Coming on the heels of the Labor Day weekend, Charlotte showed no signs of rest as this year’s host city of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Yesterday was the official kick off of the convention, but crowding the queen city’s streets were some angry protesters.
“They’ve barricaded the street up here,” said one protester who would not release his name. ” They are the foot soldiers of the rich and that’s why they are here.”
Because of tight security, the city only provided one pedestrian entrance for people to enter the convention. The protesters were blocking this very entrance. Police formed a long line to prevent intrusion, as protesters sat on the ground and refused to move.
Some protesters were fighting against drone attacks that have increased under President Obama’s term. Others were marching against abortion, same-sex marriage and other various issues.
“We have a lot of questions and they have done a lot of rotten things. That’s why we choose to come to these conventions” said the unidentified protester.
Although this convention was barged with protesters against President Obama, other organizations were out trying to gain the more Democratic voters.
Planned Parenthood held a rally outside the Charlotte Convention center, urging men and women voters to support women’s rights issues. Dressing in a costume in the image of birth control, Planned Parenthood handed out condoms and free t-shirts.
One of the speakers was Newark, NJ, Mayor Corey Booker, who asked voters not to support a party (GOP) that doesn’t care about women.
“You are denigrating those very people you claim to love,” said Booker. “So I don’t understand how someone could say they love women when they are denying women access to health care. And denying women strategies to protect their life.”
Booker is referencing to Ann Romney, who shouted “I love you, women,” at the Republican National Convention last week in Tampa, Fla. Despite the Republican’s attempts, recent polls show the majority of women still prefer President Obama.
On Tuesday, Booker also gave a speech in the main arena with First Lady Michelle Obama and keynote speaker San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro. Castro is the first Latino to be a keynote speaker at the DNC. Often compared to the likeness of President Obama, his goal is to help the Democratic Party gain more Latino voters.