Just came from Kerry and bush in town at once

[Bluzmann57]

Kerry's event was not open to the general public, which is a HUGE mistake, imo. But he made an appearance at a construction site where there is a new art gallery going up and is being built by Union Labor. We all clapped and cheered him on, then he went on his way. I then wandered down to near the bush rally, and talked to a young man who had a ticket, was joining the Air Force, but THEY STILL WOULDN'T LET HIM IN because he said that he didn't intend to vote for bush. And they told him that his hair was too long for him to be in the Air Force. He then showed them his recruitment card and explained to them that he isn't in yet, just awaiting it. Him and I, and another guy walked across the street to protest, where some people gave us some signs. The protests were relatively calm, except for a young man who tried to break away from our crowd and rush the motorcade, and a guy who told a lady to fuck off. This is not the America in which I choose to live, where a young man who is willing to serve his country is denied admission because he exercices his right to choose a candidate. It caused him to protest. I also got into an argument with a Nader supporter who was trying to get people to sign his petition putting Nader on the ballot. This guy was trying to tell a group of us about how screwed up Labor Unions are, and I erupted at him. Maybe it was wrong, but I have belonged to Unions for nearly 30 years and I think I know what I'm talking about. My new found friends cheered me on. All in all, an exciting morning. If any of you people who were there are DUers, thanks. If not, it doesn't matter, thank you anyway.

[glitch]

1. good job bluzmann57! No more walking by and letting them lie! nt

[cthrumatrix]

2. why the closed Kerry speech.... we know why AWOL can't have

open views anywhere near the idiot.

[Bluzmann57]

6. I guess I should have explained

The Kerry event is an economic summit with labor and business leaders in the area. And the River Center is not real big. If Kerry comes back(and rumors are that he will), he should have a rally at the local arena, which seats 12,000 or so. Or any number of other suitable places. I'm sure if he comes back, it will be different and open to the public.

[Union Thug]

3. Thank you for standing up for labor!

We need more good people like yourself fighting the good fight on the streets!

[tnlefty]

4. I'm curious to know more about what the guy had to say about unions...

Just because I get tired of hearing unions getting slammed.

[blm]

5. If a Naderite is speaking AGAINST unions than he is really a GOP operative

POSING as a Naderite.

No surprise, the GOP ops have been fostering dissent on the left every election year that I know of since 68.

[Bluzmann57]

9. When he said that Unions are ruining this country

and the protestors are "plants" by a Communist government, thats when I blew. This guy was just an asshole.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

10. Good call. You are no doubt right.

and I love the story of the Air Force recruit.

[bossfish]

7. Maybe Kerry's address wasn't open because..

..it was at a construction site and there is probably a limited amount of space that is safe.

[donsu]

8. kick

nt

[demosincebirth]

11. Thats what I like!

Some who stands up for working folks!

[skygazer]

12. Thank you!

Well done, sounds like a great day. I love these people who blame economic problems on labor unions - as if greedy corporate crooks have nothing to do with it!