As for non-violent civil disobedience in Denver:  I'm all for that. But I don't think that's what the cops and probably way too many protestors are gearing up for. You know, historically, these things have a tendency to get a little outta hand, like during the 2000 Democratic Nat'l Convention for instance:

Large scale, sometimes violent protests took place outside of the Staples Center as well as throughout downtown Los Angeles. Protest groups ranged from pro-life supporters, to homeless activists, to anti-globalization protestors, and anarchists. Out of increased fear after the surprise mass-protests at the 1999 "Battle for Seattle" WTO protests, media coverage and LAPD concern were heightened for the event. Concerns were further raised when violent riots also broke out after the Los Angeles Lakers won the 2000 NBA Championship only a few months before the convention. Originally, a "Protest Zone" was designated a city block away from the Staples Center, but a court order forced the zone moved immediately adjacent to the arena, in a parking lot. The protests became violent during the first evening of the convention, and many different protests, some orderly, some violent, took place over the full four days of the convention. There were numerous arrests, injuries and property damage, however the protests were not to the extent that was originally feared.