Comments | endseptember: :: fingers crossed ::

endseptember

:: fingers crossed ::

Aug 25, 2004 16:50

The Republican National Convention starts in NYC this week. Tens of thousands of protesters are expected ( Read more... )

Comments 12

frika001 August 26 2004, 00:00:55 UTC

In an intelligent world that would be the case, but sadly with some of the radicals out there i'm not going to hold my breath.

kuh August 26 2004, 05:29:21 UTC

Is it wrong that I don't think people should be protesting? I didn't think they should have protested the DNC, either. Just let everyone have their time, regardless of one party having opposing views.

That's just me.

xlabrysx August 26 2004, 23:30:19 UTC

They're protesting because it's an important tool of free speech in this country, not to mention that the convention is a prime venue.

endseptember August 26 2004, 23:44:46 UTC

yeah i tend to agree here - i think the right to assemble, speak freely, and protest is one of our most fundamental rights and we should exercise and cherish it.

kuh August 27 2004, 05:37:29 UTC

I agree with you - which is why it's not something I strongly feel about... It just seems a bit rude to me? Oh well.

jemperly August 26 2004, 07:11:27 UTC

but... but... you can!
the great american shoutout

A rant. . . cheesesnackidea August 26 2004, 18:56:49 UTC

I agree with protest, civil disobedience and radicalism (if the radicalism is justified). However, you are totally right that a group of ten people can turn a positive, civil protest into a total war zone. I am curious to see how the right wingers in popular media will portray this. Hmmmm. The little cynical man in me says that the protest could be the most peaceful and positive thing in the world, but will still be exploited. In fact, I'd be willing to bet a round of beers at Fiddler's Elbow that the majority of news coverage (especially on Fox) will be centered on tightened security. I predict countless images in popular media of riot squads holding the protest lines, more than 50 people getting rowdy and subsequently arrested and the most negative protest slogans receiving the bulk of the coverage ( ... )

Re: A rant. . . endseptember August 26 2004, 19:18:20 UTC

i agree completely, and hey, no need to apologize. i'm always very pleased when my posts actually inspire thought. thank you for the comment! By the way, would you happen to know where I might be able to obtain a transcript of Gore Vidal's speech?

Re: A rant. . . cheesesnackidea August 26 2004, 19:38:46 UTC

I don't. I can tell you which demonstration it was - Los Angeles, Feb. 15, 2003. Both Gore Vidal and Martin Sheen spoke. Vidal's speech was a lot like his recent interview on Democracy Now. I'll keep looking and post when I find it. If you've read "Dreaming War," then you'd probably like his talk.

xlabrysx August 26 2004, 23:29:34 UTC

I'm hoping that the protestors are more strategically together, also. Still, many are desperate for any.representation.whatsoever and to make an impact. They're diverse, independent thinkers who don't want to conform to the status quo in order to "appear" a certain way. It's understandable, but completely counterproductive strategically. Crossing fingers.

endseptember August 26 2004, 23:45:50 UTC

I'm glad you're with me. Did you happen to read the Alternet article which I linked? I feel much more optimistic having read that. We'll see what happens!

Pre-protest coverage cheesesnackidea August 27 2004, 20:21:19 UTC

Let the fair and balanced coverage begin.