Honor guard harassed at Arena
Albany -- Police unit was spit at and called names as they carried flags at Democratic convention
Members of the Albany Police Department Honor Guard were harassed and spit on by a few people as they carried flags into Tuesday's Democratic state convention at Pepsi Arena, officials said.
"This was probably a very small minority in a sea of legitimate Democratic Party members,'' said Albany Police Chief John C. Nielsen. "It's probably going to send the wrong message about what was in fact an overwhelmingly peaceful, law-abiding and respectful group.''
President Bill Clinton attended the ceremony as state Democrats unanimously nominated Hillary Rodham Clinton as their U.S. Senate candidate.
The five-member honor guard, which is made up of Albany police officers, told authorities that some people in the crowd of 11,500 Democratic supporters called them "Nazis'' and "members of (New York City Mayor Rudolph) Giuliani's 'Third Reich.' ''
The harassment took place as the officers entered the arena around 5:45 p.m. in front of the Albany Police Department Pipes & Bags band.
The honor guard were in full-dress uniform and carrying the American flag, said Detective Thomas McGraw, president of the Albany Police Officers Union.
"We are very upset,'' McGraw said. "The honor guard were asked to act as ambassadors to the city of Albany. They were invited guests and they were volunteering their time.''
The incidents allegedly took place on the floor of the arena, where only delegates carrying passes were allowed access, officials said.
Mayor Jerry Jennings blasted those responsible.
"I'd love to identify these individuals,'' Jennings said. "It's unfortunate there are people who don't know how to act. It's behavior I find reprehensible.''
And these bozos wonder why the blue collar, protect-and-serve working man hates Hitlery? They need to walk a mile in his shoes, preferable through a gauntlet of elitist, fascist pigs like them...JFK