Counter Convention: Who's going to be in NYC Aug. 27-Sept. 4?

[prolesunited]

RationalRose and I have been discussing developing plans for organizing a DU contingent to participate in the Counter Convention in NYC to protest against the Republican National Convention.

There will be organized activities that are being planned here:
http://www.counterconvention.org/index.php

And you can get on their e-mail list from the link there.

And I would also like to plan a few DU get-togethers for the week as well. No reason why this can't be productive AND fun. :-)

First off, let's start with a show of hands of who is going or thinks they may go and what days you expect to be there. We had a good 30 people there for the D.C. protest in the fall and I would love to double that number this time. (BTW, I did learn a few things from that experience that will help smooth the way this time around.)

Other questions include what type of information would be helpful and logistical information would you need? Also, what types of activities would you like to see take place for DUers?

As RationalRose suggested, the next step would be to set up some organizing committees, which we'll do in a subsequent thread, and perhaps we could schedule some AIM chats with those interested in helping. We hope the NYC DUers will take an active role as it really helps to have some people on the ground in the host city.

So, who is ready to make a stand for true democracy? :bounce:

[Goldmund]

1. I live right next to NYC.

And I can host a few people too. 2-5 depending on the level of comfort they require.

[prolesunited]

9. That's a great offer!

Thanks. You're on the list and we'll keep in touch. Would you have any time to go to the Counter Demonstration organizational meetings?

[Goldmund]

32. Yes, absolutely.

My email is [e-mail]

[MichaelHarris]

36. count me in

talkin to my nephew right now to see if he wants to go

[Lone_Wolf]

77. Here's an Activist's Handbook with good tips...

...just in case the GOP decides to stifle dissent by force.

http://protest.net/activists_handbook/

[nostamj]

2. count me in!

I expect to be pretty busy with the show (see sig line) running during that time but, I'm sure I'll have some time and would love to connect/re-connect with DUers.

Also, assuming the show IS running, I'll arrange a special rate for any DUers that want to see it. (I maybe able to get a dinner deal as well for before or after the performance.)

I don't have the space to host 30+ people but could do accommodate 10 or so for cocktails, snacks and conversation if they're willing to make the pilgramage to Brooklyn.

Please keep me 'in the loop' as the dates approach.

p.s. since I live in a studio, I'm not really set up for guests but there is a couch if there's an emergency...

on edit: typos and a little more info.

[prolesunited]

14. I was sure we could count on you!

:D

[lapislzi]

3. Putnam County checking in

I plan to be there, depending on how much vacation time I'll have by then.

I am probably too far away to put people up, but I'll pitch in any way I can.

[prolesunited]

29. Fantastic!

I look forward to meeting you. :hi:

[DinahMoeHum]

4. Westchester County here.

Keep us updated. I can easily get into the city by train.

:kick:

[prolesunited]

33. Glad you're interested

Would you be up for just protesting or social events as well?

[DinahMoeHum]

65. Both.

n/t

:kick:

[CaptainClark23]

5. People's Republic of Brooklyn

Can't say at this point if I'll be able to house anybody, but I hope to.

[tom_paine]

6. <raises hand>

Ready to step up to the plate!

[prolesunited]

40. I'm glad you'll be there!

I definitely look forward to meeting you. :-)

[ihaveaquestion]

7. <Crying>

Can't make it - I live in Florida and I'm saving my travel money for the inauguration.

To celebrate when Bush is booted out! :party: (or to protest - karma forbid - if not :grr:).

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. KICK

:kick:

[BurtWorm]

10. Me. I live here. I'd be here if I didn't live here either.

Oddly enough, I don't think I'll be going out of my way to make it to the Dem convention in Boston.

[prolesunited]

97. Well, isn't it convenient

that you do live there

[Supply Side Jesus]

11. I am so there...

I've been looking forward to going since NYC was announced as the RNC convention venue.
Please keep me updated.

[5thGenDemocrat]

12. Polly and I would both love to be there

Anyone else from Michigan (esp central or northern Michigan) who is planning to go, let us know. We'll be happy to split the expenses.
John
Hasn't been to NYC since 1974. Polly's never been there.

[prolesunited]

13. That would be great!

Maybe you can check with Martin. I know there's other Michigan DUers as well. Heck, you probably have had them over at your house.

