Outside the hall, music, activism ... and more politics

The action in Denver isn't confined to the convention hall.   The city is bustling with tents, music and activism.   Some people are trying to make a buck. Sidewalks are filled with vendors selling buttons, clothing and artwork decorated with Obama’s face and the slogans he has made famous.

Everyone's trying to get a message out.  Tents have been set up to encourage people to “go green” and be healthy during the convention.  Free energy drinks and health foods are available.  “Freewheelin” has set up a tent with 1,000 bikes available to visitors.  Coca-Cola is on a recycling kick.

Working off the momentum of the week, many organizations are on the streets encouraging young people to register to vote.  Stephanie Young, who works for “Rock the Vote,” said her mission is to “build political power among young people and make them feel that they count and that they matter.”

Other groups downtown have a more pointed message.  Members of the spiritual group Falun Gong, which advocates self-improvement practice of mind, body and spirit, were protesting what they said were the imprisonment and torture of their members by the Chinese Communist Party.

A group protesting abortion attracted much attention by waving signs that stated, “Abortion is murder” and “Catholics can’t vote for Obama.”  The group of protesters, which included an elderly priest, were arrested for blocking an entrance into the convention hall and loaded onto a police bus.

Musicians are everywhere -- drummers, singers, guitarists.  Some play for money, some to get a message out.  Most just seem to be there to enjoy themselves.

By Gabrielle Worley

Comments

[tarzan]

the RNC will have no such tomfooler and shenanigans... why? Because the DNC is full of welfaring loafers, while the RNC supporters, well... are at WORK!!!! Paying taxes so DNC loafers can watch Oprah and Jerry Springer all day.