Secret papers detail NYC intelligence gathering on RNC protesters

[VolcanoJen]

Source: Associated Press

NEW YORK – They were among the more colorful protesters at the 2004 Republican National Convention – a tuxedo-wearing performance art troupe called Billionaires for Bush.

The New York Police Department wasn't amused.

Once-confidential documents prepared as the NYPD readied for the convention cautioned the group was “forged as a mockery of the current presidency and political policies,” and they noted that “preliminary intelligence indicates that this group is raising funds for expansion and support of anti-RNC organizations.”

A federal judge ordered the documents unsealed amid protracted litigation challenging the legitimacy of many of the more than 1,800 arrests made at the four-day convention at Madison Square Garden, where President Bush accepted his party's nomination for a second term in office.

Read more: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20070516-1719-conventionarrests.html

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I seem to remember the "Billionaires for Bush" guys posting here at DU during the many protests prior to the Iraq War, as well as during the GOP Convention in 2004.

Not that shocking of an article to many of us, but should be to everyone.

On Edit: It should be noted that what's most inflaming about the article is that it insinuates that the NYPD was doing the work of the RNC, and doesn't seem to be to shy about it in official documentation.

[Bitwit1234]

1. Why --- out of 42 previous presidents

who were criticized and the republicans spent 80 million dollars to slur and smear President Clinton, are we told this piece of crap posing as a human being and president can't be criticized. The piece of crap who is the worst president we have ever seen and ever will see does not deserve the respect of the people of this country.

He took us into a war of HIS choice. He is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi and almost 4 thousand of our precious military. He is responsible for the bankrupting of this country, for acts any other president would have been impeached for, a long time ago AND then innocent people are jailed because they had the nerve the absolute gall to use their freedom of speech...Darn....Nazism is fast approaching.

[kestrel91316]

3. Why can't we criticize him? Because he's the Second Coming of Christ

as far as these people are concerned. He can literally do no wrong.

I thought everybody knew this by now.......

[Lint Head]

2. There is an insane fascist in the White House.

He needs to be arrested and prosecuted. :dem:

[Drum]

4. Billionaires For Bush:

I love them...perfect social satire. :)

[annabanana]

5. They really ARE a memorable group. .fantastic street theater!

One of the cleverest goups out there.