I'll put you on list. :hi:

[MSchreader]

99. I'll be there

As will Lisa and other comrades from the SPMI (and Debs Tendency of the SPUSA).

Martin

[Kathy in Cambridge]

15. Kick for the night crowd

[thebigidea]

16. yepyepyepyep

roving around causing media mischief, no doubt.

[KG]

17. gonna to try to make it.

as funds and schedule allow.

The Who
Won't Get Fooled Again

We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again

(small instrumental)

The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they are flown in the next war

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
No, no!

(instrumental)

I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
Though I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?

(instrumental)

There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again
No, no!

(instrumental)

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

[prolesunited]

28. Just drive there

and take up someone above on a housing offer. Would love to hit the streets with you again. Who else will hold my sign? ;-)

[frank frankly]

18. oh yes oh yes you bet fuck yes

i will be there
i would love to have some DU get together

i have no preferences for dates to attend...i'm keeping the week open

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

19. Jerry Nadler's district will be well represented!

:bounce:

[corporatewhore]

20. I am protesting both conventions

RNC-for obvious reasons
DNC-Hired John "the fascist who brought you miami model" Timoney for security and are using "free speach" zones

[Cooley Hurd]

21. I'll be there!

Coming by boat - from Albany down the Hudson. I'll probably stay at World's Fair Marina in Flushing. From there, it's a quick ride on the 7 train into Manhattan...

[Kathy in Cambridge]

22. Another Kick for Proles

[Chovexani]

23. Brooklyn checking in

I'm a broke student living at home so I can't put anyone up, but I'm game for whatever DUers want to do. I know lots of good cheap places to eat too. :)

--Chovexani

[tkulesa]

24. I'm in NYC (Staten Island)

I can host 4-5 people comfortably.

[PaDUer]

25. Hand raised n/t

[aldian159]

26. I live in Chicago

and would love to go. If any DU Chicagoans wanted to come with me and we could split the travel/living expenses, that would rock. Keep me informed.

[mac2]

27. Be careful....

Bush wants to call in the military. It's against the law...but hey that never stopped him before. As if NYers haven't been through enough?

His SS police will show up. I think, they aren't local police at all that do the violence. NY police don't want the military there either. Too bad we can't find out. They use our tax dollars to prevent us from free speech,protests, etc.

Maybe, you can take your signs to that TV news show that has the outside crowd on their show. Picket the media buildings...you might get on there. Or how about City Hall for not allowing protests near the site so you can be seen or heard.

Remember..come prepared and know your rights.

[catmandu57]

30. That's all the more reason to be there

I'm so damn conflicted on this. I want to be there, I really feel a need to be there. I'm sure there will be buses leaving from KC that I could get a ride with. I'm sure also that people would sponsor someone like myself to go, pay for the ride anyway.
If I was twenty years younger I'd be on the hyway with my thumb in the air, it'd be a great adventure, but I'm not twenty years younger.
Instead I'm just a married middle aged cripple with a burning desire to get caught up in events that may change all of our lives.
My wife just wouldn't understand this burning need to go, she has a palpable contempt for this misadmin, but it can't match the hatred I feel.
So, I've got a little over five months to either resolve myself to watching the riot on tv, or throwing away everything to take my crippled ass to New York, and after that who knows?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

31. Kick

:kick:

[sleepyhead]

34. Brooklyn

We will be able to house a few people if we are still living here (we are moving upstate sometime this year, not sure just when - long story!) But put me on the list and I will do whatever I can!

[pmbryant]

35. Hmmm...

Being stuck here in the hinterlands of Texas, I doubt I can make it to NYC, but it sounds like a very worthwhile adventure. Thanks for taking it on.

And don't put up with those ludicrous "free speech zones"! :P

--Peter

[prolesunited]

37. Why, Peter!

Are you suggesting that we break the law? ;-)

As uncourageous as it might sound, I'm really not up for getting my head bashed in or pepper sprayed.

[pmbryant]

38. You bring up a good point

I certainly don't want any head bashing or pepper spraying going on. Is this really a 'free country' if one has to worry about that kind of thing just for voicing one's opinions?

:scared: :-(

But what is the legal status of 'free speech zones'? Have these things been challenged by lawsuits, and what have the courts said? (Maybe this question needs its own thread, after I do some research.)

