Reader: Does Democracy look like cops in riot-gear at Democratic & Republican conventions?

Our post about photographer Kim Sidwell, one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the City of Denver for mass arrests during the 2008 Democratic National Convention spurred a comment from a participant in protests at the DNC and its Republican counterpart. She didn't like what she saw there.....

By Michael Roberts

August 18, 2011

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Our post about photographer Kim Sidwell, one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the City of Denver for mass arrests during the 2008 Democratic National Convention spurred a comment from a participant in protests at the DNC and its Republican counterpart. She didn't like what she saw there...

Faith Halverson-Ramos writes:

I also participated in some of these protests, and as intimidating as the police presence was (particularly the Aurora police who appeared heavily armed), the scene at the DNC paled in comparison to images from the RNC. Is this really what democracy looks like? Good on those who stood up for their rights!

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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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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