New York ready to unleash fury on Republicans

[Nambe]

Guardian Newspapers Limited

.. New York is bracing for one of the biggest showdowns in its political history as the Republican national convention comes to town at the end of the month. Meeting the army of delegates, politicians and lobbyists will be a vast array of protest groups that intend to make the Republicans' Big Apple stay as unpleasant as possible. Trying to keep order on the streets will be 20,000 police, secret servicemen and National Guard units. A quiet week seems out of the question.

Jamie Moran certainly hopes so. He is one of the main driving forces behind the protest movement which has sprung up since the Republicans announced they would gather in New York. He and others have been collecting information on all aspects of the convention.

They run a 'snitch line' where people involved in the convention can leak details of events and where delegates have been staying. The protesters are widely believed to have infiltrated several people into working at the convention who will smuggle information out. Moran's plan is to send out teams of activists to disrupt as many events as possible. ..

'We already have a permit. It is called the American constitution. The idea that I have to ask for permission to protest my own government is ridiculous,' Flanigan said. ..

A recent survey showed that 83 per cent of New Yorkers did not want the convention in their city. 'We all live here,' said Angela Coppola, an office worker who has joined the protest groups. 'We were the victims of 11 September and now they are coming to terrorise us with their asinine convention.' ..

Ride Don’t Drive * * It’s Global Cool

[aquart]

1. If Moran walked by me, I'd stick out a foot and trip him.

His arrogant self-righteousness fills me with rage. What a gift he is to George.

[WoodrowFan]

8. I never heard of him before... (NT)

[ima_sinnic]

10. so you disagree with protesting the repukes? nt

[Katarina]

18. Am I missing something here?

"Jamie Moran certainly hopes so. He is one of the main driving forces behind the protest movement which has sprung up since the Republicans announced they would gather in New York. He and others have been collecting information on all aspects of the convention."

Why are you upset with him? What are people supposed to do? Dance in the streets and greet them with flowers? Why the hostility?

[aquart]

24. No. Sell them the flowers.

They're coming with money to participate in the democratic process. They will nominate George. We will vote the prick out in November.

Moran is looking to disable a city already mightily inconvenienced. He WANTS trouble. And trouble is a gift to George and a decision-maker for undecideds.

To me, Moran is Ralph, Jr.

[Katarina]

28. Oh okay

So everyone sit down and shut up and take their stinking money. Sorry, but that is what is wrong with our party. For too long we have kept quiet and been little mice. Don't you understnad, protesting is all we have left? It's not like anyone actually listens to us otherwise.

Like Al Sharpton said, this vote is not for sale.

[aquart]

36. I never said sell your vote. Sell your damn flowers.

Odd how you confuse them.

[Just Me]

85. How's about advertising FACTS,...for free?

Who is paying for a war having nothing to do with 9/11 yet, interestingly, profitting anyone involved with this administration?

NOT THIS ADMINISTRATION.

ETC. ETC. ETC.

[Surf Cowboy]

111. You're right.

The teachers' union in Philly did sit-ins during rush hour some years back--I mean they crippled Philly from 4-7 pm one night during their strike.

By the time it was over, they had protested away any credibility, likeability, or tolerance that ordinary (read "not in a union) people had. They were hours late getting home from work. The union wound up compromising far more than they otherwise would have had to, largely because they had pissed off nearly everyone working in Center City.

We can beat this jackass without all the drama. The drama will make this race closer, and can only help W. These dopes will make a lot of independents feel like they did after the 60's, when they voted in Nixon, solely to restore law and order. We don't need to confuse the issues. This "disruption" sort of protest takes the focus off the issue and places it squarely on the disruption.

Political self-abuse.

[Kinkistyle]

139. I see. So they picked New York of all places. LOL.

I wonder why the Repugs picked New York city participate in the "democratic process". New York City. Probably one of, if nor the most liberal city in the United States. What other reason than to use it and the 9/11 tragedy to further their own cause. And we're gonna just let them step in and do that without showing exactly what degree of displeasure that this registers with New Yorkers? LOL. Its like holding the Yankee World Series Champions parade in Boston and not expecting a riot.

Protests are a display of democracy and unity in a common cause. The media no longer represents the common people, so it is up to the common people to represent themselves, and the only way to do that nowadays is mass protests (even those get seriously under-played). We must not roll-over and just let Bush use 9/11 for his own theatrical purposes. The idea is to disrupt the carefully calculated and crafted political "shows" that try to show that everybody is behind Shrub - because everybody is NOT. But nobody sees this outside of DU'ers.

Well they damn well will now.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

61. So...you'd prefer to puss-out against the Repukes. What a wimp.

Your attitude is what has killed Dems for decades...get a spine.

JB

[tavalon]

99. Actually

I think you are confusing protesting with violence. Peaceful protest in NYC will bolster our side. Violence by our side will recreate 1968. It will very possibly hand the presidency back to the village idiot. If you support violence, you need to ask yourself if the momentary feeling of justification is worth letting the fascists stay in power.

[maxrandb]

102. Um...Didn't we lose in 1968 and get stuck with Nixon?

If memory serves me right, the protests and violence in 1968 were a major contributing factor in Nixon's landslide.

There is nothing sicker than the party that was asleep on 9/11, coming to the city that suffered the most from their incompetence, and then propping their "boy king" up with the dead of that city. Even changed the date so little chimpie could be closer to HIS ONE TRUE TRIUMPH....Sep 11th. It's all he's got to run on, and since he didn't publicly shit his pants on that day, he's been remade into some "super action hero leader, god appointed savior of the masses"

I AM NOT BUYING IT.

[calimary]

116. Welcome to DU!

I hope people keep it peaceful. But I also hope they make the republi-CONS remember why they should have gone ELSEWHERE, and a little bit earlier in the summer, thank you.

