Gotta love the militarized pollice who herd the protestors inside a cage then pepper spray, rubber bullet, and assault them for "failure to obey an order to disperse." It was a free fire zone to beat the hell out of anybody who showed up while the police provocateured the people who were left over that they couldn't spy on and raid and arrest beforehand (before they even did anything like protest, let alone anything illegal) like in the case with the group that Amy Goodman from "Democracy Now!" was with. This was a police state setup from start to finish, to intimidate anyone and everyone who dared to voice their oppostition to the incumbent party. And all at taxpayer expense. How quaint. This IS America today. How do you like it?

this is just the beginning.

once a new "president" (read: dictator) is elected, the country will collapse, then there will be "protests" all over this country.

don't forget what we were back in 1776 when we shed our first oppressive government.....

democracy silenced through wasted tax dollars!

I want to know about award winning journalist and host of "Democracy Now" Amy Goodman getting arrested by St. Paul police while covering the protest outside the RNC. I want to know about REAL news about first amendment violations and how freedom of the press is being violated. This issue deserves top line press!

These are not protesters they are animals with no intent other than to cause caos. Smashing windows, destroying property and breaking and entering are not protest. GO LAW ENFORCEMENT! Jail these clowns and don't take anything from them. Slap these idiots down and jail them.

......hold on a minute,

I'm watching tv and there's not a word about protests, or a lock-down.

The protestors were causing problems. They had no acceptable reason, except to cause destractions.
The police used acceptable force to correct the problem. The protester should be put into jail until after the convention, but the we the people of Minnesota will just have to pay for their meals and their confortable matress.

Beat those dirty hippies

I was at a protest @ a Bush fund raiser in Portland Oregon in 2002 when the pigs pepper sprayed a baby (and yes police who pepper spray a baby are pigs). Let me repeat that, THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY!!!

There are reports coming out of police snipers perched throughout a concert in the area. There are reports of police herding peaceful marchers, forcing them to the Xcel Center, where they were met by other police who told them to turn around or get tazed. They were tightly compacted and then cordoned off with yellow tape and not allowed to leave. Bystanders were caught in the roundup and not allowed to go either. The Bush presidency has expanded the police state; the spooks in the surveillance industry continually press increasingly sinister devices on a law-enforcement community only too willing to use taxpayer dollars to buy them. Command and control and tase when necessary. Beat when necessary. Film when necessary. Put non violent protest or expression of "protected" speech in a pen instead of treating those voicing their opinion, within rights granted them by the Constitution, like what they are. Americans. Wake up, America! They're not perfect, but Obama and Biden are both Constitutional scholars and they might actually respect the people's right to live under the rule of law. Make sure it happens.

Oh brother. Police state? Get a grip on reality. If the people weren't blocking streets there wouldn't be a problem. If they observed the perimeter fence there wouldn't be a problem. But then that would require common sense. It's a shame my tax money was required to disperse the idiots.

I wish they would show more scenes of hippies getting beat down

Hey Drew---You dumb @#@...Quit smoking that Dope. These people are nothing more than punks and deserve whatever law enforcement gives them. These punks remind me of a two year throwing a temper tantrum. You become an adult by expressing yourself in an intelligent and meaning full manner not by becoming ignorant and juvenile. Grow up people!

Why does my hard earned money have to pay for jobless hippies to go to jail for being stupid?

I think the people who were arrested and won't give their identity should have their pictures placed on the news for others to identify. They should sit in jail until they get processed.

At least they might give them a shower

Or maybe at least a stick of deodorant and a razor

There was so much in the news about how China kept protesters from activating during the Olympics. Where is the mainstream media coverage about OUR government and their anti-protest tactics. Visit Democracy Now! That website had reports on unconstitutional arrests (prior to the conventions) of people who planned to protest in St Paul. IS THIS STILL AMERICA, LAND OF THE FREE? There are elements in our government who seek to keep us from our constitutional right to free speech. Apathy is suicide. Speak up, act now...before it is too late!

True or false: Protesters damaged police cars.
True or false: Protesters blocked traffic.
True or false: Protesters staged sit-ins in the middle of traffic.
True or false: Protesters attempted to riot.

