Hosted By: Protest the RNC 2008
When: Saturday Jun 09, 2007
at 2:00 PM
Where: NEW: St. Paul Student Center
2017 Buford Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
United States
Description:
Protest the RNC 2008

Click Here To View Event

Since the announcement that the next Republican National Convention (RNC) would take place in St. Paul, Twin Cities anti-war organizations have been making plans to hold protests against the U.S. war on Iraq. Community activists who are planning these protests will speak out at today's 3:30pm meeting of the St. Paul City Council. To speak out on this issue, please join us at the meeting, or contact City Councilmembers today. You don't need to be a resident of St. Paul - the RNC will affect the entire Twin Cities, and the decisions that St. Paul makes will affect all those who come to protest.

1. Join us at the City Council meeting today.
WHERE: City Council Chambers, 3rd floor City Hall.
WHEN: Today (Wednesday 4/4) @ 3:30pm and 5:30pm
WHAT: During the city council meeting, which begins at 3:30, we want to have a visible presence calling for permits to be granted. We will have signs you can hold up (especially when Thune resolution is being considered). 5:30 is the public hearing portion of the council meeting, and we want everyone to speak out in favor of permits for RNC protesters.

2. Call or e-mail city council members today.
MESSAGE: Support the Thune resolution, but that's not enough. Give RNC Protesters a warmer welcome - grant the permits now!

Debbie Montgomery (Ward 1)
651-266-8610
Ask her to support the resolution, and work to ensure the rights of RNC protesters. Ask her to take the next steps, and direct city police to grant permits now.

Dave Thune (Ward 2)
651-266-8620
Thank him for sponsoring the resolution, and working to ensure the rights of RNC protesters. Ask him to take the next steps, and direct city police to grant permits now.

Pat Harris (Ward 3)
651-266-8630
Thank him for supporting the resolution, and working to ensure the rights of RNC protesters. Ask him to take the next steps, and direct city police to grant permits now.

Jay Benanav (Ward 4)
(651) 266-8640
Thank him for supporting the resolution, and working to ensure the rights of RNC protesters. Ask him to take the next steps, and direct city police to grant permits now.

Lee Helgen (Ward 5)
651-266-8650
Thank him for supporting the resolution, and working to ensure the rights of RNC protesters. Ask him to take the next steps, and direct city police to grant permits now.

Dan Bostrom (Ward 6)
651-266-8660
Ask him to support the resolution, and work to ensure the rights of RNC protesters. Ask him to take the next steps, and direct city police to grant permits now.

Kathy Lantry, President (Ward 7)
651-266-8670
Thank her for supporting the resolution, and working to ensure the rights of RNC protesters. Ask her to take the next steps, and direct city police to grant permits now. Also ask her to invite public comment on the RNC protests at tonight's public hearing after the city council meeting.

BACKGROUND (from today's press release):

The Council will consider a resolution by Councilman Dave Thune, which directs City personnel to ensure the right to political speech and civic debate during the RNC. The resolution is expected to pass.

RNC protest organizers say the resolution is positive, but it should go further. They will be on-hand to urge the city council to put the resolution in concrete terms, and direct the police to consider protest permit applications without further delay. They will carry signs demanding that permits be granted now.

Permit applications and payments were submitted in October 2006. After holding the applications for five months, St. Paul police returned them, saying permits won't be considered until next year.

Protest organizers insist that permits must be dealt with now. Jess Sundin, of the Anti-War Committee, says: "Bush is waging a terrible war on the people of Iraq. St Paul should not stand in the way of the tens of thousands who will come here to demonstrate against that war. City government is devoting a huge amount of time, effort and money to planning for the RNC, and that should include accommodating protesters. Failing to approve our permits in a timely manner, serves to suppress organizing efforts against the war. We want permits to demonstrate at the RNC in 2008, and we will not tolerate 'protest pens' or being kept at away. Permits or not, we will speak out against the war in Iraq, when we take to the streets of St Paul September 1-4, 2008."

Local organizations that have signed on to the protest include the Anti War Committee, Iraq Peace Action Coalition, Students for a Democratic Society (U of M), Twin Cities Peace Campaign–Focus on Iraq, Women Against Military Madness, the Welfare Rights Committee and AFSCME Local 3800.

Demonstrate at the Republican National Convention

September 1-4, 2008, St Paul MN
4 Days to change the world

 

U.S. Out of Iraq Now!

Money for human needs, not for war!
Say no to the Republican Agenda!
Demand peace, justice and equality!

