Strange

St. Paul... Where Politics and Street Theater were married...

by Mikasi | September 6, 2008 at 01:03 pm

246 views | 10 Recommendations | 1 comment

Most of the coverage of the events in Saint Paul focused on one of two things – the RNC and the people protesting it. Yes, those are important things, the most important things, but they aren't the only things.

There is a certain light-hearted entertainment at virtually all of at these events if you know where to look for it. In the case of the RNC in Saint Paul the place to gather for lighthearted entertainment was at Rice Park, just outside where the delegates entered the secured Xcel Energy Center.

In the center MSNBC had erected a huge stage and set from which to broadcast it's convention coverage. People crowded around the fence guarding the set, waving signs, cheering and vying for the hats and other goodies the network's assistants doled out.

But that was not the show. The show is found all around – people dressed in costumes, passing out literature, selling mementos and performing street theater.

From the Northeast corner of the park - where the Missle Dick Chicks enchant passerbys and police alike with their stunning song, flowing dance and phallic costumes – to the southwest – where Vermin Supreme, a Presidential candidate whose campaign slogan is “Screw World Peace I Want a Pony,” lobbies delegates as before they enter the convention this is a irony encouraged zone.

In the middle of a week of politics and police actions, Rice Park provided a welcome respite.