The RNC protests, as told by the mainstream and alternative media

To see the bias of the mainstream media, look no further than the coverage of the 2008 RNC protests and demonstrations.

I searched The New York Times, which I consider to be one of the "better" mainstream newspapers, for articles about the protests of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, and I found this and this. Neither article contains too much criticism of the police conduct. In fact, both are quick to mention that some protesters were breaking windows and blocking traffic, in the caption of the top photograph for the David Carr piece and in the first paragraph for the other article, and Carr even seems to praise the authorities for giving the protesters more freedom than the DNC protesters were given: "Give the Republicans credit for coming up with the more meaningful accommodation of dissent." The Healy/Moynihan piece gives a little bit more of a realistic picture but still neglects to mention any of the raids or shed light on what's really happening.

Then turn to some independent media coverage of the events. Take this Salon.com article, for example, or this, this, or this. SWAT raids on the houses of peaceful protesters? Firing rubber bullets, pepper spray, and tear gas on crowds of protesters? Yeah, the police are here to protect us. Just bend over, assume the position, and don't say anything about your rights...you'll be fine.

Once again, I call for solidarity. Call the Ramsey County Jail at (651) 266-9350 and demand the release of the arrested protesters.