FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—MEDIA ADVISORY
July 16, 2010
Contact: Adam Briesemeister, 612.886.4565, http://www.nodnc.org
Community to Rally
Against Minneapolis Bid to Host the 2012 Democratic National Convention
Opponents Promise
to Send a Message to the Visiting Site Selection Committee—DNC: Do Not
Come
Minneapolis, MN – As representatives of the Democratic National
Committee visit Minneapolis this weekend, a coalition of community
groups and residents opposed to the city hosting the 2012 Democratic
National Convention promises to meet them at the Minnesota Twins game
with a rally beginning at noon on Sunday.
What: Rally in opposition to
Minneapolis hosting the 2012 DNC
Where: meet up near the
Warehouse District light rail stop (5th Street N./Hennepin Ave), rally
near the stadium
When: meet up at 11:30am,
rally at noon
If the convention comes to Minneapolis, activists from “No DNC” fear a
repeat of the excessive costs of the 2008 Republican National
Convention in St. Paul and its aftermath in terms of restrictions on
free speech, embattled local residents and businesses, and strapped
city budgets. “In 2008, the Twin Cities suffered the presence of the
Republican National Convention,” said Jerry Randall, “replete with
brutality, hundreds of arrests, and legal cases that are ongoing
today.”
Like the 2008 RNC, the 2012 DNC will be a National Special Security
Event (NSSE), with the Secret Service and Homeland Security controlling
security operations instead of a locally controlled police force.
“Infiltration of dissident groups is certain. Provocateurs will
manufacture ‘bad protesters’ and create disturbances to justify the
spending on policing,” said Jane Landry. In 2008, local residents and
businesses had their lives disrupted by the security measures such as
street closures, causing a loss of business as well as wages for
employees.
Without consulting their constituents, the city of Minneapolis placed a
bid to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention earlier this year.
Since the City Council bypassed an open political process and
discussion about the convention, community groups and residents are
vowing to prevent another police riot in the Twin Cities by organizing
opposition to Minneapolis securing the bid.
For more information on the 2008 RNC, visit http://rnc08report.org.
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