MARKET AND SPEER -- A large number of police and sheriff's officers in riot gear have blocked off Market and Speer streets in a continuing and seemingly escalating confrontation with Iraq war vets who have been protesting all day.

Negotiations between officers and vets have not made progress. Veterans are frustrated that officers will not allow them to sit in the street, deeming it an escalation of the protest.

The vets continue to try to get a letter read by Barack Obama or one of his aides. It is unclear if any progress has been made. "Our plan is to stay here" until obama reads the letter, said former Marine Lance Cpl. Jeff Key.

"I believe he is a good man. I believe he wants to read my letter," said Key.

While officers stand on Speer, a large number of cops in riot gear have closed the intersection. More than a dozen are overlooking the intersection in elevated vehicles, including one SWAT truck.

A large number of spectators have gathered around the scene while a still larger group of original protesters who marched from the Denver Coliseum remain as well.