Massive police raids on suspected protestors

[lordsummerisle]

Source: Glenn Greenwald at Salon.com

Protesters here in Minneapolis have been targeted by a series of highly intimidating, sweeping police raids across the city, involving teams of 25-30 officers in riot gear, with semi-automatic weapons drawn, entering homes of those suspected of planning protests, handcuffing and forcing them to lay on the floor, while law enforcement officers searched the homes, seizing computers, journals, and political pamphlets. Last night, members of the St. Paul police department and the Ramsey County sheriff's department handcuffed, photographed and detained dozens of people meeting at a public venue to plan a demonstration, charging them with no crime other than "fire code violations," and early this morning, the Sheriff's department sent teams of officers into at least four Minneapolis area homes where suspected protesters were staying

Read more: http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/index.html

[SpiralHawk]

1. "If this were a dictatorship.."

"...it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator."

- Commander AWOL

[coalition_unwilling]

8. Wake up and smell the fascism! -n\t

[L0oniX]

79. "If" ???

[whistle]

139. That image is way too creepy, do you think any politicians have one yet?

[Selatius]

2. Sounds like something out of the Palmer Raids.

The "fire code violations" were simply an attempt at legitimizing an otherwise illegitimate attack on freedom of speech. If they can prove that the city is guilty of applying the fire codes unequally, then the charges can be defeated.

[bean fidhleir]

27. Making ridiculous charges stick is not the point

The entire point is the roust itself - punishment without trial.

The only way to make these blatantly anti-Constitutional acts fail is to make sure that the cop commanders lose their jobs and pensions.

[The Wizard]

45. Bush suspended the Constitution

It didn't work well with his Unitary Executive status.
So how about urinal cakes with Bush's image and the name The Urinary Executive?

[michreject]

54. This shit started way before Bush

And it will continue after Bush is gone.

[rhett o rick]

115. Yes and your point is??????????? nm

[1monster]

134. And that the city/county is sued to the max for allowing its law enforcement

personnel to violate the Constitution, especially since the Constitutional violations were for political purposes.

[MrModerate]

3. These goons really don't get the law of unintended consequences, do they? n/t

[Truth4Justice]

124. Dont forget to support your local police by sending a check for the policeman's ball !

[superconnected]

4. Very Scary. Apparently this country is a police state now.

[USVIRichard]

51. Police State

Maybe some civility and a touch of common sense would be more appropriate. Also, instead of the knee jerk police state reaction, maybe it would be worthwhile to research the target of these raids.

These are not merely some protesters that want their voice heard. The targets of the raids were members of the RNC Welcoming Committee. This innocuous sounding group doesn’t really care about the Democratic Party either…they detest both equally.

This anarchist group is not interested in free speech; they are interested in preventing republicans at the RNC and democrats at the DNC from speaking

Please visit http://www.unconventionalaction.org/ and http://www.nornc.org/ to see how these people describe themselves and their tactics.

[rosesaylavee]

59. Thanks for the links

I looked on both sites to see what they were planning on doing. You were right that they target both parties. But all I could find as to their planned tactics was this:

"Using space reclamation, street theatre, direct confrontation, positive action, and a broad array of other tactics..."

Looks to me that what they are planning is non-violent, civil disobedience. I think that that kind of protesting, if indeed it is that, is fine by me. I am not supportive of destruction of property but disrupting either convention to make the point that there are many in this country not at all happy with the work of the combined work in Congress the last several years seems rational to me.

What am I missing?

[jph wacheski]

61. a single party ?

So to you, the only politics that is acceptable, and safe from random raids by men with guns, is the two official parties? Anarchists should not be allowed free speech and the so called two-party system should be the only sanctioned politics? I am supprised how many ppl don't see that the two parties are so close to the same that they have become a single party with a right and an altra-right wing. Why do you ppl lap up Obama/Biden,. when they are only proposing slight PR adjustments to the single party line,. there is no questioning of the Global War on Terror, or the lies that started it,. and the wars will continue under the dems,. "shifting to Afganistan", keeping up the policy of surrounding of Iran,. and now pushing the rediculous villanisation of Russia when U.S.A backed regimes engage them,. .

http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=9995

It all looks to me like a single party millitary corporate elite rule system and you are buying into the illusion of change,. Dont try to justify fascist police state crap on the gounds that anarchists don't share you dilisions of two party system and change that changes nothing,. or very little more then apperances,.

peace

[Truth4Justice]

127. The Fourth Riech Party.

:puke:

[NBachers]

68. Anarchist Gardeners

Go to this site: http://the-uptake.groups.theuptake.org/en/videogalleryView/id/644

See the "Earth Activist Training Permaculture Demonstration Bus" swarmed by highway patrol and Ramsey County squad predators.

