By Robin Itzler
Editor's Note: This is one of the commentaries selected from Robin's weekly newsletter Patriot Neighbors. Any cartoons appearing will have been added by me. If you wish to get the full edition, E-mail her at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com to get on her list, it's free. RK
The Republican National Convention is being held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Former RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel picked this city and that alone should tell you all you need to know about this disastrous choice. While Democrats selected a welcoming Democrat city, McDaniel did the opposite. Is anyone surprised?
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Prior to 1998, security at the conventions was in the hands of the city hosting the event, now the Secret Service has the responsibility for protecting political conventions. In 1998, President Bill Clinton formalized this in the “National Special Security Events” directive that designated the Secret Service would lead the security planning.
Currently, the Secret Service has designated Pere Marquette Park in Milwaukee for protests. However, the RNC has informed the Secret Service that since the park is one-quarter mile from the convention venue, many attendees will have to walk or drive past the park — what could be a violent location. That would be very dangerous for Republican convention attendees.
Over in Chicago, where Democrats hold their convention in August, safety appears to be a primary concern for convention attendees. Protest groups want to set up their events in Union Park, which is just a few blocks from the United Center where the convention will be held. The City of Chicago rejected that permit request. Instead, protest groups are being told they can organize at the south end of Grant Park, which is four miles away. The protest groups are complaining that they will be in a different part of town and their influence will be greatly diminished.
Let’s see if there is equal concern for Republican convention attendees. The RNC’s legal department has written to the Secret Service asking that another park further away be used for protestors. Since this is the same Secret Service that refuses to give Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. protection, we are not confident they care about Republicans put in harm’s way getting to or from the venue.
The Repub and Democrat parties have no status in the Constitution. They are private clubs. They are not governmental entities at all. People should be pretty upset that simply because most of the people in Congress and DC are members of one or the other of these two clubs the taxpayers are now paying for their annual galas (conventions) and the security.
ReplyDeleteIn fact most voters do not support either of these two private clubs. Most are independent or unaffiliated.