Guide icon © Jonathon D. Colman, jcolman
Protests and Arrests
What’s happened during the convention so far?
Thursday
As Obama’s speech at INVESCO nears, hundreds of protesters are getting ready to march towards the stadium. It is unclear how far they will get, as security near INVESCO is tight.
Groups involved include pro-marijuana activists and assorted other parties which have not been identified.
Wednesday
Although an impromptu march of thousands of anti-war protesters was not authorized ahead of time, it was allowed to follow a course through downtown to the Freedom Cage without incident.
Later that evening a crew of bicyclists for Critical Mass wound its way through Denver’s streets, interrupting traffic and eventually getting dispersed by authorities, although with virtually no violence.
Tuesday
Two protesters of the Backbone Campaign were detained at Civic Center Park, which prompted a march by some 200 other protesters.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., around a dozen anti-abortion protesters were arrested for blocking a security gate.
Cops Putting on Gas Masks at the DNC
Monday Night
Approximately 100 protesters were arrested in downtown Denver near the City and County Building. Many more were hit with pepper spray while being pushed out of the Civic Center and blocked from the 16th Street Mall. Oh, and now the city’s had the chance to test out its new temporary detention center, called “Gitmo on the Platte” by locals and protesters alike.
Get Informed, Get Involved
It’s all about making sure you’re protesting for the right cause.
Know what your rights are, what law enforcement can legally do and what to do if you do get into an awkward legal situation during the DNC.
Postcard from the 1908 Denver DNC
The official site to everything DNC related.
The host committee site. Learn about the city, explore the preparations being made for the convention and find out how you can get involved.
Essentially, Recreate 68 is a conglomerate of many protest groups. Their general statement of principle, from the website:
“We are committed to resisting and overturning a system of violence inflicted daily on people of this country and the world, and against the natural environment, by political and corporate power, in the pursuit of profit. We are resolved that our group will not instigate violence against human beings as a means to end this system of violence and injustice. However, we recognize the right of the people to self-defense and community defense.”
Recreate 68's Planned Days of Protest
Each day of the convention, Recreate 68 plans to have a major protest addressing an injustice. These are not yet set in stone, but proposed are the following:
- Sunday – End All Occupations at Home and Abroad
- Monday – Human Rights/Free All Political Prisoners
- Tuesday – No Borders
- Wednesday – No Warming
- Thursday – No Racism/Imperialism
Major Locations During the Convention
Where you can yell and carry signs. Or at least try, security will be pretty tight.
1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
At heart of the event, the Pepsi Center is hosting the 2008 DNC.
At heart of the event, the Pepsi Center is hosting the 2008 DNC.
650 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
Named the official hotel headquarters of the DNC as of March 19, 2008.
Named the official hotel headquarters of the DNC as of March 19, 2008.
Or, you can just follow the neocons. Here’s where they’ll be headed.
Make a Sign
After all, what’s a protest without clever signs? Here’s where you can find all the necessities.
499 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
All the art supplies you could possibly need. Paint your sign, paint yourself, paint everything!
All the art supplies you could possibly need. Paint your sign, paint yourself, paint everything!
1509 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
For all your expensive printing and copying needs. Easily reached by foot from the Pepsi Center.
For all your expensive printing and copying needs. Easily reached by foot from the Pepsi Center.
1350 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
Office Depot has lots of things… some might even be useful.
Office Depot has lots of things… some might even be useful.
By Bus - Along the 16th Street Mall
The free bus that travels along the 16th Street Mall affords a quick, easy trip to dozens of restaurants and shops. That’s right. For free.
Map of the shuttle route and further information about its schedule.
Blogger's Paradise - Free wifi
Maybe the best place from which to keep the world (or your two readers) updated on the convention. The mall offers free wifi, and with Colorado’s warm summer days and evenings, this might just be the perfect place to connect at no cost.
U.S. Post Office - Merchant Station
535 16TH ST DENVER, CO 80202
Send out that last-minute mailing or buy tape to attach your sign to a wooden stake.
Great info about Denver in general, where to stay, where to go, what to see.
