LOL Bloomberg WELCOMES protesters with incentives. . .LOL, GOP PISSED!!!

[wndycty]

Think about it 200,000 protesters are expected from out of town so NYC stands to make more off of them, more importantly these people will actually be eating in restaurants and taking cabs (no banquets and shuttle buses)...LOL. Of course some will come for boycotts of NYC business because of the Central Park thing, but in a way this is the best of both worlds. You come to NYC, you embarrass the hell out the GOP, yet you don't screw the hard working New Yorkers. Of course the police will be heavy handed, but the average hotel worker or server needs the $$$, just make sure that everyone knows who is really spending the money.


PERKS FOR PROTESTS

By DAVID SEIFMAN

August 18, 2004 -- Bash Bush and save big!

For a limited time only, protestors at the upcoming GOP convention are eligible for discounts at hotels, restaurants, theaters and more, Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday.

The city's "Welcome Peaceful Political Activists" promotion is designed to cash in on an estimated 200,000 demonstrators expected to descend on the city in two weeks to voice their opposition to President Bush.

"If we get a large number of people here who want to be political activists and express themselves, no reason we shouldn't welcome them just in the same way as we are welcoming the delegates and the press," Bloomberg said at a press conference in the Midtown headquarters of NYC & Co., the convention and visitors bureau.

"We want to make sure protesters feel welcome here and that they take advantage of all New York City has to offer . . . It's no fun to protest on an empty stomach," said the billionaire mayor.
-snip-

http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/27082.htm

[fudge stripe cookays]

1. He's going to offer them deals

on anything but Central Park, eh?

Such an agreeable fellow.

{/sarcasm}

[wndycty]

6. I agree however. . .200,000 people is 200,000 people

. . .and it would be stupid not to reach out to them from an economic stand point. While Bloomberg is still playing hard ball (hey I don't agree but there are some logistical concerns--but hopefully the crowd will practice non violent civil disobedience) this is a very good idea. I also love it because no matter how tough Bloomberg is with the protesters its kind of a fuck you to the GOP.

[qanda]

2. No fun to protest on an empty stomach

Now *that* was funny!

[Bluzmann57]

3. So Bloomberg and some merchants are trying to make some $

and the GOP hierarchy is upset. Isn't making money supposed to be the "Republican way"? This is America and if these people want to cash in on protestors then let 'em. Its free enterprise at its best. Maybe the GOP people should get their collective heads out of their collective asses and not worry about someone having opinions that don't gibe with their own. They really need to worry more about issues, like jobs, Iraq exit strategy, health insurance, etc. etc.

[Blue_Roses]

4. LOL!

how funny! :bounce:

[Gin]

11. too funny...........protest and save money doing it........Bloomberg knows

about the dollar value...I love the fact the the GOP is angry!

[CaptainClark23]

5. In other words...

Make nicey-nice, and we'll let you eat.

Or didn't you know that eating in public establishments is ALSO a priveledge in NYC, not a right?

fcking bloomberg...

[jimshoes]

7. Ha ha ha ha

hey goopers, here's an idea.... why not boycott your stupid convention. That'll show Bloomberg.

[wndycty]

8. Great quote from Not in Our Name

"This is where their scare tactics have come back to bite them in the blank," said Tanya Mayo, national organizer for Not in Our Name, one of the groups seeking the permit to rally in the park. "They probably realize now that you're going to see more demonstrators than convention delegates, and they'd better cater to them, too."

[salvorhardin]

9. I would check first

to make sure the buttons don't have RFID chips embedded in them. It strikes me that this would be an ideal way to track the protesters -- for their own safety, of course. ;) It just seems so... so... Poindexter like.

[cmf]

19. Good point!

Can never be too careful.

[Junkdrawer]

10. "Come to NY, spend your money, and enjoy as we bust your head...

in Central Park".

I Love New York!

[wishlist]

12. This news was on ABC- Chris Cuomo's script said "Republican haters"

This morning on GMA, Chris Cuomo was reading this news and ABC showed a pinback button that protestors are going to be able to wear and get discounts. Interesting, the script he was reading from referred to protestors as "Republican haters" and he looked down on the paper to make it clear he was just reading the script they had given him. (I believe he is the son of former Dem Gov Mario Cuomo!)

[wndycty]

13. Could be interesting. . .

. . .don't forget the NYT reports that the city stands to lose money, so they have to do something. . .they know its the protesters who will add $$$ to the economy.

[DS1]

14. If you can get past your doorman without him smelling teargas

you stay the second night free :7

[AmerDem]

15. Sweet!

:bounce:

[iconoclastic cat]

16. Protesters: Please make sure to tip NYC servers very well!

You know this week will be hell for them. And apartment rental prices are still climbing.

[gatorboy]

17. That's a bunch of crap.

He's been fighting the protestors tooth and nail to keep them from protesting in Central Park (are they still going to have to tough it out on the side of the freeway?), yet he wants their money. I'm sure he would love for them to just stay in their hotel room and protest from there.

[aden_nak]

18. "Billionaire Mayor"

Whenever a rich guy does something that the GOP doesn't like, the media is sure to remind you just how rich he is. Mayor Mike is welcoming protestors, so he's a "Billionaire Mayor". Class warfare what now?

I am sure that when Bush said (on more than one occasion) that there's no reason to tax the rich, since the rich an avoid paying taxes, he was quoted as being a "Millionaire President". Right?

Right?

[LynneSin]

20. Don't forget: DU IS IN THE HOUSE FOR THE RNC PROTESTS

Make sure you check out the links in Activism for the upcoming events that DUers will be attending in NYC!!

Hope to see you all there!

[wndycty]

21. Kick

:kick: