Columbus Day protests: not like last year's

Russell Means. Columbus Day protests are an annual staple in Denver. But Saturday's drizzly, arrest-free version was a calmer-than-usual affair, since folks like Glenn Spagnuolo decided in advance to dial down the confrontation for fear of overtaxing lawyers up to their necks in post-Democratic National Convention-related casework. But those who...

By Michael Roberts

October 13, 2008

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Russell Means.

Columbus Day protests are an annual staple in Denver. But Saturday's drizzly, arrest-free version was a calmer-than-usual affair, since folks like Glenn Spagnuolo decided in advance to dial down the confrontation for fear of overtaxing lawyers up to their necks in post-Democratic National Convention-related casework. But those who miss the usual faceoffs can still mark the official holiday today, when Columbus Day is formally observed, by looking back at last year's more eventful festivities (in 2007, 83 naysayers were cited by authorities). Below, find a film shot from the viewpoint of American Indian Movement protesters like Russell Means and Glenn Morris and another offering courtesy of Slapstick Politics. -- Michael Roberts

Columbus Day AIM Protest Denver 2007 Film:

Slapstick Politics' take:

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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