Intro: "Security guards at American Legislative Exchange Council conference physically attack ThinkProgress reporters."

ThinkProgress reporter Lee Fang confronted by ALEC security personnel at the Marriot Hotel in New Orleans, 08/04/11. (photo: ThinkProgress.org)

Confrontation With ALEC Security Turns Violent: VIDEO

By Lee Fang and Scott Keyes, ThinkProgress

05 August 11

esterday, at a conference in New Orleans, two ThinkProgress reporters were attacked by security guards for no apparent reason. Reporters Scott Keyes and Lee Fang were at the Marriott Hotel for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) annual meeting, an event that brings together state lawmakers with corporate lobbyists to draft "model" legislation.

While we stood by the second floor lobby of the conference hotel, security guards surrounded us, demanding that we leave. As we were leaving, they approached us, violently pushed us and twisted our arms. A guard approached Fang from behind, tackling him and later bending his arm to take his camera. Keyes, faced similar treatment: two security guards roughed him up on the escalator, taking his video camera, and cutting Keyes' hand as he attempted to leave the premises. As Keyes asked why he was being forced to leave, he was shoved from the back.

Asked why they were being so belligerent, the security guards said they were acting on instructions from ALEC. At certain points during the incident, they were able to turn on their video cameras and record it:

Although ThinkProgress has attended ALEC conferences in the past as credentialed media (we broke the story about BlueCross BlueShield lobbyists writing ALEC's anti-health reform legislation in 2009), we were denied credentials this time.

ALEC calls itself an open organization that exists simply to advance "principles of Jeffersonian democracy." Facing recent scrutiny by the media, one prominent ALEC member told the Daily Iowan that there's "nothing sinister, there's nothing secretive about [ALEC]." However, the incident today underscores the suspicion that the organization is a secret conduit for corporate lobbyists to literally write legislation for state lawmakers without having their fingerprints on the bill. To maintain this secrecy, ALEC appears more than willing to kick out media and close their doors to the public.

Earlier in the day, when Fang and Keyes were sitting in the first floor lobby, they witnessed ALEC public affairs official Raegan Weber point to them while speaking to the hotel security. However, contacted by ThinkProgress over the phone after the incident today, Weber denied telling the security to go after us, and said she would get back to us with a statement concerning what happened. Nearly a day later, we have not heard back from her.

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+83 # Ryan Langemeyer 2011-08-05 14:40

It appears that a tsunami of calls & emails to the Mariott general offices is in order. Here's their email: http://marriottdevelopment.netlinkrg.com/contact.aspx
It appears that they don't give out their phone numbers.

+30 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 18:19

Done. I go to sci-fi conventions (not often now, because I can't afford it), but there are many such groups that rent hotels for conventions. We must let the hotels know that they will be getting rid of paying customers:
Folks: if you go to cons, boycott the Mariott chain.

+15 # David P 2011-08-05 22:20

I already threw them an emmail saying that during my convention in San Diego next year will NOT be at the Marriot, but the Hilton or Hyatt.

+6 # miriam m 2011-08-06 17:02

Forget Hyatt; they are TOTALLY screwing their housekeeping workers and trying to (what else is new!) break the union.

+11 # Barbara Beach-Moody 2011-08-05 19:41

thanks for the email address I am going to write them now.

+9 # Barbara Beach-Moody 2011-08-05 20:01

just tried sending to that email address and it was not accepted. I will look myself to see if I can find a better one.

0 # Bob Griffin 2011-08-06 14:45

https://www.marriott.com/suggest/suggest.mi
It is not an email address, but a web page allowing you to contact Marriot. The link given by Ryan Langemeyer is for those interested in developing a hotel with Marriot.

+10 # heraldmage 2011-08-06 13:56

Marriott Security followed orders of ALEC. Okay boycott Marriott but don't forget ALEC what did they have to hide? ALECs membership & Board must be publically identified & investigated for ties to organized crime & working against the interests of the USA.
It is ALEC broad, corporate sponsors & members that should be boycotted. They hired thugs to violently prevent the public from knowing which elected officials are participating in ALEC program & programs targetted
Did Think Progress get a copy of the program?
The list of conference Corporate sponsors & participating legislators & government employees must be published. All elected legislators must be actively opposed for re-election by of the newly created unified progressive independent parties.
We need a press free to speak the truth. Contract the FCC demanding it to require news & current events be broadcast as a public service in payment for use of the peoples airwaves. That discussion programs be labelled "opinion, commentary, not based on fact" throughout the discussion & announced at the beginning & end of every commercial break. Congress must reinstate the Fairness Doctrine to assures equal access at no charge.
Once the truth is set free the people will be able to reset the course of USA away from programs that benefit only the privileged at the expense of the nation & its people

0 # coffeewriter 2011-08-07 15:37

that's a web address, not an e-mail address. Phone numbers are here: http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/msyla-new-orleans-marriott/

+5 # Wildsingingbird 2011-08-05 15:14

Ghat

+82 # Erdajean 2011-08-05 15:14

Oh, yeah -- we can expect this from the troops of Mussolini -- the hired insufferable jerks are secure enough to be sure they can get by with it because it's what the Big Guys ordered. Their "superiors" are NOT so secure, but are too desperate to stop trying -- We may as well brace ourselves for a lot of this to come. It's just like throwing the woman down in Kentucky and stomping her head. About which, do note, nothing was ever done. Where is Harry Truman when we REALLY need him? In Obama, we have exactly the wrong mindset to do anything at all, except "compromise."

+19 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 18:20

What Progressive will run in the Primaries against Obama? We need somebody to do it.

+23 # Saberoff 2011-08-05 21:13

I'm going to get some short face-time with Bernie Sanders in about a month. I'm wondering how I can best tell (OK, ask) Bernie to run a Primary challenge to Obama (can he run as a Democrat?). I'm sure he's heard it before; probably has a stock answer, but I still want to impress upon him that there are a whole lot of people who are serious about such a proposition.

I would imagine some kind of “Draft Bernie Contingent"(?)

Any suggestions?

+5 # Debra Weaver 2011-08-06 05:48

Yes, yes, yes. he is exactly what he need.

+3 # Lulie 2011-08-06 08:57

I would think he'd have to change parties to run as a Democrat. I wish he could just run as an independent and win, but he'd no doubt lose like others who have tried.

+11 # MaeB. 2011-08-06 11:33

Much as so many of us agree that we've been let down, we MUST be mindful of how Republicans operate. They move in the moment they perceive weakness, they divide and conquer. You and I, much as we wish Bernie Sanders was our President, know he could never be elected. He's a self-proclaimed Socialist. Know what the Repubs would do with that? We need to borrow some of that Republican brutality and march in lock step, because the one thing we DON'T need are more Republicans in office! Third party candidates always hurt; they never help. Check your history books. MOST important. Give Obama a Democratic Congress!

+6 # Uppity Woman 2011-08-06 13:36

Mae, you are right. First, we must destroy the republican party. Then we must destroy the democratic party. The democrats will likely survive, but they will be a better, more progressive party after all is said and done. As it stands right now, both parties are deep in the pocket of big money, and we must be smart and strategic about reclaiming our world from the corrupt and the greedy. I'm thinking green party, and if we ALL thought green party right now, it might wake up a few democrats who take people like you and me way too much for granted. WE are the sleeping giant. It's time to wake up.

0 # heraldmage 2011-08-06 17:07

Democrats are just as corrupt as the GOP. independent progressives represent a majority of the people & are generally non voters. They must be convince to get out & vote. Dems must abandon any Democratic candidates who doesn't sign the independent progressive platform, except Obama. He must stand alone against the GOP presidential candidate supported by both Dem & independent alike. Any other Dem or independent opponent will split the vote ensuring a GOP President,
No bill gets through Congress without Dem support.Corpora te influence for campaign contribution is always present.
Historically independents have split the electorate due to low voter turnout ~ 40% or less. If voter turnout increased to >90% independent candidates would win, With a percentage giving the Independent Congress & Obama a mandate to govern that the GOP would find difficult to disavow.
With this mandate Obama & an independent uncorrupted Congress could enact legislation that publically funds political campaigns eliminating corporate & foreign influence while allowing any civic minded person to run for office not just the wealthy. Reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine & mandating news & current events be broadcast as a public service will free the press. Requiring discussion programs to be labelled "commentary, opinion, not based on fact" will help keep it free

+10 # Diane 2011-08-06 12:16

Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren - what a team they would make! Can you imagine the amount of backbone these two have between them?

+1 # heraldmage 2011-08-06 17:21

We need people who will put the people in charge not preserve feudalism.
Technology has made it possible for us to have a truly democratic form of government not a representative republic. Senators & Congressman would be turned into those who relayed the wishes of their constituents,& explained pros & con of legislation for the people to vote, on not Congress.
Are we ready for democracy & nationalization of natural resources to fund the needs of the country from infrastructure to education, health care to military? Or do we still have to rely on the privileged to pillage our wealth and use our youth to raid the resources of other nations not for us but to fill their purse at our expense?
The time to choose is now. The chance for freedom is fleeting if we don't take it now we will loose it forever.