The occupants were abandoned to the highway; the bus was towed with their property inside.

These aren't anarchists, for God's sake. They're people who advocate responsible gardening and farming!

How much commitment; how many life-hours; what kind of personal devotion and resources led to the acquisition and design of this bus? What kind of dedication led these people to come to Mpls/ St. Paul to share their enthusiasm? Do you think they deserve to get caught up in a vortex of corporate fascist repression?

How safe do you think their property is, in the hands of the cops and the tow yard crew?

There is absolutely NO defense for these raids.

[Tuesday_Morning]

93. that's a good link - thanks

more here:

http://The-UpTake.groups.theuptake.org/en/videogalleryView/id/661/

[EstimatedProphet]

76. Bullshit

[Truth4Justice]

125. Propaganda!

[johnaries]

81. So? It's still POLICE STATE tactics and still UNCONSTITUTIONAL. nt

[ooglymoogly]

90. And yet though we may not agree, they have the right to non violent free speech.

as guaranteed by the constitution. The police are the ones breaking the law, but who in this comatose world cares anyway.

[Clovis Sangrail]

94. so anarchists don't get free speech? /nt

[Marr]

96. I thought I told you about making posts with those brief titles.

You repeat a single word from another post, then wander off into Glenn Beck land. It's a dead giveaway. Anyway-- enjoy your brief stay and try to heed my advice next time.

[Plucketeer]

98. It doesn't matter if

they're a group devoted to mutual jerk-offing! As long as they do it within the laws regarding such, they're not fair game for intervention, confrontation or incrimination. The MOMENT they cross that boundary - THAT'S when the law enforcement folks can take action! Sorry, with only ONE post and NO profile, your validity is as jellowy as that that the Twin cities lawmen are moving on. :crazy:

[jwirr]

103. You have forgotten one very big part of our Constitution. We have to

commit a crime before we are arrested. And if I am not mistaken they cannot use search and seizure against you because of what you believe, only what you do. This was nothing but a preemptive strike against our own citizens. As a citizen of Minnesota I do not want my state taxes used for this kind of harassment of citizens no matter who they are. I pay for the law enforcement to act WHEN a crime has been committed not when they THINK one is going to be committed. Hell all of us are in danger then.

[Grinchie]

121. Thats the kind of thinking that took us to Iraq, and look what good that did.

One mans Terrost is another mans Freedom Fighter.

Bush is running real scared, and there are tons of People, including those in the police force and Government Agencies that are scared of losing their jobs.

These so called Anarchists are nothing more than individual playing off the fear of the Administration, and what we are witnessing is over-reaction that will expose our fascist unconstitutional administration.

The NEED to get these Anarchists, and catch them in the act to justify their overwhelming reaction and response to a bunch of pissed off kids that want to make there voices known.

It's not their fault that the Spineless Republicans turn to Jelly when they see the Logo "FOOD* (not bombs)".

They are playing upon the success of the Fear Mongering, so now even a slip of anger in someones words can be taken as a threat. And the Police have so many resources that they have no choice but to investigate. However, it shows how the rule of law is being subverted to protect the state and not the people.

What I don't understand is the flow of paperwork required.

I understand that if a cop gets a tip, they tell it to a Judge and request a warrant. The Judge needs to review the request and either grant a warrant or not.

Obviously, if the police overstep their boundaries, third parties can review the Judge's decision and see if there was no Harrassment involved.

If this step is missing in the accountabilty side of the equation, then we as a people are no better off than the Combatants held in Gitmo.

Where are the leaders of the Democratic party? Can they not review the actions from afar and make a judgement on this?

[rhett o rick]

116. Let me understand your point. The police can violate the Constitution if the target deserves it?

Sounds like fascism.

[D23MIURG23]

140. Anarchists are entitled free speech as well.

The target, and motivating ideology of a protest are both irrelevant to thier constitutional protection. Tactics are relevant, but I didn't see anything on either site referencing plans for violent action.

