Why were there "Free speech zones" at the Dem convention?

[niceypoo]

Is Kerry against free speech? Is it a federal law? Is it a secret service policy? WHY? It really makes Kerry look bad!

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. Boston Police and The Secret Service...

Wanted them.

[Bridget Burke]

2. Neither Kerry nor the Democrats set up the Free Speech Zones

It appears you took the bait.

[niceypoo]

4. Ahhh, Im the issue. Typical flame

Fact is the zones were there. Face it

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

6. I explained it.

Now, why are you trying to shift the blame?

Try applying Occam's Razor to the question.

[truthspeaker]

5. Neither did they condemn them, as they should have.

[niceypoo]

7. I agree

The democrats should have spoken out about it. There is a debate raging about it in my political chatroom right now. A southern dem is asking, "Whats the difference if we do it too?" which is a valid question.

[Cassandra]

15. At least they were across the street from the venue..

rather than the 1 to 5 miles away they usually are during all Bush events.

[prodigal_green]

3. Not Kerry's decision n/t

besides, they were pretty empty anyway from what I understand.

[G_j]

16. empty

bedcause people say it felt like a death trap.

[kerryin2004]

8. Kerry has allowed Bush supporters with signs at his speeches..

I think that is more then Bush has ever done, since he runs from criticism and news reporters! As for Boston those were implemented by the people in charge of security.. Refer your questions to THE HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMEnt c/o Tom ridge!

[goju]

9. I think its standard procedure now

The secret service and other law enforcement in charge have their hands full, they dont need and loose ends to worry about. I can see the dilemma but I think they go overboard with the fences and distance.

[Radio]

10. I wouldn't go blaming Kerry

It is probably a security issue

[goju]

14. I dont

I agree with you. The secret service makes those decision I think.

[mike_c]

11. because the rich and powerful are afraid....

They're afraid of dissent, they're afraid of free speech, freedom of assembly, and etc. Their instruments, whether the SS or the Boston police, are working overtime to eliminate the Bill of Rights.

Note too that neither Kerry nor the DNC has said anything negative about the Boston cage. It served their purpose as well, and they didn't have to get their hands dirty.

[Radio]

13. You better tread lightly

Watch what you say about Kerry around here. One slip up and you will get flamed. I have seen it happen. Never participated but have seen it.

[mike_c]

12. self deleted dupe

That was strange. DU hiccupped.

[napi21]

17. At least Kerry doesn't have FS zones at his rallies!

All of you have a point about the Dems not speaking out against the FS zones at the conventions. 'm not sure, but I thought it was the Secret Service & the police who insisted on having them there.

The big difference is that shrub has them at every rally! Cheney is now insisting that you sign some kind of promise before you can get a ticket to hear him speak.

To me, that's a BIG difference! For months, I've been hearing complaints like AF1 being positioned so that shrub wouldn't have to hear or see any protesters, or protesters being permitted ONLY in areas a mile from where he was, and of course out of sight of any cameras!

I have no idea if there really are threats against the conventions or the US elections, or if this is all a rouse, but I can tell you, I wouldn't want Kerry's life put in jeopardy. If the Secret Service believes there should be heavy security at the conventions, I buy it. I know several of these folks, and they really aren't political. They are very dedicated to THEIR JOB which does not depend on who is in the WH, but totally on protection of the person they are assigned to. Quite a few of my friends have worked that job through both parties.

I think we should not be complaining so much about what is being done at the conventions, but on why shrub is being shielded from all dissenters EVERYWHERE, and Kerry is NOT! That's the real difference!