I believe the majority of demonstrators there were doing what they think were right. The few numskulls there causing trouble tend to ruin it for a lot of America loving patriots.

I am, however, for the use of force against those willing to riot or damage property. Yet, let the peaceful demonstrations continue in peace.

"Voice their opposition to the incumbent party"? Converging en masse, crossing barricades, climbing walls, and displaying characteristics of a mob is not part of a person's freedom of speech. There are many other avenues for (peacefully) voicing one's difference of opinion. It the intersection sign says "Don't Go" and you go anyway and get hit. That's on you. Unfortunately, the liberal mentality is to get a lawyer and sue which only entices these wackos to tempt the law and endanger the lives of others like it's a form of entertainment.

visit you tube and look up hippy beatings, it's worth it

The media did interview a group of protesters at the RNC. All did not know who Senator Biden was when shown his pic, etc...

Bottom line, the police were there to protect people with a legitimate beef from people who were there just to cause a raucous.

You can't blame the police if the rowdies are upset that they weren't invited to the party. Sounds a bit like you, "argh!"

Amy Goodman interfered with a lawful arrest. That's stupid.

Take the hippies to the local pool and throw them in

I couldn't have put it better! Free speech no longer exists in this country. The raids on homes in the Twin Cities are prime examples. Nothing of substance was found in any of the houses. As a homeowner, I too have empty glass jars, rags and lighter fluid, mineral spirits, and matches. Those are the materials I have been told make up a Molotov cocktail. I also have bike intertubes, which supposedly could be used as giant sling shots which take 3 men to sling. The antarchists I know engage in civil disobience and are non-violent.

I applaud the anarchists. We need more people to stand up to the powers that be!

Here is again more proof that we need to get the republicans out of office. I do a lot of world traveling and this is what I have seen go down in many communist and fascist countries. I've seen it first hand before and now it's happening "again" in our own country. I pray there are 10x the amount of protesters on Wednesday. Maybe the Red states will start hitting the protesters with their Bibles and their shredded copies of our constitution....

Gaylyn is a dirty hippy

so is Dave

Dave do you go to a lot of fascist and communist countries?

There's a vast difference between protesters, and people who slash tires, attack policemen, and destroy property. It's a shame the Police can't use more forceful measures to protect the people in the RNC.

Yeah Julien like guns

Or the hippies worst enemy...deodorant

And you are slow to respond

And your mom didn't wear a bra

And your dad's nuts still stink from the 60's

Visit democracy now's website? No way. Too many poor souls have already drank that kool-aid. Don't let any more innocent people drink it. run!

All the hippies left...Now for the rest of the internet

Since when has protesting been the focus point of Freedom? Protesting it self is just an act of defiance towards something. Seriously police have to go in forcefully because it really doesn't take much for something like this too turn ugly. Especially when were talking about some over hyped democrats who have no idea who or why they are going to vote for Obama. The plain truth of it is, this is only making headlines because its a liberal bunch of nonsense.

This is probably just the beginning, Our government is corrupt, more people are starting to figure that out, the brits once claimed protesters were criminals too. History will show that the USA is now on the wrong path and the current leaders are common criminals.

Freedom of a peaceful protest. Throwing bricks and trashcans threw windows is not peaceful. Nobody has the right to do that. Beat the protesters to a pulp. If they were doing this peaceful then its alright. Got what they deserved.

Referring to the comment by "Constitution Down" stating that Obama and Biden are both "constitutional scholars". For real? I heard Obama say that there were 57 states in the U.S. It was not a mistake that he said it. He meant it! I won't even ask which constitution he's a scholar of. I'm a registered Democrat and you can be sure I'm voting for McCain.

These "protesters" strongly resemble brown shirts.

Kristallnacht anyone?

I guess they're not united around Sarah Palin after all.

The trauma of the last eight years of Bush would drive anyone to madness. With the nominee (who left his first wife who was disfigured in an accident and married his mistress Cindy) and his VP pick (with her underage pregnant teen daughter) I only have one question. 'WHERE IS THE FAMILY VALUES' Republicans are so famous for? I'm still waiting to wake up from this nightmare. Compared to McCain, Obama looks more conservative.