Furthermore, if this was a ligitimate police raid, they wouldn't be using fire code violations to justify it. If you can point to any evidence of intent to commit crimes on the part of these protesters I would love to see it.

Finally, it would seem Denver already survived these individuals without resorting to gestapo tactics.

Maybe you can come up with some other reason why we should euphemise and justify this orgy of facism?

[Truth4Justice]

123. They have laid in the infrastructure and now they are implementing their new Amerika.

nothing to see folks. Move along now or we will torture you. PURE EVIL!

[superconnected]

5. I'm the only one who recommened this?

[ben_meyers]

6. Why are the Mayors of Mpls. and St. Paul,

both progressive Democrats, allowing the use of their police departments in this manner? Does Bush have something on them too?

[kickysnana]

14. Not St Paul police leading Ramsey County Sherrif is a GOPer. n/t

[ben_meyers]

15. So what is the Ramsey County sheriff doing in

Hennepin County? The article mentions St. Paul Police and Mpls., which is Hennepin Co.

[Zookeeper]

19. There have also been raids in St. Paul (Ramsey County).

And there are police from all over the State (and Wisconsin, I've heard) here to "protect us" from people who want to exercise a right to free speech.

[fudge stripe cookays]

63. Didn't know if they made it or not.

They've had on the news here in Milwaukee that the police chief wanted to send a bunch of our guys (little fascists...look up the names Bambi Bembenek and Frank Jude Jr) up there.

If I was a decent cop on that force, I'd tell chief what to do with his assignment.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

142. 3500 for the week ... additional officiers from as far away as Philiadelphia

According a story I heard on Minnesota Public Radio this afternoon. Local authorities got a multi-million dollar federal grant to cover the costs of bringing in hired guns and loading up on hardware. I believe the story stated $50 million.

[coalition_unwilling]

16. Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is

the Heydrich here. It's more a County and JTTF black op than a city thing, at least based on the various reports Ihave read today.

[Torn_Scorned_Ignored]

35. I think they fall under the Department of Homeland Security now

at least that's how they act here.

Truthfully though, the DNI and Homeland Security and locals are all connected. Mayors make proclamations - sometimes false or misleading ones but have little control over Chertoff.

:scared:

[jmowreader]

41. I think the DHS is where you really need to look

I'm not going to dig through the law establishing the Department of Fatherland Security, but I'm confident they're allowed to take over local law enforcement at times of "national emergency."

Apparently the possibility of Little Boots, Skeletor, McSame and the Girl Wonder seeing people outside the 19 percent who still like this administration is now considered a national emergency.

[dixiegrrrrl]

64. You are correct.

I have read about it also. The "Homeland Security" laws were specifically written to allow Fed. control and use og local police along with Fed. "police" anytime they deemed an "emergency" need.
Wide and broad def. of emergency,
Many of the linked stories about the Minn. action describe unmarked vans being used.
"riot gear" clad guys with no police insignia.

[jwirr]

105. Fortunately lil' boots and his chain are not coming they are going

to protect the people of New Orleans from Gustav. Too little too late.

[killbotfactory]

7. Nothing to see here, move along citizen.

[pop goes the weasel]

9. I am crying for my country

I feel bereft.

This was bound to happen the moment we collectively cooperated with the TSA's crackdown on stored mother's milk and lip balm. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, today it tolls for all of us. Now, what are we going to do about it?

[mzmolly]

10. It's an attempt at intimidation.

Disturbing times.

[Swagman]

11. so Thought Crime is finally with us.

[pleah]

56. We are there.

:(

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

12. WTF

AGAIN...

W.T.F.

What country is this and what year is it!?!?!?

I'm sooooooo sick of this B*sh #$&)@

[LaStrega]

13. This is fucking frightening as hell ...

My daughter and her boyfriend were planning to protest Monday. No. Fucking. Way. Am I gonna let her go. But I will not be intimidated into not attending.

[Raksha]

17. My daughter and her boyfriend are there too.

I posted a thread about it in GD earlier today.

[LaStrega]

24. I read said post ... my thoughts are with her! Best to you and yours. n/t

[coalition_unwilling]

22. We are all Iraqis now -n\t

[Eric J in MN]

18. If the mayors of Minneapolis or St. Paul seek re-election...

...or another office, they're not getting one cent from me.

