Protests at Rethug Convention - I am concerned

[elfin]

that things will get out of hand (egged on by rep. thugs) and the ensuing media frenzy will make it look like 1968, which some say cost Humphrey the election.

Anyone else concerned about this?

[WI_DEM]

1. well yes, the Chicago Convention didn't help HHH in '68

because it identified the deep divisions in the country. That might also hurt Bush.

[givemebackmycountry]

2. Never mind the thugs...

It's the undercover operatives that will infiltrate these groups posing as sympathizers and just when it's the most inconvenient time for us, start some shit.

That what has me worried.

edited for spelling

[Union Thug]

7. I think you've nailed it

I think that there's both a proliferation of RW infiltration of legit groups that they are waiting to exploit, and the formation of illegitimate protest groups, ostensibly anti-bush, that will incite riots at the RNC. They will deliberately try to poison the atmosphere and turn the country against the protestors and by association, the Dems.

[StClone]

3. Yes Remember Wellstone Mem?

The Pugs have a plan (I'm sure) to turn this into "Civil Republicans against the unruly Liberal Terrorists."

"You just pull on the teat a little" Farmer says to Newmen on Sienfeld.

[deutsey]

4. I was planning to go, but then read Todd Gitlin in The Nation

It's not out on newstands (I'm a subscriber), but somone posted it here on Indymedia:

http://www.indybay.org/news/2004/08/1692234.php

It is, or ought to be, so obvious that violence and chaos in the streets works to Bush's advantage that not a few oppositionists worry about the Republicans planting their own provocateurs in the protest. Such a scenario is not farfetched. Provocateurs know some history, too. They know that disciplined handfuls can start riots amid turmoil. In 1968 a substantial number of the toughs who surged through the Chicago streets, inciting the police to riot, were later revealed to be police and intelligence agents. They urged violent actions, pulled down American flags, led taunts and otherwise triggered police attacks. Afterward, demonstrators exulted, equating their seduction of the cameras with victory. But most spectators who watched the clashes on TV sided with the police. Richard Nixon's people knew what use to make of the footage. They strengthened their hold over the law-and-order vote.

[poliguru]

5. Yes

The DNC did a great job of staying moderate and appealing to a large number of voters, which is the point of a campaign. If protesting Dems are portrayed as crazy liberals, it could really hurt Kerry. Making it clear that Bush does not have support is one thing - and a good thing - but if your average Joe think that Kerry draws "them crazy long haired liberals," he'll then decide that Kerry is one of the same. I fully support people's right to protest - I just hope it stays sane and peaceful and that the media doesn't pick out the one idiotic, inarticulate person to represent the group and stick a mic in his/her face. Ya know, like they did during the anti-war protests?

[Dying Eagle]

6. A guy carrying a peace sign...

Getting gassed and beat by riot police never looks good for the president. I just hope the media doesn't spin it to seam like Dem's were trying to "get into the building to disrupt the convention" or crap like that.

[leeman67]

8. but the media WILL portray it that way. Bet on it.

You won't see the poor old lady with the peace sign getting pepper sprayed by 12 baton-weilding cops. What you'll see is the black-hooded anarchist with the molatov cocktail attacking Starbucks. That's the image they'll use repeatedly, and it will guarantee a major bounce in the polls for Bush. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm REALLY nervous about this upcoming convention and the protests.

[rumguy]

14. Anarchists aren't Dems and don't let the media

try and tell they are...

They burned flags and effigies of both Kerry and Bush in Boston during the Dem convention.

[jonnyblitz]

9. no but i am sick of everybody hand wringing and whining

about this.

[No Mandate Here.]

10. Is there a substantial difference

in that the '68 protests were at the DEM convention and essentially aimed at policies of a DEM President- ie., against the Powers That Be?, which for all intents and purposes included HHH?

The protests this time, with all the possible problems, can only look bad for *. If there are prominent Dems involved, and/or they don't carefully distance themselves, then there may be bigger problems for us.

I would think that a major goal of those going to NYC should be to be very careful to not do anything to cause problems , because "The whole world is watching." Simply put, having huge crowds will be enough - we need big focus groups more often.

[AngryAmish]

11. Get on the streets and get them

We can't let those conventioneers get away with stealing another election and ruining our country. Find them and crush them.

[zbdent]

12. Yesterday, there was news about discounts to protestors

for cheaper hotel rooms.

Now, when's the last time you heard of a hotel room discount for a heavy-traffic time? The hairs on my neck went straight up. "Pre-registration" for the midnight visits from Ashcroft?

[leeman67]

13. this is what concerns me.

It almost feels like a setup.