If I were a New Yorker, I'd probably want to be out in the streets NOW.

[madmax]

121. I have a spine and I'll gladly take a few lumps and bruises

but, I want bush out of the White House more. A '68 Redux may not be to our benefit.

[TankLV]

65. He is a patriot in the truest sense. My prayers go out to him.

Fuck the vichy dems!

DINOS are scum.

[sal]

83. And if I were there and saw you trip him, there really would be mayhem.

So I guess we should be careful where our feet go.

[RetroLounge]

84. My guess is the rage would be turned on you

If you tripped me you better be ready to take a few incoming shots, because it wouldn't be pretty.

Methinks your rage is misplaced. Look over there.

------------------------>>>>>>>>>>>> bush*

RL

[Cha]

2. "'We were the victims of 11 September and now they are coming to terrorise

..us with their asinine convention."

Ain't that the truth.

New Yorkers against the party that was asleep when 9/11 happened.

[aquart]

29. NO. They are coming to participate in the democratic process.

And visit a few call girls. See a Broadway show. Buy an NYPD baseball cap.

THEY are the ones who are terrified. They made a huge mistake in choosing Madison Square Garden in the heart of busy Manhattan, atop Penn Station, an armed, well-guarded, major commuter hub. Should have booked the Javitts Center. Or Iowa.

Now THEY are scared witless. How stupid can we be? The Republican party is splitting at the seams and we're going to unite them in their response to their own fear?

MUCH better they find New York a peaceful, surprisingly friendly, helpful town......so they can amble back into the Garden muttering that George cried Wolf! again.

[ThatPoetGuy]

57. I have to disagree.

A peaceful, friendly town will be spun by the press as a warm welcome for George Bush, the brave and forceful hero of every New Yorker. :puke:

A town in chaos, with tens of thousands of people enraged at the cynical machinations of Republicans, will be a reminder that these nasty politicians are no heroes.

[al bupp]

74. Certainly your way makes for better theatre

And NY, is after all a show town... lets just hope that the unintended consequences don't play out as aquart fears. If I had the ear of a protest organizer, I'd say now's the time for creative anarchy meant to get the message through the media haze that King George II is on his way out.

Hidden banners quickly unfurled for the camera. Spontaneous gathering of street and corridor theatre. The more digital cameras the merrier. Make it look like the ultimate in reality TV. Nobody will be able to keep themselves from watching, least of all the media. Just imagine what thousands of under-employed NY actors and screenwriters could pull off.

[Kinkistyle]

136. Exactly. Bush is all about SHOW. All about REHEARSED THEATRE.

Just look at the mock friendly "Ask Bush Q&A's" that their campaign engage in, where everyone in the audience is forced to sign a blood-oath of endorsement, and protesters are disallowed.

Everything - and I mean EVERYTHING is carefully crafted, staged and displayed for public consumption because they have nothing else to stand on. Its all an act, and the whore-media plays right into their act by lavishing all over it.

That is why the RNC protests are so important. There needs to be a display that shows everyone that they are indeed big fakes and that everything is a calculated political show.

[Blue Gardener]

77. We don't want them in Iowa either n/t

[Malva Zebrina]

105. It was not a mistake

it was deliberately planned to take place in NYC, a bastion of
Democratic leaning people who have suffered enough on 9-11 and now the arrogant bastards are rubbing the unconscionable Republican platform in the faces of the liberal leaning city. They did it on purpose to take just another mindless and insensitive advantage of the 9-11 tragedy.

[Kinkistyle]

135. They are USING New York and 9/11 for their Campaign!

Because they want to put on a grand display to show the rest of America that the Repugs and New York are in fact unified.

We are not. New York wants no part of the Repugs, and in order to show the rest of the country this fact (Because SURELY the whore-media will not, and instead make it appear a huge love-fest), mass protests are necessary.

[bemildred]

3. 'We were the victims of 11 September and now they are coming to terrorise

us with their asinine convention.'
:thumbsup:

[WLKjr]

4. Take note historians.

This will be in the books. I see a turning point soon in NY for America when we said NO to the GOP and their policies.

wish I could go, but anyone who participates, Put in a word for OHIO and the rest of the US.

[neonplaque]

11. from Ohio and going...

consider your word delivered! ;)

[WLKjr]

14. Give a big shout for me

WLKjr from OH! Thanks in advance

[Stephanie]

20. Welcome to DU neonplaque!

And welcome to NYC - feel free to PM if you have any logistical questions, as I am in the city and happy to assist. Buckle up - it's going to be a bumpy ride!

[neonplaque]

37. thanks for the welcome.

I'm pretty familiar with Manhattan and I'll be staying in east village at my sister's place so I have a place to retreat to. I'm bringing two digital cameras and a digital video camera with me. I'm recommending that anyone traveling to NYC for the protests do similar to ensure there is an overwelming amount of documentation of what happens (for better or for worse).

[Hekate]

48. Carry SASE for your film & drop in mail boxes along the way

I went to a workshop a year and a half ago and that was one recommendation that really stuck in my mind. If things start to get hairy, if your camera is confiscated, if any number of things occur -- you will have exposed film safely waiting to be picked up by the mailmen and mailed to you.

Good luck!

Hekate

On edit: you did say "digital" -- but for those who do use film, consider mailing it...

[neonplaque]

50. same logic applies...

film or digital... as you fill the media, drop it in a mailbox back to yourself.. don't carry completed rolls of film or digital media on your person. Send them back to yourself, or trusted friend, in postal mail.

[concord]

115. Won't mailboxes be absent due to "security" concerns?

Maybe there could be an alternate plan for safe "drop offs" for media along the way if mailboxes are sealed or removed.

[mrbassman03]

125. This is one thing I hadn't thought about...

Yeah, I never considered that the S.S. or NYPD would try to confiscate film, cameras, etc... This is a great idea, maybe someone in NYC could set up a way to keep the documentation safe.

[Democat]

5. 'We already have a permit. It is called the American constitution."

:)

[eightyferrettoes]

6. Why on earth would the Republicans

even choose NYC as their convention site? Surely there are "friendlier" cities (Nashville? Miami? BFE?).... it just doesn't make sense to me.

[Catt03]

7. I still think they willfind a way to

end up at the WTC site for some kind of ceremony. I think that was their original intention anyway.

Also read where the convention will be a hugh theatrical event...lots of Broadway style sets and introductions.

It might get a Tony

[progressivebydesign]

15. No.. I think it's in the running for a Phony, however. N/T

[Stephanie]

22. They chickened out when they realized it would be a fiasco

I believe originally the convention was to be capped by the laying of the cornerstone at the WTC site. Mysteriously, the cornerstone was laid in a very subdued ceremony last month, presided over by Pataki the coatholder. They are, have been, and always will be, cowards. How DARE they attempt to exploit 9/11 for their political gain. It happened on their watch! They are RESPONSIBLE!

[physioex]

9. Good question...

I think Walrus Rove screwed up on this one big time. He thought he could play up the 9/11 and the convention into a nice photo-op but I don't think New Yorkers are going to play. Similar to the "Mission Accomplished" sign on the aircraft carrier. Welcome to DU if you are new :hi:

[LauraK]

16. 9/11 9/11 9/11 They think they are the heroes!

That's the whole reason. It will be great if it backfires.

[Smarmie Doofus]

78. Their expolitation of this catstrophe is actually a good thing....

in that it is so OBVIOUS and so OBVIOUSLY in bad taste. This should be at least one theme of the protests against the convention.

I'm a NYer myself and find their presence here repulsive on many levels but trivialising the dead and wounded of 9-11 by using them to wrap their pathetic candidate in the flag is something that I think even many undecideds here and around the country will recoil from.

Especially if it is deftly expolited by the marchers and by the political opposition.

Prior to this year the nat'l republican party interest in NYC was limired to the famous "Ford to City: Drop Dead" NY Daily News headline of 1975 ... which J. Carter made VERY effective use of in '76 (when NY was a much more competitive ( i.e. in play)) state.

Party strategists should take notice.... and learn from our successes, few and far bewteewn though they may be.


Best,
Paul

[Hailtothechimp]

25. They are going to be used as a stage prop.

Deep down, bu$h and his people would rather that NYC didn't exist. The attack on 9/11 served two purposes: Putting New Yorkers in harm's way while scaring the "base" in a hundred cities and more that were never in any danger. Nice, huh?

[al bupp]

75. I Chalk it up to Hubris /eom

[Anaxamander]

110. Miami is repuke-friendly? (nt)

[redstateblues]

117. Nashville Might Be less Hostile - But It's a Democratic stronghold

We have a Dem Mayor and Congressman

[Eric J in MN]

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

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.

[starroute]

19. Wearing business clothing is an amazingly stupid idea

Many people, especially young people, don't own business clothing. Or if someone does have one formal suit that they almost never wear, odds are it is not going to fit properly and is going to make them look like a dork.

Also, wearing business suits in what could be 90 degree weather is amazingly unadaptive. And if the cops did break out the tear gas, you'd really need to be wearing comfortable clothes and good running shoes.

Protestors should dress as just what they are -- young professionals, suburban moms, concerned boomers. That's not only eminently respectable -- it's also *real.* Being unreal is what makes you look like a freak. Being true to yourself is the only guarantee that your message is honest as well.

[grasswire]

40. take a look at the photos from the Civil Rights protests...

...and see just how dramatic and effective it was for Black folk to be dressed in suits and dresses. Every step, every word was made more powerful by the fact that people dressed seriously and as well as they could. Church clothes, they wore. Following that model would scare the hell out of Republicans.

[starroute]

62. Civil Rights protests in 1960 are not a valid analogy

In 1960, suits and dresses were the normal attire of the middle class. For black folks to dress that way meant they were demanding to be treated as equals and not as ignorant field hands or servants.

It's not at all the same message if students and housewives try to pass as corporate management. That's not acting with dignity and not asking your audience to accept you as human beings like themselves. It's just manipulation of surface appearances for media impact. And that stinks.

I get the feeling that what some people here are really worried about isn't soccer moms in jogging pants or tweedy-looking professor types. It's all the scruffy neo-hippies and anarchists with a load of tattoos, piercings, and spiked-out hair. And those are not people you're ever going to persuade to take out their lip rings and hair gel and pretend to be normal.

Far better than obsessing with appearance is to work on behavior. If everyone in the demonstrations would commit themselves to act with dignity, to avoid trashing anything to do with New York City, and to police their fellow-demonstrators on those grounds, it would go a long way towards producing the desired result.

[TankLV]

66. You make an excellent powerful point.

Something to consider folks.

That is all.

[DoktorGreg]

46. Aww man take one for the team,

Wall street business men accidental getting teargassed and beaten with night sticks would would make for amazing video.

This might happen if an anarchist wearing a business suit fled into a crowd of people dressed in suits.

It would be very satisfying to see on many many different levels.

[Name removed]

71. Deleted message

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

[DoktorGreg]

76. Why not? in Miami the police teargassing and beating senior citizens

Failed to produce much outrage at all.

Maybe seeinga bunch of suits and bankers get whacked would help people wake the fuck up about what is happening.

Wecome to the civil war, where the fuck have you been?

[markses]

79. Oh, I've had my ass in the tear gas, my friend

And it was volunteer strictly.

While you go ahead and calculate your chances in the "civil war" (from whence? the safe distance of Ohio or some such?), I'll try to get back and forth to work without getting clubbed. Your willingness to sacrifice others for your goals is Bushite in its passionate intensity.

Where have I been? I been around, dawg. The question is, where the fuck are you?

[Pachamama]

51. Actually, this isn't such a stupid idea at all....

Not that you can't wear what you want, but there is a point in dressing like the rest of Manhattanites if you are there protesting...Police/Military would have a hard time picking out protesters from people walking down the street to go back to their office and work. If enough bystanding New Yawkers got arrested or hassled, you can bet that Mayor Bloomberg and New York's Finest wouldn't hear the end of it...and the welcome mat and the sh*t on it from the GOP thrown right back at them....I'm from the East, know NYC well....New Yorkers won't stand for it.

PS: Despite Humidity and 90+ degree weather, people in Manhattan do dress professionally, yet practical. If someone can make their way to NY, there are lots of great consignment shops and discount clothiers that sell "professional" clothes that aren't expensive....and guess what - many of them wear good "running/walking" shoes with them too....

[Swamp Rat]

119. When I was four, I had a t-shirt with a printed coat and tie.

How about silk shirts and silk ties? They are very comfortable and could pass as Wall Street dress during lunch hour.

:hi:

[Sterling]

122. Manhattanites?

We don't dress like that. Just the guys from Jersey and Con. that drive in to work.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

56. Wear a White Shirt and a Tie, or a Blouse and similar.

White is cool as it reflects the sun. A tie is all the camouflage needed for "business person". Don't worry about the shoes, wear comfortable. The cameras will be showing faces and signs.

[Stephanie]

26. Perhaps you would prefer that I just SIT DOWN and SHUT UP

I will NOT sit down. I will NOT shut up. And I will wear whatever the hell I damn please in my OWN city.

You know what cracks me up? Tourists, women, who have been told to wear "black" to "fit in" in NYC. Oh my god they look ridiculous! I expect during the RNC I will see many overweight women in black polyester mall dresses with garish buttons and trim and innappropriate shoes.

Hint to the RNC women: Sex in the City is a FANTASY. You can NOT get around NYC in spike heels.

Hint to RNC protestors - COME AS YOU ARE. New Yorkers love authenticity, in fashion and in politics.

[wildeyed]

90. It's not about what New Yorkers

love. It's about the media, swing voters and doing what it takes to win the election on Nov 2.

I live in the conservative south. People in my state are NOT happy with bush. They are looking for reasons to vote for John Kerry. Loud, violent protest will just drive them back into the repug fold.

So all I am asking, be aware of what your protests will look like on tv 'cause people all over the country will be watching with interest. Also, those garish women you so hate, they vote, and some of them will vote democratic if you don't totally scare the bejeezus out of them.

[Sterling]

124. But it is about what NYers love.

It's our city. Not only are you wrong strategically speaking but you really should not expect New Yorkers or people coming in from out of town to express their opinions to care what you think about what they do or don’t do.

New Yorkers don’t come to Dixie and insist you stop watching Hee Haw or chewing tobacco. Don’t tell us not to have funny hair or not get tattoos on our face.

[SOS]

30. Real experience vs. TV coverage

No matter what happens, it'll be hard to advance the cause.

Violence: Replayed day and night on every channel from August 29 - November 2.
No violence: no coverage.

Half a million will know the truth. The other 280 million will have it described to them by our pals at CNN and NBC. Risky stuff.

[TrustingDog]

32. excellent post/idea - thankyou - everyone Pay Attention.

do not look 'hippyish'. Put on your best rags.
I would go a step further and suggest that all women put a pillow under their blouses/dresses to Look Pregnant if you don't have that business suit so easily available in your closet.

[Stephanie]

35. Better yet, the women should just stay home

Also, people of color, and anyone young. We will only be taken seriously if the protest is only made up of middle-aged white men in business suits.

Important! Don't frighten the TV audience with your alternative lifestyles/genders/ethnicities/wardrobes!

[TrustingDog]

45. huh? was I insultive?

[TrustingDog]

49. good frikken grief, how'd you come up with that? We Are In..

the ugliest WAr Ever, THEY use every angle, every anything against us.

and I am some how racist or sexist or something????? by suggesting what I did?

[Stephanie]

59. Good Lord I thought you were joking

Are you seriously suggesting that women protestors pretend to be pregnant?

[TrustingDog]

73. I think you misunderstand.

Cops beating on people dressed in business suits (and pregnant women ) are not likely to have as much 'support' from the rw that love to see hippy skulls crack.

It's got nothing to do with being ashamed of who you are what you wear, etc. It's got everything to do with thinking ahead and using the massive lying decietful media in whatever way we can to make us safer and to get the message out.

[Stephanie]

82. I understand, but I think it's absurd

I'm sorry, I just think it's ridiculous. All the women pretend to be pregnant? You can suggest this seriously? Come on.

[frylock]

38. please don't throw me in the briar patch..

people aren't going to wear business attire, and there will be disruptors. They work for the CIA and the Po-po.

[0rion]

39. I'd wear cutoff jeans, tie dye with a big FUCK NO BUSH in front and back..

maybe a few peace signs on my cheeks......both cheeks, a baseball cap that says KERRY/EDWARDS 04......and carrying a sign that says NO BLOOD FOR OIL!

[lolly]

93. Why?

Is it your intent to antagonize people, or to convert them?

Think about your PURPOSE in protesting.

[QC]

96. Do you ordinarily try to give the Republicans exactly what they want?

Because they want nothing more than to be able to point to violent demonstrations by a bunch of freaks as proof that only they can keep America safe. Allowing them to paint their opposition as dangerous lunatics would be just the key. It worked for them in 1972, and it will work for them again if things get sufficiently out of hand.

[JNelson6563]

107. Many Dems DO give the R's just what they want

It's called "capitulation" and, unfortunately, we Dems are the current master of it.

Julie

[Chelsea Patriot]

68. NYC does not give a fuck what 'Annika' thinks!

Nor do we need fashion tips from Minnesota.

Maybe people in Minnesota get all nervous-nelly like when thinking about what people might think about them.

NYCer's could give a fuck less about anyone's opinion, especially some right-wing asshole.

[fedupwithbush]

87. Middle America are assholes.

Your words. But I'm mistaken. You didn't mean that. I would love to be a visitor in California or New York. BUT, I don't want to live there. Too crowded, too expensive to name just two reasons. But you live in another world from most of America. Don't believe me? Move, I dare you. The coast cities are not MOST of America. We idolize you and emulate you but we aren't you. Get real and explore. Extreme is only fun to us in your real tv shows.

Have you ever wondered why those shows are so popular? I'll give you a reason. Because most of America considers them "over the edge". Not real at all. We watch and go "we wouldn't act that way". We'd tell 'em to "go to hell". But we watch. Kind of like a car accident or a tornado. You've got to see it, but it doesn't mean you would act the same way.

But then the producers of these shows and the views they spread about America wouldn't make any money if that were really how we would react. Or would they? Scary thought but I have faith in the people I know and how they would react. Wouldn't be much of a show if the people involved said "screw you" and this isn't worth it, huh? Oh yeah, Survivor is one of our favorite shows.

[Stephanie]

91. What on earth are you talking about?

You think you know something about coastal cities from watching reality shows? So I guess I know all about your life, because I have seen America's Funniest Home Videos. Do you have a lot of accidents with the garden hose? Does someone's hair catch on fire at every wedding?

[Chelsea Patriot]

128. Queen! Put Down That Popper Bottle!

Something is addling your brain!

"Middle America are assholes."

Please show me where I wrote that.

That is your own inflammatory, and grammatically incorrect, thought

You should really lay off the Amyl while reading DU.

[wildeyed]

92. So do you want to win

this election or just make the best dressed list?

[lolly]

94. Why not?

I give a f**k what people in swing states think.

We need them. Why do the "in your face" thing?

Would you be willing to listen to someone who said "I don't give a f**K" what New Yorkers think?" I doubt it.

If you think the purpose of the protest is to piss off lots of people, then keep that attitude.

If you think the purpose of the protest is to help get AWOL defeated, then keep in mind what the best way to achieve that is. Get your voice heard, but speak in a language that the people you want to convince will understand!

[indigo32]

118. This isn't about NYC

this is about the election.

[Sterling]

123. Actually it's about how NYers will react to the RNC convention.

I think we should just let New Yorkers decide how they react. I for one don't feel entitled to demand people react to situations the same way I do.

[indigo32]

130. Hey if I thought it was just NYCers gonna protest

I'd probably feel different but it isn't. Also I agree, people can react any dang way they choose. But I don't think it's going to help get Bush and his neocon asshole buddies out of power. Winning the election will.

[fedupwithbush]

86. You are so right.

I'm in Kansas people! We still respect people who dress for the occasion.

Ghetto garb, stripper clothes, jock wear, etc.(please don't take offense) are a part of our lives. BUT they don't get respect. Bush and Co. have run middle America into the ground. We are like you, just a couple of years behind, lol. Gospel, we get what you think is cool a while after you do.

But the middle has some values. We value people who value themselves. I love outlandish clothes, but they say to us "you are not mainstream". Don't negate the value of "what you wear"!

Just think of the photo ops!

Please consider "dressing in your best". It has a huge amount of merit. It shows you consider this really important to your life and that you respect the event you are at.

I've never understood the "dress casual" atmosphere of today. If you believe it and respect it, dress to prove it.

Don't believe me? Move to a middle state and go on a job interview in shorts or jeans. See where it gets you.

Last, I and many others from the middle care deeply about rights. But I also respect the sanctity of caring about decorum and respect for others. That has to include the way you dress when you want to impress. Please don't disrespect the event by dressing as if you just went to an amusement park for the day.

Man, I wish I could go to New York. Not possible in any way. But I'll be watching and rooting for you all!

Thank you DU. Everyday I come here and read and it gives me a reason to believe as I do and a reason to keep writing. Please don't assume that people in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, etc., have the market on liberal views. That's where you are way wrong. We are out here. We just don't have the network you do. We can't go 5 miles and find a Democratic headquarters. But then we can't walk to work either, lol.

[JNelson6563]

108. Big protest here in Michigan the other day

and I am talking northern Michigan. Hardly a bastion of high fashion, current trends or anything else that seperates "middle America" from the coastal cities (i.e. New York, LA).

We had about 1,500 people out to give a special welcome to the idiot usurper on Monday. Most were just regular, heartland people dressed for a hot, sunny day. Tee-shirts, jeans, shorts and some came from work. Just whatever you'd find on an outside crowd for a summer event. In fact, we looked a lot like the people going inside to see Jr.

It doesn't matter so much what we looked like, the view was the same from what I heard from Jr's supporters. They whined that by protesting we weren't "respecting our President". They referred to the chanting which was not in any way improper. "No more Bush!", the old stand-by "Hey hey! Ho ho!! Bush and Cheney have got to go!" and stuff like that. Nevermind they called Clinton a rapist and a murderer. That was ok. For us to say "Bush has got to go", well this is simply the lowest form of disrespect, treason even. Ugh.

The simple fact that we don't drink the kool-aid is all they need. They will lie, make stuff up. They always do and it always works. The lemmings will happily believe Team Bush over their lyin' eyes. Don't believe me? Think back to the Wellstone memorial. The reich-wing hate mongers were screaming bloody murder over it and practically none had even seen it. Neither had their audience though and the masses gobbled it up. To this day it is widely believed that memorial was simply a three-hour political rally.

Welcome to 1984 where Big Brother determines what happened and how it happened. If it doesn't jive with the facts, well then the facts must be wrong.

Julie

[hansolsen]

132. Wellstone memorial cost us the senate seat in 2002. It was out of line

Here is a MN Dem and Wellstone supporter who says the memorial service was over the top and out of line. Minnesota Democrats tuned in on television that night cringed. We were ashamed.

Dem activists need to learn from that event, and not deny that anything was done wrong. We screwed up, plain and simple, and we can screw up again in NY. We need to protest, but we need to do it well.

[JNelson6563]

133. That is damn sad

Minnesota Democrats tuned in on television that night cringed. We were ashamed.

Only the tail end of that was political. It was the spin that followed that cost us mightily, not the memorial.

Sorry.

Julie

[hansolsen]

137. I profoundly disagree. While you may be right that only brief moments

of the memorial stepped over the line, that was enough. It was a gift wrapped tire iron that Norm Coleman could use to cudgel poor old Walter Mondale.

The highly charged partisan attack moments of that evening violated the spirit of the man being eulogized. And worse, it violated the strict conventions of "Minnesota nice", that is expected of public officials on serious occassions. It wasn't nice -- and that made all the difference.

Your suggestion that the media then overplayed it, is, of course, true. But then they will over play any mistakes made by protestors in NYC too. That is as certain as night follows day.

[Sterling]

126. why don't the midwestern peeps try a little harder to impress New Yorkers.

After all we are not the assholes who voted for these thugs. It was the heartland. I really don't want to hear about what we can do to please those folks.

It's them that look bad, not the people in states that know better than elect rw thugs. People really have a lot of nerve. It was your stupid states that caused 9-11 which hurt MY city.

Get it together and stop worrying about how we look to you.

[Lizzie Borden]

131. people in the midwest are not assholes!

WI. is a midwestern state and we were a BLUE state. Why are we ripping ourselves apart over something so insignificant as the clothes people wear? Having lived on the east coast and in the midwest I can tell you people are the same in both places.

[saskatoon]

127. wearing the right type clothing

I think that is a marvelous idea. i never would have thought of it. Of course hippie type dress by protestors would prove the point the Rep are trying to make that the protesters are a bunch of losers and not upstanding backbone of America types.

[Eric J in MN]

13. blocking traffic is the stupidest idea

"Sit-down demonstrations will block traffic" -From the Guardian article

Traffic is bad enough in Mahattan on a normal day.

Protestors SHOULD NOT block traffic.

It won't win any sympathy for against Bush.

It will just make ordinary people angry.

[dweller]

23. Let history be the judge.

maybe it's time "ordinary people" got angry.

dp

[JohnLocke]

64. Please.

Blocking traffic does nothing but piss ordinary voters off.

[tinanator]

98. who needs em?

I want extraordinary voters in my corner. Besides, NYC is hardly gonna notice any blocked intersections. Gotta love that Metro card.

[foo_bar]

129. good point, RNCers won't go near a subway

I'm against traffic on principle, but a general strike would be fun for about a day. People had a hootenanny when the lights went out last summer.

[leesa]

69. Something needs to happen to "ordinary people" to wake them up.

[AtTheEndOfTheDay]

17. What an unfortunate name

I couldn't help laughing. I'm 100% behind him though.

[bvar22]

21. More effective to....

...provide every hooker in NYC with a phone cam and pay a bounty for pics of republicans in compromising positions. I would donate to that cause.

In fact, all that needs to be done is spread the rumor that every hooker is a dem operative with a phone cam. That would spoil the trip for alot of the christian right.

[Stephanie]

27. That is not a bad idea

A reward offer in the Village Voice classifieds might yield some interesting results.

[GimmeDANEger]

31. another interesting tidbit from alternet

http://www.alternet.org/rights/19541/

The article posted above explores the new technologies that will be used to protest the RNC. My favorite is the Bikes Against Bush. Also, if you go their homepage (http://www.bikesagainstbush.com) you can type messages during the convention that they will type on the sidewalk. Makes me wish I lived on the east coast.

[Stephanie]

33. Welcome to DU, mynameisdane!

Looks like you can transmit your messages from wherever you are. You don't have to be in NYC to protest the RNC.

[GimmeDANEger]

43. Yep

Thanks Stephanie (long-time reader, first-time poster)!

I was refering to the actual street protests, but I see how it could have been mistaken since I posted it right after the street-sprayer comment. I'll definately be sending messages, though.

[xxqqqzme]

42. I want one - that is just

the greatest.

[TrustingDog]

34. That Is Such A Good Idea. wow. really.

[swhisper]

41. Businesses should put huge Kerry signs on their doors

with "Bushites enter at your own risk!" added

[Pachamama]

52. How about Window Treatments? Check this out....

http://www.windowtreatmentnyc.com

[DoktorGreg]

44. If the GOP had any decency

They would cancel or move the convention. But I forget, this is the president that provokes wars we don't have to fight, then loses them, then proclaims everything is working out great.

[GimmeDANEger]

47. Scary though

Does anyone else think that the GOP will try to ignite violence between the protestors and the police so that they can verbally assault the left for being "out of touch" and associate it with Kerry's protesting decades earlier? I really wouldn't put it past Rove.

[Pachamama]

53. Well, they have their Nazi Youth Brownshirts to take care of that.....

http://www.protestwarrior.com

Scary lil bunch of thugs planning on "storming" NYC....

