Plans for the Republican Convention, August 30th-Sept 2nd

[Kathy in Cambridge]

I know we have a lot of NY Metro DUers but I was wondering if some of us should get together a rent a block of rooms at a cheap hotel close to Madison Square Garden. My fear is that the authorities will cordon off the areas closest to the convention and the hotels will be reserved for the Republicans or forced to be vacant due to security concerns. I can IM anyone interested a list of hotels near Madison Sq. Garden and Penn station (some are dives I've stayed in before).

I really want to get close to the convention. Should we disguise ourselves as supporters, carrying pro-Bush signs, and them peel back the poster board and have anti-Repuke slogans underneath?

I'm sure this will be hard to do, and of course, dangerous, but why should we be limited to 'free speech zones' a mile away from the right-wing circle jerk known as the Republican convention?

[liberalhistorian]

1. I'm in Cleveland,

and I've been seriously considering going to New York to protest at the repuke's convention and I think it would be a great idea to get together a DU contingent and do it together. We should probably start organizing and planning now, since it's really not that far off.

[aquart]

2. This is going to be VERY tricky.

Because of Penn Station.

Madison Square Garden is above Penn Station which is used by millions daily. DAILY.

Penn Station is patrolled daily by National Guard troops with really scary big guns.

The convention could have EASILY been held in the Javitts Center which is clean away from Penn Station and GUNS.

One incident with one gun and we lose the election. Is everybody clear about this?

I believe the Republicans are praying that the combustible combination of rush hour, protestors, and National Guard troops with big guns and damn little experience will result in a bloody massacre.

Entirely blamed on Democratic "angry" protestors.

The geography is deadly.

Any plan we makes needs to recognize this.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

4. Like a Reichstag Fire Redux

of course, the Repukes will probably hire some folks to pose as 'subversives' as well and that will get a lot of attention from the press. I do fear that some of the security will be 'trigger-happy'.

Good point, though. I also wondered why they didn't choose the Javits Center. Typical Republicans: let's inconvenience the majority of NY-NJ commuters. Can you imagine trying to commute during this fiasco?

[TreasonousBastard]

6. Rest assured...

A.N.S.W.E.R and a few other more radical groups have some plans up their sleeves.

I've seen it happen at other demonstrations in the city. Some asshole doesn't want to stand where he's told and shoves a cop. New York cops turn on a dime when that happens, and there are those snipers on the rooftops...

Me, I would take the passive route, and just be a "commuter" walking through the station with a button for the Dem candidate. Have a beer, some pizza, a Krispy Kreme...

And some literature, should anyone ask.

Too bad the hotel right across from the Garden (brain fart-- can't remember the name) is undoubtedly booked solid by now. A few signs hanging from the third floor windows would be nice.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. Holiday Inn?

I think...there's also the Ramada around the corner.

[Dr.Phool]

3. make Reservations now

Wouldn't it be fun if we all made reservations at all the good hotels now? Tell them we're coming to the convention, and get a better rate. When the repukes do start making their reservations, they'll be staying over in Jersey somewhere because we'll have all the rooms.

As far as I know, you don't have to present any kind of credentials to make reservations. We didn't at the Florida Democratic Convention, and you don't even need a delegate pass unless you're a delegate.

BTW, how much snow do you have in Painesville? I moved from Cleveland (by the airport) to the Tampa area a year ago.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

5. All you need is a credit card

and 24-48 hours notice to cancel.

The Repukes have probably already bought whole hotels and blocks of rooms for their supporters.

I can imagine that the hotel bar scene could get a little ugly if supporters and protesters were there having a few drinks...

[eek]

7. craigs list is helpful

craigslist.org
go to the NY page
I often see people renting out their apartments. Could be a nice way to get some space.
One may also post for "looking to rent"

If anyone is curious about streets, neighborhoods feel free to add me to the list of people happy to foist my opinion I mean offer advice and answer questions.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

9. Good idea-I often rent apartments in Europe vs. staying in hotels

That may be a great idea for NY.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

10. kick for the evening crowd