Protesters Planning Big Presence for GOP Convention

WABC-New York ^ | 4/28/04 | rocky88

[rocky88]

Protesters Planning Big Presence for GOP Convention

By Dave Evans (New York-WABC, April 20, 2004) — One million people. That's how many protestors are expected to descend on New York City in late August for the Republican Convention.

The target is President Bush, who was in New York today, raising money. How the cops will deal with all the protestors -- that's the controversial issue. Here's political reporter Dave Evans.

On First Avenue today were a handful of protestors calling themselves Billionaires for Bush. As the president's motorcade rolled toward a noon fundraiser, security was extremely tight. Residents couldn't even go home.

Maureen Cortell, East Side Resident: "Where am I going to go? I live down the block. I work out of my house and I'm stuck here!"

Today was just a glimmer of what's to come this summer.

A little over a year ago, an anti-war protest near the U.N. turned violent. And many people fear that'll happen again when Republicans come to party at Madison Square Garden. Four huge protests are planned; the largest -- for Peace & Justice -- 250,000 people on August 29th.

A day later there's a hip-hop protest on Seventh Avenue, a huge gay protest in the afternoon in Times Square that day, and an anti-war demonstration on September 2.

One of those groups has waited since last June for a permit. They're still waiting.

Chris Dunn, NY Civil Liberties Union: "We're very concerned about HOW LONG the police department is taking to decide about applications. We represent a number of groups that have submitted permits many months ago. We've had meetings with the police department, we've made very little progress."

Out of 13 permit applications filed so far, one group calling themselves Yippies, has been turned down. They wanted to camp in Tompkins Square Park. The city said no, but the group isn't giving up.

John Penley, Yippie: "We have a tradition since 1968 of setting up free state camping areas during conventions and that's going to happen whether there's a permit or not."

Protest organizers say they have no intention of trying to turn the clock back to '68, when the Chicago convention turned violent. But they ask why is the city welcoming Republicans but not them -- perhaps up to a half-million protestors?

Lynne Stewart, Protestors Lawyer: "These are people coming to your town, mainly your town is sympathetic to these people. This is not a Bush town! This is basically, oh we don't know what town, but we're all against Bush!"

Late Tuesday afternoon the police department responded, and said that planning for the convention is very complex, but there will be ample time for the protest groups to get organized. One of the fliers being passed around on the Lower East Side says, "let's welcome Republicans New York City style, with a camp out in Tompkins Square Park."

[oceanview]

she is a close friend and associate of Ron Kuby.

[ken5050]

Make sure you wear your Bush/Cheney Tshirt OVER your kevlar vest.....actually, if the dem clowns run wild..it will be good for the GOP in the rest of the country...Not sure how old you were in 68...I was 19..but the scenes of the crazies in Chicago got the GOP a lot of votes..

[Bars4Bill]

[sergeantdave]

The most insane of the insane in the rat party will protest.

News stories of public perversions, foul language, Marxist rants, burning buildings and riots will turn off middle America.

That will destroy the rat party.

[gymbeau]

I remember it well, though it was the G8. My fondest memories were of Air Force 1 (2 of them, which surprised me) and all the other beautiful jets parked at Calgary airport.

And Marine 1 (also two of them!) would fly right over my house a few times a day shuttling between the airport and Kananaskis.

It was great!
Cheers
Jim

[F.J. Mitchell]

Instead of a large Cruise ship, how about a large idiot seeking cruise missle armed with a neutron bomb head.

The Democrats are planning to use their useful idiots to get all the attention at both conventions. The Republican party is at a definate disadvantage when it comes to matching idiot antics, our idiots consist of only a few north eastern rino's and their followers. They unfortunately will likely join their democrat peers on the streets of NY.

[sauropod]

"Lynne Stewart, Protestors Lawyer:"

Well looky what the cat dragged in.

[finnman69]

I was negative 1. But i'm still hoping to provoke some crazies into creating some national press footage that makes them look bad.

[ken5050]

I think they'll manage to screw it up even without your help..LOL...These are the same folks who protest Globalism....it's gonna be a "riot" in both senses of the word...remember, the Dems aren't that politically savvy..remember the "Wellstone" memorial..and how it devolved into a political rally. It probably helpd the dems "LOSE" a few senate seats..

[Gypssy]

They'll do anything for a free meal or handout! :-)

[NYC GOP Chick]

Well looky what the cat dragged in.

The cat should have tossed it back!

[Humvee]

That be ug buttly.

[One_American]

Whoa, your not kidding. If my dog had a face like that I would shave its butt and teach it how to walk backwards.

[hellinahandcart]

I DON'T GET IT - WHY DOESN'T THE RNC JUST RENT A LARGE CRUISE SHIP AND GET IT OVER WITH????

You mean, by loading all the protestors on the boat and sinking it?

I know that my heart would go on...

[hellinahandcart]

she is a close friend and associate of Ron Kuby RAMSEY CLARK.

[hellinahandcart]

I'm trying to decide if this thing will freep itself, or if we should come back for it.

[rocky88]

"If my dog had a face like that I would shave its butt and teach it how to walk backwards"

oh, an oldie but a goodie!

[sauropod]

We should come back for it.

[Bars4Bill]

Today was just a glimmer of what's to come this summer.

A little over a year ago, an anti-war protest near the U.N. turned violent. And many people fear that'll happen again when Republicans come to party at Madison Square Garden.

One can sense ABC writer Evans drooling with anticipation. But if it does happen again in August, it'll help frame the 'Rats as the party of hate, violence and anarchy. The party and its mainstream media pals are fully in support of these protests.

BTW, the only justice Lynn Stewart can rightfully demand is cosmetic justice.