Protest Plans

* Re “Protesters Say L.A. Will Be Used as Model of Injustice,” July 13: One of the signs in an accompanying photograph read, “We the people. . . .” It seems as though the Democrats and the city of Los Angeles have forgotten whom they work for and whom they kiss up to for a few months when they desire reelection. They are proving once again with their wasteful lawyer games and LAPD threats that they want our money, they want our votes, but they don’t want us.

They’re actually going to be shocked at how loud our voices can be heard, come Aug. 13. And except for the same 30 idiots setting fires (not affiliated with Laker fans or protesters), the other 100,000 people will have a real complaint laced with frustration and anger. “We the people” no longer means a damned thing to the politicians.

ROBERT STRAUSS

Los Angeles

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Re “A Fair Warning to All: Don’t Disrupt Our City,” Commentary, July 13: I agree with Mayor Richard Riordan that violent anarchists must be confronted and controlled by police “who will have to be tough.” L.A. should not have a repeat of the destruction of property that occurred in Seattle.

In identifying “anarchists” Riordan suggests that we log on to https://www.D2kla.org “to see just how determined and organized these anarchists are.” I did just that and found that the activities of groups found there are, among others, the National Homeless Convention, the Shadow Convention of Arianna Huffington, rallies to save the Iraqi children and to stop sweatshops and a protest against the exclusion of Ralph Nader from the presidential debates.

When one looks at other groups that are part of what is called the “direct action network,” their offerings are primarily along the lines of nonviolent training sessions.

Do Riordan and the cops think that the Greens and Arianna Huffington are anarchists? If they do, we shall see a repeat of the police riot at the 1968 Democratic convention.

KEITH F. SHIREY

Altadena

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Regarding Riordan’s commentary: I can feel the handcuffs on my little wrists already.

UTE LEE

Los Angeles

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Hey, protesters! Listen up! The last time there was a disruptive protest at a Democratic National Convention, the result was Richard Nixon as president. P.S. Thanks again, Tom Hayden.

RAY LASKA

Los Angeles

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Instead of dreading pending demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention, let’s make lemonade out of these lemons. Welcome demonstrators and protesters to a gigantic protest convention to be held in Dodger Stadium. Print schedules of demonstration events which will offer a “no-holds barred” rule for scheduled activities: anarchists vs. unionists; environmentalists vs. corporate loggers; rioters vs. looters; middle class vs. underclass, etc. Culminate the melee with a gigantic fireworks display and a free-for-all brouhaha. Money from ticket sales will be used for promotion of future protest entertainment events. This could be even bigger in popularity than “survival” entertainment.

ULA PENDLETON

Los Angeles