0 # BishopAndrew 2011-08-06 12:34

Tell him to check sites like this and many others to gauge the pervasiveness and the intensity of the discontent among not only progressives but independents, and working people in general, with Obama and his appeasement and capitulation to the money interest of wall street and multi-national corporations. Tell him that this is the time to mount a campaign against his nomination. With the downgrade in the US credit score and the betrayal of the American middle class not to mention the elderly, poor, and students in the "debt deal" Obama is very vulnerable politically and this is the time for a New Dealer Great Society Power to the People kind of person such as Bernie. If he misses this opportunity with his unimpeachable credentials progressive causes truly hang in the balance and if we loose now a new dark age will be the outcome of the Tea Party Robbers of the American ideal of liberty and justice for all.

+1 # heraldmage 2011-08-06 14:36

Obama is not the one who needs to be replaced. In fact it would be to the peoples advantage to support him in his final term with no re-election concerns.To oppose him would assure a GOP win
What we desperately need to do is replace every member of the House & 1/3 of the Senate with independent candidates As well as every Governor & State Houses. Let them battle over the President while we unite all progressive leaning independent parties(UPIP) to take power away from ruling parties. We need at least 61% of the House and to prevent either ruling party from having a majority in Senate. Then the people will effectively run the government. We can make & pass laws, end wars,& raise taxes, put people to work reward USA corporation for jobs in USA penalize them if they don't, rebuild USA,pay reparation & let other countries take care of themselves,
The President with nothing to lose for the sake of his legacy will support the peoples march toward democracy.
All candidates must put their signature to the enactment of the UPIP platform. 1st issue is public funding of political campaigns with absolutely no private money allowed. Paid for by the next few issues: reinstate Fairness Doctrine,
Broadcast news & current events as public service,
Label discussion programs as "opinion, commentary, & not based on fact"
Time for USA to belong to the people

-1 # rf 2011-08-08 03:44

heraldmage...sp ineless! Why do you think Obama can move so far right and get reelected? Because people like you hav no spine....since Clinton it is getting worse and worse...so wake up...and grow a pair.

+113 # john wheat gibson, s 2011-08-05 15:15

If in fact the guards were acting for ALEC, they and ALEC should be sued for assault and battery. If acting for the hotel, the guards and the hotel should be sued for assault and battery.

+31 # Bill Clements 2011-08-05 18:19

I absolutely agree! These jerks should be held accountable for their actions. This isn't Syria!

Clearly these people don't want the media to bring their activities to light, which is all the more reason to double our efforts.

This is one of the carbuncles on our body politic and it needs to be lanced.

+36 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 18:22

If the guards were acting for ALEC and hired by ALEC, the hotel still can be sued in most states, because what goes on in a premises owned by the hotel is the hotel's responsibility. Both parties must be named in a suit.
In the 1960s, there were two things that we lack now:
1. Lots of demonstrations. 2. Lawyers who sued.

0 # Homer Peters 2011-08-06 05:11

Good point! I somehow missed the connection between the incident with the security goons and the hotel.

+92 # BishopAndrew 2011-08-05 15:19

No right wing group can stand the light of day and will fight any attempt to expose it for what it is, tyranny!

+75 # Timaloha 2011-08-05 15:19

Sue the shit out of them!

+79 # CL38 2011-08-05 15:22

The right is hiding what its doing to turn control of our country and political system over to corporations.

+68 # GeorgeNJ 2011-08-05 15:26

Hey, Benito Mussolini. Corporations writing legislation for governments; isn't that your definition of fascism? If you can't remember, ask Adolf Hitler.

+33 # Erdajean 2011-08-05 16:17

You bet, George. IF we'd been teaching history in this country for the past 50 years, this wouldn't be so mysterious. Nor so likely to succeed....

+23 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 18:24

In some states, history is no longer required as a distribution requirement. Instead of college, we have business degrees, including in Harvard, where all the Goldman-Sachs people came from. The protest should be not only in every Congressional office, but also on every college campus. I'm not so sure that anybody cares though.

+34 # in deo veritas 2011-08-05 18:48

It looks like my efforts over 36 years in the classroom made no difference. I spent considerable time in presenting the rise of Nazi germany and pointing out the things happening in our own country as parallels, which was not without criticism. My only regret about retiring is that I am unable to continue the fight to expose these traitors.

