? It seems the presumption here, is that protesters are nothing short of criminals. I think this is a very sad commentary on the state of our “so called” free country. What do you think?