http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/19/nyregion/19matters.html"It was inevitable, but still it is always instructive to be reminded of the adaptability of our public officials. The Republicans are coming to New York, holding their convention from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. Time for the Democrats to take a vacation? No way.
A few days ago, Representative Charles B. Rangel threatened to disrupt the convention if Washington Republicans did not modify a law requiring some public housing tenants to work in community service. "If they don't do it, they're going to have a hot time in the old town when they get here," Mr. Rangel said at a news conference at City Hall on Friday.
<snip>
If protest is squelched, at least the world will know about it. In a city where demonstrators are organizing four months in advance and a wily lawmaker is using the mere threat of a protest as a lobbying tool, whispering is not in style.
"There are just so many things, so many issues, so many people who intend to demonstrate," Mr. Rangel said. "People will know they came to New York."
No protest there."
Hehehe.