Just in case you know someone who wants a bit of an illicit rendezvous while in town. Or where you might catch them at it.
Where to Crash
Hotels are booked solid. Maybe you have a friend in Denver?
Tent, the other alternative.
DNC News and Updates
Looking for the latest news flash? Here are recent articles and podcasts that might be of use in understanding Denver’s convention procedures and planning your protest trip.
Aug 22, 2008, Denver Post – As feared, the “Public Demonstration Zone” for protesters is essentially completely out of view of where delegates enter the Pepsi Center, and Recreate 68 has decided not to return after Monday.
Aug 15, 2008, 9News.com – On Thursday, August 28, while Obama gives his speech at INVESCO Field, I-25 will be shut down. Bad news for travelers and locals alike.
Jul 24, 2008 (AP) – Good news, Denver probably won’t use any really nasty surprises, like the pain ray guns or goo-shooting guns.
Jul 16, 2008, Denver Post – Locals, here is the update on where you can’t drive or travel during the DNC.
Jun 9, 2008, Denver Post (Felisa Cardona) – Protesters will get a 50,000 square foot area near the Pepsi Center, which will be within sight and earshot of officials.
May 20, 2008, Denver Post – Recreate 68, the most vocal protest group planning to attend the DNC has been awarded two permits for the day before the convention, at the state capitol and Lincoln Park.
May 15, 2008, Denver Post (Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier) – In cooperation with other groups, the DNC Host Committee announced that it will be offering 1,000 bicycles for use by the general public during the DNC, free of charge. Participants must register in advance.
May 14, 2008, Denver Post – The list of bloggers who will attend the DNC has been selected. Now even if you can’t make it, you can follow it on the ‘net.
May 6, 2008, Denver Post (Chuck Plunkett) – Activist group Tent State University has pulled its support from ally Recreate 68, citing worries over the violent overtures the group has been casting.
May 1, 2008, Denver Post (Chuck Plunkett) – A Denver police policy mandates the arrest of protesters for even minor violations.
Podcast: KCFR News – April 22, 2008
April 8, 2008, Rocky Mountain News – Up from a previous estimate of 35,000 attendees, the DNCC now predicts that 50,000 people will show up.
News Sources
Even I can’t be on the ball with all the breaking news about the convention. Here are a few dedicated sites to check out for the most current updates.
Foot Traffic - Locations in Easy Reach
Positioned near one of the most popular areas of Denver, the DNC is occurring within walking distance of the LoDo Historic District, rife with shops, restaurants and bars. Lots of bars.
a guide by djbriane – many of these spots are in or near LoDo
Coffee Shops
Liberals love coffee shops, right? Find kindred souls and pick up a cup of coffee or a latte to start the day at these nearby locations.
1490 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
Oh my god massive corporate America coffee shop. Whatever, it’s closest.
Oh my god massive corporate America coffee shop. Whatever, it’s closest.
16th & Wynkoop, Denver, CO 80202
Primarily a bookstore, Tattered Cover has a decent little coffee shop inside. Get together with like-minded locals and discuss global warming, politics, the economy.
Primarily a bookstore, Tattered Cover has a decent little coffee shop inside. Get together with like-minded locals and discuss global warming, politics, the economy.
1601 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
It’s local. Coffee is good. Takes little longer to reach it on foot.
It’s local. Coffee is good. Takes little longer to reach it on foot.
Restaurants
Everyone’s got to eat…
1445 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
A coffee shop and a deli-style establishment, The Market serves up delicious fresh sandwiches and other lunch-worthy dishes.
A coffee shop and a deli-style establishment, The Market serves up delicious fresh sandwiches and other lunch-worthy dishes.
1600 15th St, Denver, CO 80202
Good food, though the wait tends to be very long. Order ahead.
Good food, though the wait tends to be very long. Order ahead.
1530 16 St 101, Denver, CO 80202
Pete’s is best known for its tasty burritos. Though quick-moving, the line gets a bit extreme during lunch hour.
Pete’s is best known for its tasty burritos. Though quick-moving, the line gets a bit extreme during lunch hour.
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