TRT bump! 
Posted on 04/22/2002 4:20:31 PM PDT by Robert Teesdale
Diverse group decries 'spy files'
Capitol rally airs concerns about police
By Nick Groke Special to The Denver Post
Monday, April 22, 2002 - Political activists, bikers and masked demonstrators converged outside the state Capitol on Sunday to protest the Denver Police Department's collection of secret intelligence files on more than 3,400 protesters.
The rally, organized by the Tyranny Response Team, a pro gun-rights group, drew about 100 participants, including members of the Colorado Libertarian Party, the Colorado Green Party and several local motorcycle clubs such as Bikers for Justice.
"The whole idea behind the files is to intimidate," said Robert Teesdale of the Tyranny Response Team. "This issue affects all of us the same way."
Denver police are allowed under law to keep intelligence files on groups and people involved in violent crime or property destruction, but they also have been maintaining documents on peaceful protesters.
"This isn't a resurgence of what they did in the '60s and '70s - it's a continuation," said Latino activist Ernesto Vigil of the police files. "They never stopped."
The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit last month against the Police Department over the so-called secret spy files. The ACLU is seeking access to the files for people whose names are in the documents. They also want the files destroyed.
"Unfortunately, I'm not sure even a successful lawsuit will solve the problem," said Ralph Shnelvar, who spoke at the rally.
Organizers sent invitations to more than 40 local activist groups to attend the rally. Many of the motorcycle club members left after organizers warned them that two police officers were writing down the license plate numbers of nearby motorcycles.
"I support the Denver Police Department, but we know we've been targets, and it's just stupid," said Bill Jones, a member of a local motorcycle club.
This was also covered on Channel 7 in Denver, locally, on the 5pm and 10pm news. Coverage was pretty good.
Best regards to all,
Robert Teesdale
www.teesdale.com
Anyway, the cops shouldn't be collecting intelligence on peaceful protestors. There's rapes and murders going on, but the cops are spending their time doing this crap. What a bunch of bums.
TRT bump!
Thanks,
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.