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DEL.ICIO.USTeen finds protests disturbing, heart wrenching
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
[Joshua Penny, a 17-year-old student at Jonesboro High and a member of the Junior Statesman Foundation, is blogging for the AJC from the convention, with a focus on youth.]
Denver — Most Americans have only been able to witness the drama, excitement, and overall mood of the 2008 Democratic National Convention through live television broadcasts on major news networks. But what is Denver really like during one of the most important nominating conventions in the last quarter of a century?
On one hand, proud Democrats walk the city streets decorated in numerous buttons and wearing Obama T-shirts to show their support for their party’s nominee. But in actuality, this excitement is almost boring compared to the often radical protesters that have flocked to the convention.
The protesters are often unpredictable and seem to be lined up on every city block. I received a DVD on 9/11 conspiracy theories, was verbally attacked by a Ralph Nader supporter, and saw firsthand a staged protest at a taping of MSNBC’s “Hardball.” Surprisingly, this all occurred with one hour of walking around downtown Denver.
Some protests have been quite disturbing, while others have pulled heart strings. On the disturbing side, large trucks with pictures of aborted fetuses cruise around the city in an effort to raise awareness for the anti-abortion movement. Yet Iraq War veterans effectively appealed to the emotions in a short skit depicting the risks of the war.
Many believe that protest is a vital part of the democratic process, but when does it go too far? At what point does police regulation of protest infringe upon our First Amendment rights? Lastly, do Americans truly enjoy the freedom of speech as described in the first amendment?
Comments
By Kimberly Allen
August 27, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I can understand how seeing all that in less than an hour can be a bit disheartening. But just think, if it wasn’t for someone protesting (sometimes quietly, sometimes not so quietly) neither one of us would be blogging for a major newspaper right now :-) Just please be careful out there, some protests & their followers have a way of turning ugly fast.
No matter what though you’re living history right now - soak it all up & ENJOY!
I can only imagine the types of protests that will be happening at the Republican convention next week LOL! I wouldn’t want to be there! :-)
By Dawg75
August 27, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Speaking your opinion is great, and I respect others views and think it is good to hear other sides. But when you start harrassing someone or screaming, or making that person feel threatned, it has gone to far. I know I could handle myself so most time people will not get up in my face, but I see the extremists pick on people they know they could easily scare. If we allow abortion, should it not be ok to show what we are actually doing, or should we allow it and hide because we are reallly ashamed?
By dittohead
August 27, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Indicative of how our public education has been DumbDown by liberalism..Georgia ranks 47th in SAT scores.FOX NEWS asked a dozen protestors to identify several high ranking officials in Bush's admin & in congress. Officials who appear on TV all the time. Protestors were clueless. These are future members of the democratic party. Clueless. Clueless.By Kevin-Lisa
August 27, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Firstly, I know that you are being careful, but also be careful of others. You are witnessing the political fringe. They show up at political events and for the most part want to “force” thier view into the forefront. You are witnessing the good and bad of the greatest democracy. See as much as you can without jeopardizing your safety, it will provide you with a perspective you can tell forever. Do not engage, just witness…..
God Bless, kevin&Lisa
By Jay
August 27, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Public protest is the tactic of the unfunded and unorganized, often drawing disdain rather than sympathy for the cause. They are emotionally invested to the extent that instead of having opinions, the opinions have them.
By Dale
August 28, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this
Protesting and questioning your government are both good for everyone, and should be supported at all costs. This country was founded by PROTESTERS and LEFTIST REBELS — just like the ones protesting in the streets of Denver today. Thomas Paine wrote the Bill of Rights and he convinced the non-protesters to protest the British (i.e., the Redcoats were paid for by the international central banking family known as the Rothschilds). All the great founders of the USA were rebels who protested their government and won freedom for all.
By J. Plummer
August 28, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Those comments made by Dale (above) are quite similar to mine, and I agree with much of what Dale said. Not only did protesters lead the movement to the USA gaining freedom from England but, much later, protesters against slavery paved the way to the freeing of the slaves. Even later, Civil Rights protesters, led by none other than Martin Luther King, Jr paved the way for the end of the “Seperate But Equal” Doctrine which led to the end of legally segregated trains and buses, lunch counters and restrooms, and many other humiliating but legal actions in our beloved nation. While there will always be some who take advantage of any opportunity to misbehave, The vast majority of protesters are good, honest, God-fearing, law abiding citizens. Where would Americans be today without those protests against England because if its unfair policy of Taxation without representation??? Where would Black Americans be today without those protests against the dehumanizing practices of slavery??? And, where would Black America be today without those protests against the rampant and dehumanizing practices of legalized discrimination, led by Martin Luther King??? Many Americans especially Black Americans and women owe their present-day successes, their large salaries and their high positions directly to the Civil Rights Movement and resultant movements like the Women’s Lib Movement. We should never forget or belittle those who suffered and died protesting inhumane conditions in our country, and paving the way for us to achieve the successes and standard of living many of us have today. God Bless you, Joshua! Keep up the good work!