Buildings razed to the ground by angry mobs...
Cars engulfed in flames lining the city streets...
Trump effigies dangling from city bridges...
These are some images some people had in their heads, whether self-manifested or otherwise placed there, heading in to the Republican National Convention in Downtown Cleveland; mostly because of the fiery opinions on either side of the political aisle. Alas, and likely to the disappointment of some national media, there was none of that. In fact, I saw more hi-fives, hugs, and dancing in the street from people with ear-to-ear grins adorned on their faces than any hatred, vitriol, or violence. Even when protests got heated, and some of them did, things calmed down quickly.
The main reason things didn't get out of hand was due to the incomparable effort and flawless execution by law enforcement. They've already been exhalted by local leaders, visitors bureaus, RNC planners, and more; but I'm going to offer them a little bit more praise from my end. Having grown up just south of Cleveland and having spent most of my adult life in and around the city, I can honestly say that I've never felt safer in my city. In addition, I've never felt more of a personal connection with members of law enforcement in my life. I personally witnessed officers, both local and not, talking with, laughing with, dancing with, and having fun with all of the RNC revelers, visiting delegates, protesters, and casual observers, all week. In a time in this country that has been defined by tension between citizens and the men and women who take an oath to protect them, to say that faith in humanity was restored would be an understatement.
For me, RNC week kicked off with a peaceful march and moment of silence for the Circle the City with Love event. I joined a couple of thousand locals in the trek across the Hope Memorial Bridge (quite fittingly, so), alongside a police escort. After about 30 minutes of silence, and hand-holding, one of the group's organizers hit the airhorn signaling the end of the peaceful demonstration; but that's when the real demonstration began. In near 90-degree heat, attendees began lining up again, this time to shake the hands of, hug, and offer well wishes to the group of about 30 officers who provided supervision and guaranteed safety for the event. One-by-one, demonstrators young and old went down the line of officers. It was truly one of the greatest moments of my radio news career and I feel honored to have been a part of it.
Throughout the week I had the chance to speak with a number of the men and woman of law enforcement and EMS (cannot forget these folks who also added tremendously to the safety factor), both local and from out of town. The local folks I spoke with were grateful to the crowds, both visitors and Cleveland-area residents, for being so cordial and respectful, as were the out-of-town law enforcement. The difference from the out-of-town angle is that every single one of them that I asked said they would be coming back to Northeast Ohio to visit... Which, from what I gather, was the entire goal of those who planned on bringing this convention here in the first place.
So thank you to all of the law enforcement officials who worked grueling shifts in the heat, and mostly on their feet, all while being cordial and respectful of everyone and thier views. You guys and gals were the true winners of this convention..., and if I could, I'd vote for each and every one of YOU for president!
If you'd like to see more photos from my perspective of the 2016 Republican National Convention, click here to link to my Facebook gallery.