Free Republic

( Des Moines)-- A Democratic rally at the Drake University Olmstead Center urged young Iowans to get out and vote. The rally -- in support of Howard Dean-- was targeted toward high school and college students, a group known for not turning out to vote. The rally featured comedian Janene Garafalo and classic rock star Joan Jett, but was interrupted by a surprise visit from some unwanted guests. A group of college Republicans at their Midwest caucus leadership conference -- being held in the same building -- heard about the Democratic event, and crashed the rally. "There are seven of...

Political Rallies End in Brawl Two political rallies turned into a brawl Saturday night in Des Moines. A Democratic rally at Drake's Olmstead Center, urged young Iowans to get out and vote. It was targeted toward high school and college students. A group known for not voting. The rally featured comedian Janene Garafalo and classic rock star Joan Jett, but it got a surprise visit from some unwanted guests. A group of college republicans at their Midwest caucus leadership conference heard about the rally and stormed in. "There are seven of us who worked really hard at putting this conference...

THE SOCIETY for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals is an old-line organization with an admirable mission, which is to protect helpless animals from suffering, neglect and abuse. Its mission wanders and its image suffers when it takes its eye off the ball and strays into fringe areas, such as campaigning against hunting or trying to stop a pig chase at a county fair. Recently the New Hampshire SPCA tried to get an injunction to halt a “pig scramble” scheduled, as is long-time tradition, for the Stratham Fair. A judge quickly denied the injunction, saying just cause had not...