By this point, his face is ubiquitous. His lawyers would like for it to be less so.
On July 19, Donahue managed to get arrested for trespassing at a place with "public" capitalized in its name: the Boulder Public Library, where proponents of the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol act were meeting. A charge of "fighting words" was soon added.
"That's pretty rare," says Adam Platt, Donahue's lawyer in the pending case. "You just don't get charged with fighting words anymore."
Donahue acquired that distinction while he was handcuffed and in the back of a cop car outside the library. "He proceeds to inform the police officer that he is now a party to the violation of his First Amendment rights," Platt recounts. "He called the officer an 'ass clown,' and the officer said something to the effect of 'That hurt my feelings, and if you say it again, I'll charge you with fighting words.'"
When Donahue tells this story, the actual phrase is "fucking no-talent ass clown." But either way, it ends the same. "Corey, being Corey, said it again," Platt says, "because that's what he does."
And Corey being Corey, this particular case has been marred by a series of slip-ups. He hired Platt only a day before the lawyer needed to appear in court, and then Donahue missed the first trial date because it fell during the four days he was jailed in Denver on charges of inciting a riot at the occupation. "I had just sent an e-mail to him on Monday saying, 'Hey, no more getting arrested,' but apparently I should have sent it earlier," Platt says. If Donahue actually makes it to his rescheduled court date on December 15 and the charges are dropped, he plans to file a countersuit against the City of Boulder for violating his First Amendment rights to freedom of speech.
"He is important, because if they can arrest him for trespassing at a public meeting in a public library because he disagrees with something and wants to debate the matter reasonably, what First Amendment rights do we really have?" Platt asks. "We have a right to criticize the police, and it's ludicrous and frankly dangerous to go down the path of asserting it might be possibly, even plausibly okay to say a police officer can initiate a breach of the peace because he had been called an 'ass clown' twice. When they tried to make him leave for a reason he saw as unjust, Corey said no."
And he always will.
Two days before Thanksgiving, Donahue had a message to get out. He sent it via a mass text: "gov hickenpooper and mayor handcock will be the honorary hosts of the great thanksgiving banquet at the denver rescue mission ... and they have repeatadlly distroyed the thunderdome for feeding people lets hold their feet to the flame and stand up against this bullshit photo op wich will only allow these criminals to lie and pretend they give a shit about houseleness." One day before Thanksgiving, he took action.
Donahue arrived an hour late for his own event, holding an enormous pot of soup that he and four others had spent the night cooking. He then proceeded to argue with a line of homeless people waiting to instead be served an eight-piece Thanksgiving meal inside the Denver Rescue Mission by local celebrities, including Governor John Hickenlooper and Mayor Michael Hancock. It was a classic case of trying to help people who don't want the help, although eventually Donahue and about fifty Thunderdome supporters did manage to share their soup with six particularly adventurous homeless people.
And then, the holy grail — or at least a sip from it. As the governor slipped out the side entrance of the building and headed to a waiting vehicle, Donahue shouted, "What don't you like about people's First Amendment rights?" For about ten seconds, Hickenlooper looked directly at Donahue, then slid into the passenger seat of his white SUV.
At least Donahue got to exercise his own rights. Some days, that's barely enough. That day, it was exactly enough.
If there is a single best way for Donahue to right the wrongs he sees in this world, it is as an example. Regardless of whether you agree with him — or can even stand him — Donahue earnestly believes that he is acting in your best interest, and any attempts you might make to dissuade him could result in him labeling you an "ass clown." Although he is open about his plans to cease and desist all operations once he gets his way, there's no end date in sight for either the war on drugs or the social war that is the Occupy Wall Street movement.
The space that stretches forward, then, is an endless staring contest of sorts between Donahue and the powers-that-be until someone blinks and the 28-year-old goes to jail again. And perhaps stays there. "He is an incredible person, but no one controls him," says Kerri Kellerman, one of Donahue's closest colleagues in the Thunderdome. "Sometimes, that means not even him. It's like the only path left is martyrdom."
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As a teaher and high school football coach, it is always rewarding to see former students and players develop a passion and desire for life that manisfests itself into community involvement. Having coached Corey in football for four years as an adolescent (ages 10-13), I still marvel at his intensity and desire for the game even at a young age. It was clear that he would bring this intensity into his adult life. What the article didn't mention was that Corey was always very respectful to those that treated him well and that his father was and is a great guy that loved him very much. Despite our ideological differences and the media-inspired label of him as a loose cannon, I wish him the best. Heck, I'd love to have lunch with the guy again.
