November 5th, 2008
AP/UPI
Diane G, WWL National Newsgroup
Protests broke out last night and this morning after a surprising John McCain upset over frontrunner Barack Obama.
Amidst charges of dubious voter challenges, irregular counts and vote tampering, riots and demonstrations took place in several major cities including Detroit, Cleveland and Palm Beach last night and this morning.
Unconfirmed sources have reported widespread damage to property, injuries and 23 deaths.
Local Law Enforcement Agencies were supported by the deployment of National Guardsmen and the First Brigade of the Third Infantry Division. In Louisiana, where the demonstrations were more widespread in smaller Parishes, Blackwater agents were also deployed to prevent violence.
On October 1st, George Bush struck down Posse Comitatus, thus making it legal for the U.S. military to patrol on American soil. This marks the first time that American Troops have been deployed against American Citizens in history. US Military Spokesmen have issued no response to their being called to active response last night.
Martial Law was expanded after its initial institution September 28th due to the Wall Street crisis to include curfews and ID searches in all 50 States. Travelers may only be on the street between 7 am and 8 pm, and must carry identification to avoid arrest.
Voters are complaining that the exit polls showed an overwhelming Obama win and the resulting McCain win shows obvious vote tampering. These charges were made in both 2000 and 2004, but this election marks the first time violence has broken out as a result.
A reporter in Detroit, who asked his name be withheld has claimed that a peaceful demonstration chanting “Recount!” was fired upon by riot-geared military personnel without provocation. The scattering crowd then proceeded to light fire to several buildings and overturn cars as they dispersed.
Some reports have claimed racially motivated violence as reports of men waving Confederate flags driving by and opening fire on a Black Churches where people had gathered to pray in Tallahassee, and in black neighborhoods in several other States.
Unconfirmed reports of microwave burns inflicted by a military weapon have been reported in Florida, where protesters had gathered outside the State Capitol. Area hospitals have been cordoned off from reporters, so no confirmation is available.
Barack Obama has called for end to the violence, asking that the Special Prosecutor investigating voter registration fraud be allowed to examine the evidence. His campaign is demanding a recount.
President Elect McCain’s spokesman issued a brief statement last night asking “Supporters of Obama act like patriots, not a traitorous mob.”
President Bush has denounced both the violence and denied voting fraud. “We will not allow terrorists to disrupt the fabric of America, the choice has been made and its clearly John McCain. We will arrest every single person who breaks the law and tries to instill fear in the hearts of upright Americans,” he said.
A joint McCain Bush press conference is expected later today.