Yesterday protests outside of a Trump rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, became violent. Although I will never condone violence for any reason, I was not surprised. Trump claims that ‘people love him,’ but he’s only referring to his supporters who share his views about Hispanics, Muslims, women, and a revised ‘America.’ Most Americans despise the egotistical buffoon, who is the standard bearer of the Republican Party.
The Republican Convention will be held in Cleveland, Ohio, between July 18th and the 21st. It matters little where the convention will be held, protests would be loud and large anywhere in the nation, But the fact that it is in Cleveland offers additional expectations that the protests will exceed probabilities.
The Secret Service has begun making preparations for the event.
Wednesday morning, today, a meeting was scheduled at 9:45 at the Cleveland City Hall. Attending will be Mayor Frank Jackson, Ronald Rowe, a Secret Service agent who’s overseeing security for the GOP convention, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams and Richard Horvath, a top city attorney. They will be setting a large number of special, temporary regulations for the event.
Of primary concern will be the official protest routes, including a speaker’s platform. There will also be special rules for the park located in the area of Quicken Loans Arena.
There will be protestors, likely more than anticipated by the authorities.
We know that anti-Trump forces will arrive in large numbers. Last evening’s event in Albuquerque was a small example of what may happen in Cleveland. Trump has but a single talent; to excite the emotions of his supporters, and the anger of his dissenters.
Flint, Michigan, is approximately 250 miles from Cleveland. The media has virtually dropped the discussion of criminality by Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, but the people of the mostly black city remain dissatisfied with the outcome. Solutions have not begun in earnest to repair the water system.
The Cleveland Police Department has one of the worst reputations in the nation regarding its relationship between its black citizens and law enforcement. Because Republicans deny that there is a need to revamp our judicial system, Black Lives Matter will join the citizens of Cleveland as they vehemently denounce injustice.
Two other groups are likely to join in the protests; anti-war groups, and those demanding campaign finance reform and an end to Citizens United.
There remains the possibility that inside the arena protests will also occur. Not all Republicans support Trump, although they have received their instructions. For example, Washington State Republicans recently voted to send 40 of their 41 delegates to the convention in support of Ted Cruz.
My fellow Americans; this will be “Reality Television.” There will be no scripts or even outlines directing the participants. There will be raw emotion both inside and outside of the convention.
I have learned in the last seven years to despise the Republican Party for its radical changes which no longer represent the majority of the American people. Donald Trump is dangerous to America. But I will be watching; it may be as exciting as the ‘running of the bulls’ in Pamplona.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 