Reply #12: If you protest the Convention, please wear business clothing.

[Eric J in MN]

This is a repost of the thread at:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x621786


"We can expect a big freak show at the upcoming Republican Convention in New York. The far left nut jobs will ensure Bush's re-election, even though they will think they're doing the opposite. In fact, i hope they go on a total Bush-hatin' rampage in the streets of New York. Everyone knows who's side they're on, and the worse the protesters act, the more people will realize how low the Democratic Party has fallen."
-The rightwing blog, Annika's Journal, July 26, 2004


I'm concerned that Annika may have a point.

Most Americans don't like protestors. Unfortunate, but true. An attitude towards protestors of, "If they don't like it, they should move" is common.

The rightwing spin on the protests of the Republican National Convention will be protestors are freaks, and protestors prove that anyone against Bush is a hate-filled freak.

Furthermore, I'm expecting protestors to be tear-gassed, clubbed, and tasered by the police.

And for thousands of protestors who are just standing on the sidewalk to be falsely arrested and charged with disturbing-the-peace or blocking-the-sidewalk.

And for policemen to disguise themselves as protestors.

This raises the question of whether it is better for people who want Bush out of office to go to protests, or to do something else, like donating to the Democratic Party or volunterering.

Some people reading this will go to the protests, and I make one request of you: dress in business clothes.

If you're a man, wear a suit and tie.

If you're a woman, please dress in similarly formal clothing.

If the media tries to portray protestors as freaks, dressing in business clothing will make it more difficult for them.