:shrug:

--Peter

[rasputin1952]

39. My son and I will be coning in from Nebraska...

I have family in the NY area, and this way I can kill two birds w/one stone. My son hasn't bee back East in 3 years. It will do him good to see his G'ma and his uncles.

I've been planning this for awhile, just need to get some $ together.
Unemployment is a bitch. But I do have some refund $ coming and I'm squirreling that away for the trip.

In any case, if I have to walk, I'll be there this time. This is just too damned important to miss!

O8)

[Kathy in Cambridge]

41. Kick

[Michael Costello]

42. I live in NYC

I live in NYC and am following the organizing of this. As the convention approaches I will get involved in organizing the counter convention. Hopefully there will be a big turnout.

[prolesunited]

43. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

Hopefully, we'll have time to get to know you better before the event. For obvious reasons, we will only be posting limited information in public. Details about locations and times get PMed or e-mailed to limit any potential disruptions.

We typically include only those with a couple hundred posts or to friends of long-term members. It's nothing personal, but I'm sure you can understand. :-)

[Kathy in Cambridge]

44. KICK

:kick:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

45. KICK

:kick:

[prolesunited]

47. Thanks for helping

to keep this kicked. :hi:

I really thought more people were planning on attending. Too early? Too intimidating? Just not sure yet? :shrug:

[CaptainClark23]

46. Anyone changing their minds?

Hastert just blocked a vote on extending 9.11 commission deadline.

How many want to come to NYC now, to express their outrage?

[humble truth]

48. I live in NYC...

... but my tiny apartment won't be able to house anyone. Still, whatever I can do to help I will be happy to do. I won't be able to live with myself if I do not do everything I can to ensure a Bush defeat in 2004.

[prolesunited]

51. Thanks for the offer

and welcome to DU, humble truth. :hi:

Like I mentioned upthread, we have to see your bona fides before we can include you on our plans. Stick around and make yourself known around here and we can work together to ensure a Bush defeat.

[humble truth]

52. Understood

Hopefully I won't disappoint.

[DrWeird]

49. I wish I could.

I've got years of bottled up civil disobedience just waiting to bust out.

[DINTENNESSEE]

50. I Will Be in New York City!

Have had reservations for almost a year. Two friends are coming along with me. Can't wait.

[rasputin1952]

75. Welcome to DU!...

see you in NY!

:hi:

O8)

[Kool Kitty]

53. I live in Jersey

and I'll be there. I can put anyone up that doesn't mind sleeping on the sofa or floor and isn't allergic to cats. :hi:

[prolesunited]

54. Another wonderful offer

I'm amazed with all of the offers of housing assistance. If people's finances are tight, that certainly will help.

Thanks, we'll put you on the list. I can't wait to meet everyone!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

55. kick

[leftchick]

56. will try to be there...

I will be coming from NC. Perhaps some other NCers could carpool?!

[smirkymonkey]

57. I'll be here!

You can not imagine what a "F*ck You" this is to New Yorkers!! There is so much hatred of the chimp here I can't imagine why he would do this, other than to rub it in our faces. Bastard!!

[lapislzi]

58. Safety issues...?

Anybody care to weigh in on these? My daughter enjoys coming to protests with me (since she's only 10, she obviously can't vote yet, but still wishes to exercise her rights of citizenship)...but I'm thinking of leaving her home this time. (She came to 2 NYC anti-war demonstrations last year).

What do folks think? How ugly will things get?

[CaptainClark23]

60. Safety in numbers

There will be plenty of other youngsters in attendance. Older folks, too. This is about the people, ALL the people, ALL of US.

Things will undoubtedly get ugly, but confrontations will only be "on the front lines". With hundreds of thousands of people, you can be safe among them, yet still make your presense felt.

There will be plenty of resources available, and all the support you need. The people will watch your back. Especially if you hook up with the DU delegation.

I am considering bringing my kids in from CA, if they decide they want to come. But I have also decided that I might well plant myself at the WTC to prevent the site from being co-opted. Which means an assumed risk of conflict and not being able to guaranty my children's safety.

Decide for yourself the amount of risk you wish to assume, and place yourself accordingly. But PLEASE do not allow fear to keep you from saying your piece to the world. That is precisely what they hope from you.

See you in the streets.

[lapislzi]

68. Oh, I'll be there regardless

I just don't wish to endanger my 10-yr-old unduly. I want her to grow up to protest another day...like when I get too old!