Mayor of Minneapolis: R. T. Ryback
Mayor of St. Paul: Chris Coleman

[jwirr]

106. I hear you - what they should NEVER have done is invite this bunch

of trash to have their convention in our blue state. They are not welcome.

[Grinchie]

122. Oh but think of the MOney the Convention Center will earn!

Follow the money.

Cops get a lot of Overtime too.

[countmyvote4real]

20. Vigilance. This is very disturbing.

And all part of a pattern. Been there. Done that. 2004. NYC.

[Deny and Shred]

47. Yup. I knew two people who were walking home from work near MSG

in 2004 and were scooped up in nets -Planet of the Apes style - and spent the night in a West side former factory/police impound lot. It's a madhouse all right!

Homeland Security is about protecting Repub donors from the rest of us.

[jwirr]

107. Doesn't holy joe have oversight over the DHS? Maybe we should

be emailing him.

[fbahrami]

21. doctrine of pre-emptive strike

[superconnected]

23. I'm in Seattle and I'm scared over this. Take care all of you in Minnesota.

I can only imagine they are striking fear into your hearts right now.

[LaStrega]

25. I'm scared, too ...

I'm gonna be at the protest, and I'm genuinely terrified as I have to work that night (I work in the printed news industry) ... if I get arrested and am a no-show, I get fired.

[barbtries]

33. good luck, and watch your back

n/t

[SpookyCat]

92. Please keep us posted! n/t

[Tunkamerica]

26. This is unconscionable

if nothing else it reflects so poorly on Minneapolis police and Minnesota government as a whole that such unwarranted and unconstitutional acts are taking place on their watch. For Shame! The nation is watching you, Minnesota, and you are behaving so poorly it pains me. When did you forget what this country means? When did our country turn this ugly corner? Since when has "order" been more important than principle? I'm sure real Minnesotans will stand up. Stand up and take the places of all those who've been unjustly detained for daring to speak out against the obviously dangerous foolishness of the republican party. Political delineation doesn't matter at this point. It is a duty to America. It is your duty to take this country back. Take it back from the traitorous jackals that have stolen it from us. America is watching, Minnesota.

what I wrote to the Governors office (the first part repeats) :

Your treatment of potential protesters of the current Republican National Convention is unconscionable. If nothing else it reflects so poorly on Minneapolis police and Minnesota government as a whole that such unwarranted and unconstitutional acts are taking place on their watch. For Shame! The nation is watching you, Minnesota, and you are behaving so poorly it pains me. When did you forget what this country means? When did our country turn this ugly corner? Since when has false "order" been more important than principle? If you believe you are helping yourself or your career by "helping" the dying Republican party by being their brown shirts then you are sadly mistaken. There will be an accounting of the these incidents and if the current "leaders" of Minneapolis are responsible then they will not be leaders for long. If you are or have ever considered yourselves to be true Americans then you will cease and desist at once with this illegal, immoral, and unjustified harassment of American citizens who have committed no crime at once .

[barbtries]

32. good letter

i wonder if someone has a petition up yet. i'll go sign it and add my own thoughts if so. i also believe that the democratic party and the candidates should speak up immediately deploring this lawless behavior on the part of the law, and extolling the constitutional right of the people to peaceful assembly. the patriots are being punished and silenced and the criminals win if this is allowed to stand.

[dixiegrrrrl]

57. Organize letters to Minn. Chamber of Commerce

Couple thousand letters from various parts of the country telling C.O.C. that tourists
do not want to spend money in a Gestapo city will surely have an impact.
Remember, with GOP, it is all about money.
and cities are hurting for money now.
Yelling and marching are fine, but long term boycotts is what has always worked.

And yes, we have been in a fascist government since the first Patriot Act was signed.
There are a whole lot of Congress critters who are literally traitors to this country.

[jwirr]

108. Bingo. That is where the pugs sit and it is where this state can really

be hurt.

[OwnedByFerrets]

28. I do hope lots of lawsuits come from this...may be the only thing

to discourage it.

[lligrd]

29. If They Don't - America Is Dead

We cannot allow this!

[Raineyb]

85. And it'll repeat in 2012

It's four years later and there are still lawsuits stemming from the round-ups in NYC. Not a damn thing has been learned about protecting constitutional rights apparently.

