The first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) showed their ability to move in formation to demonstrate force over activists.

D2K's August 14th "Human Need Not Corporate Greed" rally at Pershing Square kicked off smoothly, in a wonderful spirit of cooperation among the many groups that have organized under it's broad umbrella. Groups as diverse as Justice for Janitors, The Green Party, Free Mumia, Justice for the U'Wa nation and Film Local 847, all came together with the understanding that all of their issues stem from the same cause; the stranglehold of our democracy by the corporate machine and big money.

The Rally ended with wonderful pep talks from State Senator Tom Hayden and Granny D, who walked from coast to coast for campaign finance reform, and a lively skit starring puppets and drummers. All this took place in spite of the intimidating presence of a large number of police.

After the rally the seven to ten thousand person crowd took to the streets and marched from Pershing Square to the area in front of the Staple Center designated by the city for the demonstrator's use. The diverse crowd sang, played drums, chanted in English and Spanish and maintained a festive energy in spite of the huge police presence.