Democrats shut out of Fargo speech

"I thought this was democracy":

City Commissioner Linda Coates says she was shocked to learn she and her husband were among more than 40 area residents on a list of people barred from attending President Bush's speech here Thursday.

The list was supplied to workers at the two Fargo distribution sites, along with tickets and other forms citizens were asked to fill out, The Forum reported.

The list includes critics of Bush or the war in Iraq. It includes two high school students, a librarian, a deputy Democratic campaign manager and a number of university professors.

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Coates said she had no idea why she would be on a list, other than the fact that she has been outspoken in her political beliefs.

"I thought that was democracy," she said.

"To me, this is very revealing as to what this administration is all about -- someone who doesn't want disagreement," said Coates, whose husband, Mike, is also on the list. "That's not healthy."

Also on the list was James Holm, the producer of "The Ed Schultz Show," and Berrett Gall, the former deputy campaign manager for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Satrom. Holm, a staunch Democrat, said he felt honored.

Also barred, most, if not all, of the Fargo area Democracy for America meetup group.