Getting Physical....Union members turn out to intimidate Bush-Cheney campaign volunteers

OpinionJournal.com ^ | October 11, 2004 | John Fund

[gpapa]

We may be about to experience an election unlike any we've seen in a while. The Florida recount in 2000 raised passions and blood pressure and featured some demonstrations on both sides, but there was no violence. This year, lots of groups are jostling with each other to monitor the elections in battleground states. For its part, the AFL-CIO has promised to dispatch thousands of election monitors to battleground states to watch for any hint of trouble at polling places. From the initial reports, they may be the ones for have to be watched as potential troublemakers.

Last week, in Orlando, Florida, approximately 60 union protestors stormed and ransacked the local Bush-Cheney headquarters causing considerable damage and injuring one campaign staffer, who suffered a broken wrist.

[Republican Wildcat]

For its part, the AFL-CIO has promised to dispatch thousands of election monitors to battleground states to watch for any hint of trouble at polling places.

And then protect those that are doing it.

[clee1]

CW2 starts soon.

Stay safe and keep your powder dry!

[Prime Choice]

I suggest that now is the time for the NRA to dispatch thousands of election monitors to battleground states to watch for any hint of trouble at polling places.

And I suggest they come prepared.

[SteveMcKing]

Did they every identify that union thug who tore up a little girl's sign???

[ConservativeLawyer]

Last week, in Orlando, Florida, approximately 60 union protestors stormed and ransacked the local Bush-Cheney headquarters causing considerable damage and injuring one campaign staffer, who suffered a broken wrist.

[madison46]

keep a baseball bat or ax handle and make 'em pay next time.

[WorkingClassFilth]

60 RATs attack a Republican HQ and break somebody's wrist in the process...no big deal to the national press.

Isn't that special?

When RATs dial up the violence and it is encouraged by the lack of coverage and prosecution, it will only get worse. In the short term, doing your political work in unfamiliar neighborhoods on the buddy-system is not a bad idea. In the long term, my money sez they're gonna go back to bombs and bullets to force their agenda.

[Ex-Dem]

Esmerelda Aguilar, an AFL-CIO spokesman, says Republicans are "trying to politicize [the Orlando incident] and exaggerate the event."

Of course, from her perspective, breaking into a building and physically assaulting another person is considered peaceful and something that shouldn't scrutinized...

[TNdandelion]

I hope it doesn't come to this, but they may need to bring out the police to enforce the limits where people can gather at polling places. How many feet they are required to stay away.

[clee1]

NEVER bring a ball bat to a gunfight.

Speak softly, and carry a large-caliber handgun.

[Jester Number Three]

It disrupts the election process and certainly is intimidation! What would happen if workers fought back? Would they be charged if it is in self-defense?

[King Prout]

more DNC Machinery

[Ruth C]

I believe distance away is in reference to campaign signs and any kind of campaigning. Not sure on the footage, I believe it's 100ft here in NC

As to watching the polling places, there are a lot of voters out there and we should ALL be watching the polling places for odd things, like people with two ballots.

[Salvation]

I hope they are charged with something.....assult with intent to do bodily harm??

[madison46]

I'd keep that for back up. Depends on how threatened I felt. First instinct would be the baseball bat given they attacks, except of TN, were physical.

Keep the powder dry though for later.

[DennisR]

Kerry runs around the country lying about one million disenfranchised black voters. He has absolutely no proof whatsoever. So what is he going to say about the union thugs/fascists/intimidators? Is he going to reprimand them? I doubt it. Liberalism is truly a mental disorder. Just wish Kerry would get some counseling...he surely needs it.

[clee1]

I tell you this: I have a CCW, I WILL be armed to the teeth on election day, and woe unto any thug attempting any type of intimidation at the polls.

Intimidation tactics of any type will result in a citizens arrest - physical aggression will result in deadly force being applied. Period.

[John Lenin]

[PretzeLogic]

What a tragedy.