The writer did not mention that I said "Corey is a good kid and I love him." A very negative article which, unfortunately, Westword is known for. Corey has done many wonderful things in his life with many more to come. This rookie writer has more inaccuracies in the article than truth so please consider it fiction. Love always, Dad
If this were my son I would get clean&sober and invite him to do the same. He clearly has some type of mental illness and a substance abuse problem that will eventually be the cause of his early death. Sadly, somebody like this would never be willing to take psych meds because they think these are some type of corporate conspiracy.I have seen quite a bit of obvious untreated mental illness on display at our Occupy site in Boston. It doesn't help the cause.
Corey is a friend. He is definitely opinionated. He is a true frontline warrior. He is CRAZY LIKE A FOX! You go Corey.Peace, Pot, Politics,Wayward Bill ChengelisChairman, US Marijuana PartyChairman, US Marijuana Party of ColoradoAsst. Director Denver 4/20 Rally
I appreciate that Corey is your friend. From my perspective, he has attached his brand of 'activism' to a larger social movement-namely, Occupy Denver-because his brand of shenanigans have never gotten his pet causes anywhere. To me, he's simply using Occupy to advance his own agenda. He has stated clearly that he's not really a part of Occupy, as has almost everyone associated with the Thunderdome, yet he feels entitled to try and lead the entire movement from the sidelines, where it's safe. He refuses to be bound by the General Assembly, and subverts it as it suits him. Of all the folks Kelsey could have chosen to do a feature story on, this fella should be the last. How about Ben, who works tirelessly for the homeless community AND has the good sense to open dialogue with the City for the benefit of every occupier? What about Dwayne, someone who has had his struggles but continues to rise, and to inspire others through his example of focused living? Corey is controversial, so he got his 15 minutes of fame. I hope he enjoys them, because the world tires of attention whores pretty quickly. I'm pretty sure he signed every single Westword printed this week...
Oh, you mean Ben who literally calls women "cry-babies" when they're calling out the sexual exploitation and violence of women at the occupation, while his friend laughs. Yeah, because men expecting sexual favors for blankets is hilarious. Oh, and the woman to whom that happened, got help from me, Kerri, Caryn, and Corey in kicking that guy out after trying for days to get help from "security" at Occupy Denver. That is the same list of people who kicked out men being violent with women as well. That's why we disassociate with Occupy Denver, not because we're against the movement. We're against the people calling themselves part of a movement who think they can cause deep structural changes in the economic powers of America by strolling down 16th St. mall on Saturdays or hitting "like" on facebook. The Thunderdome is the REAL Occupy Denver. The DABC's legal line, street medics, and arrestee support were the REAL Occupy Denver. The participants in direct actions are the REAL Occupy Denver. The GA and committees are self-congratulatory bureaucrats, the mirror-image of our ineffectual US government.
First of all, I was nice enough to say that he's probably not a bad guy, but that this is what I experienced. Second of all, this WAS my experience. It happened, and in front of plenty of people. There were 2 guys there from Occupy Fort Collins who didn't know any of us, who even came up to me afterwards and asked what was wrong with those guys (Ben and his friend) that were treating me that way. Afterwards, I had women coming up to me telling me more about how they are being treated, that they felt disenfranchised, threatened, unappreciated, unheard, exploited, etc. I was a woman down there that women felt they could come to with their problems, but unfortunately it got to be too much for me too. That's why you haven't really seen me around anymore. It was THAT experience that disgusted me so much that I left. I have no reason to say anything about Ben, except that this was my experience with him and it was awful.
I cannot believe that you would come here and slander someone like this. Ben has never done these things. You must have him confused with someone else. I am disgusted to see these allegations brought against him here. Pamela, you cross the line again and again and this time you have attacked the wrong person. Ben is a credit to Occupy Denver for all he has done to help the people on the ground. Unlike your boyfriend Corey, Ben is there all the time. He works tirelessly to help the people there and singlehandedly coordinated warm houses for several homeless people during the coldest nights. He has worked with homeless youth to get them into transitional housing so they can avoid a life of homelessness. That you would chose to slander someone who has done so much in such a disgusting way is horrifying. You should be ashamed of yourself.
I don't want to just talk badly about someone on here, so I'll say that Ben is probably not a bad guy. But, THIS was my interaction with him and it left me extremely upset. Therefore, my perception of him is through the lense of this experience.
Good lord. Another push by the Westword to legalize pot. Aren't there enough brain-dead stoners around here already?
I thought all this was anti-wallstreet?
As if Wall Street banks have not laundered and profited off of proceeds from illegal drug sales. Better wake up and smell the brownies. http://petras.lahaine.org/?p=1...
