police state NYC

[hay rick]

I took some pictures at the United for Peace and Justice rally, on Sunday, August 29, 2004. The rally coincided with the Republican National Convention and included a march past Madison Square Garden, the site of the convention. Estimates of the number of participants ranged from 120,000 to 800,000 with 500,000 being the number usually cited. The convention was designated a "National Security Event" by the Department of Homeland Security, enabling the Bush administration to contribute federal funds sufficient to guarantee an overwhelming police presence. Approximately 1800 people were arrested. Many were kept in pens holding 30- 40 people for hours. Charges were eventually dropped in 90% of the cases.

THE THREAT:















THE RESPONSE:

[readmoreoften]

1. At night it got a whole lot worse.

During the actual convention, we were herded through 20 blocks of loops to arrive at the protest spot which was 10 blocks from the event. Pro-Bush supporters were allowed to convene and cheer at any location they desired. One block from the convention, a pro-Bush wacko called my partner and I "filthy dykes" at the tops of her lungs and followed us. We were blamed and the cops told us to get over to the "protest area" immediately. We weren't wearing banners or anti-bush pins or anything. We were just visibly queer, and therefore, visibly anti-Bush, and therefore "protesting outside our zone."

And don't forget the FUJI blimp and the black helicopters.