Comments on: Sheriff Anticipates Arresting Thousands During 2008 RNC

By: Robin Marty

Robin Marty — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:34:33 +0000

thank you we've made the change on that typo

By: MnKat

MnKat — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:01:20 +0000

Eager for the what?????? As a resident of St Paul and one that lives within the security perimeter I am anything but eager for this dog and pony show on my doorstep, we will be endlessly inconvenienced to put it mildly getting to and from work will be a trial and from the sound of thing we may risk arrest when ever we leave the house. We did try to sell our house but guess what residential property values have suddenly tanked in the area around Excel Center, the only thing we will enjoy about this is that St Paul is less then enervating when it comes to entertainment, dining or other recreation so most of the GOP will most likely be spending time in Minneapolis where they will be even less welcome then they are here.

By: passerby

passerby — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 09:44:08 +0000

Um, think again I was literally just walking down the street in Manhattan and got swept up with everyone on my side of the street for two blocks during the RNC in 2006.

I was just trying to get to work. I was shoved, cuffed, sworn at, booked, printed and photographed. Now, I have a criminal record... to go along with my doctorate and the recently ruined Brooks Brothers suit.

In situations like these, the police don't want to think or care.

Oh, and BTW, I WAS a Republican.

By: Accuracy Accuracy Accurac

Accuracy Accuracy Accurac — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 09:25:49 +0000

That's BOB Fletcher, not Bill

By: Colin

Colin — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 09:14:17 +0000

Why is it necessary to arrest thousands? If it necessary to arrest thousands of protesters, then something is seriously wrong with the protesters or with the law. In my opinion, it is the law that's wrong.

It shouldn't be criminal for thousands of people to protest the RNC (or the DNC). But when local authorities insist on keeping protesters a mile away from the convention, the protesters rightly feel that their constitutional right to assembly is being infringed upon.

At that point protesters are doubly motivated: to protest the RNC and to reassert their rights through civil disobedience.

"Law and order" types will assert that this massive police budget request is necessary because protesters break the law, while conveniently ignoring the fact that the law itself is causing the problem.

Quit treating protesters like they're a bunch of thugs, allow them to protest reasonably close to the convention, and arrest the very few who become violent. It's as simple as that, and it doesn't require Ramsey County to hire a small army of police.

By: jeffk

jeffk — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:49:13 +0000

Also… I should add that I'm not blaming the police for preparing for this, and I'm not denying that in some cases these situations have been handed by police appropriately, and I'm not saying they're not making a good effort at a tough job. Arrests are part of protests and everyone involved is planning on it; that's fine. Now the point is to see if both parties can avoid acting like pricks. It's just that in many recent situations, the police have acted inappropriately.

By: jeffk

jeffk — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:37:45 +0000

Uh, I don't think that's historically been the case. And Antonio, I think they're eager for the opportunity.

By: BGW

BGW — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:18:42 +0000

Don't blame the police If the "protesters" conduct themselves like civilized human beings there should be nothing to worry about. The police are just looking at possibilities based on a proven track record from these nutbags.

Put blame where blame is due. Don't break the law and there should be nothing to worry about.

By: Antonio

Antonio — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 06:16:19 +0000

Mayor Coleman's Mistake If I were the mayor, there is no way that I would allow the convention to take place in my city! Knowing what we do about the history of police action at events associated with conservatives (RNC, WTO), it is completely disrespectful and irresponsible to allow your citizens to be treated in such a way. Thousands of arrests? How much tear gas will be used? How many rubber bullets will be used? How many will die? How many trampled? How much will be legal bills be for the City of St Paul after its sued (and it will be)? How much for cleanup costs?

Its just not worth it to have a bunch of a**holes turn your city into a conflict zone.

Idiots.

By: Antonio

Antonio — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Mayor Coleman’s Mistake If I were the mayor, there is no way that I would allow the convention to take place in my city! Knowing what we do about the history of police action at events associated with conservatives (RNC, WTO), it is completely disrespectful and irresponsible to allow your citizens to be treated in such a way. Thousands of arrests? How much tear gas will be used? How many rubber bullets will be used? How many will die? How many trampled? How much will be legal bills be for the City of St Paul after its sued (and it will be)? How much for cleanup costs?

Its just not worth it to have a bunch of a**holes turn your city into a conflict zone.

Idiots.