Police state 101

What a day! Started off with a march from Malcom X park down to Union station where there was a little bit of a party. Streets were blocked off everywhere. To get by the parade route you had to get through a specially fenced off area. I couldn't get through because I had a backpack. They didn't let some select people through who had signs as well. People were saying it's the worst it's ever been. It was a very partisan crowd, either anarchist/protesters or fur coat wearing Republicans (I've never seen so many in my life). I couldn't see the presidential limo from where I was but from what I hear it sped up when it passed the protesters on Pennsylvania Ave. I was standing by the fenced off area for about an hour wondering why these anarchist guys hadn't attempted to break through the not that strong security fence, but they were too busy showing off wearing black and burning the flag. Then when they finally shook a panel free it was all uncoordinated and the stormtroopers blocked the hole pretty easily and beat people back. Another panel a bit further up got taken off as well but the police started using pepper spray to force everyone back. It eventually drifted over my way and towards the people trying to get 'legitably' in. Not too pleasant. Wandered around town after that and caught some of the marching bands from the end of the parade just before it started to get dark. Headed uptown after that too see the Noise against Fascism concert. Met up with Dion Workmann in the cafe across the street who was going to the concert as well. Most of the acts were pretty bad, exceptions were Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore (who I managed to give some CDs to, heh). Chris Corsano/ Paul Fleherty were OK but maybe a bit overated. My favourite act of the night would have to be Magik Markers esp when the guitarist/singer (blond girl) started spazzing out and yelling 'This city's going down in flames and I'm going with it!' Wandered wearily home lucky to miss the anarchist protest that went by my hostel a bit earlier where people who stepped out on the street to see what was going on were arrested.
More pics once I get this video editted.