Security plans for July emerge (random search of cars and persons)

[demdave]

During this summer's Democratic National Convention, the FleetCenter will be sealed off by a five-block ring of security in which only credentialed delegates, journalists, and authorized police can enter. A far broader swath of downtown will be designated a "soft" security zone, in which some streets will be closed, police will spot-search pedestrians and vehicles, and residents may be asked to carry special identification.

---snip---

Inside the boundaries of a much larger soft security zone that includes Massachusetts General Hospital, the John F. Kennedy Federal Building and City Hall Plaza, there will be heightened police activity, some closed roads, and vehicles and individuals could be searched. Thousands of residents, particularly in West End apartment buildings, may be required to obtain special identification to prove they live in the area.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2003/12/19/security_plans_for_july_emerge/

[booksenkatz]

1. "If I had only known...

... that the terrorists were going to fly an airplane into the FleetCenter during the Democratic National Convention, I would have done everything in my power to stop it."

[saigon68]

2. ITS GOING TO BE LIKE THIS FOR EVERYONE IN TEN YEARS

No matter where you go-- no matter what you do.

[Snazzy]

3. Police plan to broaden convention picketing

Police plan to broaden convention picketing
By Rick Klein, Globe Staff | May 19, 2004

Boston's main police union is planning to set up a picket line at the FleetCenter when construction begins for the Democratic National Convention in three weeks, and has applied for 29 additional permits to protest outside of the delegation welcome parties scheduled for the night before the convention begins in late July.

The Boston Police Patrolmen's Association will be asking convention contractors not to cross their picket line, said Thomas J. Nee, cq the union's president. In addition, leaders of the police union next week will begin sending letters to all 6,000 convention delegates and alternates, informing them of Boston's labor woes, and asking them not to attend the parties.

``Every venue they've identified, we will have picket lines there,'' Nee said. ``We are letting delegates know we're going into our third year without a contract, and the frustration is spilling over. The values of the Democratic Party are not being adhered to in the city of Boston.''

....

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/05/19/police_union_plans_convention_picketing/

Screwed up.

[demdave]

4. So the people in charge of protection are picketing the event?

That has to be a bad omen.