Why was the worlds biggest TERRORIST NOT arrested?? George "Worthless" Bush??? He has murdered thousands..Yet walks free with LIPLOCK LAURA...

Why was the worlds buggest TERRORIST BUSH NOT arrested??? He has murdered thousands..

I find it disturbing that so many people are so easily influenced into a honorless and destructive mob. The same people who bask in the security and freedoms of a society created by law abiding patriots. These left wing extremist prefer to be called progressive, but that is an illusion. There is no difference between the far left than any other fascist of the past. They demand you THINK this way and TALK this way and ACT this way and you must LOVE THEIR WAY, and if you do not? You will be mauled, forced, humiliated, stifled and silenced. Please becareful what you wish for, those who create the cages of intolerance soon find them selves on the inside.

I'm too tired, but I was in that demonstration tonight that went to the Excell Center. The cops lie. It was a demonstration and it ended in a so-called Free Speech Zone. So what if we do not disperse? There were no windows to break, 20' high fences to climb over & not much to do but sit in the street and scream at police, Bush & McCain. So what? Were the cops insulted? Too bad they are so thin skinned. Someone climbed the fence? So what? Arrest them when they get to the other side! We were surrounded on three sides by 20' high fences and could do no damage to property, UNTIL dispersed "into smaller groups" by these "what's the constitution got to do with this" cops directed by federal overseers. More journalists may have been arrested tonight as well. These cops just don't get it, haven't they learned from Central America? When you want to take out a journalist,no one is supposed to be able to see it and they are not supposed to be able to talk about it later! Right now, St Paul MN is a very very dangerous place to be and it is entirely the fault of law enforcement. Peoples lives are disrupted? Sorry, because of the policies of our government, lives all over the world have been disrupted. If our political process can't deal with this, we're in more trouble then most Americans would care to think about.

sk8boardgrind, Dissent is NOT the highest form of patriotism, serving your country and giving your life for your country is. Don't fool yourself by thinking that throwing urine on police officers is more patriotic than the men and women wearing the uniform overseas fighting and dying for this country. Try joining the military and then you can talk about patriotism.

Wow! hippy hater and nerdpuncher you are sheep who would've been the first in line supporting Hitler's policies.
We are quickly descending into fascism, our constitution is being used for toilet paper by our politicians, and our leaders are in the pockets of big business. Wake up people! Our constitutional rights are being revoked! And you don't seem to notice this?

nerdpuncher---our founding fathers thru the kings tea in the harbor they took up arms and fought them. oh yes dissent is the highest form of patriotism. it takes more courage to stand up for your beliefs then it does to just follow the sheep and pick up your gun and march off to do what you are told. we must stop the republicans before they destroy this nation, and we might have to get our hands dirty like our founding fathers did.

How is it that the Pro Life party is also the war party?

How is it that Christians hate individuals who challenge the power structure? That is why Jesus was crucified?

Many people who protest the war are doing so because their moral compass tells them that "killing people is wrong" and because they have no voice in our government. So they put themselves on the line for what they believe in.

Fascism:-
"A form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victimhood and by compensatory cults of unity, energy and purity, in which a mass-based party of committed nationalist militants, working in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites, abandons democratic liberties and pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion." — Robert O. Paxton

The thuggary we are seeing on the steets protesting the RNC convention is pure fascism. The democrats will tell you they are the party of freedom and speech but debate them and they respond with obscenity, indecency, and profanity. I say they are the party of fascism.

norman---keep up the lies, we can see thru the republican nazi crap. we wont stand for the republicans stomping on our constitution anymore, there are millions and millions of us that will take up arms just like our founding fathers did to throw down the evil of the republicans.

Thanks Tom, I rest my case.