+14 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:06

Lot of people and families in this country have been modeling themselves like Hitler for years although in no way consider their actions like Nazis. In fact say they fought against. Then we have White supremists, KKK who adore hatred.
then the 1% ers who advocate Naziism...
Now Religious Fanatics teaching hatred while passing that collection plate..Country is a but $%%^ UP

+10 # mbh 2011-08-06 05:06

In Deo Veritas...THANK S FOR TRYING!!

My high school history teacher is still my hero and her teaching style remains with me today. She taught us critical thought process and how to weed through propaganda to discern truth. Invaluable stuff and I almost became a history teacher but chickened out because I was not sure I could function within the public school system. It is just so important for kids to learn what my history teacher taught us. Without it,we get what we now have...YIKES!

0 # Homer Peters 2011-08-06 05:17

In God Truth, To quote an old line from some long gone TV exercise guru,
Don't Quit!

Vita Deo Veritas

+6 # Progressive Patriot 2011-08-05 22:59

It wasn't until I took a history course in college that covered the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, that I ever got past the Civil War in a history class.

+1 # interested observer 2011-08-06 11:04

Things have certainly gone downhill since the 60's and 70's. At my high school and middle school for that matter, US history was covered at least the arrival of colonists in the East up to WWII. And there was a system wide test in grade 8 on just the constitution, another on US history. In High school there was a world history class that definitely covered the 20th century. None were electives. I had the interesting experience of taking both from an British exchange teacher who defended Chamberlain, then taking a year of US history the next year with the American teacher she had exchanged with. So there was four semesters of non-elective US history in those days between grades 8 and 12. Grade 7 and 9 studied other countries, and my grade 7 history report was on Adolf Hitler. Grade 10 World history report was on decline of USSR/China alliance. This was in San Francisco public schools by the way.

+11 # giraffee2012 2011-08-06 00:25

Quoting GeorgeNJ:

Hey, Benito Mussolini. Corporations writing legislation for governments; isn't that your definition of fascism? If you can't remember, ask Adolf Hitler.

The 2010 supreme court decision for "person" hood sold us out to these corporations so the corruption goes all the way to the top

+65 # Hors-D-whores 2011-08-05 15:29

Hmm, think ALEC people have something to hide? Were onto to them an they can't stand the heat.

+4 # Homer Peters 2011-08-06 05:18

Re: can't stand the heat: NO, they can't stand the heat but the only way to quench this fire is at the ballot box.

+54 # noitall 2011-08-05 15:35

If you don't sue them, so goes your credibility. Follow through!

+59 # Isar 2011-08-05 15:36

Need I remind everyone that the Brown Shirts in the 1930's of Germany were bullies, hired to frighten people, break windows, rough people up, and worse?

+45 # CL38 2011-08-05 18:22

The comparisons with Nazi's and what the right is doing are very real.Before WW2, Nazi's suppressed labor unions & strikes, and went after the liberal opposition. They took control of the courts, local government, and all civic organizations. All expressions of public opinion were controlled by Hitler's propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, who made effective use of film, mass rallies, and Hitler's skillful oratory.

The right is changing the voting laws in many states to prevent the poor from voting. They're intolerant of a Democratic President—they spent $60 million of public monies trying to find something on Clinton and vowed to destroy Obama’s Presidency. They've targeted gays, women, women’s reproductive gains and choice, the middle class, the poor and seniors. They’ve used divisive, racist, homophobic tactics to play one group against another. They’ve used religion to increase their hold on our political system. They’ve used racial epithets against the President and called him a liar in front of a joint session of Congress. They’ even referred to him as a monkey. They’ve tacitly encouraged people to take guns to rallies where Obama was speaking and symbolically placed cross-hairs on the websites of other Democrats.

Remember hearing about how the German people didn't act?

+2 # jon 2011-08-05 20:07

Exactly !!

Unfortunately CL38 is not Rupert Murdoch or Rush Limbaugh, etc.

+1 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:09

Dominance and submission. Fear, Obesity, now threatening actions, physical brutality, terrorism scares...it does affect reactions of people

then the poor educated, drunks, and those that just do not care

+12 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 20:26

You saw the article that researched the A3P group that leaflets tea party rallies? Some tea party rallies are almost entirely A3P, which is a white supremacy group. Its leadership believes anyone but people with pure white European ancestry should be forced to leave, but their leaflets only say "immigrants" according tot he article. The article pointed to two examples, one in northern New Jersey, the other in California.

+2 # in deo veritas 2011-08-06 05:27

Do these degenerates have a clue what would happen if they got their wish? How many of them even know who their daddy is or was? If you consider how few would be here after they deported all they don't like, they would have to shoulder all the taxes and other burdens. That would result in anarchy and they would perish. What idiots!