[Hekate]

54. Yes, there will be disruptors

I believe there will be disruptors for the benefit of Faux and Corporate News Network. The "news" media will replay two kinds of footage ad nauseum: people who fit any stereotype of hippie~ (not disruptors), and people engaged in violence. Doesn't matter if there are only a dozen of either of them in a crowd of one million, that's what will get featured in the US -- the first will be used to trivialize what we do and the second will be used like the terror alerts.

(~Re clothes: stop stressing. Personally, when I head out to protest I wear sturdy shoes and dress for a long walk in whatever the weather will be. If with a particular group, I wear the T-shirt of the day over my regular blouse. America has become very casual in the last 30 years, so my slacks and Reebocks *are* conservative clothes. Non-obscene T-shirts are an accepted form of walking advertisment for whatever's on your mind.)

Goes back to my belief that you need to know the group you're with and have very clear goals about what you will and will not do no matter what else is going on in the moment. Have a contingency plan and use the buddy system.

There ARE groups planning non-violent civil disobedience, and some of them are actively planning their own arrests even as we speak. The cops may well consider this provocation, but the cops could just as easily use other strategies to neutralize the planned effects of civil disobedience.

I have no idea if anyone is planning violence (breaking windows, breaking heads) -- but anyone posting on DU is aware enough to know that the guy tossing a brick and screaming "Kill the pigs!" could be undercover Homeland Security. Keep your head.

I'm glad this NY protest is taking place. I'll be with you in spirit; and I'll be helping out with the solidarity rally in my own town.

All of you, go well and return well.

Hekate

[Pachamama]

55. Everyone I know is planning peaceful civil disobedience...

which is what democracy is about, but that's why I listed the link for likes of the ilk mentioned....

And yes, sadly you are right, the right wing media whores (especially FAUX) will only be showing any scenes involving disruptors or violence which doesn't represent anyone I know and it is only less than 1% of anyone who will be there.

[Dover]

58. Let's compromise. Hows about going naked ...with a matching tie of course?

Ala natural........seems authentic enough, eh? And it's sure to get the media's attention.


Question...are the police still threatening to strike or was that issue resolved?

[goforit]

60. All the spirits of 911 expect nothing less. GO NYC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[graphixtech]

63. 'We already have a permit . . .

. . .
Classic!

Go NYC!

Tabloid sized (11x17) poster download is available here:
http://www.septembereleventh.org/downloads.php


http://www.911Truth.org/index.php


http://www.septembereleventh.org/forum/ubbthreads.php

[symbolman]

67. Bring LOTS of FLAGS

and wave them furiously - take BACK THE FLAG!!

I've said this all along - the good old stars and stripes, they've stolen it and we want it BACK!

plus I like the hookers angle.. anyone know Larry Flynt of Hustler? Bet he knows some pros that would be into this..

I was just in NYC, and it's looking like 1968 all over again.. once again, Bush will stand on the bodies of the dead and crow like the lil chickenhawk he is..

[Joe Chi Minh]

70. Getting even

For what it's worth, here's my take on your posts so far. And I fully realise the opinion of a foreigner may not, after all, be worth a lot, in practical terms, even if it sheds some light on the conflicts here between posters.

What would have scared the Establishment witless, was that Martin Luther King's demonstrators were not only "dressed for church", but with their quiet dignified demeanour and Christian prayers, they looked as if the world was their church, beamed as it was across the world. The authorities must been terrified at the pictures that the world saw, of a massive open-air prayer service being treated by the authorities as dangerously criminal behaviour. They talked quietly, but carried one big blackjack!

Some of you seem to to think that the suggestion to dress up in formal clothes reflected the notion that such clothes were a sign of genuine respectability. No, it is because it is a sign of "respectability" as perceived by the World and Mammon. And you Americans are in the forefront, when it comes to questioning such notions, but it is not you that needs convincing of your own "respectability". In other words, it's preferable to get even than to get angry (i.e. vocal/physical aggression). No aggressive railing at the neo-con visitors will begin to punish them a hundredth as hard a kicking them out office.

Sure, common-sense clearly indicates that not everyone is going to have formal dress to wear, in any case. So what? Their participation will give a picture of the normal age differences, etc., of the protestors.

Anyway, I realise that reason underpinned by emotion, even passion, in some circumstances, is not necessarily invalidated by any means by the appropriateness of measured dispassionate human behaviour in other situations. I just feel that thinking neo-con Republicans must already be terrified at the emptiness of their platform, and a demonstration of any kind would be a welcome distraction. But then, I'm not a New Yorker, or a Yank.

[rfkrocks]

72. I totally agree with bringing the flags and dressing conservatively

What did Chicago in 1968 give us-the Nixon Plague!
The media and the rethugs want us to be cartoon characters of the 1960s so they can Mo Dowd and Tweety us to death

[tavalon]

100. But you are wise

I hope and pray that the vast majority of New Yorkers are similarly wise. Wise, and educated about history, specifically the history found at the Republican National Convention in 1968.

[lolly]

95. Great Idea!

And a great idea for casual clothing--those ubiquitous 5$ flag tee-shirts from Target or Old Navy.

THAT would be a great photo for the corporate media--throngs of marchers carrying flags, wearing flags.

And if anybody does get arrested, the police will have to figure out what to do with all the confiscated flags--that would make a weird "cutesy" story for the media.

[found object]

80. Norman Mailer Says "IT'S A TRAP!"

"...And the only way we can reach the middle at this late date is that if we're extraordinarily peaceful in our demonstrations before the election. Because the media are just waiting there like coiled springs hoping that there will be a few maniacs who will cut loose. Maybe there will be a few people who will know what to do with the American flag as far as the republicans are concerned. And that is, the republicans are hoping that we'll make of ourselves. They're counting on that. I would like to see the word go out to all of the activists that we are walking into a tremendous trap. Why did the -- why ever did the republicans choose New York? Keep asking yourself that question. Leon Trotsky once said there are certain questions that answer themselves by being asked, and that one -- you ask yourself, you'll have the answer. Why did the republicans choose New York? Let's not walk into their trap..."

more...http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/08/09/1341224

[mountebank]

81. Makes complete sense.

And from the sound of it in this thread, the left is ready to walk right in.

