REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

On Wednesday in Rice Park, I asked this 9/11 protester if he knew James Fetzer, my former friend. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FETZERclaimsDEBUNK/ He said 'yes', that Fetzer spoke to the group before their march, and that Fetzer had led the protest march of the conspiracy theorists.

The number and variety of activists obsessed with an enthusiasm is truly amazing.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Other than meeting these charming Obama-supporting sisters from Mankato (where I grew up and graduated from college), today was uneventful. I got a late start, arriving at Rice Park at about 4:00 p.m. I had intended to take the "north walking tour" to the vacinity of the Excel. But, when I discovered the length of the walk, in view of the late hour, I just went to Rice Park to relax and watch people.

The anarchists were violent today - breaking windows and other property, and assaulting some delegates. As I write this, the evening news reports that there were 283 people arrested, 119 on felony charges.

I don't know what I'll do tomorrow. It is supposed to rain.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Yesterday we left at noon and drove to the police department to park the car. But there was a security perimeter, so we had to park 20 feet from the security guys. They promised to guard my car from any anarchists and nihilists.

We then biked to Mears Park to have lunch. Leaving Mears, we ran into s couple and their dog whom we know from the dog park. My Reagan t-shirt draws attention and is a hit (But, I think, though, that I got a few dirty looks from some liberal types) They were en route to RNC protest rally at the Black Dog Cafe!

At Rice Park I sat and watched people and then walked south-east to where the the "South walking detour" begins on Kellogue Blvd. We then biked to the car and arrived home at 5:00 p.m.

Today we'll take the "North walking detour" starting at W. 10th Street and walk the bike to the "sidewalk access areas" near the Excel. The public speakers stage and Fox News are there.

Today, starting at 11:00a.m., is the big protest march from the State Capitol to the Excel. From what I saw yesterday, I'm certain that the protesters will be outnumbered by the police and other security personnel. I hope to be there on time!

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

The city will operate a "free speech stage" located across the street from the Excel Energy Center. Here is the list of speakers who have signed up: http://www.stpaul.gov/DocumentView.asp?DID=5782

I'm interested in the following speakers:

September 1

Wendell Anderson - The former Democratic governor of Minnesota; an honorable man.
A Dissertation on Dissent.

September 2

Peace Island Picnic - The newspaper description: "former FBI whistleblower Coleen Rowley, who trying to drum up excitement for her "Peace Island" event Sept. 4 on Harriet Island." Rowley unsuccessfully sought a Congressional seat in 2004. Watching several interviews with her, my impression was that she gave canned answers, and didn't display any intellectual depth.

September 3

Liberty Discussion Group

September 4

CODEPINK: Women for Peace - A real whacko group that I'm familiar with.

Finally, I'm pleased at today's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to run with Sen. McCain. She's hot!

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

By 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, the security perimeter and the temporary public bike racks will be installed.

On Saturday, we will drive to police headquarters, park the car, and then bike about a mile to the security area around the Excel Energy Center. We'll have to walk within the security perimeter.

Rice Park: MSNBC cable TV will broadcast from the park. Maybe I'll meet Pat Buchanan, a commenter, who was President Reagan's speech writer.

It will just be a day of exploration and planning (and people watching) for the convention which begins on Monday.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Today I spoke with Sgt. Serier of the police department. He informed that the Secret Service was not permitting any bicycles within the security perimeter.

I informed him that I was primarily interested in getting access to two venues: Rice Park, where MSNBC will broadcast from; and Cleveland Center, where the city will station a portable sound stage upon which protesters can give a 50 minute harangue or oration, as the case may be.

He then gave me advice and directions and a suggestion on where I should park my bike before I enter the perimeter on foot with my camera, chair, and Jack.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

On the bike trail this morning, I stopped a beautiful young bicyclist and asked that she take some photographs of Jack and me in my Reagan t-shirt. When she inquired, I informed her that during the convention I would roam the streets serving as a reporter/analyst for http://forum.philosophynow.org/ (see the "Political Philosophy" section under under the topic "REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION") through this blog.

She then informed me that she was Tony Randolph, a reporter for Minnesota Public Radio, http://www.minnesotapublicradio.org/ , and she asked for my email address.

Being a lout, I failed to take her photograph. Sorry.

P.S. Late last night Tony, not having a photo of her on her bike that I asked for, did direct me to her photo on http://minnesotapublicradio.org/about/people/mpr_people_display_php?aut_id=85 I hereby express my gratitude to her for her assistance.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

My Jack is in the rear basket; Charlie, my son's dog watched for the hated squirrels as we rode. But, alas, last Tuesday Charlie flew to Switzerland to live with his family.

Axiom: A boy should rarely leave home without his dog.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Today I spoke with Sgt. Serier of the St. Paul Police Department about my application for permission to enter the security zone on my bike with Jack. (vehicles and bikes are generally prohibited). He is the Homeland Security Officer in the department.

He said that he has to check with THE SECRET SERVICE!

This is really exciting!

Stay tuned.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

On Sept. 1-4, 2008, the Republican National Convention will be held at the Excel Energy Center in my city, St. Paul, Minnesota.

There is a security perimeter around the Excel where no vehicles or bikes are allowed, except upon special permission. I bike with my dog, Jack.

Yesterday I went to police headquarters and submitted my request for special permission to enter the security perimeter on my bike with Jack. The designated officer was not in at the time so I left my letter/application with the desk officer. I now await the officer's decision.

During the convention, I want to roam, take photographs, and listen to the protesters. I plan to post my thoughts and photographs on this blog.

Happily, I discovered that I'll be able to park my car at police headquarters (safe from the rioting anarchists, communists, Democrats, and nihilists) and bike a short distance to where the action will be.