As someone who's family came from a nazi state, it is grossly overstated to say that the United States is now one. Do you people realize how lucky you are to even be posting your thoughts and feelings on this website? Do you remember that just a couple of weeks ago that people in China were not allowed to get on certain sites pertaining to the Chinese "president" and his track record on "foriegn policy"? Be glad that they got to protest and can protest PEACEFULLY. Why would a person want to crawl on a fence anyway? That shows that there was a wee bit of stupidity on that person's part. Be happy that Americans have the right and obligation to vote and decide their leader. And one more thing, who in their right mind takes a baby to a protest? People use your common sense!

Tom, what you fail to understand is that the people in uniform are the sheep dogs trying to protect the flock from the wolves such as yourself. Take off the foil hat, put down the kool-aid and rejoin reality. You talk a good game, it's just that you should take your meds before you speak about your paranoia.

National socialism or international socialism, two sides of a toxic coin

I see Oboma's Commy Pinko Fags have made there way to Min. while they wait on their next check from the Gov't. (that's the check from the working class in the U.S). Your Parents must be so proud of you.

See the dif between the conventions. While the Dem conv was going on there were no protest, because Republicans are educated, and working. During the Rep. convention the Dems protest everything, as they try to disrupt the Convention.

Get a life! Get a Clue! Get a Job!

Gee, I wonder why there were no such protests at the DNC? Could it be that the Republicans need to get a clue? Revolution is in the air. God help us if a Republican gets in the White House. You think these are protests? Just wait...

DaveM - No such protests at the DNC? Do you read the news? There were arrests at the DNC and ABC news reported that one of their reporters were arrested for being on a public sidewalk.

The protesters were anarchists who tried to stop the RNC. Read your news (http://www.twincities.com/ci_10365754).

What you should be asking is this: Why is there a large majority of anarchists, criminals, and terrorists (Hamas) that cheer for the Democrats? Makes you wonder doesn't it!

Who will be in the streets when Obama gets in office Republicans exactly. So I'd be very conscious of the fact that the smug arrogance that you use to condemn others when you are in power, will be replaced by the same behavior you despise, when you find yourself on the other end of this stick. Be wary for when you condemn these people now, In a matter of mere months THEY will be condemming YOU for practicing these same rights to protest and petition your government. Payback is a you know what. I think you should be respecting the right to protest NOW before the obama brigades come after YOU for dissenting their messiah. You honestly think the "enviro police and the citizen action corps" that Obama is proposing is just for the public interest? Do you know history? Do you know what's coming? Too bad YOU didn't stand up and protest when YOU had the chance! Now we ALL go down. Thanks for enabling the powerful to suppress the voice of the many. And years from now when your children ask you what did you do to stop tyranny in this country. You tell them what you did. Not a DAMN thing except ridicule and berate those with the courage to stand up; from my cushy, comfy home computer. People like yourselves should be ashamed that men are overseas to preserve the right to have the principle to voice dissent from the tyranny of the majority; While you sit here and try to destroy what these men are dying for to preserve and protect the most basic fundamental right for this country.

BT - sure their were some protests at the DNC. Some people would protest anything just to get the spotlight on them. My point is that the RNC represents the damage that has been done to this country over the past eight years. And people have had it, really had it. As for your last paragraph - kinda weird - I'm not aware of anarchists, criminals and terrorists cheering for anything. Not in their nature to cheer, I don't think. Kind of amusing, though. Where does this crap come form.

I watched that clip. Reminded me just a little of the 60's but not much. They had a flag draped coffin carrying through the street and the crowd (small compared to the 60's) the crowd was small too, but quite orderly. The police riot control squad seemed to equal or outnumber the protesters ( I am sorry I should have just called them people The Holtz said they were not protesting anything. I just love it when people are blind and deaf. lol) And when they got gassed they dispursed. I think it was an organized protest the crowd I saw in the clip did not seem to be blocking anyone. But I also saw the pictures of them breaking windows yesterday. Well it is getting the republicans noticed.

Poor republicans

I see why they are so big on national security. They need it.

Instead of being violent why don't democrats simply vote in november. Do they actually believe that they can stop the RNC from happening and why would they think they have the right to prevent others from expressing thier own political views.

Don't flashbang em .. shoot to kill!

I agree Marcus .. kill one or two and the rest will dispurse real quick like!