In September 2008, we have a unique opportunity to step onto the stage of history. The whole world will be watching as the Republicans meet to nominate their next candidate for president. We must take to the streets of St. Paul to raise our voices against the war and the occupation of Iraq. The politicians who brought us this war for oil and control of the Middle East represent an elite that will stop at nothing to build up U.S. empire. Theft, torture and murder are part and parcel of the war in Iraq. These politicians do not represent us. They have cut programs that serve our needs at home, and blame the most exploited for our hardships.

The government's response to hurricane Katrina spoke volumes about its vision and values, its policies and plans. Racism, discrimination, and inequality placed African American families on New Orleans freeway overpasses, surrounded by floodwaters.  This is one of many terrible examples of what's wrong with this country. They attack our democratic rights, our rights to organize and our economic well being – from immigrants and the labor movement, to abortion rights and gay marriage – the Republican agenda is an anti-people agenda.

Too many times, Democratic politicians in congress have served as accomplices to this reactionary agenda of racism, poverty and war. In 2008, it's up to us - anyone committed to peace, justice, and equality - to stand up and say no. We are building for a broad nationwide mobilization that will challenge the 2008 Republican Convention and put forward our vision for this country. We are united by a progressive, pro-people agenda, and our insistence that the U.S. leave Iraq now.

During the four-day Republican National Convention, we expect to see every progressive movement raising demands in protests on the streets of St. Paul. Whether you are building the Labor movement in Peoria, Illinois, building solidarity with Palestine, or are speaking out against the many injustices that face people at home and abroad, you should be in St Paul for the RNC in 2008. Permits have been applied for, and groups are starting to organize. Together we can have an incredible impact.

The Republicans picked Minnesota for 2008, betting that activists from around the country would just stay home. Politicians who support the continuing war in Iraq hope that we will stay quiet. Let's prove them wrong in the streets of St. Paul, Minnesota. Together, we can change the world.

We, the undersigned, endorse the call for protests at the Republican National Convention, in St. Paul, Minnesota, from September 1-4, 2008 We demand that U.S. troops get out of Iraq. We want money for human needs, not for war. We say no to this agenda. We demand peace, justice and equality.

 

Signers list (in formation):

 

Anti-War Committee (Minnesota)

AFSCME Local 3800
Al Awda Right to Return Coalition - Chicago Chapter
AL Awda Right to Return Coalition - Omaha chapter
Anti-War Organizing League (University of Minnesota)
Colombia Action Network
Iraq Peace Action Coalition
National Committee to Free Ricardo Palmera
Palestine Solidarity Group - Chicago
Students for Social Justice (University of Illinois Chicago)
Teamster 743 New Leadership Slate
Twin Cities Peace Campaign – Focus on Iraq
Welfare Rights Committee
Women Against Military Madness

To add your organization to the growing list of signers, email us at info@protestrnc2008.org.

 

The Republican National Convention is coming to the Twin Cities in September 2008. The eyes of the world will be on St. Paul, as the Republicans meet to nominate their next candidate for President. But the real news will be breaking on the streets outside the Xcel Center, as progressive people from around the country gather to protest. We will demand that U.S. troops get out of Iraq. We will call for money for human needs, not for war. We will protest the Republican Agenda, and in its place, demand peace, justice and equality.

This meeting is for all individuals or organizations who want to be involved in organizing our response to the RNC in 2008. Bring your plans, your ideas, your questions and your enthusiasm. Please share this invite with others. Contact jess@antiwarcommittee.org if you have questions or can't make this meeting but want to stay informed about future meetings or activities.

Pioneer Press, Sat, Jan. 27, 2007

For convention protesters, cells will be ready
With regional cooperation and outside advice, police say they can handle the huge event

The Republican National Convention in St. Paul is more than a year and a half away, but Ramsey County authorities already are scouting places big enough to handle hundreds, perhaps thousands, of protesters and others who might get out of hand.

It will be Sheriff Bob Fletcher's job to hold and process those hauled away during the convention, which begins Sept. 1, 2008. His task could be a big one: New York City police arrested nearly 2,000 people during the 2004 GOP convention.

The jail issue is one of the many security challenges Twin Cities authorities anticipate. Officials toured Boston and New York this week to gain insights from those cities' experiences hosting the Democratic and Republican gatherings in 2004.

"I hesitate a little to say this, but I think we are feeling a little more like we're getting our arms around it," said St. Paul police Deputy Chief Matt Bostrom, who is organizing security preparations.Minneapolis police Deputy Chief Robert Allen called Bostrom the "quarterback" of the local law enforcement preparations for the convention. He expects the security effort will involve police from across the region.