Regards

[Tabasco_Dave]

30. kick n/t

:kick:

[barbtries]

31. i had a nightmare once

where homes were being invaded, ransacked, and general terrorism being unleashed on the populace. the state is the bad guy here. what sickens me is knowing how many people are probably applauding the gestapo techniques of law enforcement in our country. it's like we've come full circle and now we are the terrorists. this is so hateful.

[jwirr]

109. Yes, They Thought They Were Free is a phenomenon that is here and now. nt

[defendandprotect]

114. One government suggests that any individual or group are a "danger" . . . even a peace group . .

many Americans don't question it ---

[yy4me]

34. Another shot over the bow of the Constitution. Do we not have

the right to assemble written someplace in that quaint document?

It just gets worse. How many more days? How many more rights taken?

[lonestarnot]

36. Are they rounding people up in duce and a halves now? And the razor wire is that manufactured in

China?

[Hubert Flottz]

37. Where's Nancy?

Freedom and Liberty are Off The Table.

[natrat]

49. counting her gold or lost in her dotage

[avaistheone1]

91. Is she still on her book tour?

[IamyourTVandIownyou]

38. Video of Iglehart Avenue Raid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wShi41LcoCg



Whoa.

[jimlup]

39. Push this story into the MSM

This story needs to be in the Mainstream Media. We need to push it hard.

Unfortunately, I think Gustav will take the MSM away for everything until the convention actually starts.

[KG]

40. but, y'know, we don't live in a police state...

:eyes:

[ixion]

42. This kind of crap simply must NOT be tolerated...

law enforcement agencies who pull this kind of crap should be pulled through the wringer. And by that, I mean that any commanding officer involved should be fired, and the agency sued until it hurts...bad.

[Zhade]

43. Fascism.

Nothing less.

[ima_sinnic]

44. TOURIST BOYCOTT: today I will write the governor, the MN Tourism Council, and twin cities C of C

and advise them that I intend never to set foot in the state or spend one thin dime there, that MN had been on our list of future summer vacation possibilities but has been crossed off. Our family does not care to travel in places that have so little regard for constitutionally guaranteed rights, that are themselves run not by the rule of law but by political terrorizing. We do not care to risk being arrested or detained on the basis of some imaginary charge. Rather than enjoying a vacation there, we would be constantly stressed by paranoia and by knowledge that here people were raided and arrested for no crimes at all.

on edit: I think I will also send a copy of the letter to a Twin Cities newspaper.

[fudge stripe cookays]

65. Good idea.

I was just up there in June doing genealogy, and I think I will follow suit. I have Dem stickers all over my car, and drove up from Milwaukee instead of flying.

I'm going to let them know that my regular visits will stop. If I need something, I'll find it online or do without.

[Joe Chi Minh]

84. Money talks like nothing else to those types.

[kwyjibo]

86. Good idea, and if you haven't already, start a new thread about this.

I just can't believe they're doing this.

[Ian David]

46. Congress needs to investigate this. n/t

[Solly Mack]

48. and some people will just accept this...

and what will be done about it? Nothing

Why would a government that tortures people even care?

[valerief]

50. Oh,yeah, it CAN happen here. And it apparently is.

I wish I was born in Denmark.

[JBoy]

52. This had better be investigated. Who ordered these raids??

This kind of shit also does nothing for America's reputation in the rest of the world. Since the stories reflect badly on the US, they spread like wildfire. That "beacon of freedom" is becoming a bug zapper.

[Doctor_J]

99. Investigated by whom?

You don't think the DoJ already signed off on it? Who investigates when a country is a police state?

[Junkdrawer]

53. Part 2 of a FAILED strategy...

Part 1: Instigate riots in Denver (FAIL)

Part 2: Show Republicans to be the party of Law & Order by suppressing St. Paul demonstrations

[Beartracks]

118. You may be on to something... n/t

[madrchsod]

55. there`s a lot of agents in these groups.....

way to exposed in this day and age....

[NoFederales]

58. How do we help, other than talking about this? nt

NoFederales

[NJCher]

60. what a horrifying thread to wake up to

I like Ima Sinnic's action and I'm going to write a letter like that, too.

Furthermore, I am going to throw in my two cents worth as a person active in the area of event planning. I will let them know that this action has been brought to the attention of event planners across the country.



