CLEVELAND —
Opposing demonstrators in Cleveland’s Kirtland Park exchanged angry words on Tuesday, and there were some reports of fights between the two groups. Police immediately formed two lines of officers to act as barriers to separate the opposing sides.
The Columbus Dispatch listed the groups: “There were Black Lives Matters protesters, anarchist groups, Socialist demonstrators, Westboro Baptist Church members, and KKK members on the square at the same time.”
The New American also noticed that there were a number of placards with the website of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA (www.revcom.us) listed.
We spoke with some members of the Libertarian Party who were present at the park, although not organized as demonstrators. They were simply mingling with the throngs of people, expressing opinions and discussing their differences peaceably. That is, peaceably until about 4:00 p.m., when tempers flared. Several people left the park immediately as soon as police began forming lines to separate the opposing protesters.
The messages on the various signs highlight the differences between the groups. On one side, most of the placards proclaimed ideas such as “Every Real Muslim Is a Jihadist,” while other signs in that group displayed religious or moral admonishments to America.
The other side’s placards — all professionally printed — typically carried statements such as “Stop Murder by Police” or “Stop Police Terrorism.” At least seven protesters held signs asserting “America Was NEVER Great! We Need To OVERTHROW This System.” Several people could be seen giving the Communist clenched fist salute.
This was the first episode that even hinted of potential violence in Cleveland during this year’s Republican National Convention. There were no reports of arrests or injuries.
Photo: AP Images
