By Analisa Drew
August, 2000
This reporter had the opportunity to be at the Republican National Convention this summer. Well, not exactly. I never once got close enough to see the multi-million dollar corporate sponsored theme parties, the sumptuous feasts, and lavish entertainment. I didn't even receive the media press kits or was able to get my hands on one of the delegate's take home bags. Bags complete with a Republican National Convention Barbie and a Philadelphia City guide, which helpfully pointed out the best strip clubs, private "escorts", and "masseuses" in town to the delegates.
I was, however, in the midst of the protests against the Republican National Convention, and I would dare to say that what was going on there was far newsworthy than the typical political speeches going on inside the convention. While our politicians partied inside, I was standing outside in the rain with protestors in Camden, New Jersey, one of the poorest cities in the U.S. The people were asking for jobs and clean water, since the water in Camden comes from the tap a light brown color, while the Republicans were having their champagne buffet and fireworks gala on the other side of the heavily guarded fence. The heavy police force surrounded us as people of all ages and nationalities, as well as the mayor of Camden came to protest against the U.S. bombing of Vieques, a small island that is part of Puerto Rico. The people of Vieques have had 75% of their land taken over by the U.S. Navy, which practices military maneuvers and bombings on the small island. The maneuvers have already taken one civilian life, as well as dropping live Napalm and accidentally firing bullets, which contained depleted uranium, a toxic radioactive material.
I marched and spoke with people of all races, ages, political persuasions, and ideologies. There were many issues at stake. Some were advocates for the homeless and working poor. Others were there to take a stand against police brutality and the death penalty. Many were labor activists. Some were environmentalists, feminists, and animal rights activists. The list could go on and on. But what really upset me as a reporter was the utter incompetence of our media in investigating the protestors and their messages. A flippant Tom Brokaw on NBC news quipped, "I was running down Walnut street this morning, and I saw a protestor with a sign that said 'resist' - I mean what am I supposed to resist the humidity, a cheesesteak?"
When ABC News opened its convention coverage at the Democratic National Convention, Peter Jennings referred to protestors as simply "troublemakers". An editorial piece in our Milwaukee Journal Sentinel criticized the protestors for not having one cohesive message. Well, if any reporters had done their job, they would have found that there was a cohesive and valid message to the protests. The message was this: whether the issue was sweatshop labor, campaign finance reform, or environmental protection, everyone I spoke with cited their disgust with our current system. "How the power system of a few, the super rich, corporations, and the politicians that they buy is leaving most of us behind," according to one protestor. They are not only taking on their individual issues but also attacking the "systemic violence and exploitation that attends a society structured around the lust for individual gain."
All the protestors are calling for a massive change in the way this world is run. If their message is heard, then perhaps we will all have a say. One young woman from Philadelphia had this to say, "The government in this country is supposed to be "by and for the people". Perhaps the next time around the people should be allowed into the discussions and conventions, instead of being kept outside by thousands of heavily armed police officers."