[Stephanie]

59. Include me IN

I live in Manhattan. If I am in town I will be delighted to join in and help out.

I just read the LBN thread about the convention. I am OUTRAGED.

[madmax]

61. Ok, I'm in

:kick:

[Suziq]

62. I'm So There!

I live in New Jersey, but I work right across the street from the WTC site.

Please let me know about any DUers getting together in the city and if there is anything I can do.

:hippie:

[rbnyc]

63. I've been planning my protest signs for ages...

...but now it looks like I'm going to be 9 months pregnant during the convention and I'm worried about putting myself in danger. I'm not sure what to do.

[CaptainClark23]

64. Support staff?

I heard a discussion recently about the need for support staff during the protests for logistical efforts. Things like a childcare tent, information tables, first aid, etc... perhaps something like that might be an idea? Will at least provide you a safe place to sit, while still being a part of it.

I'll try and find more info on this as it becomes available.

Congrats, btw!

[rbnyc]

66. That's a great idea.

Thanks for that AND for the congrats.

:loveya:

[CaptainClark23]

67. Info

Convention Protest Clearinghouse Meeting
Convention Protest Clearinghouse Meeting
Thursday, Mar 11 @ 07:00 PM
2.00 hours
131 East 10th St. @ St. Marks Church, New York, NY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Clearinghouse Meetings are intended to keep everyone up to date with the wide variety of protests planned for the Republican National Convention. These meetings are not an organization or coalition, simply a place to share information and resources.

If you are new to the Republican Convention protest effort or this is your first Clearinghouse meeting, please arrive a half hour early at 6:30pm for an orientation. The orientation is intended to introduce all the basic information and key points about the massive organizing efforts.

Everyone is welcome.

Meetings are every second Thursday at St. Marks Church. With working group meetings happening on their own schedules.

Working groups you can plug into at the Clearinghouse Meetings include:

Outreach
Housing
Legal
Websites
Media
Arts
Training
Childcare
Food

Phone: [phone]
Web Site: http://www.counterconvention.org



I'll let you know as more develops. And btw, what better birthday present to offer your child than to say that he/she was there when the People stood up for their future?

[wellstone_democrat]

89. I second the support idea

even having a sort of "clearing house" phone to co-ordinate all the DUers in town would be so so useful and then you don't have to even be out in the heat all the time as at a booth.

Don't worry Rene, we'll employ ya---and would not dream of doing a thing that would endanger you. It is going to be rough in the city I fear and we both know what August can be like w/o the convention. You'll be much better off at a distance from the actual protests

Looking forward to meetin gyou and offering the marriage (and now!) baby congrats in person!
W_D

[Kathy in Cambridge]

69. Kick for the Dinner Crowd

[wicket]

70. Boston DUer here

I'm going to try my damndest to get there, as long as I can get vacation time from work, which shouldn't be a problem since I have a lot of it saved up.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

71. Here is a cheap way to get to NYC from Boston:

The "Chinatown Bus" leaves from Boston's Chinatown and drops passengers in NYC's Chinatown. It takes about 4 hours-longer than the train but much, much cheaper! There are several bus companies, links below.

http://www.fungwahbus.com /
http://www.ivymedia.com/eastern /
http://www.luckystarbus.com/schedule.php


And here's a link to FAQ:

http://www.blacktable.com/gillin031105.htm

[goobergunch]

72. I'll be there

I don't know to what extent I'll be involved in anything (my parents are coming too), but I will be there.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

73. Excellent!

:toast:

[peacebuzzard]

74. Here!

I will take the time off. It will be a pleasure. :hippie:

[prolesunited]

76. Fantastic!

I already have the week off work scheduled. Small sacrifice to help save our democracy.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

78. Kick

[Pale Blue Dot]

79. It's my busy time at work

Back-to-school time. I will try to make it there one day. Don't know which yet.

[Zinfandel]

80. I promised myself I WILL be there to protest the republican fascis

Never been to NYC so I don't even know where in the fuck I'll stay or how I'll get around (a left coast boy my whole life.) but you'll see this dude there, right where the heat and action is!

[prolesunited]

83. Look upthread and see if you can make a new friend

Plenty of housing offers, but it would probably be better if you talked a bit beforehand to make sure it would work out.

[kclown]

92. Best kept secret

I spent my first 30 years in NYC, before decamping to northern Maine.
I go back about once a year.