[SOS]

97. Mailer is correct

It's a trap. All downside, zero to gain.

[Kukesa]

104. Gotta agree. We need to re-think this. n/t

[madmax]

120. I hope this makes it to all the activists planning to protest

in NYC. We have much to lose or to gain depending on how this plays out. Think Martin Luther King and Ghandi, please. A riot will not help the Democrats. :loveya:

[GalleryGod]

88. Cry Havoc!!! Unleash the Dogs of PEACE !!!!

:argh:

[CBHagman]

89. Eighty-three percent don't want the convention?!

Wow! Believe me, you don't want to get New Yorkers mad. YOU DO NOT WANT THIS.

Then again, the Republicans are, to borrow the title of a recent book, sore winners. For a group of folks wielding considerable power, they are surprisingly angry and sour. Bush, with his tendency to hold grudges and humiliate and snub those who oppose him in any way, seems typical. Republicans even take revenge on each other. This is the damnedest political party...

[tavalon]

101. Mentally ill in fact

It's weird that a whole political party can suffer from borderline personality disorder but it is obviously so.

[coalition_unwilling]

106. Great thread

I've become somewhat fatalistic about the outcome of the Nov. election. If the American people are stupid enough to vote for der fuhrer because of protesters in the streets of New York, then I say they deserve the wrath that will surely await them when the 'War on Terror' becomes not Bush's war, but America's war.

With both Bush and Kerry vowing to 'stay the course' in Iraq, what other way is there to show dissent than to get into the streets, aside from voting for Nader which is a self-defeating proposition, if ever there were one.

I have been advocating for a massive sit-down strike in the street right outside Madison Square Garden if NYC authorities or the courts refuse to relent on granting a rally permit for Central Park. IMO, the primary emphasis needs to be on massive non-violent civil disobedience. Based on some of the great home-made signs I've seen at the many anti-Bush demos I've attended out here in Los Angeles, I would also hope that the protesters display the great sense of humor I know they're capable of, even though the times we live in hardly admit of humor.

[JoFerret]

114. Bush on the Couch

diagnosed megalomania.

[loudsue]

138. BINGO!!! BINGO!!! BINGO!!! Tavalon wins the "you called it right" prize

Repukes on the Couch, << that should be the title of this book!!!

They truly ARE a Borderline Personality Disorder Party = BPDP!!

The beepee-deepee party.. LOL!!

Exactly!! That's 'xactly what they are. Welcome to New York, beepee-deepee's!!

I'm sick and tired of the "we shouldn't be protesting, we should be sitting with our hands folded in our laps while our constitution is used for toilet paper like our forefathers intended" crowd.

This is the most important election in the history of our country. Our Democracy WILL NOT survive, if bush is re-selected. The lives of every person in this forum....of every person in the country....and LIKELY every person in the world...will be in jeapordy if bush takes the office of the President again.

The TRUE Americans are the ones risking their lives, their livelihoods, and their reputations to take the fight to the crowd of nazis who will be at the RNC convention. Too bad the repukes are all too chicken to "step outside", and put up their dukes!!!



:kick::kick::kick:

[bobbyboucher]

103. I thought it'd be cool if everybody left town,

and the place was a ghosttown. But since it's going to be the opposite, I hope it is peaceful, and I hope a bunch of maids and valets and busboys and waiters and actors and stage hands call in sick at least once.

Call it Compassionate Conservative Flu.

[KansDem]

109. Over 100 posts and nobody has commented on this fellow's name.

What better person to lead this kind of strike into the very heart of the GOP right-wing, neo-fascist lovefest then someone with the name "Moran."

Oh, the irony!!!

[Surf Cowboy]

112. Got it as soon as I read the first post,

but didn't comment. The guy seems to me to be just another liberal moran.

[malachi]

113. Good Ted Rall column form Smirking Chimp

detailing some plans to screw up the repug con-vention. Some funny shit. This is going to be an amazing week in NYC.

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/article.php?sid=17452&mode=nested&order=0

[kwolf68]

134. How does this type of protest in anyway help us?

The American people are catching on...let's let them come to us.

There will be a big enough freak show going on inside the Garden and anything outside will detract from that.

I am against this. I didn't think the Repukes should have been protesting us in Boston and I don't think we should do it to them. For one week, we should give each other the stage and then come back fighting.

Look, I hate those bastards as much as anyone, but we need to get Kerry elected...going crazy in the streets of NY will send those bubble states back to Chimpy and lock up the South-a region that is slowly warming up to us (VA, NC, TN, AK, even GA and SC are not too far off).

How can we f*** this up now? Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. We lack patience, we lack pragmatism. I know people want to fight and scream, but we need to let this candle burn.

[banana republican]

140. tHINK pREVENTIVE mEDICINE.

REMEMBER THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO SEVEN WHO INSTIGATED THE "CHICAGO RIOTS" DURING THE DNC CONVENTION...

I AM NOT SAYING DON'T PROTEST BUT PROTEST SMART.

THINK AHEAD...

YOU MIGHT WANT TO TALK TO SOME MILITARY TYPES AS FAR AS WHAT TO PLAN FOR...

WE HAVE ALREADY SEEN THAT DUBYA DOESN'T CARE ABOUT PEOPLE AND IS WILLING TO SACRIFCE THOUSANDS AS HE DID ON 9-11.

EVERY ONE GOING TO NYC NEEDS TO HAVE AN EVACUATION PLAN AS WELL AS A PROTEST PLAN.