GOP fest may get G.I. Patrol

[MrBenchley]

Not to love der fuehrer is a great disgrace....

"Federal officials have discussed bringing in U.S. troops to boost security at this summer's Republican National Convention - but the NYPD doesn't think it needs them.
"With 37,000 police officers, the Police Department does not anticipate the need for federal troops," said Paul Browne, the top NYPD spokesman.
The NYPD may get some form of federal assistance "whether they want it or not," said one source involved in planning - although another official said it could take the form of an intense Secret Service and FBI presence, and not uniformed troops."

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/165218p-144679c.html

[dakota_democrat]

1. I can see it now...

At the Democratic convention, without the Third Reich's guards protecting us, some hired gun assassinates our VP candidate, we get looked on as "weak on security", and Bushie wins in a landslide.

[WarNoMore]

54. I read at Indy Media

that there is talk of consulting with Timoney(sp) for the Democratic Convention in Boston.

[0007]

87. Ya mean Mitt Rommey?

[maggrwaggr]

55. This is what I'm worried about ---

at the Dem convention, Bush is so far behind in the polls ....

The repubs stage a terrorist attack against the Dem convention.

Our candidates are killed.

The Repubs put off the election until "further notice"

Bush is president for life.

[reprobate]

69. That would be the fastest way to start a revolution.

More and more are recognizing the perfidy of the bushies. It would not go unnoticed.

[havocmom]

72. agree with reprobate

more and more people are waking up and moving out of the fog. Just read a news report of our one representative to the house and from it, one could glean he hasn't got a clue that the folks here at home are getting news from sources other than the coproate/government approved media. He hasn't a clue as to how infuriated we are about the lying as he still chants the lies.

An Northwoods style incident which would make the maladministration so bold as to cancel elections may make someone pResident for life, but it would be a life of hiding in a bunker from a people who would not accept such leadership.

If they have to resort to harming our chosen, they declare open warfare.

[maggrwaggr]

78. I think they already did it, 9/11

LIHOP MIHOP or IHOP, whatever you want to call it, the 9/11 attacks were, it seems to me, caused by PNAC.

These people obviously have no regard for human life. They killed thousands and thousands of men, women and children in Iraq and they don't care one bit.

It worked for 'em once, why not try it again?

[Wickerman]

2. Brown shirts

we are a country run by brownshirts.

ABB in November

[JohnOneillsMemory]

32. Is your avatar Richard Brautigan?! Trout Fishing in America...n/t

[bushisanidiot]

3. Who The Hell Do They Think They're Kidding? They want the military to keep

out protesters, not terrorists. they want to shut down NYC. there will be no "free speech zone" because they'll be officially "concerned" about AWOL's safety. they will keep protesters off of the t.v. because they won't allow them in NYC.

repuke freeper nazi scum!!

[underpants]

6. I think they also want the image of the military around W

Showing their support, willing to lay down their lives, a sea of camouflage surrounding W, etc.

[CaptainClark23]

14. Too late

".... because they won't allow them in NYC."

we're already here. And we will be heard.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

19. Someone finally took a look at the tapes from the protest

march last year, and added up the numbers... and after writing a 26 page snyopsis of his findings, KKKarl said, Oh, shit, they ain't gonna love us in New York.

I predict a showdown between Feds and City over this

[arcane1]

20. why would they need protection from terrorists, anyway?

I thought we were safe now that Saddam is captured, and that terrorists are so scared of republicans that they wouldn't dare attack them for fear of the consequences...

:eyes:

[bushisanidiot]

22. Absolutely Correct. A terrorist attack on u.s. soil would prove AWOL's

lack of ability to lead us and protect us.. as if 9/11 didn't do that already.

the military will be used soley to keep protesters FAR AWAY from the t.v. cameras

[maggrwaggr]

61. yeah, but they might stage an attack at the DEM convention

Kill two birds with one stone so to speak.

Get rid of the opposition, and use the attack as an excuse to instill martial law.

I wouldn't put it past them

[StClone]

4. Gee are they expecting

The unwelcome mat as they parade their Spawn of Satan Selected One. Guess the populace can't be trusted to love its demons.

[Just Me]

11. I have no doubt whatsoever they are aware of rising opposition.

This is going to be one hellavu election year!!!

[david_vincent]

23. Yep

Trying to remember who it was on C-SPAN about 4 months ago
who said that this election is going to be the most divisive
and acrimonious election since the 20s. Was it Warren Rudman?

[Barrett808]

5. Protest planners are hoping one of the biggest in recent memory n/t

n/t

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

10. Chicago '68?

Dare to dream!

"The whole world is watching!"

[Ardee]

47. Dare to Dream?

Hell, you werent there,I was. It was terrifying and brutally bloody and noone who has a shred of common sense would root for a repetition thereof.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

48. How do you know where I was?

I'm afraid that's exactly what will be required to get the people's blood up. Until it's made personal again, they will all stay soundly asleep.

America badly needs to be decisively shaken awake from its collective complacency. If it takes a bloody nose, then so be it.

BTW, I was NOT there, but in future don't presume to know who and what anyone here may or may not be, or what we've seen and done. You're not the only one here to have stood neck-deep in reality during life.

[belle]

67. Yeah, well, some of us live here in New York...

I'm more than happy to express my displeasure of the sonofabitch, but as far "needing to be shaken awake"--excuse me, we've had plenty of shaking. Go shake yourself.

[leftynyc]

82. Another New Yorker here who

would just as soon forego any violence. I'll be peacefully demonstrating but want nothing to do with any violence. Please, we've had enough.

[prodigal_green]

85. I'll third that

I don't want any violence either. We've had to march over too many (swaying) bridges in the last few years.

However, I think it speaks to the RNC's massive miscalculation regarding New York City as its convention site. I doubt they'd be looking for this much security if they had been on their home turf, like Houston. If the media actually speaks to protesting New Yorkers the nation will see that we are insulted and outraged by this event occuring in our city--primarily because NYC has been all but abandoned in re: security funding.

New Yorkers have proven time and again that we are non-violent even in large groups. Any violence that erupts will be squarely on the shoulders of outside Republican agents.

We managed a million protesters against the war in the middle of winter. A nice clement September afternoon should make such pleasant protesting weather. They'd have been better off doing this in the ungodly heat of July or August.

[snippy]

7. Turd Blossom Rove, who was the first to compare Bush to Hitler,

probably wants to use only those troops who sent the White House their oath to pray for Bush.

Thousands of marines have been given a pamphlet called "A Christian's Duty," a mini prayer book which includes a tear-out section to be mailed to the White House pledging the soldier who sends it in has been praying for Bush.

"I have committed to pray for you, your family, your staff and our troops during this time of uncertainty and tumult. May God's peace be your guide."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s819685.htm

[leftchick]

8. time for aWol* to grow a mustache......

Because everything else fits save the mustache.....

[no_hypocrisy]

9. Is the GOP expecting a re-run of Chicago '68? Can't trust Bloomburg

and Pataki to protect *, Cheney, John Ashcroft, Tom DeLay from the opposing masses? Hmmmmmm.....

On second thought, this could be the potential for Kent State II ("Tin soldiers and Bushie's comin', we're finally on our own . . .")

[underpants]

13. I don't think they would mind that image either

Protestors clashing with soldiers. That would fit very nicely into their plan, I would guess.

[roguevalley]

60. Let them. This isn't America to too many people. Kissing up to 9/11,

having soldiers in the streets, etc. It will back fire
on them. How can he say its better with this display?

[Fuzz]

12. US Troops as in the military?

Isn't it against the law for military forces to be used in such a capacity?

[snippy]

16. So? We are talking about Bush doing this.

Why would he care whether it is against the law?

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

21. Not if they were National Guard troops called in by local

authorities to "help" that is not considered a violation of the posse commitatus act.

But, the City or State of New York has to ask.

[kodi]

56. in that case, a tangible disaster or emergency is necessary for deployment

getting the nyng walking the streets of nyc just for the repugs to have a convention would be fought in court.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

62. No, courts have allowed them to patrol cities when the police

department has REQUESTED it, and the Governor signs off on it. Does not have to be a disaster, IIRC.

[kodi]

65. isn't that what the courts would classify as an emergency

.

[tom_paine]

26. It WAS illegal, during the Days of the Old American Republic

I think it should be clear that the Imperials follow NO LAW except "if I do it and suffer no repercussions or few repercussions that I easily escape in a smokescreen of lies...then it's legal".

NO Rule of Law for Imperial Scum! They'll do what they want WHEN they want.

And if they want to send soldiers in like the Nazis and Commies used to, then that's what they'll do.

Who will stop them?

I not only expect the soldiers to be there, I expect them to be AT LEAST as brutal as the Miami cops were.

Welcome to Imperial Amerika. And you thought you were free!

[prolesunited]

33. I agree

Miami was a test balloon. They wanted to see how much they could get away there without there being a huge uproar nationwide.

They weren't attacking black-clad anarchists engaging in civil disobedience, violence or vandalism. They were attacking ordinary citizens like you and me. Unfortunately, they have people so brainwashed to think that dissenters are unpatriotic traitors, that there is no outcry when excessive force is used. The documentation of police abuses were abundant, but no one seemed to care.

I have a week of vacation planned around going to NYC for this. On the one hand, stories like this scare me and make me want to stay home. I certainly don't want to get my head bashed in. I don't plan on doing anything that would warrant head-bashing, but apparently, standing there with a sign is enough.

However, I have a stronger sense that we should not be intimidated into not asserting our First Amendment rights. The brownshirts will be out in full force and so should we.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

35. Every protester: carry a flag, signs saying "Bring Back the Constitution"

This tactic, beside being core to our issues, is EXTREMELY TELEGENIC.
HeCK, let's all wear TRICORN hats and look like Paul Revere with signs saying IMPEACH KING GEORGE!!

We can do this in Boston and then take it to NYC.
The American Revolution v2.0 !!

This is the antidote for being portrayed as hostile to the government that our Fallow Merkins erroneously still identify as representing them.

It will look horrible to see flag-bearers clubbed and maced. And it will accurately indicate who the enemies of the US Constitution really are.

We can be POSITIVE and anti-Bushler at the same time.

[CaptainClark23]

38. Yes!

I have already purchased a flag for this purpose. The tricky part is how to carry it, as I am certain that whatever march/rally permit the city may issue will forbid using solid sticks, as we've seen in the past.

Cardboard tubes work great.

Another idea: American Flag stickers are cheap, and can be affixed to any sign, banner, or article of clothing.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

51. How about using umbrellas? They're legal. Protects from mace, too. n/t

[tom_paine]

39. Darlin', you just said a mouthful!

Every Free American needs to get their butts up to NYC for the Imperial Convention.

Yes, they are going to beat us and tear gas us and the soldiers might shoot us. It's as if we're now living in Commie China, but just a little "kinder and gentler".

But we CANNOT be afraid. Like the Freedom Riders, like the Tiennamen Square protestors, who's cause and ours are remarkably similar in all but the minutia.

We cannot let our fear govern us! We cannot let our fear stop us!

If we are to be beaten by Bushevik Thugs, then so be it. I do not wish for it (only a nutcase would so so) but neither am I going to let it's threat stop me!

Don't know if I'll be there for the whole week, but I live close enough that it will at least be a couple days.

And hey, save some vacation for Nov-Dec. I don't know about you, but if they try that Brooks Brothers Renat a Mob shit again, I want to be there and do what I can to stop it (no further comment is desireable here, use your imagination).

Maybe I'll see you there, proles. I'd love to meet you.

[prolesunited]

46. Well, you know I would love to meet you as well

We'll coordinate something as the date approaches.

Who better to stand on the front lines with than tom_paine. ;-)

[Occulus]

29. yes n/t

[Malva Zebrina]

15. that is horrific

what an image-:eyes::crazy:

-US troops surrounding a political convention in NYC with the express purpose of protecting it. Fascist pigs is what they are. That is a horrible image--the military in front of the convention. I can't get over it.

[MrBenchley]

27. Wow...that will show what a popular pResident

this unelected drunk is, won't it?

[catmandu57]

17. A preview of things to come?

American soldiers patroling the streets of American cities in hummvees machine guns loaded and ready. Our own republican guard.

[grytpype]

18. We need to secure the WTC site during the Pug convention!

No. Unacceptable. As a New Yorker, I think we need to organize an occupation of the streets around the WTC site (don't like "Ground Zero") to prevent Duhbya from reaching it and doing some ghoulish cornerstone laying ceremony.

It should be doable. We'll be far enough from MSG that the Fascists can't credibly say we're theatening anyone associated with their convention.

And it will mean a lot more than a bunch of placard-wavers outside MSG.

I think we'll need about 200,000 people to secure the area. Doable.

[w4rma]

24. That is a good idea, IMHO. (n/t)

[trogdor]

80. Here's a handy map.

http://mq-mapgend.websys.aol.com:80/mqmapgend?MQMapGenRequest=FDR2dmwjDE%3byt29%26FDJnci4Jkqj%2cMMCJ%3aHOEvq%3bw7a1r7%3a%29zr2uu8%3a%26%40%24%3a%26%40t%3aqyb%3al4b%3aTD%15JFE%3aHOHQJ%3bw7a9wa%3a%29zr2uyr%3a%26%40%24%3a%26%40%24x9%40

Madison Square Garden is located at about 23rd and Broadway. Ground Zero is southwest of the red star.

[CaptainClark23]

81. The map is right, you are wrong.

Madison Sq. Park is not Madison Sq. Garden.


I hope you're not on the protest planning comitee, are ya? ;-)

[leftynyc]

83. Madison Square Garden is located

between 7 and 8th Ave and between 32nd & 34th Streets. My beloved Knicks play there.

[The Stranger]

25. This would be a clear violation of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878

and will not happen.

[stevedeshazer]

30. You're right about Posse Comitatus

from link below:

The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of the military to execute the civil laws of the United States. In full text, the Act states:

"Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army or the Air Force as a posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the laws shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."

Doesn't mean it won't happen.

link: http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/forum/forumnew62.php

[Room101]

41. "Waco Branch Davidian" incident was a violation Posse Comitatus

nt

[maggrwaggr]

57. interesting! I didn't know about this. n/t

[RazorNY22]

28. Everyone please calm down...

If troops are called in they will not be anywhere near the Garden. They will most likely will be placed at the bridges and tunnels to relieve cops of those duties. They will be placed at high visibilty tourist attractions and transportation hubs. There is no way they will be placed in a situation where they will be confronted by protesters.

And I hope the demostrators keep there tempers under control. The worst that could happen is to have violence at the convention. Bush will turn the cameras on the "rampaging youth" and try to make it seem like all Democrats are anarchists. I know people are really pissed off but, losing control of tempers will be disastrous.

Razor

[calimary]

31. Your point is VERY well-taken, and welcome to DU, by the way!

It's true. They'd just manipulate protestors getting out of hand into something that would reflect badly on the Dems. KKKarl Rove is probably praying that the protestors get out of hand. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if he might try to incite something to make sure it happens.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

34. But "embedded instigators" will be used to justify nazi tactics. Assuredly

This technique to discredit dissent has been used time and time again. Italian police confessed to throwing malatov cocktails during WTO protests to discredit the resistence movement.

You don't think the image of righteous peaceful protest against the Fuhrer will be allowed, do you?

No, they will be portrayed as crazy violent feces-throwing anarchists who need to have new 'non-lethal' weapons tested on them, just like Miami during the recent 'trade' talks. That was a rehearsal for the big one.

Oh, and the recent NYC law allowing the detention of anyone 'suspected of having been exposed to biological or chemical agents' will allow them to scoop up large groups when an 'agent detection device' goes off, just in case. It will take plenty of time to conclude that it was a false alarm. "Better safe than sorry."

All this will prove to our Fallow Merkins that the Fuhrer must stay the course in 2004.

[RazorNY22]

36. You have a vivid imagination John...

The NYPD uses plainclothes officers to "infiltrate" the crowd. But the purpose is to head off any potential violence. I've been a cop for 21 years and I have worked hundreds of details and have never received an order to incite a crowd. All of our training is to de-escalate any situation.

The demonstrator has far less to lose than a cop. Every other person at a rally or demo has a video camera with them. What are the chances of catching a cop on tape doing something stupid. Pretty good I think. The NYPD also video tapes every major gathering. Both to convict any cop of wrong doing or to exonerate the cop if the accusations are false. The cop will lose job, pension, and possibly go to jail. A demonstrator might spend a few days in jail and thats it.

So your dillusions about gestapo tactics are pretty far fetched from where I'm sitting.

Razor

[truthspeaker]

37. may be from where you're sitting (NYC) but in other cities they are SOP

It may be farfetched to expect that kind of activity in New York City. But that's exactly what happened in Miami at the FTAA protests, it's been suspected in Minnesota (prosecutors let the judge dismiss charges rather than identify undercover officers), and from what I understand it happened quite a bit in the Vietnam era. I don't doubt your professionalism, Razor, or that of most NYPD officers. And I think NYC goes further than most other cities in setting up safeguards against police abuse. But if you think the kind of thing that poster describes doesn't happen you need to pay more attention.

[RazorNY22]

42. Anything is possible truthspeaker..

But I am afraid for this country. I'm afraid that Bush will push people and push, and push until they snap. Maybe ultimately it would be a good thing. But it would be very sad to see once again riots in the streets.

I can tell you that violence is the last thing the NYPD wants. Let's hope everything goes well.

Razor

[tom_paine]

45. I agree with you, Razor

But both the histories of Imperial in general and of our homegrown Bushevik Imperials in particular suggest that it is a distinct possibility, if not a probability (and, as I said above, it doesn't even matter if NYPD is "in on it").

Before you categorize me as a nosering-wearing hippie by my rhetoric, let me assure you that I am a USAF veteran, a homeowner and gainfully employed on-time-billpayer.

Yes, the Imperial Family has radicalized many a moderate like myself. And I WILL be in NYC for the Imperial Convention. Not to commit violence but to exercise my First Amendment Rights noviolently.

How far has this nation fallen since the Bloodless Coup of 2000 that a moderate, pretty straight-arrow like myself, feels endangered in this way?

[maggrwaggr]

58. Exactly!

I, like you, am an average guy in so many ways, not politically radical in any sense at all.

But right now I'm ready to ......... well, what I'd like to do I can't say here because the message would be deleted. Suffice it to say the people in power are criminals and they need to be thrown out on their asses, and tossed in jail where they belong.

I can't believe that America is standing by letting them get away with it. I can't believe we all think just voting them out of power will make them go away. I can't believe we all let them kill thousands and thousands of innocent people in a country that was never a threat to us.

It's disgusting. I never thought I'd see this day in America, I really believed the country was set up in such a way that this couldn't happen, but it HAS. The country has been taken over by a group which is the equivalent of a crime family, it's like the Corleones have taken over the country.

And nobody seems to mind, or care, and half the fucking people seem to think the head puppet is still "trustworthy".

I have never been so pissed off in all my 42 years.

[truthspeaker]

70. violence is also the last thing (most of) the protestors want

Our best bet is for the police and demonstrators to work together to head off any violence or property damage.

[Bake]

64. Tell that to Amadou Diallou (sp?)

After he gets the broomstick out of his ass. Or the guy that got shot 43 times on his own front porch.

Razor, I'm NOT questioning YOUR professionalism. Not at all. It's going to be a difficult job for the NYPD. I hope they're up to it. I think we're in for another Chicago. And the whole world WILL be watching.

Bake

[tom_paine]

40. Who says NYPD will be asked to do that?

Not me.

Read a brief history of the FBI, who have been doing sh*t like this since Dillinger was in diapers.

Combine that very scary and relevant history with the total release of constraints on FBI conduct under the Imperial family and I think it's just about a given.

Oh, and also read about the recent Miami Police Riot (performed with $8.5 million of that Iraq War Money) and the tactics used there.

The only question is: who was infiltrating and then beating he shit out of (and macing, etc.) the protestors?

Was that Miami PD or the Bushevik FBI?

Only in Free Nations can people find out the answers to questions like this, and we Imperial Subjects of Amerika no longer fall into that category.

Bottom line: Your words are just words. Even IF NYPD isn't asked to do this (and I'll bet you could think of a dozen men who would gleefully instigate protestors if it meant they would get to beat the crap out of them with no repercussions later) but SOMEONE WILL.

[CaptainClark23]

43. New York's Finest

Of course there are always exceptions. I've witnessed some officers engaging in some pretty indefensible acts. The ugliness last February was just plain stupid planning and poor communication. I think that the majority of cops, even those who might be hostile to the position taken by protestors, to be sincerely interested only in maintaining public safety.

NYC has been fucked over by this admin, all of us, cops included.
"They" are "Us", if you follow me.

The City of New York wants and needs this convention to come off clean, including the inevitable protests.

Other agencies or interests might have different agendas.

It's not the NYPD that has me worried, Razor. I think the concerns raised by JONM above are valid ones. While this event is going down on our turf, the City and its uniformed services are not the sole determinants of how things unfold.

These are strange days, and likely to be a hell of alot stranger by the time convention comes to town. I'm not writing off any eventualites.

[Malva Zebrina]

52. great and wonderful, high fivers to thNYPD

but what does that have to do with Bush ordering the military to NYC at convention time?

Why is that even necessary? No one knows that protest wil not be orderely as before, There has been NO rioting, and NO outright disdain toward the NYPD

So why do we need the goddam military? That means soldiers in uniform, as in Kent State, arriving to control any protestors.

No, I admire the NYPD. They have done a fantastic job in the past and are friendly, intelligent and do a good job.

But, now we need the military?

Bullshit. This is just a display of power and intimidation over the common man.

This is pure fascism at it's beginningl.

No one recommended that the Republican party have this convention in NYC and on the anniversary of 9-11. It is purely a political move and it purely takes adavantage of the people of NYC and of the rest of the country to make this great photo op move of having the convention here on that date. It is pure punk.

And now, since they have pissed off the pe0ople of NYC who do KNOW and realize what a pitiful liar and sham Bush is and what a political move this is on the part of the Republican party, taking advantage of the three thousands who died, they are going to bring in the military to control those who would protest this sham? Excuse me, but who exactly orders the military to protect this? The Republicans? Since when?

Excuse me. I respect the NYPD, but this goes beyond democracy. This is the beginning of fascism.

[Occulus]

73. Perhaps the NYPD

should resolve to not cooperate with Federal officials or authorities for the purposes of the convention.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

66. Ever work for or with the Intelligence Division? or TARU?

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

74. No? I have. Their agenda is a little different than the rest of the

department, which, by the way, I have worked with extensively too.

[leftynyc]

84. Madison Square Garden sits on a major

transportation hub. Penn Station is underneath.

[onehandle]

44. Whatever...

Shut the city down! Keep them from their own convention.

[maggrwaggr]

59. yes. that's what I'd like to see

I think it's a disgrace that the entire population of America hasn't stormed the white house and congress and thrown these idiots out on their asses, and simply taken over the government, which is supposed to be by the people and for the people in the first fucking place.

The fact that these criminals are having a convention at all is simply a mockery to all that is right and just, and all things good that this country stands for.

It's an insult to us, and to the world, that these crooks are having a convention at all.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

49. Shades of Crassus

bringing the garrison inside the gates of Rome. WTF!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

50. Might as well put the Bush Family Coat of Arms

on the new army Republican Guards (TM). Talk about using the military as the exclusive province of the Republican Party... the very thought of this starts to make me shake with anger.

Can someone design a cool Bush coat of arms? A shrub superimposed on a can of Budweiser?

[JohnOneillsMemory]

53. Bush coat of arms: A Viper Wrapped Around the American Eagle n/t

[ABK2004]

63. yikes

whether they want it or not?

[Corgigal]

68. Sounds like Bush doesn't trust the NYPD

with security. Of course he is the same person who ripped them off for funds when they demanded new radios and other equipment after 9/11. However only a GOP'er could think the guard would give a damn. I mean he's killing them daily also.

Hard to need security when you do nothing but screw the people charged with your security over, eh Prez?

[FlaGranny]

71. How about if they gave a convention and no one went?

Seriously, this sounds to me like the perfect opportunity to stage the biggest "Woodstock event" in history. Invite the rock bands, movie stars, Democratic politicians, etc., etc., and have one big, huge, anti-Bush shindig while the convention is taking place. Empty the streets of New York - turn it into a virtual ghost town and everyone head upstate somewhere.

[bobbieinok]

75. that's interesting - would many go along

no people on the streets, no stores or restaurants open

or maybe in NYC itself, but as far away from the convention center itself

and all the food, entertainment there so that many convention goers would prefer to attend the 'celebrate democracy' events

[Cat Atomic]

76. Wow- I knew they were unpopular, but

the junta actually needs a military guard now?

[rexcat]

77. Next thing they will want to quarter troops in our homes...

but I think there could be some Constitutional issues with that. On the other hand militarizing the Repug convention would look great on the evening news!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

79. Kick

[prodigal_green]

86. Rush Hour?

Oh my, I thought that the convention would be at the Javits center, where it could be segregated more easily from the rest of the city. Its being at Madison Square Garden is great! The Long Island Rail Road, and New Jersey Transit are there, as well as the subway. All you have to do is intersperse protestors with commuters and for several hours each day you've got crowds of well over a million. Anyway, if you were here on 9/11 or during the blackout, you know what an impressive sight EVERY New Yorker being on the street can be. It would be enough of a protest just to get half that many to come out of their offices or apartments and stand on their own sidewalk for a few minutes, wherever they are in the city.

Hmmm...gotta start working on that.