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More than mudslingingCouncilman told to cut the (ahem) crap at meetingPeter Marcus, DDN Staff WriterTuesday, August 5, 2008 | |
Denver City Councilman Doug Linkhart should stop spewing “(poo),” said activists last night during a contentious City Council discussion.
The coalition of activists also suggested that the entire City Council entertain the “Denver Doo-Doo Accord” from protesters agreeing not to throw urine or feces during protest events. The accord was suggested instead of an ordinance, which the Council ended up voting unanimously to pass. The ordinance prevents certain equipment and objects at protests.
Linkhart, chair of the Safety Committee, proposed the ordinance after hearing concerns from police and reading stories about protesters launching their own feces at police with squirt guns in an attempt to prevent authorities from opening blocked public streets. He also raised concerns about protesters using concrete and PVC tubing to prevent police from unchaining them from public streets.
Angry words
Lead proponent of an activist coalition planning demonstrations around the Democratic National Convention, Glenn Spagnuolo, told Linkhart to his face and in front of the entire Council, as well as television cameras and spectators, that Linkhart directly lied to the New York Post recently when he said a source has “told me that he knew of a house where protestors were accumulating urine.”
Spagnuolo said Linkhart should be fired and stop spewing “(expletive).”
Theatrics continued throughout the night, including a man who held up pictures of fantasy figures like “Yoda,” and said protesters throwing feces at police would be just as much of a fantasy.
Tent State organizer Adam Jung said it was ridiculous for the City Council to think protesters would throw urine at police. He asked the Council to sign the “Denver Doo-Doo Accord,” as well as wear pins supporting the pledge not to throw feces at police during protests.
Humorous moments
Council President Jeanne Robb was tolerant of most comments, only occasionally asking opponents not to curse. There was even a smirk or two from council members when Young explained his pledge with words like “poo” and “ca-ca.”
Manager of Safety Al LaCabe was clear and curt in arguing that there have been many instances where protesters have used a variety of tactics to prevent police from opening public spaces. He said the ordinance would help the city’s police to prevent protesters from shutting down city streets.
While most on Council let Spagnuolo’s comments to Linkhart fly, Councilman Charlie Brown “got personal.”
“We know where you guys live,” he said to Spagnuolo, not for a second letting anyone think he would accept violence or disruption to the DNC, or any other events in his city.
Linkhart himself took the comments in stride, pointing out that police would need to show intent to use the items or equipment for disruptive purposes before making any arrests. He added that he never wanted to single out any specific groups.
“I never meant to demonize anyone … I don’t think I’ve used any groups name in any conversation I’ve had about this bill,” he said.
“We’re here to consider laws,” he continued. “Laws for what they prevent, regardless of who might do it.”
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