Riot police at the Republican National Convention 2008

I'm not used to this much excitement in Saint Paul...

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• republican
• national
• convention
• rnc
• 2008
• saint
• paul
• minnesota
• riot
• police
• history
• center
• march
• peace
• protest
• helicopter

[blaster702]

the riot police are just doing their jobs.  They arnt going to get violent unless the protesters do first. Their only there to keep things under control

[85mrgardner]

Boo I was misled by the words riot police. I thought I was going to see a fight, or at least a beat down. I got suckered.

[Creeno1]

@fresniak

Btw...traffic rules are not allready in place. They are momentarily suspended to accomodate the big group of people who cannot possibly all use the sidewalk at the same time.

[Creeno1]

@fresniak

They are not subject to EXTRA regulation. They are subject to regulation EQUAL to that of everyone else. However, for a set timeframe, and within a certain areas (ie. route) protester require special priviledges in order to accomodate their needs (block traffic, hinder every one else from using the same space, etc). So society extends them special priviledges in that timeframe and area. Outside that timeframe and route, they are expected to respect other peoples freedom.

[fresniak]

@Creeno1 If you agree Traffic Rules are already in place and very efficient to handle traffic conflicts between vehicles and persons, why then you insist that walking people need extra rules to be bound to? What makes you think that a person which walks along in a peaceful "protest" is some kind of alien or inferior person that must be subjected to extra regulation? And how arbitrary can be such regulation? How do you establish which people are bad and which good? you dont give a fuck i suppose

[Creeno1]

@fresniak

Yes it means exactly that they cannot go outside of that route. Busroutes need to be replanned, timetables rescheduled, firedepartments need to plan for a different route because they KNOW the normal route will be blocked. You demand the right to have a protest march anywhere at any time. You do not have that right. Nor should you. By doing so, you are violating mine. I advocate the common ground which allows us both to equal use of the space. You demand ALL of it, ALL the time.

[Creeno1]

@fresniak

Yes, those laws are called traffic laws. They are simple and pragmatic rules, implemented to ensure that everyone can coexist without constant conflict. Without those rules, I would lose right of way every time I encounter a bigger truck than mine. So we have made rules regarding this, to accomodate both of us. The same goes for protest marches who take up the space otherwise used for infrastuctual traffic. You claim to have right of way at all times. You dont!

[Creeno1]

@fresniak

If they are part of a protest that is going outside of the planned route or time, they are in direct violation and can collectively be ordered to move. Why? Because they are preventing everyone else from going where they want to go. I'm not saying that they shouldnt be allowed to march. I'm saying that they should always do so in consideration of the citizens that are NOT protesting. Hence, we have rules. You cannot lay claim to a street at any time you wish. And neither can I.

[fresniak]

@Creeno1 "..when you are disrupting other peoples right " YOU SAY SO BUT IT WAS NEVER PROVEN ANY OF THE PROTESTERS DID SO. They were observing traffic laws, as a general rule. And if they asked to use some space to the city, it does not mean they also cannot go out of that space. It was the city that gave them the space in addition to their free movements (within the traffic laws) granted by the constitution. The rule that you so much advocate is already in place, it's called traffic laws.

[fresniak]

@Creeno1 With your logic you should too agree with a route for your truck with the police, in order to make sure you are not going to infringe anyone rights. Or even worst maybe you are willing to use your truck to kill someone on your way, or you're going to drive drunk, so you could be very dangerous.. Are you willing to accept the same notion about YOUR rights? What you propose is fascist, pre-crime prevention, it's living in a police state where you are guilty before committing a crime.

[fresniak]

@Creeno1 Not only you're deaf and ignorant but also very stupid. There is no such thing as a preventive rights protection in the constitution. If you violate someone's right you go face justice, that's how it works. If you hate protesters then find some of them that violates your right and prosecute him/her or call the police, but you cannot prevent legitimate people to walk where they want if they do not infringe anyone's right. they are all innocent until proven guilty.

[Creeno1]

@fresniak

Once again you are blind to what goes on beond your own nose. You are not the only one with rights. Protesters seem to think that because they are protesters, all of a sudden they are the only ones who are protected by the constitution. The consitution is for everyone. Not just you! THAT is why you need to supply a route when you are disrupting other peoples right to freedom of movement. It is a pragmatic solution to a very real problem.