Posted by
Gray Ghost on Sunday, August 24, 2008 2:02:22 PM
The Washington Post describes Denver as preparing for either the Democrats' National Convention or the "institution of martial law". Swat Teams are training using helicopters. A warehouse was converted into a jail, with chain-link fences and signs threatening the use of electric stun devices. Travel agents are selling "getaway packages", with one travel agent imploring residents to "escape town while you still can."
The possibility of Protesters at the convention hurling feces? The City of Denver proposed an ordinance to prevent it. The threat of crowd violence? The City of Denver spent $2.1 million on "personal protection equipment" for police.
"The nice thing about hosting one of these conventions is that you can show off," said Denver Mayor Hickenlooper (D). And Denver is well prepared to "show off" to the Democrats and the Nation!
The city raised the $50 million it promised to convention organizers. It received a $50 million federal grant for security. In other words, Denver understands "Tax and Spend"! The Democrats WILL BE SO IMPRESSED.
Denver office buildings have hired extra security and prepared evacuation plans. The Denver Democrat host committee recruited, trained and organized 20,000 volunteers. Colorado Department of Transportation personnel restructured traffic patterns to accommodate major road closures. The private sector is spending a "not so small fortune" to protect its investment.
The cost for all of this is starting to make Operation Desert Freedom look cheap in comparison.
And what does the "Enemy" say? What is on the mind of the Protestors? "Basically, what's happening is a cat-and-mouse game," said Adam Jung, organizer of a protest group called Tent State University. "The city keeps coming up with new restrictions on us, and we figure out ways to get around them. That's how it's going to go, until one of us gets the last word."
I should have entitled this article: "On The Funnier (?) Side". For the whole article, go to the following address: