I just got back from the protests (My report)

[Renew Deal]

It was a wild day. I walked from Penn Station down to 20th Street. The people I was with was joining the Nader groups which I didn't know in advance. That was annoying. I had the Nader fight that we have here about 5 different times. In there I was told that there was no difference between Kerry and Bush. Oh brother! Anyway, the Naderites wouldn't feed into the march and we didn't know why. It turns out that they were waiting for the Cobb-Green Party people to come. They intentionally cut in front of them. Then the Naderites claimed that they were the real Green party. Naderites are about as delusional as freepers.

We marched past the Garden. It took about 2 hours. We were right near some band and people were dancing in the streets. It was very cool. There were also a lot of banners hung in buildings. One said: My Bush stinks like shit." The march was largely uneventful up till then. There were some Protest Warrior people out but they were severely outnumbered.

I received word that a paper dragon was lit on fire by anarchists. I don't know if/why/how this happened. I had seen the Dragon earlier and it was very nice.

One of my friends and I walked up to Central Park. There were A LOT of people there. Some were laying/sitting. Others were chanting. Others were hanging out. It was big and peaceful. I decided to walk back to Penn Station on my way home. That's when things got wild. Some lady was in a rickshaw in the park. She saw my friends sign which said "Drop the puppet" with a picture of Bush. She made a comment. I told her that the RNC is not Welcome in NY. She said something else. I said that I hope her kids get to fight and die in Iraq since she is so pro-war. She blew up. The driver took her a different direction.

I then walked back alone. Delegates were out more today than yesterday. I saw two of them walking into Times Square at Broadway and 49th. I yelled at them much the same way as the other lady. She said that she is from NY. I said good. "You look nice and young, why don't you go fight and die in Iraq." The guy said he was going to kick my ass. I said that he should go kick ass in Iraq. They started to get loud and some protesters backed me up. It was great. A little bit of pushing started. I said that I would love to see a delegate get arrested. The cops came with their batons out and broke it up. We all walked away.

Times Square was much more of the same. Delegates in Times Square were carrying red bags saying New York Times. That made them very easy to spot and there was a lot of yelling at delegates. They hid behind the cops and just kept going in another direction, but they constantly ran into protesters. I saw some get police escorts.

I then walked by the Lion King on 42nd bet. 7th and 8th. I heard chanting so I went there. There were bus loads of delegates unloading. The protesters were chanting "Murderers go home" and Go fight in Iraq. Once again, the cops came batons out, and everyone ended up backing off.

It is tense out there. The delegates took a beating today and I have a feeling that more is coming. The delegates shouldn't be able to go anywhere without being reminded that they are not welcome in NY and that they are as responsible for our problems as anyone.

I have come across info more than once that cops are just beating people. I haven't seen this myself but I believe it. I talked to a uniformed off-duty cop when I got off the train. He said the protesters are "animals" and that they are protesting while others are fighting for our freedom. I said that there are two sides to everything. He agreed. I asked how he was being treated. He said that he was squirted with piss and had shit thrown at him. That's the first I have heard of anything like that.

[senseandsensibility]

1. Wow!

I posted a thread today asking if any DUers were protesting, but no one answered. Obviously, the ones that were protesting were still there, and others didn't know if any DUers were there. Thank you for participating and reporting back. You did good today!:toast: :bounce: It was interesting hearing your description, warts and all. Personally, I'm glad the delegates are feeling uncomfortable,but no violence please! Yes, the dragon really was set on fire. I saw it on c-span. Otherwise, the protests were very impressive and powerful on TV. It even looked the cops sympathized with them!

[Renew Deal]

13. I just checked CNN

and the dragon is the first picture. I didn't push anyone. I am not into the violence thing. The rethuglican was the one getting in peoples faces. I spoke with my girlfriend. She was shocked at how many people came out.

[VolcanoJen]

95. Did you see this other great thread by DUer slinkerwink?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2280599

[senseandsensibility]

102. Thanks for the heads up

I must have been still watching on c-span when that one was going around.

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. All those delegates should have their heads wrapped in lard

and be left out in the sun.

Fuck the republican fuckers. Fuck 'em.

Can't fuckin' stand 'em.

Hypocritical, evil, greedy assholes.

Damn, I'm so angry, I can't even be lucid or creative. Sorry for the swearing.

p.s. - fuck 'em. Every one of them.

p.p.s. - GET OUT OF MY FUCKING CITY! You assholes have done nothing but trashmouth NYC for decades, and now that you have a chance to crank up the goddamned propaganda machine and take advantage of the 9-11 bombings - which you fuckers let happen - now you all think NYC is the greatest goddamned place in the world. Well, FUCK YOU!

p.p.p.s. - thanks for being there to protest, and thanks for the post! Keep up the good work!!

[cynatnite]

4. Don't hold back, Rab. Tell us how you really feel :)

I completely agree with you, btw, and thanks to all those that were there to protest. We owe you guys a great debt for getting our message out there.

Cyn:)

[Renew Deal]

16. I agree with you.

Fuck all of them. Those bastards are as responsible for the shit going on as much as anyone. They think the Swift Boat story is OK. They don't care that I had to stare down 7th ave on 9/11 because the idiot in chief was on vacation with "historical" documents that said "attack imminent." Fuck them all. I am not letting this country go to hell without a fight.

[bo44]

34. nice rant Rabrrrrr

Saved me all the cussin.

[Rabrrrrrr]

64. Thanks everyone!

I haven't been this angry about something since the bastards allowed my office to be nullified.

[arwalden]

3. Thanks For That Bleachers7...

... almost as good as spending the day with you. (Almost.)

-- Allen

[murielm99]

5. Thanks for being there.

Yes, keep the pressure on the delegates. Don't hurt them physically, but make sure they know how unwelcome they are.

Make sure they are relieved to go home when the convention is over. Make sure some of them go home with QUESTIONS in their minds about why they support the BFEE.

[Renew Deal]

18. That's how I feel.

Let them leave and never come back. Let them be afraid of going on the streets. They are apologists for the Bush policies. They are the most extreme of the extreme.

[aquart]

6. Charming.

I'll just point out that the Republican National Convention is part of the democratic process we profess to be fond of. Those delegates are here to take part in that process. Anything that impedes the RNC is anti-democratic by its nature.

BTW, what shoes were you wearing? You clocked a lot of miles on your young legs today. God, I envy that.

[Lefty48197]

14. It's not the democratic process that we're trying to impede

it's the facist agenda. The revolution starts now.

[Toots]

17. So you think demonstrating/protesting is undemocratic??

I believe it is democracy in action I guess on this one we disagree.

[Renew Deal]

21. We did not impede them.

Democtrating is also part of the democratic process. These are the worst of the worst of the Republican party. They deserve to here from us.

BTW, Doc Martins. my feet were worn out by the time I got home.

[librechik]

77. if they were faithful to democracy there would be nothing to protest

these people are fara afield from what the framers had in mind, and they need to be gently--or maybe firmly-- reminded of how they transgress. If they were merely good ol' republicans nominating their candidate, and had committed no crimes and started no recreational wars, I would be cheering them on and toasting the sainted process.

Since they act more like pirates and Nazi invadeers here to usurp our elections and impose their fascist hegemony, FUCK THEM!!!

They USED to be Americans before they decided to have a monarch and an aristocracy, bastards. FUCK THEM!!!

[merh]

90. If it were truly a part of the "democratic process" as you call it, then

the GOP would not nominate the weed that would be king! The majority of true GOPers hate him for what he has done to their party and our nation. The RNConvention is just a freep show! They have moderates on the stage to try to project a moderate, conservative agenda, but those in charge, those in the admin, are facists that have distorted the GOP's ideals.

There are plenty of repukes that hate the clown-n-chief. This convention is nothing more that a freaky, freep show. No substance and more lies.

[Cha]

7. Excellent report! Sounds like you had Quite a Day!

I'm sick of that soundbite.."fighting for our freedom" in Iraq.

bush dropped the bomb on a Country with a 3rd rate dictator and the natives are not welcoming us. We're are fighting to get a strategic hold on the Middle East oil. It's going to shit over there. I want a soundbite to lob right back at people when they say that.

How about..Our Soldiers are dying for no reason! bush lied and thousands died..for no reason.

[Renew Deal]

23. Some delegate told me that the soldiers are fighting for what they believe

I said that they were fighting for what they are being told.

[nosmokes]

8. thanks for the report.

didja quiz the cop about the piss/shit incidents, get any details? you should try and nail down specifics, location, time, date all of that stuff, as well as the officers name and badge id to see if any of this is valid later on. like if you posted that officer smith, badge 666666 said he was sprayed with urine at lex and 122 on sun 8/29 at noon, and next week he says it was central park on monday night, then we know there's bullshit going on.

and thanks for being out there!

[markses]

22. Piss/shit is bullshit

Standard "they're inhuman" trope in every city and correctional facility in the United States. Does it happen? Sure (especially in prisons). Does it happen even 1/1000th times as often as some cops says it happens? No.

Listen, I grew up with 6 guys who are now NYPD. They're laid the piss/shit trope on me more than once (not regarding protesters, but to justify any other aggressive behavior). I heard from one of them that Abmer Louima threw piss on Volpe, for example. It was all bullshit, but it works in general conversation to spark indignation. I call bullshit on the DT.

[henslee]

81. Piss and shit? Ha! If that was true would has seen it in technicolor.

I think it was an adequately peaceful day. Congatulations everyone.
And there is something bizarely poetic about the flaming dragon. Sort of like a demonstration of restraint.

[Renew Deal]

25. I wish I could.

I took his word for it. I don't know why he would lie to me.

[Union Thug]

9. Keep the pressure on the delegates!

This is great! Ruin the whole damned visit for these bastards. Good work today!

[NMDemDist2]

10. my BS meter is pegged out

the cop story is ????

and why be confrontational? Free speech is one thing but don't start fights, that's what Bush did in Iraq and I don't want to be anything like him, do you?

Stand up for yourself, but why be hateful?

[Renew Deal]

29. Free speech is for everyone.

They can wear their Bush buttons and I can tell them where to shove them. I was not starting fights. I never threatened a single person. Why be hateful? I don't think I was hateful, but lets say I was. What do you think these people think of you? These people wish the worst for you and the best for their wallets. They will send you to die somewhere while they get rich. Fuck them all the way back to where they came.

[NMDemDist2]

33. sorry if i misunderstood the OP

sounded like there was some unnecessary confrontations with delegates

I then walked back alone. Delegates were out more today than yesterday. I saw two of them walking into Times Square at Broadway and 49th. I yelled at them much the same way as the other lady. She said that she is from NY. I said good

[Renew Deal]

39. Unnecessary?

I guess you could argue that it's all unnecessary. I care too much to believe that.

[VolcanoJen]

96. You did good, Bleachers. You already know that, of course.

Free speech is exactly that.

I sport a Kerry/Edwards sticker on my car. If someone wants to give me the finger or yell at me, that's just fine and groovy with me. I blow kisses in return, and flash a peace sign.

Now, if they want to scratch up my car, or tear my sticker off, that's another story altogether. They'd be messing with my rights to free speech through their actions.

I'm proud of the New Yorkers who are being confrontational with the delegates. Someone has to be, someone has to open up their eyes, make them aware, whether it's uncomfortable or not.

And, besides, words never hurt anyone.

Sticks and stones, my friend, sticks and stones.

[Renew Deal]

106. Damn right

Some of these people were stunned that not everyone was on their side. It's about time that they got a taste of reality.

[Generic Other]

11. I appreciate having an opportunity to hear honest accounts of events

Thank you for your activism. BRAVO!

[Lefty48197]

12. No peace for the righties

Follow them everywhere. Remind them that the real world is not a FOX broadcast where other voices are silenced. This IS America. Remind them. Remind them a lot.

[Renew Deal]

36. That's the funniest thing.

They were shocked, SHOCKED I tell you to heard dissent. They had no clue. No one ever challenges their happy, perfect little worlds.

[Catherine Vincent]

15. Wow, Bleachers. Way to go shouting down those delegates.

Thanks for doing this and representing those of us that can't make it to New York. Saw most of the coverage on CSPAN (taped it). It was awesome!

[snyder]

19. Two Things

1. People shouldn't hassle the delegates. After 9/11, a whole lot of "red state" people rushed to help New York and New Yorkers. Keep it civil.

2. I'm dying to know who lit the joint that set the dragon on fire? :)

[markses]

31. Red states rushed to help New Yorkers?

I agree that we got a lot of help from folks, but it is also the case that Red State identity is premised on shitting all over places like New York and Los Angeles, and has been for quite some time. Moreover, the help given to New York - while admirable, and we are certainly grateful here in New York for it - does not warrant the cynical use of our city (and again, let's remember that these folks build their own identities by calling us immoral and un-American!). They are dancing on our grief and on our graves - for the sole purpose of fucking us over for the NEXT four years - as if their decision to elect an incompetent hasn't hurt us enough. Do these people need to be confronted verbally with the consequences of their irresponsible actions? Yes. Do they need to be shamed for their despicable use of our grief? Yes. Do they need to face the consequences of treating us like whipping boys for the last 20 years? Yes.

Civility is for those who reciprocate. They hired an incompetent, whose incompetence hurt us badly. They have held us up as cultural enemies and even traitors. They come now to exploit our dead (dead due in part to their own incompetent hero) - and expect a civil reception? They have failed at civility at every turn, and yet we are expected to fall down at their feet, even as they insult and harm us further? No. They are entitled to as much civility as they have shown us. None. But we will be more civil, We will battle them only with words, rather than the destruction that their selfishness and irresponsible choices have visited on us.

Every delegate will get incorrect directions from me - and I look respectable.

Every delegate in a bar will get glares and argument from me - and I get paid to argue.

No delegate will get a smile from me, nor any favors, nor any grtaciousness. Their very presence here is an affront and an insult.

[snyder]

50. You're Wrong

All kinds of people came to NYC from all over the place after it was attacked. No one gave a shit about politics at that point. You had teams of people driving up from Texas and doing crazy stuff like setting up barbecue grills full of food for the cleanup crews. Firefighters from everywhere, you name it.

I'm as Democratic as a Democrat gets, but I really don't think you should fuck with those delegates. Unless they want you to, that is. :)

[Renew Deal]

51. Their help was appreciated

But those aren't the people that are exploiting us now. They are persona non grata.

[snyder]

56. They're Just Holding A Meeting There

Don't get me wrong, if you want to protest it's your right. I saw the protests on C-Span and was very glad to see that they've been peaceful. But hassling the delegates? Bad form.

[markses]

60. Bullshit

They are dancing on our graves. Just a meeting? Sure.

They will hear it and hear it again. They will be led astray every chance I get. I don't welcome people who shit on my home IN my home, and that's that. The only bad form is theirs.

[Renew Deal]

62. No one was hassling delegates.

They wear their Bush buttons and we tell them what we think of Bush. No one got in their way. They are the face of the worst of this country. They deserve to hear the truth for a change.

[snyder]

65. That's Not What "markses" Says

[markses]

75. What did I say?

Have I advocated physical harm at any point? Have I advocated anything but argument (and, well, a bit of trickery with the directions, but still verbal)? Show me.

You don't need to put my screen name in quotation marks either. It's quite real, as a screen name, "snyder."

[AgadorSparticus]

91. i agree. i'm glad you are making your voices heard. i'm tired of

us holding our tongues all the time while they go about spewing lies. don't let them get away with shit. i'm not advocating violence. i'm just saying i'd like to see people TALK BACK or just plain talk.

i don't care if the delegates are "uncomfortable". i could give a shit about their comfort level. those bastards support a murderer and deserve all the outrage that comes with it. i hope their convention experience sucks to all hell. people died because their bullshit and i have nothing but contempt for such self absorbed ignorance.

ok. i am getting way too worked up. i'm going to step away from the keyboard now.....

[markses]

55. I've acknowledged those people, and I'm still right

These people are a disgrace - their irresponsible actions produced the tragedy of 9/11, and now they want to come and smile about it. They should be publically shamed on every possible occasion, just as you would shame a person who wore a walkman and danced at a child's funeral. These people have done nothing but shit all over our values for 20 years, and they continue to do so everytime they haughtily talk about the so-called heartland, as if we're not Americans and they are. No. The compassion we saw after 9/11 was truly great, but the Republican machine has made its success over the last 20 years by trashing New york City, that success led to the incompetence that saw us damaged so badly, and now they want to exploit our loss for their party - and our future ruin? Sorry. No amount of help after 9/11 saves us from this insult. You sir, are dreadfully wrong. Luckily, it seems, you are not here, so you really have no say. Every delegate will get an earful from me, I assure you. They are a shameful, despicable group.

[snyder]

59. Look At It This Way ...

... if the Democrats were to hold their convention in, say, Dallas, how would you feel about being hassled by angry Texans wherever you went? Now don't get me wrong I don't think the Democrats would hold their convention in TX, but maybe someday. I still say it's bad form to personally slime the delegates. Very bad form, in fact.

[markses]

72. If the Democrats elected an incompetent

Who ignored warning after warning about attacks, and then Dallas was attacked, and thousands of people died, and because of the fear and good will of the country, said Democrat was adulated rather than rightly condemned for incompetence, and then decided to hold a convention in Dallas, even though (hypothetically, of course) said Democrat got elected primarily by casting the people of Texas in general, and Dallas in particular as Un-American and near traitorous, and supported legislation that severely harms major segments of Dallas' population, and the democrats had a running program of 20 years designed to turn the country against the people of Texas and Dallas in particular, and if the Democrats then chose Dallas as a convention spot in order to exploit the thousands of dead caused by their own incompetence and irresponsibility, then would it be bad form of the people of Dallas to call those delegates out on their affiliation with such a program? No. Not at all. Not in the least bit. It would be their right to do so - and perhaps even their duty as citizens of Dallas. And I would say that the Democrats are in the wrong for their treatment of Dallas, their incompetence with respect to attacks, and their cynical political maneuver that tries to leverage Dallas's grief for political gain - all the while knowing that Dallas has been the height of "all that is bad about America" (hypothetically, of course) in the Democrats political program. The Democrats would be the ones using bad form, just as the Republicans are in fact engaging in a sickening act of cynicism, which it is our job as New Yorkers to call out at every turn. they hate us? Good. We'll let them know what we think, too.

[0rganism]

93. In your hypothetical situation, the Dallasians would lynch the Democrats

Let's not mince words here. The last time a Democratic president made a high-profile appearance in Dallas, his brains ended up in his wife's lap. To think that the Dallas conservatives would let a DNC convention near their city after a terrorist attack due to negligence on the part of a Democratic administration... No. There would be blood in the streets.

[Renew Deal]

83. If the Democrats were apologists for the crimes that have been committed

it would be fine. Besides, have you seen the republican disruptor's at Kerry events, meet-ups and other places. They don't share our sensitivity.

[grasswire]

89. you're good, Markses.

Somebody is paying you to put words together, I hope.

[Renew Deal]

44. These delegates don't deserve anything.

Except a kick in the ass. These people support everything that is wrong with this country. I had to stare down 7th ave at the WTC collapse because the boy king was on vacation and couldn't care less. He thought the warnings were "historical." They know about all of the lying, cheating, stealing, killing, murdering, raping, beating and they go along with all of it. They are the face the worst this country has to offer. They blew the unity thing a long time ago.

[oasis]

20. Bastards are there trying to exploit 9/11. At least that's what they were

thinking when they booked NY for the convention. The Chimperor's nakedness has been exposed since then.

[Kimber Scott]

24. We have the "Heartland" which Bush always runs on about as real

Americans and we have New York, which he says does not represent the American people. Except when they get blown up and make for good photo ops and fodder for conventions.

On edit: Thanks for going to represent us, but don't give them any ammo. We want them to be able to imagine us running the country and not having them freaking out about it. Know what I mean?

God, I can't wait for November 2nd.

[snyder]

26. What's With the Fucking Drums?

Why does every protest have some dickshine with a bongo drum? In fact, wherever self-consciously hip people gather, there always seems to be an asshole with a drum. Why? Those thing are sooooooooo annoying. I'm thinking these people are down to their last brain cell.

[oasis]

27. You probably hate parades too. (eom)

[snyder]

28. Parades Are Great

Unless they have shaggy assholes with tie-dyed shirts and DRUMS

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

30. I love the drums

when I went to the one-year anniversary protest of the Iraq War in Crawford, Texas this past March there was a fantastic group of guys there who were SO good on the drums. They provided the beat for the march and the chanting.

When we got back to the park where we met, they continued with different rythyms and kept it going for thirty more minutes. People were dancing and having a good time. No one seemed to want them to stop.

It's all about NOISE when you are in a protest. You have to make yourself heard. The drums do that nicely AND they provide a beat for chanting.

If you don't like them, you don't like them, but be sure to stay away from protests in that case.

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

53. What's your fucking problem???

Big fucking deal. So you live somewhere where you hear a drum every now and then.

Boo hoo hoo.

[snyder]

61. Public Drumming Should Be A Capital Offense

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

73. Oh so you believe in the death penalty eh?

Keep it up. You'll out yourself before you know it. I noticed in a lot of threads you feel the need to tell everyone how much of a Democrat you are.

[snyder]

78. Yup, I'm Pro-Death Penalty

I think of it as retroactive abortion for the mistakenly born. I'm also pro-choice. And my only complaint with the Iraq War is that we started it against the wrong people. I don't have any problem with stomping the living shit out of an enemy. I'm also entirely in favor of Truman having nuked Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Call me part of the Barbarian wing of the Democratic Party if you wish. But keep in mind that I also want these pussies to step up to the plate and raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour.

[oasis]

35. Protests are made up of people who want to express themselves.

Posters, chants, symbols and drums. Get with the program sport.;-)

[snyder]

38. I'm O.K. With Everything But The Goddamn DRUMS

[Renew Deal]

32. lol

:think:

[The_Casual_Observer]

41. Whats wrong with that?

I guess that everybody ought to be more dignified, quiet, and conservative.

[snyder]

45. Let 'Em Shout Like Crazy

just shitcan the DRUMS. What do they think this is, equatorial Africa fer chrissakes? Nothing against Africa, but if you want to bang a bongo drum get on a plane and go there.

[EST]

42. Voices are louder in unison

Someone has to keep time

[snyder]

43. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

... does anybody really care?

[EST]

47. Einstein knew

Didn't really care.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

48. If so, I can't imagine why

cuz I got time enough to die

[markses]

49. It doesn't matter whether you know or care

The production of a rhythm is useful precisely because you don't have to know or care about it. It works directly on the body, like dancing in a nightclub, or tapping your foot unconsciously to the music piped into the grocery store. That's why it is effective.

[snyder]

52. Drums Are Irritating As Hell

I think anyone who plays a drum in public should have his hands cut off.

[Renew Deal]

54. lol

BTW, how long did you live in Saudi Arabia?

[snyder]

68. The Saudis Aren't All Bad

I generally don't approve of amputation as a punishment for crime but I would make an exception for public drumming

[sidestreamer]

92. Free Snyder!!!

I would like to start a campaign to undo snyder's tombstoning in the name of the Democratic Alliance Against Drumming, Annoying Morons (DAADAM). Snyder, in all his 180-something posts, was a fine patriot with a vital message: Drums are bad! Stop the drums!


---ok, ok, I'm just drunk.

[markses]

58. Congratulations...Of course, why anyone should care what YOU think is a

mystery. As far as I'm concerned, your crotchety opinion is irrelevant. Human beings have been tapping out rhythms for thousands of years, and using drums for much of that time as well. I'm sure drumming will survive YOUR singular and inconsequential dislike.

[snyder]

63. The Guy At The Grocery Store ...

... has the gall to put a collection plate out there. It gratifies me to see that he's not getting any fatter these days. Maybe he'll go away in October when it starts raining again

[Renew Deal]

67. What are you talking about?

[snyder]

70. lol

:D

[markses]

79. Much the same way as your opinion of drumming

is...well...nice for you, but largely irrelevant for anyone else, your opinion of the delegates is...well...nice for you, but largely irrelevant, since you are not here, and since your arguments fail to make any cogent points. Your complete descent into incoherence with this collection plate post is...well...nice for you.

[markses]

46. I don't know but I been told...(I don't know but I been told)

Eskimo pussy is mighty cold (Eskimo pussy is mighty cold)

If I die in a combat zone (If I die in a combat zone)
Box me up and ship me home (Box me up and ship me home)

-------------------------------------------

Same idea. The drums produce a rhythm through a communal body, in the same way that these marching chants produce a rhythm through a communal body. It's a military technique in the first instance - and its always been remarkably effective in producing an organized (literally, with organs) crowd.

All crowds are about rhythm.

[Tamyrlin79]

57. Well..

I thought the "THIS is what democracy looks like!" chants sounded really well with the drum punctuating the rhythm of the chant in the background... I'm sorry that it annoyed you, but it was quite effective...

[snyder]

66. It Come Across As A Tribal Ritual

... straight out of an old National Geographic from when I was a kid. Why would I ever want to listen to someone who makes me think of a bone through the nose?

[Renew Deal]

71. I hope you enjoyed your stay.

:hi:

[snyder]

76. At the Dentist's Office or the Bathroom?

I used to read the National Geographics at the dentist's and then I'd rip out some of the pics and re-read them in the bathroom. Hey, we didn't have the Internet back then. :)

[markses]

85. Bad Form? Here's what Leon Mosely, GOP apparatchik from Iowa

has to say about the people of New York:

"I left God's country," said Leon Mosley of Waterloo, Iowa, co-chairman of his state party. "They could use a bunch of people from Iowa to come here to show New Yorkers what life is all about, what being patriotic is all about, and what country is all about. I'm as confident about Bush being re-elected as I am that eggs are going to be in New York tomorrow morning."

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/30/politics/campaign/30assess.html?hp

My God! We should fall down on our knees and thank the Iowans that they will be showing us

1) What life is all about
2) What being patriotic is all about
3) What country is all about

And you say that we're the ones with bad form?!?

Q.E.D.

[oasis]

86. Our friend is no longer with us. BTW, I read what Mosely had to say and

and he can take his attitude back to where he came from. ;-)

[VolcanoJen]

97. Sounded like the music of the revolution to me.

I wanted to be there, I wanted to dance, I wanted to hear the rhythms of dissent.

I was prouder to be an American today than I have been since those horrible post-9/11 days. Today, I saw, once again, what America looks like, and it reminded me why I'll always love my country.

[bo44]

40. great job Bleachers7

I like your style of dealing with greedy old prik sukkers. They need to be scared shitless.

[in_cog_ni_to]

69. MAN! Great report!

I can just see those freepers getting the police to escort them. heheh! They're all talk...no spine. As soon as the going gets rough, go get a cop. What a bunch of friggin' wimps! WooHoo! They're all probably paranoid as hell to leave MSG....afraid of those LIBERALS. G-d, I LOVE it!

Thanks for the report! It sounds like an awesome time and I wish I could have been there. :hi:

[eleny]

74. I don't believe his piss/shit story

Sounds like bull from a cop who is a wingnut. Btw, I grew up there.

[snyder]

80. I Believe It

The same thing happened in Seattle during the WTO. The goddamn anarchists from Eugene, Ore. were doing stuff like that and it really hurt this city bad.

[JSJ]

88. seems your sympathies lie with the conventioneers n/t

[union_maid]

82. I love the drums

Drums keep people going. Drums are appropriate for any type of march.

Had a report from a friend that went. She said it was great. Had no hassles whatever. Said the cops were great and friendly to those that she saw.

[rumguy]

84. Great account

I'd love to see some pics of the delegates scurrying around like frightened pigs....

[gristy]

87. I like drums in a march too

The comments about keeping time for chanting and marching are all valid.

[VolcanoJen]

94. You've had quite an exciting August!!

Right in the middle of all the world's big events, Bleachers! The Olympics, and now, the NYC Protest!!!

What's next on your agenda...? :D I'm SO JEALOUS!!!

That was an awesome story, especially your description of your contact with the Bush Kool-Aid drinking set.

As far as Nader goes, your discussions with your Nader friends reminds me of this great quote from an excellent interview with Garrison Keillor that appeared in Salon a week ago:

http://www.salon.com/books/int/2004/08/21/keillor/index.html

Salon: What would you tell a good-hearted citizen who is seriously considering casting their vote for Ralph Nader?

Keillor: The thrill of Naderism is in telling your Democratic pals that you're thinking about ralphing and seeing them get all flushed and earnest and wring their hands and roll their eyes and moan. Actually going into the voting booth and ralphing is no great pleasure, compared to the remorse you'll feel if Mr. Bush is elected and fresh horrors begin to unfold and the nadir is reached and the Bushies keep going down, down, down. I say, Stand tall for Ralph, wear his button, wave his flag, put on his cologne in the morning, be as ralphic as you like, but in that private sacred moment, make your X for the Man.

[Renew Deal]

103. Thanks

It's really been a wild month. I kind of can't wait until it's over.

[Bongo Prophet]

98. Reality =Half million in peaceful protest

MSNBC Lower third = "Midtown Mayhem"

may·hem-n.

1>Law. The offense of willfully maiming or crippling a person.

2> Infliction of violent injury on a person or thing; wanton destruction: children committing mayhem in the flower beds.

3>A state of violent disorder or riotous confusion; havoc.


Alliteration does not clever make. And pseudo-clever CG writer is a Weapon of Crass Mischaracterization.
Peaceful protest is what democracy looks like!
I will share the c-span tape with friends this week in TX.
Keeps them feeling motivated and pumped for the road ahead...:toast:

We like drums too!
I do appreciate the fact that people with sensitive ears and forest creatures like elves and ...trolls...do not....
:evilgrin:

[hexola]

99. Your childish rants won't help our side...

Too bad you choose to represent us in such a poor light. All you have to do is be there. Taunting folks is just really lame. You could say "I hope your children to don't have to die in Iraq" and make the same point without sounding like a hateful bully.

I said that I hope her kids get to fight and die in Iraq since she is so pro-war. She blew up. I then walked back alone. Delegates were out more today than yesterday. I saw two of them walking into Times Square at Broadway and 49th. I yelled at them much the same way as the other lady. She said that she is from NY. I said good. "You look nice and young, why don't you go fight and die in Iraq."

[jonnyblitz]

100. yeah, now that freeper asshole will NEVER vote for Kerry...

please. :eyes:

[JohnKleeb]

101. Jonny how it go?

Freepers for Kerry :P, hah yeah, really though, taunting is part of why I enjoy protesting, why I enjoy screaming at people, you know what though, I should have shouted Kristin is a girl's name!, you know that freeper boss you told me about and that you saw in October. Glad you went, you go everywhere man heh, hangin with us in the October 2003 protest, I think you told me you were in New York for an anti war rally, etc, jeez man. Keep it up.

[Renew Deal]

105. The lady in the park said "you don't want my vote"

I told her to shove it.

[Renew Deal]

104. Bullshit

It's called democstrating. I don't know why the awefull truth would bother them. They want war, let them fight them. And one more thing. They came here to exploit this city after their king disregarded the info that might have saved us on 9/11. They are the worst of the worst of the republican party. They can wear their Bush pins and we can tell them what we think. I personally hope that these delegates feel the pain that people like Cuban Liberal, Mari333 and other military families have felt. They want war, let them fight it.