corrente

Given that for the Republicans, homeland security and electing Bush are one and the same, I always assumed that Tom Ridge was appointed DHS head because of the fine job he did throwing activists in the slammer illegally during the RNC 2000 convention in Philly.

And presumably, he's setting up to do the same thing this September.

A judge cleared three activists Tuesday of charges they brawled with police during street demonstrations outside the 2000 Republican National Convention.

Judge William J. Mazzola acquitted the trio of riot and assault charges after reviewing a videotape of the fracas shot by another protester.

About 400 people were arrested during the protests, most of which occurred several miles from the arena in which Republicans met to nominate George W. Bush. Only a few people were convicted.

(via AP)

Tactically, this means that RNC activists should video everything. And bring lots of cell phones that take pictures, beam them to blogs, and we'll RSS them live...

I also wonder if the NYPD has any great reason to love Bush, given how he's stiffed the first responders. Wonder if they would stand aside... Readers?

Bite the Big Apple, George....