CODEPINK Was Impossible for Anyone But Most of the Corporate Media to Ignore


From a CODEPINK email 8/29/08:

Yes, there were some places where we were not welcome (and even kicked out!) but most delegates embraced us with love and gratitude. They, too, are frustrated by the lack of leadership in our country when it comes to getting out of Iraq, and are ready to stand up for issues and not just candidates. Over 1,000 delegates wore or held our message, I am A Delegate for PEACE.

On our pinked up rollerblades and bicycles we painted Denver pink with PEACE. We even created a giant "Make Out Not War" aerial image with our bodies--and check out more great DNC photos here. We covered the streets with our powerful posters, designed by Favianna Rodriquez. They are now collectors' items

Unfortunately, a CODEPINK member was beaten and arrested by Denver police for videotaping an arrest of a protester from another group.

The video from the Rocky Mountain News doesn't capture her videotaping the previous arrest, but it shows the woman being knocked to the ground by a police officer's baton and then being arrested when she was being interviewed by media on scene.



The protester, Alicia Forest, was later released. According to CODEPINK, she plans on taking legal action against the Denver police.

CODEPINK will be heading to the Republican National Convention (Repugnant Nazi Carnival) next.

---

IAVW at the DNC:

From Iraq Veterans Against the War 8/28/08 (hat tip to GDAEman):

Iraq vets lead biggest successful action of DNC: push Obama toward real antiwar position

Denver, Colorado – Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) led a non-violent march of 8,000 allies, including members of Rage Against the Machine, to the front entrance of the Pepsi Center. There they delivered a letter containing their three points of unity to the Obama campaign’s veteran staff. IVAW’s three points of unity are:
1.Immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces from Iraq
2.Full benefits and healthcare for returning veterans
3.Reparations to the Iraqi people

More on the Protest from the Indypendent

---

Third Party and Independent Candidates

Cindy Sheehan spoke at the Open the Debates Rally:


She now refers to the Republicans and the Democrats as "the twins."

According to a Green Party press release, the scheduled speakers were:

Rosa Clemente, the recently nominated vice-presidential candidate running with former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney on the Green Party ticket, will join Ralph Nader, Matt Gonzalez, Val Kilmer, Sean Penn, Cindy Sheehan, Tom Morello, Jello Biafra, Nellie McKay, and Ike Reilly at the "Open the Debates" Super Rally on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Denver Magness Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Rosa Clemente, Green Party VP candidate, also had a controversial speech during the time of the DNC. She is introduced by Green presidential candidate, Cynthia McKinney.