Other examples include taking control of mass-media ownership. The Republican Party has become an extra-constitutional institution with the ability to subvert national elections and manage war propaganda.

The Utah Republican Party confirmed my worst suspicions at their pro-Bush rally on Aug. 30. The contrasts between the "Rock-Against-Rumsfeld" at Pioneer Park and the Bush rally at Washington Square were striking.

At Pioneer Park the crowd was surrounded by 50 or more Salt Lake police with riot gear and squad cars parked around the perimeter. When I arrived at the Bush rally I saw three police officers in uniform standing on the sidelines chatting. Sen. Orrin Hatch was speaking at the time.

I shouted out that "Hatch refused to see the peace delegation to hear our grievances."

At this point I was grabbed from behind, kicked and kneed hard in the back. A man threatened to punch me (see "Cheers, jeers for Bush," Tribune, Aug. 31). The police did not intervene.

I can't help but feel this was deliberate cooperation between the Republican Party and law enforcement agencies to squash dissent and intimidate critics of an out-of-control president.

Nate Smith

Salt Lake City