NYC Protesters need a place to protest

[GROUCHO MARX]

In NYC there is a fight going on as to where those who want to stage an anti-war protest will be allowed to do it during the Republican Convention.

They can't get close to MSG for security reasons and will not be allowed in Central Park as they might ruin the grass.

There is a very large lot in lower Manhattan that used to hold two large office buildings. I don't know why this site has not been suggested?

 

[STSinNYC]

I have very little sympathy for these people. Groucho, if you live in the city, you know how many protests are held here all the time. Groups get permits here for protests that I doubt they could get in many other places. There are legit groups and then there are the anarchists, who want a confrontation with the police. The citizens of this city have a right to live in peace just like the people in the rest of the country. Did you see the anarchists putting out info on the web about how to trick bob squad dogs into thinking there would be explosives on trains?

If they commit a crime, they should be arrested and face the justice system.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Sts, I work in NYC 6 or 7 days a week. There is a lot that is wrong with this city. In many ways it is a police state. That being said, protest should be made in a manner that is in conformity with the laws. Protest need not be nasty and confrontational. Terrorism is a form of protest. We don't need that.

 

[rjundi]

quote:

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Originally posted by STSinNYC:
I have very little sympathy for these people. Groucho, if you live in the city, you know how many protests are held here all the time. Groups get permits here for protests that I doubt they could get in many other places. There are legit groups and then there are the anarchists, who want a confrontation with the police. The citizens of this city have a right to live in peace just like the people in the rest of the country. Did you see the anarchists putting out info on the web about how to trick bob squad dogs into thinking there would be explosives on trains?

If they commit a crime, they should be arrested and face the justice system.

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That's a broad generalization of one group don't you think???? Every group has its worse and best. Everything is bad if you generalize like you do in that statement. So the 60 year old peace activist has no rights? This is the USA and freedom includes the ability to protest peacefully and express your opinion.

 

[STSinNYC]

Rjundi, that is not what I meant. Many groups, including many peace activists, get protest permits here on a regular basis, and hold peacful protests. That is democracy and I fully support their right to free, peaceful speech. I am not talking about them. I am talking about groups that want a violent confrontation. And groups planning rallies with huge crowds, hundreds of thousands of people, have to work within what the community can accomodate.

I live 1/2 mile from Fifth Ave., where many parades are held each year. I guess I disagree somewhat with friend Groucho about city group event permit policies. Surprised he feels as he does. When I lived in Chicago, similar permit rules were in place, and they worked.

Yesterday, I was walking just steps from my building wearing a Bush T-shirt. A man called out "murderer" right after I passed by him. Curious what kind of speech you all you think that is.

 

[brianl703]

quote:

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Originally posted by STSinNYC:
Curious what kind of speech you all you think that is.

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Sounds like speech of the "moron" variety to me.

 

[Pablo]

quote:

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Yesterday, I was walking just steps from my building wearing a Bush T-shirt. A man called out "murderer" right after I passed by him. Curious what kind of speech you all you think that is.

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The speech of a tolerant one.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Sts, Mayor Bloomberg has taken to a tax, fine and fee approach to getting NYC out of the red. This is what I refer to as a police state.

Take a look around at the police, the traffic agents, the sanitation police, the Sheriff, the Marshall, etc., etc.

The Dept of health, which is more interested in fining restaurants if a cigarette butt comes into a bar from the bottom of someone's shoe, than it is in testing drinking water or conditions in hospitals and shelters.

Not a rant, the truth.