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PROTEST AT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
When the L.A. Times first reported that the LAPD would be accepting applications from protest groups on a first-come first-served basis for the official protest site outside the Democratic National Convention, it was an opportunity too great for Citizens for Truth to pass up. I (David James, former Director of Action for Citizens for Truth) was required to travel deep into the belly of Parker Center, LAPD headquarters, to submit the application at the Emergency Operations Section.
About a month later, I got word via telephone that Citizens for Truth had received a time slot. Thanks to the First Amendment, we would be able to bring even more media attention to the important issues related to the Gates assassination, from a stage and microphone just outside Staples Center in downtown L.A.
Our reserved time slot dovetailed nicely with a march being held that same day by a bunch of other groups that had formed a strategic alliance--anarchists, Free Mumia, anti-Gore, lots of others. The planned march route for this umbrella group was just too perfect--starting at MacArthur Park and ending at the DNC protest pit. Citizens for Truth decided to join this march at the last minute. To help make our numbers look bigger, we passed out inexpensive T-shirts and signs as the crowd of thousands gathered. Once our yellow shirts and signs were peppered throughout the crowd, the pictures on TV made it look like a significant percentage of the marchers were CfT members--a PR coup!
After sweating buckets as we marched through downtown on a hot August afternoon, we finally arrived at the DNC site just in time (well, a little late, actually) for our reserved time slot. To kick off the protest, I summarized the current situation: "Citizens for Truth is focused on the facts. It's a fact that William Henry Gates III was shot dead in MacArthur Park on December 2, 1999. It's fact that many citizens of this city and the world doubt the official version of that event. And it's a fact that District Attorney Gil Garcetti is standing in the way of the truth." I cried out for Gil Garcetti to "Release the Files!"
There are two things I have learned from other organizers: 1) It is vital to have a focus for your protest--one particular demand or accusation. And, 2) Ridicule is one of the most effective tools of protest. Both of these principles would now go into action. I introduced the "official mascot" of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, the Chickenman. The chicken helped lead a chant directed at the District Attorney: "What are you afraid of!" The crowd chanted back: "What are you afraid of! What are you afraid of!" CfT member Sean Hennigan was in the chicken suit (a real trooper!) and really played it up--he danced, wiggled his chicken butt and squawked convincingly.
Other speakers: Mark Andersen praised the "courage of the assassination witnesses" who have come forward with stories counter to the official version. The Rev. Keith Charles said "the truth will set us free." Steve Martinez read a statement in Spanish.
In summary, a successful protest. Also a feel-good experience all-around--the other protesters, most of whom probably didn't know what CfT was all about, nonethless accepted our presence graciously and especially perked up when we denounced the LAPD.
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