Cher

[ima_sinnic]

74. event planners! great group to get involved (nt)

[Preening Fop]

62. With the puter as the data base, might as well get used to it & await for further orders from the TV

:nuke: :patriot: :nuke:

[LSK]

66. Its official. The constitution is dead. The bill of rights have been revoked.

:grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr:

[berni_mccoy]

67. Please DIGG This Article HERE:

http://digg.com/politics/Massive_Police_Raids_On_Suspected_Protestors_In_Minneapolis

We live in Iraq now.

[Stump]

69. I'll admit, I'm the always the first to defend the police...

but unless there is more to the story (which doesn't seem to be the case), this is bullshit.

[Ernesto-Che-Guevara]

70. Someone should do something about this

These abuses have to stop. I hope someone in the DNC condemns these acts.

[bitchkitty]

71. A very telling trait of the right wing -

they're afraid of the people. This isn't surprising at all, in Bush America.

[Better Believe It]

72. And What Is The Response Of The Minnesota Democratic Party & Leaders To This Outrage?

[ravishane]

75. Is that a joke?

I am all for getting this election won for Barack Obama, but I am not foolish enough to think that the Democratic Party gives a damn about actual justice.

[Better Believe It]

77. Not A Joke What Has Al Franken Said About This?

[ravishane]

80. nothing

He's just a part of the mainstream Democratic Party who could give a rat's ass about issues like this. The fact that the Minnesota DFL couldn't get anyone better than that idiot to run for Senate in my old home state is disturbing.

[clear eye]

89. Contact him through the form on his website

There's a little link at the bottom of each page on his site. Pre-emptively rounding up people planning non-violent protest is not acceptable. But, hey, this is a government that supported pre-emptively going to war against a country that posed no threat. I wrote him that a response from him is called for. His dilemma is that Minnesotans already think he is too "New York" for them, and lacks Minnesota "niceness". Most are probably cheering the rounding up of the rude demonstrators, at least in their polite hearts. I have no doubt Minnesotan DUers are an exception.

[ravishane]

73. well, the RNC Welcoming Committee

Should have done a better job of preventing agent provocateurs from infiltrating their group in the first place. Cops are all over inside that group and this is exactly why these raids are happening.

[bertman]

82. ravishane, how does the average citizens' group have the resources to check to see if members

are police plants? First, the infiltrators don't necessarily have to be police officers. They can be ordinary citizens who are simply feeding information to the cops or DHS.

What are these groups to do? Have every member fill out a security clearance form so they can have the police run a check on them? Are you starting to get the idea?

We citizens are at a huge disadvantage going up against a police state machine like the one in this country.

The only solution is eliminating this through Congressional action followed by Executive action that is implemented all the way down the line. Otherwise, we're fucked.

This is why we need to elect Obama and progressive legislators.

But don't be lulled into thinking it's going to be easy to stop this. It's entrenched and systemic. Many of the police, military, and intelligence service members (CIA, FBI, NSA) would consider these types of tactics to be legitimate. They don't give a damn about the constitution, just their ability to CONTROL the citizenry. Same with many of our politicians. They fear the people.

Nazis are alive and well and operating quite effectively in our United States of America. But they don't call themselves or consider themselves to be Nazis. They think of themselves as "law-and-order" types.

[tblue37]

101. As a former community organizer, Obama should be troubled by these tactics,

since they are precisely the sort of goernment actions that would intimidate community orgnizers and citizens inthe community and thus prevent effective community organizing, too. We should be sending loud complaints to him and Biden (and Bill and Hillary, too--they have prominent public voices)--and maybe even to Dean. Certainly to Keith and Rachel, as well.

[L0oniX]

78. If the police keep this up eventually the people will shoot back.

Just saying ...we have a right to protect our homes and family and we went to war against Nazis before and we may need to fight them again right here. I am not saying we should pick up arms and start shooting now but if they keep this up we may have no other choice. I don't know about you all but I will defend my wife and children at all costs and I hope you true Americans have the courage and moral integrity to do the same. It's obvious that the police will do whatever they are told to do and they don't care if they violate our constitutional and human rights.

[Joe Chi Minh]

83. Looks like it's started. Martial Law next? See what they do with the new bill

Bushco wants enacted.

[aquart]

87. We don't need no steenkeen constitution here!

FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS?????

