RNC Welcoming Committee (or P.I.T.A.)

For those of you who may not have heard, the 2008 Republican National Convention will be held next September in St. Paul (not Minneapolis), largely at the Xcel Energy Center. I have said from Day One, when St. Paul was named as the convention site, that there will be large protests outside, largely due to the war in Iraq. Now, before I write any further I'd like to go on record as saying that America was founded on the right for people to speak their mind in public, and protest something that they do not agree with. As long as the protests do not turn violent, everything is cool. Americans have protested taxation without representation, wars (mainly Vietnam), for civil rights, etc. Some of the greatest strides in American history have been made because certain individuals or groups have taken it upon themselves to stand up to an injustice and call for change. This right to protest is one reason America is a great country. Can you imagine what would happen if people protested the government in Iran? Not so good.

The reason that I bring this up is because I just finished reading an article in the Star Tribune about a group that calls themselves the RNC Welcoming Committee. This group of self-described "anarchists and anti-authoritarians" (picture Rick from The Young Ones - see below) plans on protesting the Convention in St. Paul, and wants to let you all know a year in advance.

The group held a news conference today in Minneapolis. Spokeswoman Bea Bridges had this to say about the RNC Welcoming Committee:

...the group favors "ending capitalism, imperialism, patriarchy and all other forms of hierarchy" to be replaced with "direct, participatory democracy."

Also...

She said the group would not seek permits to demonstrate, and said efforts to restrict protesters in that way constituted repression and a "violent threat."

Right on sister! Who needs permits? Not the RNC Welcoming Committee! And, hey, that's a lot of stuff to be against. I bet it will take upwards of a month or two to accomplish those lofty goals. Ending capitalism alone could take until the 1st of the year. Plus, I tried ending all forms of hierarchys back in college with absolutely no success. Here's some more words of wisdom from Bridges:

In discussing future tactics, she said, "Some may choose to resist state violence using pacifist tactics, while others use whatever methods they deem necessary and appropriate."

Yep. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Some people will sing, some will pray. Some will burn cop cars. All kidding aside, it is this last statement that gives me pause. After all, where is the Convention taking place? The Xcel Energy Center! The Twin Cities finally has what has been called the nicest NHL arena in the country, and it makes me worry that:

A. The protesters will harm the Xcel Energy Center! I am sure they are anti-stadium. After all, they claim to be anti-everything.

B. See A.

This is a good time to repeat my original statement. I am not against protesting, or the right to protest. I have quite a few Bob Dylan CD's in my collection so how could I be against protesting? I am not convinced, however, that all people involved with protests have "the issue" as their number one concern - or even know which issue is being protested. Out of 100% of people taking part in a protest, here is my breakdown of "reasons why they are there:"

10% - People protesting because they care deeply about the issue at hand.

15% - People trying to relive the '60's.

25% - People pissed because they missed the '60's.

40% - People who just like to burn things and break shit.

10% - People who "just happened to be in the area."

Now, I have no doubt that there will be some perfectly legitimate groups protesting this convention. Women Against Military Madness is an example. I don't think the RNC Welcoming Committee fits this "legitimate" label, however. Personally, I have no respect for groups that claim "to be against everything," This is a slap in the face to legitimate groups with experience or logical stances on issues. Therefore, I have a new name for them. My new name for the RNC Welcoming Committee is - "P.I.T.A." Or, Pains In The Ass.

Good Luck,

Jeff