Speak Out!
September 2, 2008
by Gabe Erickson / Convention Intern
ST. PAUL – People took to the open forum stage outside the Republican National Convention Tuesday to speak up on contemporary issues. Topics on the stage ranged from war to abortion. After a startling display of protest the day before, organizers of the open forum said they were surprised to see such a small audience turn out to the public viewing area.
doneOnly a handful of people came to the public viewing area outside the RNC. Anti-abortion activist Brian Gibson spoke at the open forum despite the low turnout. He talked about abortion, when life begins and how abortion affects the people of the U.S..
doneGibson described his goals for his speech and disappointment with the turnout. Organizers said the idea for the stage came from the convention four years ago in New York, where the stage turnout was a big success.
doneThe open forum stage outside the Xcel Energy Center will host speakers throughout the RNC. Speakers applied for permits and were selected at random by the City of St. Paul. The stage is set from Sept. 1-4 fro 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Each speaker receives a 50 minute time slot. For more information or to view the open forum stage schedule, go to the city of St. Paul website.