Marcus and Cindy....Are you talking about killing one or two of the Republican filth?? OK I am with you..Actually I would like it if they got more of these Republican pigs.One or two is only a start.

I can't wait for Obama to be president so I can quit my job and get free things! We should all quit so the Big O will provide for us with his campaign money (corporation).

Hey, no incentive to work feels great - thanks Mr. O!

I don't recall seeing any fully geared law enforcement officers at the DMC

The "German Workers Party" of 1919 and 1920 and later referred to as the "National Socialist German Workers Party" and shortened to "NAZI Party" by Hitler in 1932 is the original basis for the current "Republican Party" of 2008 under the leadership of Bush and McCain..Right down to the crowd buster "Brown Shirts" employed by the RNC last night.

Great happy to see it. There a bunch of low lifes anyway!

By the way, conservatives dont need to worry the
libs will destroy themselvs in very short order. They have no morals or dicipline...

Beat those losers senseless and keep getting felony charges for vandalism. Great job Police.

I agree with Yargh's first comment. They were probably mostly being peaceful but a few people ruined it. It's not that hard to figure out. However, the pre-emptive attacks on people the police force thought would riot (you can look it up, it's not hard to find, try google I am just too lazy) is, I imagine, illegal. And if not, that is f___ed up.

Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld, and Gates should be the ones arrested. They are mass murders and war criminals.

Check this comment:
http://volokh.com/posts/1220403488.shtml#427468
on this arrest warrant affidavit:
http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/affadavit0903.pdf

You rock, law enforcement officers!! Get those protesters out of the streets with all of the force you can. Smoke em, choke em!!!

You rock, cops!!! Regarding those protesters - you Smoke em and choke em - get them off the streets and in teh gutter where they belong!

Fascism is like a fog that comes in the night, which you will not see until the mourning(sic) light, at which time you will not know of its duration. The republican party is burnt toast and the MAINSCREAM media keeps eating it with a smile on their face. Karl Roves computer IT man has been flipping elections since 2000 as this country did not elect the bushbaby cheeny swine and will find comfort in this emerging truth. WHIMPER SIGH, Marines...think that unit is ready to take out the Constitution trasher at 1600 PENN.????

They needed to use more flash bangs rather than gas.

Protesters want to play .... the're gonna pay.

The Protesters that were violent just want free speech for them selves and not the republicans. Newsflash, REPUBLICANS HAVE FREE SPEECH TOO!!!!!!! They want to be able to talk but do not want the democrats to talk.

Sorry, "democrats" was supposed be "republicans" got distracted by stupid person on cell phone.

I totally agree.........
Beat those unemployed dirty hippees
or flashbang them again.

MN can not wait for the OLD windbags to leave town!

Sarah has EXECTUTIVE experience *running a government* (something NONE of the other candidates can actually boast, even John McCain as Governor of Alaska and got there by defeating the *incumbent* Republican Governor, who was definitely part of the “old school” and who WAS very much in the pocket of the big oil companies. We in Alaska wanted change – and we got it in the person of Sarah Palin!

Sarah Palin is everything she looks to be and more. Her approval rating as Governor of Alaska has been as high as 95% and is currently leveled out consistently in the upper 80 percentile throughout the state (and in both parties) - the HIGHEST approval rating of ANY sitting Governor.

Did anyone read the article? There is nothing about protestors being violent or illegal in there at all. The Constitution allows the congregation of citizens;The Declaration encourages it. There was nothing illegal about the majority of protestors. I admit a few foolish protestors attempted to break in, but no word about violence or vandalizing. The only "unjust violence" came from the police who abused there right as government officials.

And, to follow up on the story, a group of Republicans were applauding as a group (four, I believe) of police beat down a young teenager protesting.
One word comes to my mind to the Republicans roles in this incident: "Bully"

The U.S. Constitution, was used as toilet paper by Bush and Cheney years ago.. Why expect any thing different now that McBush, and the RNC is begging for his "chance" to destroy what is left of this once great country..

someone---very true. republicans are the scum of the earth and have tarnished our once great nations name all over the earth.