For those who've never been, some suggestions:
1. Think real hard about bringing a car into Manhattan. Traffic and parking are huge hassles.

2. Check out PATH (rail transit; Port Authority Trans Hudson) on the web, and plan a hotel around that in Hoboken or Jersey City or Newark. Cost effective and convenient.

3. If you are flying, see 2 above and book to Newark Intl.

4. If, like me, you are driving from New England, check out the towns along I-95 south of Stamford CT. Convenient rail transit to Grand Central Terminal (42 St./Park Ave, about 25 min walk to Madison Square Garden (33 St./Seventh Ave.). Faster by subway, but that's $1.75 last I looked.

5. Google "whispering arch" for instructions, then follow the signs in GCT to the Oyster Bar, halfway to the lower level. The area just outside the main entrance to the Oyster Bar is a whispering arch, which no one knows about. The Oyster Bar is famous but overrated IMHO.

[Stephanie]

98. The Oyster Bar workers are on strike

So forget that. There's a picket line.

[Chovexani]

81. Kick (n/t)

:kick:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

82. Kick

:kick:

[WolverineDG]

84. i'm thinking about it

an online friend & i have discussed this back & forth a bit. i'm interested in doing this because while i was around in the 60's :hippie:, i was just a little kid & my parents were sooo square....

dg

[jonnyblitz]

85. ummm...yah.... n/t

[prolesunited]

87. I'll see you there, right?

We can have D.C. flashbacks. :hi:

[jonnyblitz]

90. you will.

:hi:

[prolesunited]

96. Great!

Maybe my pics can make the hate sites again.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

86. KICK

[Kathy in Cambridge]

88. KICK for the weekend crowd

:kick:

[kayell]

91. If I can find a place to stay, I'll be there

Any other impoverished DUers want to go in on a room?

I'll being looking for a bus up, probably from Asheville.

[TreasonousBastard]

93. With bells on.

Lotsa stuff being planned for that week, and I'm up for most of it.

Dunno at this point if I'll be able to put anyone up, but I'm 20 minutes from midtown by the train two blocks away. There should be quite a bit of organizing of child care and overnights by a number of local churches and peace organizations here in Joisey. I can probably be relied on to pick people up at airports and train stations.

Dinner at least one night in Newark's Ironbound! An experience you'll likely remember.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

94. KICK

[Kathy in Cambridge]

95. Kick

[MSchreader]

100. A proposal: If we want to do this right...

Maybe we should propose the formation of a "Contingent for Democracy", a united front of democratic forces to march against the RNC. I would think that asking other groups like Citizens for Legitimate Government, the VoterMarch organization and similar pro-democracy groups to help build an organized contingent would really make an impact on the demonstrations.

What do other DUers think?

Martin

[Kathy in Cambridge]

106. Good idea, Martin

Does anyone here know people in these groups?

[MSchreader]

107. I work with CLG

So I can float the idea with them. The "VoterMarch" organization would be another good one to contact. Also, it looks like the people around Dean are looking to form some kind of organization; contacting them about this may not be a bad idea, either.

Martin

[Exultant Democracy]

101. I will be there

I live pretty close by and a lot of my friends (Most are DU lurkers)are planing to come too.

[durutti]

102. We totally need to have a DU meetup during the protest!

Yeah!

[truthspeaker]

103. Why wait until August?

Protest the Iraq war worldwide on March 20!

http://votenowar.org/

[Lone_Wolf]

104. Send Howard Stern an invite...

n/t

[deutsey]

105. I'm going to do my best to be there

:thumbsup:

[jonnyblitz]

111. good.

:hi:

[Sparkle]

108. Does anyone know when the Democratic convention is?

[prolesunited]

109. Democratic National Convention

is at Boston's FleetCenter, July 26-29.

I would have done both, but I have another commitment that week. Are you doing one (which one?) or both or neither?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

110. Kick

[Isome]

112. I wanna be there...

I had solid plans to be there... but I'll just have to see.

[prolesunited]

113. What would prevent you

from being there?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

114. Kick

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

115. I'm so fucking there.................

[Kathy in Cambridge]

116. Kick

[NYCat]

117. I'll most definitely be there!

I'm 20 minutes from the city and I'm sooo looking forward to this!
:7:

[NYCat]

118. KICK

:kick: