GOP Floats Cruise Ship Plan for NYC Convention

[baby_bear]

This article came out yesterday but I didn't find it posted anywhere on DU. Sorry if it's a dupe.

http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-uscrus1111,0,5613251.story?coll=nyc-topheadlines-span

<snip>

Republicans, including Majority Leader Tom DeLay and Rep. Vito Fossella, are considering docking a luxury cruise ship in New York Harbor where members of Congress and lobbyists could stay and play during the GOP convention next summer.

The idea of bunking members of Congress on the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship is under consideration because of the unique qualities the ship would bring, including privacy and security, according to a spokesman for Fossella (R-Staten Island).

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who touted the revenue for New York City's hotels and restaurants as one of the best things about bringing a convention to the city, is not amused.
..
The cruise ship, with accommodations for 2,200 guests and 14 bars and 10 restaurants, would mirror other hospitality suites DeLay (R-Texas) has championed for members of Congress at past conventions. At the 2000 Republican convention in Philadelphia, DeLay secured private railroad cars, where members could meet and mingle with invited guests such as lobbyists -- no media allowed. He also provided members of Congress with cars and drivers. The amenities were funded by corporate contributions to a political action committee.

"It's as if Tom DeLay is the personal concierge for members," said one Republican staffer who refused further identification.

</snip>

I think I'm gonna be sick.

If DeLay et al. don't think NYC is a safe place for the GOP convention, why did they pick it? This would really be a slap at the city. I hope this gets a lot of press, even if it ends up sinking on the bottom of NY Harbor.

s_m

[Cha]

1. they can go on their "cruise ships" but

we will still protest the hell out of them.

[Bridget Burke]

2. Don't have the details--but highly reminiscent

Of our "President's" decision to stay on a naval ship while attending an Italian conference pre September 11th. Apparently, there were rumors of terrorist plans to crash planes into buildings.

Need to find the references. This episode should have some resonance in New York City.

[patdem]

3. Don't cruise ships have some sort of disease problem???

Gee too bad if the republicans all got sick because they stayed on a cruise ship...too bad indeed??? or NOT!

[baby_bear]

4. The Norwalk virus

You're right. It's not serious but pretty miserable in the short term. They better make sure they have plenty of toilets aboard...

:puke: :hurts:

s_m

[realFedUp]

5. It could be called Titanic Too

:-)

[realFedUp]

6. It could be named Ship of Fools

hehehe....ok, whoever uses that, give me some
credit. Mention you are real fed up.

[Atman]

7. So be it...it is officially The Ship Of Fools

Seriously, everyone use it all the time, from the second the plan is announced. If you go on a radio show, call it the ship of fools. If you write a letter to the editor, mention the ship of fools.

It is a tried and true republican tactic, I know. But in this case, it is a particularly sweet tactic and we should beat them over the head with it!

[Cha]

8. Love It! "Ship of FOOLS"...it is!

Can't wait!

[belle]

9. Oh, that's just rife with tragicomic possibilities, isn't it?

Jesus. Maybe they can all dress up as milkmaids and shepherds, too. Or whatever the equivalent would be for us: meter maids and firemen, perhaps.

I'm thinking a re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party could work nicely.