Democratic National Convention Countdown, No. 13-12: "Gitmo On The Platte," "Mandatory Volunteerism"

**Note: from now until the DNC, the Countdown will be continuously updated throughout the day rather than appearing around noon. Bookmark Slapstick Politics and check back frequently for the latest DNC-related news, including breaking coverage.

Democratic National Convention Daily Digest and Open Thread
Tuesday August 12 and Wednesday August 13, 2008--No. 13-12

•Despite all their rage they'll still be like rats in a cage at "Gitmo on the Platte"--protestor warehouse prepared for massive DNC arrests (video):

The newly created lockup is on the northeast side of Denver. Protesters have already given this place a name: "Gitmo on the Platte."

Inside are dozens are metal cages. They are made out of chain link fence material and topped by rolls of barbed wire.

"This is a secured environment," Capt. Frank Gale of the Denver Sheriff's Department told CBS4. "We're concerned about how that's going to be utilized by people who will be potentially disruptive."

In past conventions, mass arrests have taken place.

With Denver's jails already overflowing, new space had to be created and officers trained.

Each of the fenced areas is about 5 yards by 5 yards and there is a lock on the door. A sign on the wall reads "Warning! Electric stun devices used in this facility."

CBS4 showed its video to leaders of groups that plan to demonstrate during the convention.

"Very bare bones and very reminiscent of a political prisoner camp or a concentration camp," said Zoe Williams of Code Pink.

This new development is quite troubling. (How will media access the facility? Will they charge admission? What about gladiatorial combat?) On a serious note, aside from the rather disturbing visuals provided by the descriptions in the story, why is Denver doing such a "worst-of-all-possible-worlds" PR campaign that forces local news agencies to show video to protestors and get ahead of the story with the "Gitmo on the Platte" meme? Break out the orange jumpsuits . . . Drunka says get ready for a little DNC "Soylent Green" (this is the "greenest convention ever"). Jeralyn Merritt of Talk Left has a recap of similar arrangements from the 2004 conventions.

•Drunkablog helped break the Obama "mandatory volunteerism" in exchange for Invesco Field tickets with a comprehensive post that includes audio (and links on the crazy yet mysterious Denver cyanide case); more analysis and roundups

•Drunkablog roundup--Cynthia McKinney not speaking for Recreate '68?; Tent State creates unrest with new neighbors near Cuernavaca Park; DNC/RNC rumor mills in top gear

•More D-blog--"Urine nation" a fabrication?

---

All previous Daily Digests can be found here.