Most Democrats will tell you (if they think you're a loyal Democrat at least) that terrorism is a "law-enforcement matter", not a military problem.
Well, I guess that would explain the high level of security during the Democratic party convention in Denver. A visiting Chinese government official just leaving the Olympics might wonder if he had ever left Beijing.
There were some protesters, of course, but way on the outer periphery, and who received no coverage to speak of, at least not by the mainstream media. They were mostly Code Pink whack jobs and were mostly relegated to approved areas.
By way of contrast, the protests during the Republican Convention in Minneapolis received quite a bit more coverage, both that from outside the convention and inside the convention.
Yes, the Republicans allowed some protesters inside the convention. While McCain spoke, one man held up a large banner that said, in huge letters-
McCAIN VOTES AGAINST VETERANS
The cameras flashed over to the guy several times, standing in front of the large sign that was never removed, nor was the man harassed at any point during the two or three times the cameras focused on him.
The most bizarre occurrence was when some woman made her way down the aisle, shouting something that was inaudible, as the crowd pretty much shouted over her. The woman actually started removing her clothes to reveal pink underclothing, a slip or thin gown of some sort, before she was finally physically escorted out and away, straining the entire time to resist the guard who finally removed her.
All of this was in the middle of McCain's speech, right in the middle of the convention hall, right in the middle of thousands of Republican delegates who did nothing other than drown out whatever tirade she was unleashing. Bear in mind she made it halfway through the crowd from somewhere near the back of the auditorium, screaming and shouting the whole time, and didn't start removing her outer clothing until a guard already tried to restrain her from moving any further towards McCain. Once she finally crossed the line, she was escorted out.
What party is it again that believes in free speech and freedom of expression?
