While Boston readies its roads for the Democratic National Convention in late July, the city’s police patrolmen are gearing up for a show of their own to take place outside the FleetCenter during the political fanfare. But unlike the Democrats, who will most likely unite to nominate homegrown Sen. John F. Kerry for president of the United States, the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association will gather to show their division with the same city they are paid to protect.

For the past two years, the patrolmen have gone without a contract, an unfortunate situation that has frustrated many of Boston’s labor unions. However, the patrolmen have decided to vent their frustration in prime time by picketing outside the convention to get their grievances aired around the world. The patrolmen even have indicated they will begin picketing two weeks from now – when convention construction begins in the FleetCenter – and ask contractors not to cross their picket line, a request that trade union leaders ironically have declined.

The patrolmen’s frustration is well founded. Their decision to picket during one of the most important events to reach Boston in many years, however, is shortsighted to say the least. The Democratic National Convention has all the potential to be a boon to Boston, both financially and socially, and all city and state employees should be working together to ensure its success, especially during its construction stages. The convention, designated by the Secret Service as a “national special security event,” also will be the first nationwide political event since Sept. 11, 2001. In light of this fact, the Boston Police Department must do everything in its power to secure the FleetCenter and keep the convention delegates and visitors safe inside its walls.

Banker & Tradesman respects the rights of labor to air their differences with management in a peaceful way. However, we believe The Democratic National Convention, despite its global audience, is not the place to do it.