FC: Democratic convention has a funnier, darker side

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,38286,00.html

   Convention's Darker, Funner Side
   by Declan McCullagh (declan () wired com)

   3:00 a.m. Aug. 18, 2000 PDT
   LOS ANGELES -- The former American Legion Hall at 18th and Figueroa
   was an unlikely home this week to hundreds of protesters, journalists,
   and activists angry with the two major political parties.

   Dusty lobby displays of WWI-era bolt-action rifles and 61 mm Japanese
   "knee" mortars appear slightly out of place among a crowd agitating
   for gun control. Peace activists gulp bottled water next to plaques
   celebrating U.S. wartime victories.

   The protesters didn't seem to notice. They were too busy responding to
   what they saw as a scripted, unrepresentative Democratic National
   Convention that took place just a few blocks away.

   Inside the decrepit first-floor auditorium of Patriotic Hall is where
   the Shadow Convention met. Cheesy, laminated photographs of convicted
   drug users and their families line the walls: "Timothy Latham, 39
   years old, conspiracy to cultivate marijuana."

   In a jab at the Democrats' floor signs representing each state, the
   Shadow Convention organizers created their own: "Corporate fat cat."
   "Disillusioned." Not all made sense: One that said "2 Poor for Access"
   must have been crafted by someone who hasn't heard of companies
   offering free, advertisement-supported, Internet connections.

   Still, this was one of the few places in town where there was a
   genuine eagerness to argue about controversial topics like drug
   legalization and campaign finance reform. It's the only place where
   you'll find an underground Los Angeles Crimes parody newspaper with
   hilarious articles like "Drug Czar McCaffrey Declares 'Total Victory'
   Over Bill of Rights."

   On Thursday night, the "last rock 'n roll band" Marah was to hold an
   impromptu concert.

   These folks may have missed out on the shrimp-and-caviar receptions at
   the nearby Democratic shindigs, but somehow, you get the impression
   they had a lot more fun.

   [...]