+7 # Progressive Patriot 2011-08-05 23:06

People who go to Tea Party rallies are too ignorant to realize that THEY are as much a part of that oppression as people on the Left. The corporatists of both parties are using them, but they will be smothered along with the rest of us.

+1 # in deo veritas 2011-08-06 05:23

GREAT POST! I wonder how long it will take these traitors to find a way to shut down the internet as has been done elsewhere. It is the only way we have to spread the truth as this post did.

+5 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:07

Funny thing is that the Blacks, Latin Americans do not get the point or Asians of how they are being used by those who hate what they stand for.

+2 # Homer Peters 2011-08-06 05:22

Were the German people of the 1930s as well armed as the people of this country are now? I suspect if/when the contemporary "brown shirts" attempt to "frighten people, break windows and rough people up" the outcome may/will hopefully be a bit different.

+1 # rf 2011-08-08 03:47

We have our own precedent...the Pinkertons in the 20's killed people to fight unions. Time to break the guy's knee when he walks out the servant entrance. Suing will do nothing.

+49 # brucezell 2011-08-05 15:37

The US is the perfect definition of a facist government, in every way! A government run by it's corpoations. Of course mainstream facist media is disallowed from stating that fact. You say it, you are fired!

+7 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:11

Buy American Products, South American Gas.
Keep your cool at work, Meet with people to get a stronger network but do not bring it to work...Like with Unions it can get you fired. There will be time to organize.
Get churches involved...Ther e are ways to use the rights you are fighting for and leave their fight alone!

+3 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 20:56

Some people think that churches can get involved the way they did in the 1850s or 1960s. They can't. If they get involved in politics at all, they will lose their not-for-profit status, which includes being charged taxes..., the right-wing can say anything it wants in the churches, but the left-wing can't, or they'll tell on you and take away the status, and then steal the property (as NY state did with some Orthodox churches). Many churches (agree or disagree with their policies) provide free or low-cost social services; these will go away.
And South American gas isn't always the answer either: the oil spills down there are as horrific as the Gulf of Mexico but unpublicized. Yes, it is good to eat American foods in season. Don't quit a union just because you are afraid, but be aware of consequences. No, there is no time to organize; NOW is the time. What are Progressives waiting for?

-1 # rf 2011-08-08 03:51

Churchs wouldn't want to risk their money...we know that is what they are all about...just like the corporations.

+27 # jon 2011-08-05 15:50

Transparency and accountability - without them there is NO Democracy!

The Grand Experiment is over. We are toast.

There are enough of our neighbors that feel that corporations running our government is a good thing, to pronounce us, "divided and conquered".

+10 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:12

I am not toast, Never Say Never

+33 # nationwyde 2011-08-05 15:56

Next time have several other people with cameras to record froma distance.

+21 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 18:26

That's a great idea! When people go to any protest, rally, or even visit as press, everybody should bring... their phones. What we need is more people, period.

+14 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:13

Always keep some on the outer perimeter taking pictures and sending them immediately to home, work TV Stations, friends family. Set up phony account if need be just for pictures

+27 # Texan 4 Peace 2011-08-05 15:59

The phone number of the New Orleans Marriott on Canal St. is 504-581-1000. If you call, please be polite to the desk staff, it's not THEIR fault. You may also want to leave them a comment at:
https://www.marriott.com/suggest/suggest.mi

If you've ever been a guest there (I have), mention that.

+39 # angelfish 2011-08-05 16:02

The "black Shirts" and the Fascists are now operating FREELY out in the open in what USED to be the Democratic Republic of the United States of America! THIS is what the K.N.F.P. (Koch/Norquist Fascist Party is ALL about. It's MY way or the Highway, no room for discussion or civil discourse, just bullying and violence towards ANYONE who isn't them! Disgraceful!

+21 # jon 2011-08-05 16:43

Exactly the same technique used by Hitler during the 1930's to bully the NAZI party into control of Germany.

+6 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:16

Difference is they are incoroporating people of other nationalities to do the dirty work although they actually hate these same races. Make that point

+4 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:16

Start bringing this up in churches, get your firends who are of other Nationalities to see how they are being used. Talk with NAACP and other organizations to show how they are being used by same people who would have burned them on a cross in a minute. We must get the people back on our side, they are being used for their power of physical being not because they actually want them.

+33 # Cynthia 2011-08-05 16:15

I don't understand why they didn't immediately call the police.

+11 # in deo veritas 2011-08-05 18:51

probably because they own the police there-or the police are scared of Blackwater.

-2 # rf 2011-08-08 03:52

It is New Orleans...take them to a bridge and shoot them is the polices idea of law there.