They seized computers? This is going to be a landmark lawsuit. We really need to be in charge of the government BEFORE Roberts makes a decision about the government being able to do what it pleases.

[azurnoir]

88. What I want to know

is where did the orders for these raids come from? Was it governor Timmy's office before he got passed over for VP choice or was it higher up?

edited to add: a ststaement f4om the the supposedly DFL mayor of st paul

Mayor defends raids on protestors (st paul)

He pointed to items seized in raids, including Molotov cocktails, a book called "Recipe for Disaster" and tools aimed at disabling busses.

and now claims of Molotov cocktails, what no buckets urine or did he "forget" those?
keep in mind this turkey won in an election where anyone could have run their dog under "I am not Randy Kelly" and still won

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/conventions/27716384.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUX

[niyad]

128. didn't I hear him (or was it the chief of police) bragging about how they weren't going to let

protestors have things like urine and feces to throw at the officers "like they did in Denver" (sorry, jerk, but I want proof that the denver protestors had anything like that)

I weep for this country.

[azurnoir]

130. It was a claim from one the

youtube video's posted, with no proof.

[indypaul]

95. Where in the hell is the ACLU when needed?

The county, municipality, judge and participating law enforcement
officials need to be sued individually and in their official capacities
for violation of these persons constitutional and civil rights. In
addition any person or persons who furnished testimony for the issuance
of these warrants. Getting into these peoples pocketbooks is the only
thing they will fully understand there are consequences for taking these
actions.

[defendandprotect]

112. Can only hope that every aware American is supporting the ACLU . . .!!!

[Marr]

97. I remember this happening under Clinton, too-- during the WTO protests.

IIRC, they were conducting raids and arresting people for having "the materials for making incendiary explosives".

The potential "incendiary explosives" later turned out to be molotov cocktails, and the materials for making them were cleaning supplies and a rag. Things any random house is bound to contain.

This is how big money "defends" itself in America.

[jwirr]

100. Any email addresses to the mayor of Minneapolis and St. Paul?

Any others we should be contacting about these issues? I am a Minnesotan who is damn ashamed of the gestapo tactics and the tendency to call anyone who is against pug policies some name like terrorist. Protester's have as much right to freedom of speech in this country as do the pugs. ENOUGH!

[carlos3k]

104. Press Conference Scheduled for 3:00pm CST

Link: http://twincities.indymedia.org/2008/aug/press-conference-today-motion-emergency-restraining-order-against-police

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Contact: Michelle Gross 612-793-1612
Geneva Finn 612-387-0965

PRESS CONFERENCE:
CUAPB, NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD AND OTHERS FILE EMERGENCY MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER

DATE: Sunday, August 31, 2008

TIME: 3:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Hennepin County Government Center Outdoor Plaza
5th Street between 3rd and 4th Ave S, Minneapolis

In the aftermath of a series of raids on the homes of activists and journalists, the National Lawyers Guild and Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) filed an emergency motion late yesterday asking weekend signing judge Mark Wernick to grant injunctive relief to prevent police from seizing video equipment and cellular phones used to document their conduct.

Examples of police interference with the right to document their conduct include the beating of CUAPB vice president Darryl Robinson while copwatching, seizure of equipment of three journalists with Glass Bead Collective, and the targeting of journalists during a raid on 951 Iglehart in St. Paul yesterday afternoon.

Another example is the action of Ramsey County Sheriff’s Deputies, who deliberately shut off CUAPB president Michelle Gross’ video camera while she was documenting Friday night’s raid from inside the convergence space. This action prevented her from documenting the incident in its entirety. Despite their actions, Ms. Gross was able to capture about 7 ½ minutes of video and audio of the beginning of the raid, including use by deputies of a battering ram to force open the door to a upstairs theater where families were watching a film. Copies of this footage will be provided to media representatives in attendance at the press conference.




Also the website http://theuptake.org/ has great guerrilla coverage as well with a map of the houses targeted in Minneapolis.

[tazkcmo]

102. I've written Obama

Biden, my reps and trying to post this all over the intertubes. I really need to see our candidate be in the fore front on this issue ESPECIALLY considering his yes on FISA.

[defendandprotect]

111. Obama sees "no basis" on which to impeach Bush . . .

though he taught Constitutional law . . .

