Jason Salzman & protesters
One first has to only look at the source of his pro-protester argument-Ben Cohen, a committed leftist.
But more importantly he goes on to say these protesters would “spend money” and thus be an economic boom to the area as a result.
What poppycock! Like most, if not all liberal arguments, it does not take into account the negative consequences. How about these to name a few. First, as is clear from results of these protests in other cities, these type of protesters are very destructive to property.
They smash windows, destroy other public property and tie up police resources that could be used more efficiently elsewhere.
Also they disrupt and may for a time, put legitimate businesses out of operation while the protest is taking place and the eventual clean up and repair of their businesses. Some economic boom!!!
Also, how about the longer-term negative consequences on future tourism to Denver and Colorado with the sight of these out of control protesters in the street?
Lastly, insurance companies will undoubtedly be paying some claims.
They in turn will raise premiums at some point to both businesses damaged and those not damaged. And as everyone knows-we all pay the cost of rising insurance.
But I guess common sense and rationality never has entered into the liberal argument and is unlikely to anytime soon.
This letter has not been edited.
"But I guess common sense and rationality never has entered into the liberal argument and is unlikely to anytime soon."
Why do you hate America Greg? America's full of "committed leftists" like Ben Cohen. You hate them, you hate America.
As far as I can tell, instead of common sense and rationality, all we get from the conservative argument is bigotry and hypocrisy.
Americans have a right to protest. Your "rationals" for suppressing this right is fascist. The rational thing for Denver to do is prepare for and negotiate with the organizers so that the protest message can be delivered without the need for a riot. If this is done right, then we can prevent the "leftist" agitators in this crowd from crossing the line. Or we can take your approach and just tell them to shut up and watch as they react in anger.
Posted by Todd on June 16, 2007 02:47 PM"But I guess common sense and rationality never has entered into the liberal argument and is unlikely to anytime soon."
Why do you hate America Greg? America's full of "committed leftists" like Ben Cohen. You hate them, you hate America.
As far as I can tell, instead of common sense and rationality, all we get from the conservative argument is bigotry and hypocrisy.
Americans have a right to protest. Your "rationals" for suppressing this right is fascist. The rational thing for Denver to do is prepare for and negotiate with the organizers so that the protest message can be delivered without the need for a riot. If this is done right, then we can prevent the "leftist" agitators in this crowd from crossing the line. Or we can take your approach and just tell them to shut up and watch as they react in anger.
Posted by Todd on June 16, 2007 02:48 PMOnce again, the bigot mantra comes out of Todd. That must be the word du jour, (of the day). What a bigot.
Posted by me on June 16, 2007 02:57 PM"On display in Jason Salzman’s column of 6/9 was one of the most pathetic, illogical arguments for welcoming destructive protesters"
Wow. Must be really bad.
How do we know? Ah, it originated from a "leftist". That explains it.
This is made worse in that "liberals" do not use common sense, or rationalitity, nor do they consider the consequences.
But wait a minute: I thought liberals and leftists were different (except in the talk radio lexicon of course, where there is no shortage of villainous labels and accuracy is not required to use them. Reminds me of a movie I saw last night where anyone labeled "witch" was put to death).
Beyond his use of labels as a substitute for argument (like any Mike Rosen column), the letter writer actually makes some valid arguments. That doesn't mean Salzman's are totally without merit though.
Posted by anderson on June 16, 2007 03:14 PMConsidering the negative and angry words and actions of the far left today, the Democratic convention of 08' may well be one of the most violent we've seen in a long time. Those people are already focusing on "recreating 68'" leave little doubt that they would welcome a violent confrontation. Working with any group with that agenda is foolish and counterproductive. Legitimate protestors and the causes they champion are in danger of being lost behind a group of professional juvenile delinquents who care as much for freedom of speech as they do for the windows they break. The Recreate 68' crowd should remember that the democrat candidate lost to Richard Nixon in no small part because of what happened at the convention.
Posted by neal5x5 on June 17, 2007 01:05 AMway to go toad or todd. no real thought just that everyone who thinks for themselves hates America.
yes you have the right to protest but not to destroy someones property. but what fun would that be for all of you morons who think that is the way to be heard. just think toad this could be your turn to return to yester year and play like this is the chicago dem convention all over again. go ahead and do it as it does show the country and the world what you are all about.
ok I am ready for the name calling from toad or todd and chas b and anderson and trufh.
show us your stuff in the rational name calling and the winner will be the one with the best name calling post.
Time for another round of Spot the Hypocrisy! Today's game courtesy paco:
"ok I am ready for the name calling from toad or todd and chas b and anderson and trufh."
