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DNC information meeting for uptown venues closed to press


Charlotte Business Journal by Susan Stabley, Staff Writer
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 11:11am EDT - Last Modified: Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 11:44am EDT

Businesses in uptown Charlotte were debriefed this morning on how the Democratic National Convention will affect their operations.

The information session included representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Alcohol Beverage Commission, Food and Drug Administration, Charlotte Fire Department, Mecklenburg County Health Department and Visit Charlotte.

This meeting was especially important because organizers promised new details for businesses regarding the recently released safety plan for uptown that details road closings, restricted areas and security checkpoints that will be in place during the DNC. The convention runs the first week of September.

News outlets were not allowed to cover the meeting, which was widely publicized and open to those who work at uptown venues.

The Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee organized this morning's event at the Charlotte Convention Center. Spokeswoman Suzi Emmerling says the media was barred from the information session because organizers wanted attendees “to speak freely and that dynamic changes when press is in the room.”

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Those seeking invites to the most lavish receptions at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, "gold ticket" access to "dialogues," and private breakfast briefings with party luminaries, can expect a hefty price of admission.

A list of high-end convention packages circulated by the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee, and obtained by ABC News, shows that those and other perks are being offered to donors who raise $1 million or donate $100,000 to the convention's nonprofit planning arm.

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Women’s group slams DNC for not providing child care

National Organization for Women chapters denounce ‘discrimination against moms’

By Jim Morrill jmorrill@charlotteobserver.com


CHARLOTTE, N.C. California Democrat Susie Shannon plans to come to the Democratic convention with her 4-year-old daughter, Gracie.

But she learned recently that convention organizers won’t provide child care or let children on the convention floor.

Now National Organization for Women chapters in Southern California – with an assist from feminist Gloria Steinem – are denouncing the convention for “discrimination against moms.”

“Women are the key to a Democratic victory, and sometimes, children are the key to women,” Steinem said in a statement. “It’s both right and smart for the Democratic Convention to behave as if children exist.”

Lindsey Horvath, president of the Hollywood NOW chapter, said the convention policy “creates an insurmountable barrier for mothers … to participate in the process of choosing a presidential candidate.”

Convention spokeswoman Joanne Peters said private child care providers are available on an official vendor directory. And lactation centers will be available in all venues for nursing mothers.

“Democratic conventions have historically required credentials for all individuals to access the convention hall to ensure the safety and security of all attending,” she said.

Shannon, 45, said “that is something, but unfortunately it’s not enough.”

“The Democratic Party shouldn’t put you in a position where you have to choose between your child and participating in a political convention,” she said.

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Originally posted by Niki2:
Good going, Mr. Nonpartisan. You ever going to have the balls to say you're nonpartisan again? I get a kick out of virtually everything posted about the Repubs triggers you into a "yeah, but the Dems/Obama/liberals..." I have yet to see any post that shows any even attempt at nonpartisanship, so let's just accept you're a rightie and get on with it.

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Originally posted by Geezer:
So the Republicans are keeping the press out of some social events, and the Democrats are keeping them out of a meeting about security plans that affect everyone doing business or going into downtown Charlotte during their convention.

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Originally posted by Geezer:

Then again, the Democrats won't even let children on the convention floor.

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Originally posted by Storymark:
[Normally, conservatives would complain if the press was reporting on security procedures. But then everything turns backwards when they think they can complain that a Dem is doing it.

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Of course, you then go on to complain that they're NOT providing government-paid-for Child Care, and instead promoting local private business. Those pinko bastards!!

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Originally posted by Kwicko:
Well, we all know why the Republicans won't bar children from the floor: If they did, they'd have no delegates in attendance!

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Originally posted by Geezer:

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Originally posted by Kwicko:
Well, we all know why the Republicans won't bar children from the floor: If they did, they'd have no delegates in attendance!

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Aren't you and Story out on the Trollo Libre tag-team circuit yet? What's the problem, can't find masks to fit your swelled heads?

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