Razor Wire Won't Top Makeshift Convention Jail Cells

By Jeralyn, Section Democratic National Convention 2008
Posted on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:33:00 PM EST
Tags: Democratic National Convention, protesters (all tags)

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Who knew what they were thinking when they built the makeshift warehouse jail cells for those arrested during the Democratic National Convention, but at least they've scrapped one bad idea.

The razor wire covering the cells is being removed. Chain link fence coverings will be used instead. Also:

Sixty people an hour can be processed at the building, where cameras are set up to take mug shots alongside computerized fingerprinting stations.

A table holds six telephones, and two portable air-conditioning units each the size of a small truck pump cool air into the building. Each cell will contain 20 chairs. A sign posted on a steel column warns: "Electric stun devices used in this facility."

Anyone arrested in East Denver, not just protesters, will be transported to "Gitmo on the Platte."

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Razor Wire Won't Top Makeshift Convention Jail Cells | 35 comments (35 topical)

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I think this is just stunning (5.00 / 3) (#1)
by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:23:55 PM EST

I saw pictures. no bathroom facilities, water, nothing.
actually I think Gitmo is better equipped.
stunning.
recreate 68 indeed.

Toilets? (5.00 / 2) (#2)
by scribe on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:26:07 PM EST

Water for drinking?
Sanitary supplies?
Toilet paper?

What else that would ordinarily be required in a civilized world, have they omitted from their plans?

Denver's Mayor had better put his foot down on the cops and get them to recognize their proper place in the scheme of things - public servants, not public masters.

Looking at this some more with an objective eye (5.00 / 2) (#5)
by scribe on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:32:54 PM EST

it's pretty likely you treat your dog better - and have to, since treating it like they intend to treat people could fall within the definition of animal cruelty.

A couple more questions: while the table has six (wow! how generous!) telephones, are they actually hooked up to anything?

What are they going to do if someone had - pre-arrest - some bad water or bad food? What if something like this happens?

I'm sure the Denver Police can amp up some additional charges in the event someone gets sick and makes a mess....


Most humane laws say (5.00 / 1) (#14)
by nycstray on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:52:48 PM EST

the animals must have access to food and water. Which means in the cage. There's a basic standard of care that must be met. They really should have at least water available in the Denver cages, imo.


: thats for pets (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by Jen M on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:55:46 PM EST

animal facilities have laws and regulations that include not only food and water but airflow, temperature, minimum space per individual, maximum animals per cage... on and on.

Unless you're Mitt Romney (none / 0) (#23)
by dianem on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:37:26 PM EST

Some people do put their dogs in cages, or crates, for limited periods of time. I've never subscribed to the idea, myself, but people I know who adore their pets and various experts say that "crate-training" is very good for the animals. However, they must have access to water at all times, and you aren't supposed to leave them in for more than 4 hours without a rest break. I'm betting that they won't be letting the prisoner's out for exercise and potty breaks every 4 hours.


: As the owner of a setter, (5.00 / 3) (#27)
by scribe on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:01:13 PM EST

I was especially revolted by Romney's actions toward his. He was simply beyond the pale.

: I crate trained (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by nycstray on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:09:29 PM EST

my dog and my younger cats. Comes in handy for travel, boarding, vet stays etc. Note that travel isn't on top of the car on the luggage rack! I like them for new additions until they are comfortable, trustworthy and I know they are healthy.
I wonder what kind of provisions they do have for how long they'll keep the people in the cages. Most of who will be non-offenders.

From our other daily... (none / 0) (#7)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:39:07 PM EST

"The facility, housed in an old warehouse, will function exactly the same as a regular jail. Those arrested will be photographed, fingerprinted and given access to medical care and telephones. There also are stations inside the facility where people can post bond.

The holding cells each will contain 20 chairs, and food and restroom facilities will be available."


: I saw film of the holding cells (5.00 / 1) (#10)
by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:44:12 PM EST

the absolutely are not in the holding cells.
they may be some where in the building but they are not in the cells.
the cells look like chain link dog pens

Toilet paper? (none / 0) (#35)
by kdog on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 11:00:38 AM EST

Last time I was locked up there was no toilet paper in the holding cell. Regular county lock-up prior to processing and the paddywagon ride to court. Requested some from the screw and he laughed at me.

I assumed nobody got toilet paper...


: Lordy (none / 0) (#36)
by Jen M on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 04:02:30 PM EST

what do they do with women who have their period?

I can hardly wait to see the pictures of all those (5.00 / 2) (#3)
by derridog on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:26:32 PM EST

gray haired women with their Hillary signs, being handcuffed and dragged into this up to date fascist facility. Hey, that should definitely help Obama!

I am going up there (5.00 / 2) (#6)
by Jjc2008 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:35:42 PM EST

on Tuesday to march in the parade to honor Hillar and suffrage anniversary. I suppose I should be careful....sounds like they might be on the look out for us revolutionary old ladies.....

Anyone else going????


jjc....maybe if you take a walker, they will (none / 0) (#12)
by PssttCmere08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:47:32 PM EST

be less inclined to take you in :)


Hmmmmm (none / 0) (#13)
by Jjc2008 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:49:29 PM EST

good thought....I don't know though, I am think my back pack won't hold a walker.....


: collapsible cane? (none / 0) (#21)
by kredwyn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:32:29 PM EST

My mom got one for her broken leg. It's grey metal...ick

Just don't take knitting needles (none / 0) (#24)
by dianem on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:43:20 PM EST

I hear that they are considered threatening.


: 8) I know it will be hard (none / 0) (#33)
by Jjc2008 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 08:05:08 PM EST

for Feingold to believe but some of us actually do not knit.....

and (5.00 / 2) (#4)
by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:29:10 PM EST

the fact that they are removing the razor wire but keeping the rest is some how even more insidious and infuriating.

: It's a disgusting display any way you (none / 0) (#11)
by PssttCmere08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:46:14 PM EST

cut it. If that's the case, half a million of us should show up to see what they would do. Short of being a total agitator and hitting the cops, I really don't think they have a reason to take you in, as it were. Americans are still afforded the right to peaceable assembly, aren't they? Or has that changed?

if (5.00 / 0) (#9)
by AlSmith on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:43:59 PM EST

if this convention visual is more Recreate '68 than prayer breakfast I think Obama/* just took another huge step backwards.

Step one is know your target persuadable voter.

Jesus (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by coigue on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:05:54 PM EST

what have we become.

Denver had to do this because their "jails are already overcrowded"

Ugh Ugh Ugh.

Miami 1972 (none / 0) (#30)
by Ben Masel on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:42:22 PM EST

The Dade County Sheriff released a bunch of prisoners early to make room for us in the regular lockup for Nixon's convention


: Like I said (none / 0) (#34)
by coigue on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 08:53:09 PM EST

Ugh Ugh Ugh

This is (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:19:24 PM EST

a PR disaster. I was at the dentist and the radio station they had on (not AM talk radio) was discussing this and talking about how totalitarian it is. And it is. Is this another variation of "vote for me or else?"

They were also talking about how there is going to be a ten mile lockdown? I don't know if that's correct but it's what they were reporting.

: Yes. (5.00 / 1) (#26)
by coigue on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:48:13 PM EST

And in Colorado...One of Obama's favorite swing states.

War (none / 0) (#8)
by lentinel on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:43:23 PM EST

It seems to me that if Obama were the anit-war candidate he was promoted as being, this would not be happening.

Our party has been hijacked, and we have nowhere to go - excerpt maybe Nader.

it seems to me (none / 0) (#16)
by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:12:52 PM EST

that if we do still indeed have any "rights" at all in this country they are opening themselves up to huge potential lawsuits if something happens to someone in one of these "cells".
at least I hope and pray so.
lawyers, am I wrong?

Educate, not incarcerate (none / 0) (#17)
by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:15:09 PM EST

This country was founded on civil disobedience. For the Democratic party to resort to this type of intimidation is baffling.

People who PEACEFULLY protest are just trying to get a message across about some kind of injustice or perceived rather, and to get some advocacy for their cause.

I doubt that Hope and Change require barbed wire. If they do, then we are in for a nasty convention. Lots of people there ready to make trouble for ALL the WRONG reasons.

Let civility rule.

: It wouldn't be the first time (none / 0) (#18)
by coigue on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:16:39 PM EST

Seriously? (none / 0) (#20)
by inclusiveheart on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:25:24 PM EST

You're telling me that this building has no climate control? Man this is an ill-conceived adventure if I've ever heard one.

seriously... (5.00 / 2) (#22)
by kredwyn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:33:48 PM EST

It can get pretty hot in those warehouses...


: In August. D'ya think? (5.00 / 2) (#25)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 05:47:01 PM EST

They're not thinking, for sure.

: Transparency: I demand (none / 0) (#31)
by Ben Masel on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:44:50 PM EST

a thermometer output directly to the Web.