The DNC

I went into Boston today to see the preparations for the Democratic National Convention. I was hoping to see some giant puppet heads (am I the only one who wonders how flammable they are?), but I seem to have been too early. The anti-war protesters were gathering on the Common and apparently later marched to the Fleet Center, but it must have been a slow march. They were supposed to leave the Common at 2:00, but I left after 2:30 without seeing or hearing them. Since most of them are from out of town, it is quite possible that they got lost.

There are photos, entirely without esthetic merit, on the continuation page.


On the way in, you can see why Rte. 93 will be closed while the convention is, er, convening. The Fleet Center is that low, flat-topped building immediately to the right of the bridge.

This is the view across Causeway Street toward the Fleet Center. There are four close-meshed wire barriers between me and the other side. The street is dark because of the elevated track of the Green Line, which was supposed to have come down. Instead, it is being used as an additional barrier and a support for the nets and wire fence. It wouldn’t surprise me if there were police and other security people up there.

This is the inside of the “free speech zone.” The current protesters at this time were an anti-abortion group.

Here is the view from the “free speech zone” toward the Fleet Center. Some groups have said that this area is too walled off from the convention-goers to make a meaningful impression. We report, you decide.

Halftime Pizza was closed already, but the banner is still there.

Someone was thinking. A basic service seems to be well-secured.