Tensions run high as visit ignites clashes (Matt Margolis of Blogs4Bush in brawl)

Boston Herald ^ | 3.26.04 | Steve Marantz

[mhking]

A brawl erupted between opponents and supporters of President Bush [related, bio] last night behind police barricades a block from his fund-raiser at the Park Plaza Hotel.

     Two Bush supporters, twin brothers Matt and Aaron Margolis, traded blows at the corner of Arlington and Boylston streets with several men who they said were union members.
     The fight started after a man wearing an Ironworkers Local 7 sweatshirt, perched atop a subway entrance, repeatedly taunted the brothers.
     ``They told us to get out of here or we'd get beaten up,'' said Matt Margolis, 24, of Beverly.
     ``I said, `I support your freedom of speech - please support mine. Come on down and we can have a conversation.'
     ``He jumped down and swung on my brother. Then they all jumped in and tore our signs apart.''
     One union worker, declining to give his name, said the brothers instigated the brawl.

     ``They called the guy down, and he obliged them,'' the union member said.
     A crowd estimated at 750 to 1,000 was largely anti-Bush, including hundreds of union workers.
     ``Bush wants to get rid of unemployment (insurance) and overtime - we need to get rid of him,'' said Charlie Walsh, a Local 223 laborer.
     The Bush opponents held signs that read, ``Get the terrorists out of the White House.''
     Supporters of the president held competing signs that read, ``A vote for Bush is a vote for freedom.''
     The clashes followed the detention of two protesters who refused to move to a designated protest area before Bush's speech earlier in Nashua, N.H.
     Police said the unnamed protesters were not arrested.

[bigfootbob]

"Stalin would love how these Union thugs operate."

Where do you think they learned their technique? I have a conservative friend who was a leader for the Longshoreman's Union and a personal friend of the late Harry Bridges. The Longshoreman & probably most union's leadership were and probably still are devotee's of Stalin.

Bridges asked my friend once if he liked the 40 hour work week, collective bargaining, etc.? My buddy said yes, and Bridges told him "Then you are a Marxist, too."

[LA Conservative]

Unions = Legal Mafia

[MrB]

Saying that we would be without the benefits of the 40 hour work week and overtime pay, safe work places, etc - without unions,

is like saying that without candles, we'd all be in the dark.

Anachronistic and unneeded anymore,

and just like candles, cause more problems than they provide good, useful, practical benefit.

[bigfootbob]

True

[MrB]

Collective Bargaining = not able to "bargain" based on your own skills and abilities

Collective Bargaining = skilled workers being paid less than or equal pay to unmotivated slugs with "seniority"

[Dan from Michigan]

Wonder if he was there...

[prairiebreeze]

Concealed video cams and wearing a wire will be required for all Pro-Bush supporters at events like this

Prairie

[ohioman]

Good story and one of the reasons why most of the South detests Unions.

[Hat-Trick]

I'll go another $100 that they we PAID to pick a fight.

[international american]

BUMP

[Dog Anchor]

Gay...totally gay.

[keithtoo]

You mean, when you think 'union', you think SOVIET!!

[familyofman]

Lesson to be learned (sometimes the hard way) - don't start yelling & shouting at burly guys and asking for a face-to-face unless you have the intention & resources to back it up. Big talkers - little walkers don't mix with the "constuction trades".

Hoe totally niave - pick a fight (verbal) with these guys and be surprised when they get physical. Now that's not bright.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Union goons...such upstanding citizens.

[djjava]

They are heros and patriots

I certainly am flattered at being called a hero, but I think that there are many more people doing far more courageous things that deserve that title more than we. But thank you anyways... Freep On...

[No Blue States]

I stand by my previous statement. Good job.

[EDINVA]

hope those boys are careful ... too much info on them, and not much on the union thugs ... I don't trust that the thugs won't plan an 'accident' for them, something unrelated, down the line a bit. FReepers should be very careful not to get their name or hometown in print when going up against those criminals.

[Little Bill]

I was there, easy money on your side.

[djjava]

fear not, for W is on our side...

[Sunshine55]

Nice meeting you!