From:
Martin Owings
Date:
Sep 06 23:16 UTC
Short link
SPIF COMMUNITY,
I covered the RNC events as a Citizen Journalist for BLACK TALK RADIO and RADIO
FREE NATION.
NOT from the Xcel, but from the STREETS of our CITY. I included links to video
and audio. Just cut and paste into your browser.
We will be on LIVE TONIGHT with multiple perspectives on the Radio Free Nation:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Radio-Free-Nation/2008/09/07/THE-NATION-SPEAKS-A-Conservative-A-Liberal-AModerate-One-Black-Man-discuss-debate-politics-
HERE IS A DAY BY DAY CHRONICLE OF EVENTS:
Day ONE - September 1, 2008
I observed a person who was tackled by citizens and quickly arrested after he
slashed tires on a tour bus. I took video of the event and I interviewed the
citizens who tackled him. Police were rough, but NOT violent when taking him
into custody. (Saint Paul Police)
Interviews of Gentlemen who tackled a Vandal.
http://radiofreenation.mypodcast.com/2008/09/RNC_2008_Bystanders_Tackle_Protester_Vandal-139166.html
I observed and reported on the vandalism at Macy's as well as the Minneapolis
Squad Car nearby. The POLICE arrested the wrong people as the vandals had fled
the scene prior to their arrival.
I observed the POLICE who DENIED Media access to Protest Marches on at least
four occasions. I interviewed a crew from Columbia who were here to report on
events and they stated "We are very disappointed about being denied access". At
one point asking how this could happen in AMERICA.
I observed only one other actual arrest that day. The individual seemed to be
drunk and did not resist. Saint Paul Police were not violent in the arrest.
I spoke with many POLICE that day, mostly the local cops since the dark suits,
BCA, National Guards, Secret Service and others would NOT speak at all. The
Saint Paul Police seemed on edge, but were otherwise treating people
respectfully. At one point I observed an officer assisting a protester who
looked to have injured her leg.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. I was on the Capitol side of the Cedar street bridge
when I witnessed several people hurrying across the bridge toward the Capitol.
Street Medics were assisting people who had been Pepper Sprayed and Gassed. I
interviewed and recorded this.
Audio Interview with Protester who was sprayed:
http://radiofreenation.mypodcast.com/2008/09/Witnesses_Describe_Police_Violence-139172.html
Interview with Citizen Mario - MATURE CONTENT:
http://radiofreenation.mypodcast.com/2008/09/Interview_with_Mario_at_RNC-139167.html
________________________________________
DAY TWO - September 2, 2008
TERRORIST PUPPETS - I started the day with a group of three gentlemen and two
Puppets from BackboneCampaign.org as they walked to the Jail to exchange a BUSH
and CHEANEY Puppet for Protesters that had been arrested the day before.
Everywhere we went on the streets of Saint Paul, people would cheer, honk
horns, give thumbs up and take pictures and video.
We first went to the back entrance to the jail which was fenced off and guarded
by RIOT Police, National Guard and Saint Paul cops. As we approached the gate a
Squad car pulled up and two female officers inside the car smiled and laughed.
They gave us the thumbs up and called us closer to see the Puppets.
After several minutes three other Officers, including a Sergeant came out to
tell us to LEAVE. They were good natured and shook hands, but told us it was a
public safety issue. In this case we were standing on a public street in a
public place with a group of less than seven people. I do not know what would
have happened if I weren't there filming.
We made our way to the front of the Jail where another small group and the
Media has gathered awaiting to hear the disposition of those arrested the day
before. We were met by two Ramsey County Sheriff's Deputy's at the main Gate.
At first they were smiling and laughing, but they soon called for back up. Then
about 30 Riot Police, National Guard and other Officers moved quickly to
position themselves in front of the already heavily guarded gate.
A heavy show of force for TWO PUPPETS. I documented it ALL.
TERRORIST PUPPET VIDEO:
http://radiofreenation.blogspot.com/2008/09/puppet-terrorists.html
POOR PEOPLES MARCH:
I went to report on the Poor Peoples group gathered in Mears Park. I witnessed
the DOJ discussing how they thought that Anarchists were going to join the
March and create havoc/mayhem. They warned an Organizer who told them she would
NOT be intimidated by them (DOJ).
Bicycle Police moved through Mears Park taking away "illegal" sign sticks and
poles they said were too BIG. This agitated the crowd, but people remained calm
as Organizers told them to comply.
Mears was surrounded by RIOT POLICE and Others. The Organizers gave speeches
and began the March. As we crossed the street and moved up to 7th the streets
were lined with hundreds of RIOT POLICE with batons, pepper spray and gas at
the ready. It was tense but the Marchers were peaceful.
As we made our way near the Capitol, we were joined by thousands of other
Protesters and Police rushed to reposition along Cedar. A few tense moments,
but again, NO violence by anybody that I witnessed.
Incident at Mickey's Diner. I witnessed as a Protester got too close to RIOT
POLICE on Horseback, he was actually being pushed by the large crowd of
Protesters passing through that intersection which was made very narrow by
Fencing along 7th street and in front of the Assumption Church. He was Pepper
Sprayed and arrested. I witnessed an object being thrown at Police which landed
harmlessly behind them. The Organizers called for Calm and the Minnesota PEACE
Team positioned themselves between angry Protesters and Police.
Police then advised the MEDIA to leave the area or risk arrest and GAS. I tried
to stay with the Marcher's but was CUT OFF by several RIOT POLICE. I and other
Journalists tried to make our way up the hill and around Police, but were met
by MORE Police who re-directed us. We ended up near the Democratic Press
Offices by the History Center and observed from there as Police used GAS and
Flash Bang Grenades on remaining Protesters.
POOR PEOPLES MARCH VIDEO:
http://radiofreenation.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-post.html
An OLD Women Cheers Protesters:
http://radiofreenation.mypodcast.com/2008/09/An_Elderly_Women_Cheers_Protesters-139170.html
AUDIO INTERVIEW Crystal:
http://radiofreenation.mypodcast.com/2008/09/Crystal_Interview_Day_2_at_the_RNC-139173.html
________________________________________
DAY THREE - September 3, 2008
A Mostly Quiet Day in Saint Paul from what I observed. I attended a rally at
the Capitol to end the Genocide in Darfur. It was sparsely attended and very
Peaceful.
I interviewed People in Rice Park. I heard reports of a group of CODE PINK
people being arrested earlier in the Day and the Amy Goodman had been arrested
and released at some point.
It may have been quiet because of a concert taking place in Minneapolis. I
stayed in Saint Paul. Filming Police and interviewing people.
Day Three Video Footage:
http://radiofreenation.blogspot.com/2008/09/day-3-from-rnc.html
________________________________________
DAY FOUR - September 4, 2008
As the day began I found myself downtown. I got a tip that something was
happening at Harriet Island but after walking down there I only found a few
protesters just wrapping up a rally. POLICE presense was LIGHT.
I got a tip that POLICE were gathering in large numbers downtown near the
Capitol and that State and local businesses were closing earlier. I got up to
the Capitol quickly where a permitted Protest was taking place.
I witnessed two arrests on the MALL.
Things became very tense as RIOT POLICE and MOUNTED RIOT POLICE Rushed Into the
Crowd, here is a description of what happened LIVE as it occurred:
http://radiofreenation.mypodcast.com/2008/09/Police_and_Prostesters_Clash_at_the_Capitol-139171.html
POLICE Sergeant John Lozoya gave a statement telling Reporters that the
assembly was permitted only for 3 to 5 p.m. after which it would be an unlawful
assembly and march. POLICE Came over loud speakers announcing the END of the
Rally, but then Protesters began to March toward JOHN IRELAND BLVD.
JOHN IRELAND BRIDGE STANDOFF
Protesters ended up on the Bridge, STOPPED by RIOT POLICE and Snow Plows
positioned on the Cathedral HILL side. The situation was tense.
I watched as several "undercover" POLICE were OUTTED by Protesters. They simply
drew arrows to them on the ground with chalk identifying them as POLICE. I was
confronted by one female "undercover officer" who tried to grab my camera. It’s
all on the VIDEO. I thought my camera was off, but it was running THANK GOD.
I witnessed one lone Saint Paul Policeman directing traffic in the
intersection, while many hundreds more RIOT POLICE, mounted RIOT POLICE, SWAT
and what looked to be National Guard cut off the 12th street side of Cedar.
At one point a Protester Sat DOWN in the intersection. The lone St. Paul
Traffic Cop came over offered him a hand up and asked if he would please move.
The Protester grabbed the Officers hand, pulled himself up and moved out of the
way. (Very cool to see two parties keep their heads in the midst of a tense
situation)
12th Street and CEDAR Ave STANDOFF
I witnessed some Pepper Spraying and Arrests. I wasn’t close enough to observe
how rough these arrests were, but I talked to witnesses who said that the
Protesters got too close to POLICE and were taken into custody.
I photographed some people who had been Pepper Sprayed.
Protesters were blocked from going downtown or from traveling further down
12th.
SEARS PARKING LOT MAYHEM:
As the Protesters made their way back toward the Capitol, they detoured towards
Sears and University Ave. Police rushed in to block various streets and some
Protesters were CUT-OFF and things became disorganized and chaotic.
At this point I was on the University side of Sears, near the Sears Auto
Center. I witnessed several injured persons laying on the pavement…some being
attended by STREET MEDICS.
Most seemed to be eye injuries from the PEPPER SPRAY, but GAS was being let off
by POLICE. Just as I approached to see what was going on a FLASH BANG Grenade
went off in front of a group of us. Then several more and more GAS.
An elderly woman who looked to be trying to get to her car from shopping at
Sears was injured. I photographed her being helped.
Horse Mounted Police came charging by and they were NOT issuing warning as
people were knocked aside. I fell back behind a large dumpster only to find an
injured woman being treated by STREET MEDICS for Pepper Spray and Gas.
I moved to University. POLICE yelled at me to leave the AREA. I ran to the
sound of more flash bang grenades…I was OUT of MEMORY on both of my Camera so
didn’t get anymore footage. I won’t go any further on what I saw other than to
say it was Mayhem.
Day Four Video and Audio Footage:
http://radiofreenation.blogspot.com/2008/09/rnc-day-4-protesters-clash-with-police.html
Let me know if your interested in seeing more. I have hours of video and audio
to go through.
I will be talking about this LIVE on tonights RADIO FREE NATION program. Tune
in on your computer if you have time.
8:00 p.m. CENTRAL TIME:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Radio-Free-Nation/2008/09/07/THE-NATION-SPEAKS-A-Conservative-A-Liberal-AModerate-One-Black-Man-discuss-debate-politics-
You can also call in to the program at 347-327-9833
And join online chat.
Respectfully,
Martin Owings
http://radiofreenation.blogspot.com
CALL ME if you have a story or NEWS you don't trust BIG MEDIA with.
612-599-3030