Today’s protest activity almost makes the weekend’s raids look tame.

Before the info, my opinions.

Somewhere approaching 10,000 people showed up in Saint Paul today to say with their signs, their voices, and their presence that they disagreed with something our government is doing. They got their message out with causing any harm to anyone or anything.

A few hundred dillweeds showed up, threw bricks through windows and dumped garbage bins into the street, and generally caused a ruckus for the sake of causing a ruckus, essentially fucking it up for everyone. I’m not against protesting or demonstrating. I am against being a jackass.

And, you know, if you really mean it, show your face instead of hiding behind a bandana. If you have a message that you stand by, attaching your real identity to it gives it more meaning.

At the same time, the presence of various local and federal law enforcement agencies in full riot gear somewhat escalates the situation. If you’re gonna go full out like that, you’re going to spur people on. If you’re ensconced inside your protective bubble, it encourages people to try to break it.

On to the roundup.

Chuck Olsen doing his thing.

Originally uploaded by diversey.

(Okay, I know that’s not actually news, or at least it’s the most meta take on the story, but look at him! Work it, Chuck.)

My #2 favorite: Corinne McDermid is one of The Uptake’s CJs who has been broadcasting from downtown Saint Paul all day. This is video she took while detained by police in a massive roundup of protestors.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCST-5IXzDA[/youtube]

@MnIndyLIVE brings you the Quote of the Day:

Overheard from excited Mpls policeman, “So I shot him with impact round a he just fucking dropped!”

Brian Moen has a great photoset of the peaceful protest action.

Terrific photos of the RNC Mania also from wRen, including the following.

Originally uploaded by waiting line.

Originally uploaded by waiting line.

Photos and commentary from Messiah Complex from his vantage point at the Ordway.

And finally many RNC-related dispatches from MnIndy throughout the day and a pretty good roundup of the action and the major conflicts at the Pioneer Press (where bugmenot.com is your friend).

As the PiPress tweets, “Protest tally: 256 total; 119 felonies; 48 gross misdemeanors; 89 misdemeanors. Per Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department.”

Oh yeah, and the RNC did actually start and Hurricane Gustav did actually hit the ground. Most of the country was watching hurricane coverage or the US Open.