Pomp or Protest - GOP in NYC

[reprehensor]

Pomp or Protest - Choosing the Narrative for the GOP Convention

http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0409/cotts.php

By law, the New York Police Department must allow protesters within "sight and sound" of the Republican convention scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden from August 30 to September 2. But it seems likely that the hordes of conventioneers and protesters expected in Manhattan that week won't see or hear much of each other as the city undergoes a massive lockdown. While millions of Americans watch from the safety of their homes, the media alone have the power to bridge the divide and control perception of the convention and its impact on the November election.

And that means everyone involved, from Dick Cheney to the anarchists, will be using the media to get their message to each other and the masses.

Kevin Sheekey, the mayor's liaison to the convention, explained that the GOP's decision to convene in New York serves many spheres of interest. For the candidate, it's a great place to launch a campaign. For the city, it's an opportunity to show off and rake in an estimated $230 to $260 million in revenues. For protesters, it's a chance to voice dissent. But everyone has a common goal: publicity. According to Sheekey, "The real advantage to a political convention is the 15,000 to 16,000 credentialed members of the media who come to town."

Journalists will have two scripts to choose from: officially scripted events inside the Garden, at restaurants, and against the backdrop of city landmarks—and the less predictable sidewalk scenes where police and protesters will clash daily in what promises to be a test case for freedom of speech. Says one reporter who plans to cover the protests, "Everyone knows the real story is going to happen on the streets."

More at link.

[lovedems]

1. I have heard alot about the protests that are planned in NYC

during the GOP convention. Does anyone know if they are expecting large numbers of freeper types to turn out and protest during the dem convention?

I like the line "Everyone knows the real story is going to happen on the streets".

[Renew Deal]

3. This isn't freeperville.

I am sure there are some out there, but they usually are silent. I wouldn't take on the protesters if I were them. The problem is that everything is so tight here. I don't know how they are going to have the convention in NYC. The protesters will make things very tight. We could handle the Olympics, but this is centered right in the middle of the city. Also MSG has the main train station and main post office accross the street. The cops here are bad mo fo's. They will bust your head for fun. I think it's going to be wild.

[CaptainClark23]

4. NYPD

"The cops here are bad mo fo's. They will bust your head for fun."

You'd be surprised how many of them feel as we do about whats happening in America. It was their City too that the BFEE allowed to be attacked (if they did not do it themselves). Sure there are thugs in the Force. But there's alot of damn good New Yorkers too. If We go into this convention with the attitude that the cops on the street are our enemy, we're fucked, because they WILL come down hard.

To me this convention is about Americans against fascist traitors. Not about New Yorkers against the cops.

The NYPD and FDNY Unions could well be among our ranks come convention time. Lets not give them any reason to decide otherwise.

[Renew Deal]

5. I agree completely.

I think the cops here in general are great. Many are great people, but I am also saying that they don't mess around.

[Renew Deal]

2. I'll be there.

I work in the city. I am planning my vacation so I can be here. I should plan it so I miss it. I think it's going to be a historic event. I plan on protesting those mother F"rs every chance I get. They are whoring us out here in NY. They want the 9/11 backdrop. Scumbags