Um, you are aware, Kelsey Whipple, that Occupy Denver was not a demonstration for legalizing marijuana specifically, correct? No where in this entire piece showcasing one average, in fact typical, Chauvinistic and overbearing male stoner from Boulder, as if Boulder hasn't produced a million of those, attributing figurehead status to him on behalf of Occupy Denver, does it provide any context or description of the purpose for Occupy Denver in the first place. Furthermore a person who shamelessly engages in coercive behaviors like sexual harassment is most definitely not an anarchist. Anarchism's premise is an opposition to all forms of domination, not just the state and the cops, but male domination of women, employer domination of employees, and frankly the freedom of weed smokers is not so high on the average anarchist's list of priorities. Just because someone is at odds with the criminal authorities you know as "police" that doesn't make them anarchist.
Quit redefining the word anarchist, it just confuses people. I'll admit I was impressed with Corey's performance of getting arrested for refusing to move for a DPD cruiser, but if he is making such sacrifices just to legalize pot then not only has the grievance of the Occupy Together movement been overshadowed, and in effect buried out of sight, as a result of your coverage of his actions, but it would seem that he obviously hasn't paid much attention to more serious forms of oppression through most of his life. Judging by your description of his background and education I seriously doubt that is the case. And if he says he doesn't care about social justice then he is most definitely not an adherent to the ideology that holds social justice as the highest priority in most cases, namely anarchism.
Why didn't your interview with him include any questions about Goldman Sachs, AIG, J.P. Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, UBS, or Citigroup? You remember those controversial bailouts, when the Federal Reserve rewarded a bunch of crooks for being crooks essentially, don't you? Why is there nothing in this article about that? What about home foreclosures, obviously the homeless are part of the "99%" - a fundamentally flawed and misleading slogan from the start - but that doesn't narrow it down to home foreclosures, and health care costs as well as gentrification play a larger role arguably in the explosion of the homeless population, and no details about that are included at all. The protester who is now the poster child for Occupy Denver is showcased in an article that doesn't mention the most fundamental purpose for Occupy Denver even one time. This article is misguidedly gossiping and showcasing a man with predictably outrageous behavior - even though his behavior is only outrageous for Puritans maybe, where I come from he would be considered normal and average, and his behavior would be dismissed as typical of privileged white males. Maybe in Boulder he's a shocker but in Denver he's really not shocking at all. There is much worse a few blocks up Colfax.
So really Corey's probably not such a bad guy, but this article will make him the poster child of betrayal-by-showboating and diverting the attention of the public - and just watch when he is blasted with that very criticism because his personality and behavior is so much more sensational than the important issues at hand which you, Whipple, have chosen to pretty much ignore all together. Yes, this article sucks, and is not informative. Write another one and try asking about the actual issues at hand, which does not include marijuana. That stupid wedge issue is becoming more annoying than I ever thought it would, the war on drugs should be ended and "harm reduction" is the phrase that should be in the headlines, not "Medical Marijuana." Your first clue that issue is a fluke from the start is the fact that most dispensaries are located near a red light district, not a hospital. That's where drug addicts go to buy their drugs, not medical patients.
Skeery to witness the the evolution of the Vietnam War protester! Fascism sold as patriotism.....the same people that spat on Vets when they came home now see themselves as guardians of the news critiquing good journalists like Kelsey.
BEAUTIFULLY PUT! Gotta love ya, Evan, you bring up important insight into this very misleading article. It seems more like it was a piece to showcase somebody without a clue to anarchism, yet attributing HIS behavior to "anarchy" & "what" anarchists "do"....just another disinformation fluff piece designed to cast radicals in a bad light. This is insulting to true anarchists committed to social, ecomonic, environmental justice, human & species rights, worker rights- in other words, people actually working towards dismantling the very system that oppresses...and I for one, appreciate your commentary!
First off, I'm an anarchist and I would totally nut-shot a news anchor. That is not sexual assault. That is what you might call "a physical manifestation of speaking truth to power." And it's hilarious.
Secondly, you don't need to call people who use medical marijuana "drug addicts." Some users are definitely casual tokers, or even weedheads. Others are using it for genuine, widely-recognized, medicinal purposes.
While there was not enough spotlighting of what you might call the Occupy "issues," we have to remember that, just as much as Occupy was spurred by an Adbuster call to resist Wall Street greed, it quickly became more about creating something new than simply criticizing all that is wrong with this terrible system we live in.
Furthermore, the point of this article was to spotlight one figure in Occupy Denver. The author noted more than once that Corey does see himself as a "leader," and in fact would abhor the thought of being called such. I appreciated that, given that it's easy for outsiders to just assume that people like him are the "leaders" of the movment.
Finally, I sense a very holier-than-thou tone in your rant and was super turned off. As anarchists, lets celebrate others who live free. Surely, let's call them out when they infringe on the rights of others. But, let's not be critics when that is not called for.
In general, I just get tired of the constant negativity and defeatism from my fellow anti-authoritarians. The world needs your creativity, positivity, intelligence, and gusto, people; not your reflexive white middle class, quick-to-judge, tendency to give up on great people and great movements when you find things that you do not like. Seriously, don't give up. I want nothing more than to see you out in the streets with me, even if that means you're just there to call Corey an asshole.
I think some people keep perpetuating this lie about sexual misconduct because, had it not been a lie, they might have a chance to be touched by him. hahaha.
I doubt that's the case-but then, you would know if it would be worth the effort to be touched by Corey, wouldn't ya, Pam? Your 'friend' Corey has made himself a public figure, and as such, his actions are subject to public scrutiny. Not everyone is as gullible as his pals at the Thunderdome are, thank god. Most folks seem to see Corey for exactly what he is-an overgrown teenager who seeks publicity by throwing public temper tantrums.
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Once those little idiot moronic anarchists are doing time for their childish behavior - making their political point to their cellmates who don't "give a you know what" - the rest of us can get on with making meaningful change in this country, bringing people together instead of dividing them and p*ssing off the public to a very good cause.
We had entire families showing up for our rallies until you little jerks scared and drove away people with your need to get your kicks with a riot over TENTS! You can sit in jail or at home with your little ankle-monitor swapping your tales of your glory days of tents and pepper-spray, because once there, no one is going to remember you for your"heroic revolutionary" effort .
The police are not blameless but you masked little jerks sure brought ALOT of it on YOURSELVES and RUINED it for ALOT of well-meaning people with good intentions!
Good riddance!
"we"? .....i strongly suggest you take grade school over again and this time DONT FLICK BOOGERS AT THE GIRLS during the civil rights history lesson!
I've got to say that, putting this man on the cover and showcasing him in the fashion that you have is absolutely abhorrent and it's unfortunate that you felt it necessary to present him in such an honorable way - when in fact what he does is the complete opposite. As many have said, he's innocent until proven guilty, however - he's under investigation for sexual misconduct? Sure, he's not plugging little boys in his basement like Sandusky - but if I went to the mall right now and slapped a girl in the tit with a smile, what would happen to me? You can bet I'd be thrown on the predator list faster than your advertisers cycle through. I've tried to take your coverage of the Occupy with a grain of salt, because I understand what way Westword leans, however, placing this man - first at the forefront of it when there is no forefront (other than a dog) and second: honoring him in place of some of your other cover stories who have worked their butt off for the community just to get noticed. This is truly disgusting. He's a criminal, a deviant, a psychopath and a drain on the society he claims to fight for. He is no steadfast hero of contemporary persecution. I'm against the occupy movement, however, what this does is put a huge cog in the wheels that they've been out there for because as big of a joke as they have been - now it has a face - which is an even bigger joke. I'll liken this to the Kobe scandal - had you him on the cover with a Roman collar around his neck. This is unfortunate for you and those that work hard to make this a readable rag every week. Oops.
I don't remember voting for this guy to be the "leader" of Occupy Denver. When did that happen? Oh wait, that's right, IT DIDN'T!
Damn I love that you photo shopped a janky old graphics bong into Corey's hands, but I feel it is inaccurate as it is unlikely that a guy like Corey would be able to retain the rubber lip guard for as long as it has been since any local head shops got caught selling cheap-o plastic tubes like the one you've depicted in the mile high city!
Corey isn't helping the movement at all. He and his adolescent anarchists are just turning people off and in the long run for him - securing a prison term. Do us a favor Michael/Cory, those who believe in non-violent disobedience and dissent , go do your time and grow up already, you are an idiot.
Corey is a GREAT person!!!! He was one of the only ones who could DEAL with it out there feeding everyone, dealing with the homeless, the cops and the 2-faced members of OD (the ones who just sit on their butts at their computers and criticize). Everytime we dropped off food and supplies Corey talked to us about what was going on with passion. THAT is why he was arrested and charged so harshly - BECAUSE HE IS AN EFFECTIVE LEADER!!! Everyone around had a job to do when Corey was in charge!!! A gentle giant!! A TRUE LEADER!!! Great article Westword!!!
Effective leader? Says who? Did I miss the General Assembly where we voted for Corey Donahue to lead our leaderless movement? Some of Corey's tactics and strategies are effective, certainly. Some are harebrained and poorly carried out. The cover of Westword does not confer any special status.
You've got to be kidding me.....
" I refuse to pay for my education " So basically he took advantage of the same system he claims to hate ?
Did you guys fact check this ? Because I'm going to.
1wks passed....obviously you found nothing. Or did your parents kick you outta their basement?
Now that you mention it, I did contact N.S.Wales and they have NO RECORD OF HIM EVER ATTENDING.
I just didn't think the manic-depressive dirtball deserved anymore of my time; nor do you. Why are do you have such a boner for this clown ?
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