So, the Gore/Buckley documentary revealed to me that the Chicago Democratic convention riots were not right outside the convention hall, but in Grant Park, along Michigan Avenue, by the hotels where the conventioneers stayed. The actual convention was in the stockyards miles away.
“I didn’t know that.” I thought, “Now I must research all the details exhaustively.”
And here again, I take you in order through all the details I knew about the Chicago Democratic Convention to the main salient point that I did not know at all.
- The 68 Democratic convention was held in Chicago.
- Dan Rather was roughed up by security while reporting on the convention floor.
- Young people (Yippies) protesting the war rioted on the streets.
- There was a trial later, and the leader of the rioters was bound and gagged during the trial.
Of course, looking at that list you can see there’s a lot I did not know. The salient point I didn’t know?
When arrested, the Yippies were charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and [SPOILERS] bringing a pig to Chicago.
I immediately Googled “Yippies Pig” and found a newspaper image of Chicago policeman, holding a pig. The caption was “Pig arrested.”
Again, how did I miss this? Was this information suppressed when I learned about the Chicago Seven (née Eight) in history class? Free yourself, click the link and read the story of Pigasus, nominee for President ’68.
I had no idea that the Yippies led up to the convention by nominating a literal pig for president, and that their scheme to nominate a pig was discussed at their trial. I also had no idea that it was illegal to bring a pig to Chicago, unless you got a license and bribed the appropriate officials.
Also, search Google Images for “Pigasus arrested.” I can’t get you an image because Getty Images appears to own it. The better to SUPPRESS it. Pigasus in 2020!