Bostrom said cooperation among police, fire and emergency medical agencies in the area, a long lead time before the convention and good advice from Boston and New York police have him believing the Twin Cities will be able to handle one of the nation's largest public events.

Even geography is on St. Paul's side, he said. In Boston, the city closed a downtown freeway because it runs so close to the arena where Democrats gathered."There, you don't even have to have a good arm to stand outside of Fleet Center and be able to throw a rock onto Interstate 93," Bostrom said. "I see why they had to shut it down."Xcel Energy Center won't have those issues with the two freeways in St. Paul. And, unlike Boston, St. Paul doesn't have passenger trains running under its arena.

New York City struggled with busloads of arrested protesters, and police faced accusations of being overly aggressive. Some protesters spent days in jail. Hundreds of those arrested sued, alleging civil rights violations, prompting legal fights that still continue over what police records the city must release.

Twin Cities officials said they've tried to learn from the New York experience and will be ready to accommodate protesters — well behaved or otherwise — expected to greet the 2008 GOP gathering.

"If we follow the same procedure for other mass protests, there'll be a remote facility where people will be held for a very short period of time, maybe two to four hours, cited and released," Fletcher said.Seriously disruptive or repeat offenders may be formally booked and held for an appearance before a Ramsey County District Court judge.

Fletcher said he would need someplace large enough to accommodate a "surge" of hundreds, if not more, arrests.

"But hopefully, it won't come to that," he said.Protests may depend partly on another "surge" halfway across the globe. If the extra troops being sent by the U.S. to Iraq bring a swifter end to the war there, protests might not be as large or disruptive as they would be if the Republicans were gathering during this year.

"Who knows what'll be going on by then," Fletcher said.

GOP, city making plans for '08 event

Officials working out details on protesters, parking and security

BY TIM NELSON and JASON HOPPIN, Pioneer Press

Just weeks after Republicans took a licking in the off-year elections, they're getting ready to stage a comeback, and a national party convention to boot, in St. Paul.

City Attorney John Choi and other officials have begun negotiating with Republican officials on the contract that will formally bring the convention to the Xcel Energy Center, the city's marketing director, Erin Dady, said Wednesday. She said they will meet again this month and plan to officially sign off on the convention Jan. 18 in Washington, D.C.

The host committee is in the process of hiring an executive director and putting together a staff, Dady said, after a Wednesday presentation to the City Council on the status of convention preparations. The city and the committee also will prepare a security plan, a parking plan, an emergency medical plan and a technology and telecommunications plan.

"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity," Dady told the council. "We certainly have never hosted an event of this size and probably never will again, so I really believe this is an opportunity of a lifetime for the city."

She estimates the convention will bring more than $100 million into the local economy.

For all the preparations for accommodating the Republicans as they choose a presidential contender in 2008, most of the discussion Wednesday in St. Paul City Hall touched on opponents of the GOP and the party's hopes to retain the White House.

Rumors that convention protesters would be relegated to Harriet Island have sparked concern. City Council Member Dave Thune said he didn't want protesters "scuttled off" away from the convention site.

"No area has been designated for protesters at this time," Dady told Thune and the rest of the council. "It's simply too early to know where the protesters will be located. I have already met with some groups interested in protesting and had conversations with the (American Civil Liberties Union)."

She added, however, that Democratic-Farmer-Labor Mayor Chris Coleman and his administration are "committed to protecting First Amendment rights."

City officials also discussed what might happen at the Dorothy Day Center, the city's highest-profile homeless shelter, which is right across the street from the Republican National Convention.

"The Dorothy Day Center is a particular concern of mine and the mayor's," Dady said. "We need to pay special attention to that center and if there's any relocation that needs to take place."

That's expected to depend on security for the event. The convention is likely to be designated a so-called National Security Special Event, which will make the U.S. Secret Service the lead law enforcement agency for it. Dady said Assistant St. Paul Police Chief Matt Bostrom, son of City Council Member Dan Bostrom, will be the lead local law enforcement officer for convention preparations in St. Paul.

More information is likely to come out in coming months: Organizers are planning a vendor directory, listing local businesses and the services they might offer to conventioneers and guests. The city has also set up an e-mail address, convention@ci.stpaul.mn.us, for residents to offer suggestions or concerns regarding the event.

But the preparations aren't all serious: Thune jokingly offered to host the headquarters of GOP opponents at his Irvine Park home, only blocks from the Xcel Energy Center.

