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The first arrests of convention week happened today outside the Pepsi Center. There are very strong feelings about how things are in this nation right now, and the city of Denver knew there would probably be protests this week. It started even before the convention officially kicked off.
They're not saying how many people were actually arrested, but about 1,000 anti-war demonstrators packed downtown, right outside the Pepsi Center. There were chants, signs, songs, and masks mocking the President, all under the watchful eye of police in riot-control gear.
It's all part of a rigorous security system in place right now. It's even surprising to Denver residents who are clamoring downtown to be a part of the action. Denver resident Renee Palmer said, "We got on the light rail, from South Denver and came up here to check it out and see what we could see. It's orchestrated pretty tight though."
John Furjanic said, "Kind of interesting. My last time in Salt Lake was for the winter Olympics, and it was pretty secure then, but I think this has got it topped!"
Utah's 29 delegates are there, and their seats inside the Pepsi Center are waiting for them, way stage left, as far to the edge as possible. It's hardly prime seating, but Utah Democrats don't care. It's celebration time for them, and they're already celebrating.
Of course, tomorrow it's down to business, when the partying merges with politics to create unity.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