+18 # Rebecca Heal 2011-08-05 16:19

I just called the New Orleans Marriott. The phone number is (504) 581-1000. I got the email address for the general manager. It's Gil.Zachio@marriott.com. He is out of the office, so I called the emergency contact, a lady named Sally Norman. Her phone number 504 613 1996. I suggest every RSN follower email Gil and call Sally. AND be polite but insistant that the behaviors of their security guards is un-democratic. Would someone like to tell us all how we contact ALEC? They are the real culprits, in so many ways.

+9 # castaway5555 2011-08-05 16:20

Brown Shirts?

+11 # in deo veritas 2011-08-05 18:52

Hitler's brown shirts-the SA(Sturmabteilu ng) storm troopers.

0 # Homer Peters 2011-08-06 05:40

Go to www.wikipedia.com and enter "brown shirts" for a concise explanation of this term.

+28 # Dillanger T Stockton 2011-08-05 16:27

What most people do not realize is that most of these security personnel are NSA controlled Terrorist Snitches.

I investigate COINTELPRO Terrorism being committed by the Nation Security Agency and their controlled Terrorist Snitches. And the behavior of these two security guards definitely fit the profile.

It is about terrorizing people into being too intimidated and too scared to ask questions. Repression. The Nazi's did it and now the NSA is following the same script.

+28 # Rebecca Heal 2011-08-05 16:30

I just called the home offices of ALEC. No one is there, so you have to leave a message. The number is 202-466-3800. I told them my name, where I lived and told them I had seen the video and was agast. That's not the way a democracy operates. I challenge each of you to do the same.

+11 # ALinSTL 2011-08-05 22:19

God BLESS, Rebecca...watch your back!!!!
They now have your phone # & will soon have your address...tell someone close what you did in case something bad happens to you...

+19 # Capn Canard 2011-08-05 16:34

FASCISTS. Any questions?

+14 # jon 2011-08-05 16:46

FASCISTS! Without the least bit of a DOUBT!

(maybe we should learn how to goose-step)

+8 # Erdajean 2011-08-05 20:36

Right,Jon -- Fascists. Without a doubt. But no goose-stepping -- what we need is to stand together, and seriously kick ass.

+16 # sebouhian 2011-08-05 16:58

The Yankees and the Boston Red Sox are playing a game right now. Ball games, athletic games, raise the emotions to a thunderously egregious height. They can tear at each other with vicious hate, but--but without breaking the rules, without blooding down the opposition. They play therefore with a respect for themselves and for the game. Isn't that true for amendments, especially the first? These reporters were not attacked by Americans; they were booted by those who scorn the meaning of American; they along with their bosses are the terrorists in our midst--and should be held responsible not just for the damage and injuries, but for the meaning of their violent acts.

+22 # suzyskier 2011-08-05 17:35

What should we call our country now? Nazi America? After millions were killed or disabled in WWII to fight against fascism, now we find it here. What did all those American, British, Russians and others die for? Are Americans going to let this insidious plague take over?? We better do something before the Brown Shirts organize. This is crazy!

+10 # Anarchist 23 2011-08-05 18:40

Velcome to the GSA-Geheim Staats of Amerikkka-papie r bitte!

0 # Homer Peters 2011-08-06 05:42

Suzy, the brown shirts are already organized.

+23 # DaveM 2011-08-05 17:49

Nothing like a good old-fashioned goon squad to help make sure your side is "right". God help us.

+17 # eddiethelip 2011-08-05 18:28

God (if there is one - which I doubt) has already helped us. The universe has given us free will and a brain to think with. Unfortunately, it appears that most Americans have abrogated those thoughts and actions to their corporate masters.
They accept what Faux News says as gospel as well as their phony Christian ministers.
That is why I left the USA to live elsewhere. To those of you who are happy I left, I am too.

-1 # in deo veritas 2011-08-06 05:34

Good for you! I am sure you will be joined by many more before this is over.

+4 # in deo veritas 2011-08-05 18:55

God will NOT help those who will not help themselves. We cannot depend on heroes or superheros-ther e are none!

+7 # KittatinyHawk 2011-08-05 20:23

Could this not fall under Patriot Act..terrorists against Free Press?

+19 # RCW 2011-08-05 17:55

If you have not already done so, read Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here, a novel about the rise of a homegrown American fascist President and political party. Way back in the thirties Lewis saw it coming.

0 # Saberoff 2011-08-05 21:25

I liked "The Plot Against America," by Philip Roth, as well.

+8 # annknickerbocker 2011-08-05 17:58

The guards must be training for the NOPD (New Orleans Police Department.)