"I've been approached by all sorts of very wealthy Republicans that want to lease out my house for cocktail parties," Thune said. "I'm affirming my commitment to hosting only people protesting our current president."

Tim Nelson can be reached at tnelson@pioneerpress.com or 651-292-1159. Jason Hoppin can be reached at 651-292-1892 or jhoppin@pioneerpress.com.

Antiwar activists plan to march on '08 GOP convention in St. Paul

With nearly two years to go before the gavel falls at the 2008 Republican National Convention, anti-war demonstrators already are planning to march on the convention arena in St. Paul.

The Anti-War Committee, based in Minneapolis, has applied for marching and demonstration permits from the city of St. Paul.

Delegates "have 17,000 hotel rooms; I hope we have numbers at least as many," said Jess Sundin, a member of the Anti-War Committee.

Even if the pool of protesters is half that size, St. Paul may face the same kinds of massive logistical and legal challenges that have cost other political convention hosts millions from lawsuits filed by demonstrators alleging free speech violations and excessive force.

"If [demonstrators are] looking for ways to become famous, you pick a place like this," said Bernard Parks, former police chief in Los Angeles, where the 2000 Democratic National Convention was held.

The Anti-War Committee filed for city permits now to provide ample time for legal challenges if they're turned down, Sundin said. It's the only group to file for a permit so far, but many others are expected to follow suit.

The day before the 2004 Democratic National Convention began in Boston, 2,000 antiwar demonstrators and 1,000 abortion foes held separate demonstrations. A month later, at the Republican convention in New York, more than 1,800 protesters were arrested in five days.

On the other hand, the worst-case scenarios for those conventions, the first since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, never panned out. Boston police prepared for up to 2,500 arrests, but made only four. New York police carefully planned a "rapid response" strategy to handle demonstrations, but in the end allowed some groups to march without permits after last-minute negotiations.

Getting ready

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU) says it expects more protest groups to sign up for the Twin Cities convention, and is getting ready to help them get access to the convention site.

"We've already started discussions and lining up attorneys," said Chuck Samuelson, executive director of the state ACLU. "They have these conventions every four years and they take away the First Amendment rights of everybody except the people they agree with."

Most of the controversy, Samuelson said, probably will surround the barricaded areas where convention demonstrators have been confined in recent years -- "First Amendment free-speech zones, that's what they're called, and they're illegal, I think," he said.

In 2000, Los Angeles paid out more than $4 million in legal settlements to demonstrators, reporters and bystanders who accused police of using excessive force during the Democratic convention. Authorities had accused protesters of hurling concrete blocks, stop signs and rocks at officers.

Four years later, hundreds of demonstrators said they were wrongly arrested at the Republican convention in New York. A month before that, in Boston, protesters said their rights were violated at the Democratic convention when they were kept away from delegates, confined in a fenced-in area lined with razor wire and secured by police.

St. Paul won't know the federal government's precise security expectations until the city files next year for National Special Security Event status, which would make the U.S. Secret Service the leader on convention security.

Part of the package

But police are already looking for groups that might pose possible security challenges. St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington said he thinks all parties should meet to discuss expectations.

"We've learned, in our own experience, it makes a lot of sense to work with those protesters," Harrington said. "In a sense, the convention is an exercise of democracy."

To help ensure a safe event without free-speech disputes, St. Paul City Attorney John Choi said he plans a pre-convention conference with lawyers, activists and city officials.

Choi said he recognizes that some groups may come to the convention with the intention of sparking a lawsuit. "We expect many people are coming here wanting to make a point," he said. "Maybe that point is getting arrested."

Despite confrontations between demonstrators and police at past conventions, the Anti-War Committee's Sundin said St. Paul authorities shouldn't worry about violent demonstrations. "We are all longstanding organizations," she said. "We pose no threat."

Samuelson said he expects the Minnesota ACLU eventually will get involved in lawsuits to guarantee convention access. He said he expects that authorities will be prepared to handle tens of thousands of arrests, possibly using a large venue to hold those arrested and process them.

Ramsey County Chief District Judge Gregg Johnson said that his judges are working on plans to handle mass arrests, including multiple arraignments during the day and bringing in more judges.

Local and national Secret Service officials said they had not yet established boundaries for protesters outside the Xcel arena. But Twin Cities planners were braced for such details even before submitting their convention bid, said Erin Dady, St. Paul's marketing director.

"Protesters are on our radar," she said. "That's part of the package of hosting a convention."

News researcher Linda Scheimann contributed to this report. mmedcalf@startribune.com • 651-298-1546 hme@startribune.com • 651-298-1554