I don't think he'll be bothered by this ---

[DesertRat]

110. The founding fathers are rolling over in their graves. n/t

[defendandprotect]

113. It also looks to me like Chertoff's Homeland Security . . .

Like the FBI and CIA . . . this is another organization which simply exists to move
fascism across America ---

[obamapalooza]

117. just peaceful folks

it took all of about 5 minutes to find out that the two people mentioned in the article were charged with jusssssst a bit more than you say... "The five people being held at the Hennepin County jail are under arrest on suspicion of conspiracy to riot, conspiracy to commit civil disorder and conspiracy to damage property.

Arrested at the 17th Avenue home were Monica Rachel Bicking, 23, Erin Chase Trimmer, 23, and Garrett Scott Fitzgerald, 25, Nestor said.

Nathanel David Secor, 26,was arrested at the 23rd Avenue South home.

Erik Charles Oseland, 21, was arrested an undisclosed location, the sheriff's office said."

"These acts include tactics to blockade and disable delegate buses, breaching venue security and injuring police officers. They have recruited assistance in their criminal conspiracy from other anarchists groups throughout the country. Through their plans and actions they have exhibited a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others."

The statement said the items found in the searches included:

materials to creating "sleeping dragons" (PVC pipe, chicken wire, duct tape), which is when protesters lock themselves together
large amounts of urine, including three to five gallon buckets of urine
wrist rockets, a machete, hatchet and several throwing knives.

a gas mask and filter
empty glass bottles
rags
flammable liquids
homemade caltrops (devises used to disable buses in roads)
metal pipes
axes
bolt cutters
sledge hammers
repelling equipment
Kryptonite locks
empty plastic buckets cut and made into shields
material for protective padding
an Army helmet.

yeah, real nice "peaceful" protestors.

[Grinchie]

129. The contents of 90% of american households

You forgot that scary rubber tipped Bow and Arrow set, and the Impeach Bush bumper stickers that could cause someone to slip and fall.

Just shows how afraid the Military Police State is of our own Population. They know if we all stand up to this crap at the same time, they'd be finished.

Sorta reminds me of the movie "The Postman", which is actually looking a little to coincidental at the moment.

[slackmaster]

132. Other than an axe and bolt cutters, I have all of that stuff in my house

OTOH keeping it all at an undisclosed location does sound pretty suspicious.

[krispos42]

143. Not to mention...

"military weapons" and one very well-armed feline!

:rofl:

[Vinnie From Indy]

133. LOL!

Did the police list the rolls of toilet paper as "lightweight paper specifically designed to be thrown so as to unroll in flight and hang in trees. The purpose of which is to interfere with law enforcement officers tasked with monitoring trees in the convention area."

Cops always do this kind of thing when they raid a house. They could make a ham sandwich sound like a weapon of mass destruction.

It is also just a bit amusing that for this "dangerous" group of kids there is only ONE old army helmet and gas mask. I guess the rest will have to just make do with their formidable 5 gallon bucket shields to storm the gates.

[DBoon]

141. I heard they did this in the 1960's

If you were politically active and had a spare can of gasoline in your garage, you were arrested for possessing the materials for making a molotov cocktail.

I'm actually amazed there was no dope related contraband found in the protestors' house - even a few seeds of marijuana could send you away. I'm sure they must know better now

[Doctor_J]

137. who except for the gasmask and army helmet (defensive stuff), and caltrops, I have

all of these. Sounds like I am guilty of felonies in Cheney's Amerika.

[pengillian101]

138. A link to pics.

http://www.twincities.com/news/ci_10344356?source=rss

[Bob Dobbs]

119. Authorities are seizing videographers who get on the light rail

according to a recent live feed of a press conference by the National Lawyers Guild.

http://theuptake.org/en/

This is the best site for timely news from the front lines of The Battle of St. Paul.

[datasuspect]

120. and they're doing this to white suburbanites now?

jeez, that's strange. i'm sure the folks in the video look like many of you here.

[Doctor_J]

126. What's a "suspected protestor"?

:shrug:

[bemildred]

131. That was my question? When did political protest become a crime? nt

[Doctor_J]

136. It's a new crime - "Conspiracy to peacefully protest"

Jefferson is spinning in his tomb

[Golden Raisin]

135. Participants in the Boston Tea Party

would have been rounded up and put in concentration camps or "disappeared".

[Name removed]

144. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[babydollhead]

145. kick