Do you support the "Free Speech Zone" at the DNC?

[Zhade]

There seems to be varied opinions regarding the DNC "FSZ", as well as some misunderstandings about just who will be locked in these pens.

For the record, I am vehemently against what I see as oppression of any citizen's 1st Amendment rights.

Pictures here: http://parkerpettus.com/fleet/index.html

EDIT: For some reason, everything after 'DNC' got cut off when I posted the poll!

2nd EDIT: Title change (see reply #1 for why)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Was the FSZ

the idea of the DNC? I thought it came from Homeland Security-and of course the Repukes would make it look like a concentration camp to score points against the Dems.

[Zhade]

3. You're right, the title was unintentionally misleading.

I've edited the poll title, because after reading your post I realized the title did read oddly.

Thanks for the heads-up!

[mike_c]

2. free speech in Amerika....

This is the cage where the uninvited get to express their views on the Democratic Party platform, the candidates, etc. This is utterly shameful.

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. Zoo animals are kept under better conditions.

Utterly appalling.

[JHB]

24. That's not a "free speech zone"...

That's "Thunderdome"! Geeez!

[D-Notice]

5. I thought

The whole of your country was a "Free Speech/1st Amendment Zone"?

[Zhade]

7. I used to think the same thing.

NT!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

14. So did Madison and Jefferson and those other troublemakers.

Of course, now we understand that they were just a bunch of loudmouthed lefties.

[leftist.]

18. They were just "Focus Groups" (n/t)

[OneBlueSky]

6. "free speech zone" makes no sense . . .

if your freedom of speech is limited to a specified zone, by definition you don't have freedom of speech . . .

[liberalhistorian]

8. Absolutely not, I do not

support that at all. I do not agree with a lot of what they have to say, but they damn sure have the right to say it without being penned in or roped off. It infuriates me that the DNC is even considering such a thing. And if you don't have a problem with it, then don't howl and scream when the same thing is done to us at the repuke convention.

[RoyGBiv]

16. It's not the DNC...

Security at the convention is a function of the Secret Service working in cooperation with the city of Boston and the Boston PD. The SS sets the rules.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

9. No.

[DaveSZ]

10. Of course not

On the other hand, a suicide bomber could cause lots of damage if they wanted to without proper security.

[Meldread]

11. I do not agree with it.

I think it is disgusting, and a slap in the face of Democracy, Freedom, and the Constitution.

[proud patriot]

12. Sadly , No I do not Support any FSZ

In my heart of hearts I believe all of America's
public space should be a "FSZ"

[merh]

13. The Free Speech Zone is the city of Boston's attempts to keep the

peace. Saying that does not mean I believe it is right. The DNC and Kerry's campaign should join in the litigation that is opposing it. That would show that they care about the constitutional rights of the citizens and it would freep out the protestors. (imho)

[Eugene]

15. Even for keeping order the "free speech" cage is a bad idea.

Penning up 1000 demonstrators behind razor wire
is a disaster waiting to happen.
If trouble makers do show up as feared,
a panic will be a serious danger.
Barriers and unruly crowds don't mix.

[merh]

19. Can't disagree with you. I am just saying that it is the responsibility

of the Boston leaders to establish the boundaries that they feel are necessary to try to maintain the peace. I do not think they are right in creating these zones, but then again, I don't know what I would do if I were in their shoes. The FSZ's are not the responsibility of the Kerry campaign or the DNC. As I stated, the DNC and K should join the litigation opposing them. (imho)

[Zhade]

20. Yep. A stampede or fight inside the pen could turn fatal.

Maybe that is what's intended. Sure would make the Dems look bad.

This is one of many reasons why Kerry and the rest of the Dems should come out against this travesty - or, at the very least, warn that it could be dangerous for those whose rights to free speech and assembly are being "protected" (in reality, oppressed).

[beyurslf]

17. No. But I do think it is funny that Repukes complain about it but

had no problem with Bush using them for years now.

[Zhade]

21. Wow. 13% of DUers support locking protesters in pens.

Yikes.

[PhuLoi]

22. Not just no, but hell no!

The concept of a "Free Speech Zone" is so republican in its intention to stifle free speeech.

[spanone]

Where's the ACLU? This is UNAMERICAN!!!!!!! DNC or RNC.

[spanone]

23. Where's the ACLU? This is UNAMERICAN!!!!!!! DNC or RNC.

[Pastiche423]

25. NO!

Btw, has anyone heard kerry say ANYTHING about it?

[AntiCoup2K4]

26. My free speech zone is bordered by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans

And fuck anyone who tries to tell me different. :grr:

[redqueen]

27. Will the republican convention be using one?

Wondering if they might be considering parlaying this sudden (manufactured) outrage about it (like it's a new idea) into their not using one in NY. Then if (when?) something 'spontaneously' goes wrong, they can have a big riot hoopla and bash a few anti-RNC skulls in NY.

Just a thought.

[timtom]

28. I meant to vote

"Not only NO, but FUCK NO!" but that didn't seem to be a choice, so I went with just "No."

[name not needed]

29. The whole country is a free speech zone

Not just some cage nearby. It shouldn't have to be like this, but unfortunately it is.

[Swamp Rat]

30. Change this poll to include "FUCK NO!!!"