+15 # phrixus 2011-08-05 18:22

Suing is ok, more effective is filing a criminal assault complaint with the local district attorney.

+6 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 20:30

But that will go nowhere if they are in the pocket of the hotel and the ALEC group. But it should be done, and soon. Again, please folks, get this video to go viral.

+6 # R Miller 2011-08-05 21:16

And filing with any local D.A. will work. . .how? Brownshirt activity of this sort can only be stopped by lots of light and litigation. And when those reporters win their lawsuit (and they will) some of the money can go on to support their favorite progressive causes. I suggest separating those punks from their means of transportation and donating the autos to a local food bank.

+18 # Bill Clements 2011-08-05 18:29

This little incident tells us A LOT about ALEC, i.e., over and above what we already know. That's outrageous. Getting their hired goons to rough up and intimidate the press? What's next?

I hope that the outcome, aside from a lawsuit, is an avalanche of exposure on these corporatist thugs.

+2 # Homer Peters 2011-08-06 05:44

But isn't "roughing up and intimidating the press" old hat for the Rethugs?

+12 # kidkeenan 2011-08-05 18:34

How about calling in federal prosecutors under the Reconstruction Act. All local enforcement acts can be challenged.

+13 # Palli 2011-08-05 18:37

I know of three society requirements to change democracy (even flawed ones) to fascism:
1. high unemployment so enough people will seek and remain employees when the duties require suspension of normal personal decency;
2. endless and meaningless wars scare people into accepting and acting inhumanly to others; and,
3. undue respect for costumes called uniforms.

Progressives need non-violent resistance training- journalists and citizens. The training bring a sense of good & righteous power in the face of aggression. That and cameras are all we need at this moment in the struggle.

+16 # Elizabeth 2011-08-05 19:06

This video needs to go viral on Youtube etc. Could somebody put it there? Is there a way to help it go viral?

Also, it is time that we call on the Commander in Chief to stop this domestic terrorism. He might cave again and again, or he might agree with ALEC, but he should be put on notice that the free press needs to be defended. And if it is the NSA as Dillanger T Stockton said, then the President needs to be in control of his own security agency.

It is also time that we contact our Congress and Senate about this kind of terrorism. If such goons are allowed to rough up the press then we can kiss our nation goodbye (and these are not paparazzi oogling a movie star, but bona fide press covering a political lobbyist organization that should not be a secret organization).

+1 # in deo veritas 2011-08-06 06:20

Commander in Chief? What a joke. He is not in control of anything after this last cavein to the fascists. Another Hindenberg!

+14 # Activista 2011-08-05 20:01

This GESTAPO stuff is happening all over the USA ...
We need American Spring ... PROTEST

0 # in deo veritas 2011-08-06 06:23

We will have to endure "the winter of our discontent" as a great author put it before real action is feasible-things haven't gotten bad enough to wake up enough people to what is happening. It will happen when that point is reached.

+10 # Magars 2011-08-05 20:03

Incidents like this one are supposed to be reported and denounced by Keith Olbernmann and Al Gore in order to make the democratic values prevailed. Both of them are VIP, one as a journalist and Gore as a politician. Gore can start a campaig in public arena demanding a cease of excess of force of law enforcement and retake of the right to peaceful protest without the worry that be register in the FBI black list. Progressive organization are constantly firing in court the right of people of peaceful assemble. Could Al Gore do that for the cause of American Democracy? I think so! He tried when he was VP. I know will be hard for him because taking side criticizing Obama Administration is not and easy task but like Teddy Roosevelt said: "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president,or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public"

+1 # in deo veritas 2011-08-06 06:26

Great quote from TR! We have seen too much of this fascist treason while the chimp was in office and it continues under the present regime!

+2 # in deo veritas 2011-08-06 06:30

Best suggestion-if you need a hotel go somewhere other than the Marriott. That will make a statement. Non-violent economic warfare works. Look at how well this tactic has worked against the public to benefit the oligarchy!

+10 # R Miller 2011-08-05 21:11

Study the videos, identify the thugs responsible, publish the information. Sue the Marriot, and the individuals associated with ALEC, forcing them to turn on their own organization. All orgs are run by people, and the best way to take down an org is to identify and sue the principals personally. This may sound harsh, but if ALEC gets away with this behavior things will get to the point where they are beyond the law. Do it.

+1 # Patch 2011-08-05 22:04

Where is Lisbeth Salander when we need her?

+2 # David P 2011-08-05 22:19

Here is their contact information. It has both an email contact form, as well as multiple phone numbers.

https://www.marriott.com/suggest/suggest.mi

+1 # mwiley 2011-08-06 05:24

Loved Patch's comment! I think it would be more productive to pursue ALEC rather than the Marriott. Weber's email:
rweber@alec.org
She still hasn't issued a statement.

0 # mwiley 2011-08-06 05:35

Raegan Weber's email is rweber@alec.org. Write her and tell her she has some explaining to do. We need to keep an eye on ALEC. Check out their website; they were on the defensive before this episode in New Orleans. Love Patch's comment on Lisbeth Salander.

0 # mwiley 2011-08-06 05:48

Raegan Weber's cell phone is
202-281-8879. Give her a call and let her know how you feel.

+3 # bruce colwell 2011-08-06 05:56

I will write to Marriott. Regarding the call for a primary challenge to Obama, I couldn't disagree more. It is not that I am totally enamoured with him. I believe his negotiation skills suck. Rather, let's not pull another 2000 like we did with Nader. Remember Florida and New Hampshire. It's the Supreme Court stupid.

+1 # Scott479 2011-08-06 06:35

You can always hire half of the poor to kill the other half-Eric is a prime example.

0 # Alice 2011-08-06 06:41

Isn't there a tie between Erik Prince and ALEC via his sister? I wonder exactly where these goons were from.

0 # CB 2011-08-06 11:51

Quoting Alice:

Isn't there a tie between Erik Prince and ALEC via his sister? I wonder exactly where these goons were from.

I'm not sure, but I think they were trained in Syria.

+1 # MgM 2011-08-06 11:02

Instead of contacting Marriott hotel development site, I would contact their PR person in charge of diversity....
felicia.mclemore@marriott.com

+1 # Zoe 2011-08-06 11:07

> I have written to Marriott wanting an explanation of what happened in NOLA, and assurance that this kind of thugish behavior will not happen again. Until then I will not stay at a Marriott property. I think more people should show their displeasure by boycotting Marriott.

+1 # Linda77 2011-08-06 12:27

We are living in times that can't be tolerated. Our leaders left to meet with big corporations. ALEC has secrets. Who runs this country? I will contact Marriott. This is not a democracy! Yes, we need Bernie!

+1 # shelew 2011-08-06 12:30

And once again we do nothing. Lobbyists are polluting our system. As I said we do nothing

+2 # tovangar2 2011-08-06 14:14

"Fascism should more properly be called corporatism because it is the merger of state and corporate power." -- Benito Mussolini

Marriott is just one more corporation to add to the Boycott List

+1 # jcadams 2011-08-06 21:16

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? IT'S NEW ORLEANS. WHERE THE POLICE ABUSE AND SHOOT INNOCENT AND UNARMED CIVILIANS WITH IMPUGNITY. AND SOMETIMES KILL THEM. THIS IS A MANIFESTATION OF THE FACSIM FUELED BY FUNDS FROM THE KOCH BROTHERS AND THEIR ILK. WAKE UP AMERICA --- THIS IS ALL PART OF A MASSIVE REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH IN ACTION. WEALTH THAT FLOWS FROM THE POOR AND WHAT'S LEFT OF THE MIDDLE CLASS --- TO THE SUPER RICH.

+2 # tcatt57 2011-08-07 05:38

BOYCOTT FASCISM -- BOYCOTT MARRIOTT! in America.
http://marriottdevelopment.netlinkrg.com/contact.aspx
Do it now! No more tyrants

+2 # Katshero9 2011-08-07 14:06

From Florida today, I made calls in Wisconsin to get out the vote for the recall election on Tuesday. BoldProgressive s.org contacted me using Alan Grayson, whom I admire as one of the few Dems with cojones. We can organize, work in other states and fight the Koch-suckers. If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.

0 # Butch Krichmar 2011-08-07 16:00

WE SHOULD FLY THE FLAG UPSIDE DOWN TO PROTEST THE DIRECTION OUR COUNTRY IS HEADING

0 # thymesup 2011-08-10 03:25

Quoting in deo veritas:

It looks like my efforts over 36 years in the classroom made no difference. I spent considerable time in presenting the rise of Nazi germany and pointing out the things happening in our own country as parallels, which was not without criticism. My only regret about retiring is that I am unable to continue the fight to expose these traitors.

:
you are still able to comment and write your important historical views everywhere you see comments such as these, where obviously intelligent thinking people go. thanks, and keep up the good work!!! the most important work is unpaid. lynn bradbury, lubec maine 04652 where did you teach? have you checked out the science at sites such as ae911truth.org? please do. also 911truth.org. also, google the toronto hearings. many thanks.

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