Binghamton Police Prepared for Trial Protests

[buzzsaw_23]

Binghamton police prepared for trial protests

By RYAN DEUEL
Gannett News Service


BINGHAMTON — With hundreds of pro- and anti-war demonstrators expected to gather today in front of the federal courthouse for the start of the trial of the St. Patrick's Four, Binghamton officials say they are ready for whatever might happened outside the building on Henry Street.

Those protesting the war plan to peacefully march from the Centenary Chenango Street United Methodist Church to the Federal Building at 15 Henry St., where the trial begins today, organizers said.

“Political protest is a rich part of our tradition in this country, and I support it when it's done peacefully,” Mayor Richard A. Bucci said.

<snip>

Binghamton Police Chief John Butler said the police would respond accordingly.
“What they do will dictate how we'll respond,” Butler said. “Everyone has their own opinion, and everyone has the right to protest. I personally want to see our troops come home as soon as possible. We don't want to make arrests, and we don't want to see anyone — protesters or police officers — to get hurt.”

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050919/NEWS01/509190319/1002

[H2O Man]

1. It is important to note

that although it is in "upstate New York," which is generally considered more conservative than "downstate" NYC, the Binghamton City Council passed a resolution on 8-1, asking the federal government to "support our troops, bring them home now."

I am pleased to see that there has been a showing by both the Bush supporters and the St. Patrick's Four supporters. It seems almost humorous to see the small group of area college students supporting Bush and his war; it escapes no one but themselves that, like their hero in the White House, they are 100% for a war they are unwilling to participate in.

[llmart]

2. Huh?

Since when is Binghamton in "upstate" New York?

[H2O Man]

3. Since about 1786. n/t

[NashVegas]

4. I Think What He Means

Is Binghamton is a little close to the PA border to be called 'upstate.'

Being born in the Adirondacks, it's hard to think of anything below Poughkeepsie as 'upstate.'

[H2O Man]

5. "upstate"

is based on NYC, not PA, NJ, etc.

[TankLV]

6. Anything outside of New York City is considered "upstate".

That is anything past Westchester County.

Look at the geography of New York, and that dangly part is NYC region, the rest - about 90% of the land mass - is "upstate".

Not logical, but a very NYC myopic provincial term.

As a former Buffalonian born and raised, I would be entirely happy if the entire state except for New York City would separate and form their own state.

New York City sucks the resources and life blood from the rest of the state.

[H2O Man]

10. As far as taxes

the upstate people would certainly benefit from such a separation. Economic, social, and cultural divides would seem reason for the upstate section to want the divide.

[Justice]

7. Binghamton is part of area called "Southern Tier"

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050919/OPINION02/509190309&SearchID=73220884195414

Link to story of the St. Patricks Four.

On March 17, 2003, I stood with many others on the steps of St. Patrick's Church in Binghamton praying that we not go to war.

[TankLV]

8. Which is still in "Upstate New York".

[H2O Man]

9. Southern Tier:

It is indeed the "Southern Tier." The reference to "upstate New York" is not as much geographical as political. Anyone who has taken even an introductory course in NYS politics is aware that metropolitan New York is "NYC" and Long Island, and a bit of the suburbs; "upstate NY" is the rest of the state. It is not a reference to northern NY, and includes western NY and the "Southern Tier" (which is east of western NY, but not necessarily south of it).

Assuming that "upstate NY" is geographic indicates a lack of familiarity with state politics.

[llmart]

11. Sooorrrry........

Didn't mean to cause an argument here. It's just that I've been to Binghamton and the real, geographical upstate NY and couldn't for the life of me understand why it would be called "upstate" since it's right on the border of PA. (My son lives in Johnson City but hopefully for him, not for long since neither he nor I can find anything remotely positive to say about Binghamton because it's a pretty depressing area.)

[H2O Man]

14. It isn't an argument.

It may be clarification for those who do not know. Johnson City is a nice place if you enjoy cool rainy weather and a rising tide of unemployment. I'm surprised that Binghamton, JC, or Endicott have any republican voters, considering the economic and environmental issues.

[geckosfeet]

12. And western NY is anything in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown

regions. Sometime Rochester is lumped in there as well although they like to think of themselves as upstate.

I thought the southern tier referred to the geographic region bordering Pennsylvania.

[Justice]

13. Binghamton is in geographic region bordering Pennsylvania

[geckosfeet]

15. Yes. I would refer to that area as the Catskill region if anything. I was

just making the point that areas referred to as upstate by metro New Yorkers have regional designations used by the people that live in them. Example: Buffalonians will say that they live in western NY, not upstate NY.

on edit: sp.

[gauguin57]

16. Here's another link with info on the specific charges against the St. Pat

Four

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050921/NEWS01/509210336/1002