Posted by Charles B on June 17, 2007 06:40 AMWhen you consitersome of these same punks left downtown Seatle looking like Kristalnact I sure would not want this in MY city
ok....I'm gonna ask a silly question.....
Why are leftists going to be protesting at a leftist convention?
Posted by [Ann] on June 17, 2007 07:18 AMWhy are leftists going to protest a leftist convention?
OK I'll bite. Literally in some ways.
These leftists feel betrayed because the reality of governance is not the mere presence of a majority but the existence of a plan for governing. Such a plan must appeal to many not just the bare fringe from either side and that is what doomed the Republicans because they ignored their base to try and find a new plan and is dooming the dems now because no such plan will placate the center of their party which is full of extremists who demand only their way. (conservatism has this bunch too but they have more moderates and many more people considered extreme have only one extrememe view not a whle bagful.)
The convention attempt will be to focus the cameras and media on the fringies any way necessary. Freedom of speech will be upheld but not construed as freedom to dictate other's speech or to shout down the other guy.
Property damage is the second round for many of these protest groups and they have proven it with their actions.
We will not block them from entering the city nor deprive them of media attention. The plan most likely will be to locate them in areas where property damage will be difficult or impossible and the ability to disrupt will be minimized. Press releases get the message out. Wild groups of people marching or standing with signs draw cameras. People marching, chantng and desroying property draw major attention, arrests (with trials) and increase "face" time with the media. If they desire speech they can have all they want. If they demand the martyrdom of arrest and trial they are not going to get it because the opportunity will not be available. Nor will it be availble for those with more conservative views.
The saying goes, " be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it " applies here. Denver actively sought the Democratic convention and they got their wish. Now they are going to have to deal with all the trouble that accompanys it. Let's face it Democrats attract weirdos like crap attracts flies.
Way to go Denver, you got what you wished for. Now deal with it.
From all of this, and reading other things on this website, I have come to the following conclusion: it's time to cancel the month long vacation to Colorado. Not only would I, as a Leftist--NOT a Democrat, which will seemingly surprise many--feel not welcome, but it seems so would my kids, who have been taught to think and not repeat what some talking head tells them.
Now we WERE told by friends that Colorado is beautiful, with friendly, open minded people, who welcome vacationers. However, it seems that you're about as wlecoming to anyone who may not agree with you as Texas, site of my one and only physical assault--which says a lot, since I've spent much time in Detroit and live in LA. But from yor columnists, to your editorials, to your letters to the Editors, it becomes obvious we would be more comfortable hanging out with Uncle Paul, who is a paranoid schizophrenic, but at least accepts people can agree to disagree without resorting to name calling.
Thank you for the head's up before I spent all that money. Don't worry, I'll be sure to tell everyone I know we're not welcome in Colorado unless and/or until we can all think just like you folks.
Nan,
You seem to equate crowd control and reasonability as declaring you unwelcome. Not so. What is unwelcome is violence, disruption and burdening the legal system with nonsense. Leftists are welcome to come and speak and thus expose themselves as ninnies which might damage your little ones self-esteem. It might be better for them to stay away from a place where they would be forced to defend their opinions with rational words not firebombs and rocks. Not to mention their inability to log their first arrest for disturbing the peace. You're right. Spending money anywhere such things are happening is totally un-(lefty) american. Besides, those government checks add up so fast there will be plenty of money to spend on wine (the empty bottles make great firebombs)or paper bundles to hide on a parade/march route to create instant bonfires or (for the completely dedicated) firearms and other items to "equalize" the situation between protestors and police.Perhaps it's better for you and your family to go destroy another Starbucks at a G8 or something in a city where they don't have enough backbone to enforce a rule of law in advance of trouble. We'll miss you but we'll get over it.
One little problem for moron Greg; we have the right to free speech and assembly in this country. Shove that up your fat fascist ass, coward.
Posted by UYRMN on June 18, 2007 01:58 AMThe kiddies love that word "fascist". It evokes images of goose stepping, jack booted thugs, ready to slam down anyone who doesn't tow the party line.
Kind of how a conservative voice is treated on todays college campus isn't it?
Ahhhh to be young...
Posted by truyhy on June 18, 2007 05:25 AM"IF THE BOOT FITS..."
Posted by ToddTodd on June 18, 2007 08:32 AMEveryone on here is right.
We should have tried to get the republican convention instead.
Think of all the "God loves me because I help him with all the judging" and "Do as I say not as I do" t-shirts we could sold!
And we wouldn't have had to worry about them rioting. Just annoint one of them as "shepherd" and the rest of them will follow....blindly and bleating all the way. How do you think we got in the mess we're in today?