Last minute update
I won't be able to make it to NYC. My backpack was stolen yesterday night with all my ID cards in it - it will be impossible for me to pass the border. And even if I can, I wouldn't be able to use Amtrack since they will require photo ID.
Damn, next time I try to organize something, I'll do it here in Montreal. I hope everybody going to NYC will have a good time.
Rock the Republicans!
The Republican National Convention (RNC) will be huddled inside Madison Square Garden, from August 30 to September 2. Opposition will be everywhere else.
- Timothy Querengesser, Adbusters 12.5
Cops and activists are waiting for between 250,000 and 500,000 to show up in the streets to, well, protest. On the other side, a $76 million security budget and 36,000 cops. Why not use the event to make an impromptu New York E2 gathering?
It will be fun, really. Plenty of ways to express your creativity or simply meet people partying in the streets. Did I say creativity? Right, here's a quick list of various groups planning stuff during the RNC:
The Greene Dragon *** www.greenedragon.org
This bunch will perform the "American Revel-ution 2004" by riding bycicles disguised as horses and screaming Revere-style "The Republicans are coming!".
Billionaires for Bush *** www.billionairesforbush.com
Phil. T. Rich, the BFB leader, will be "popping champagne corks in the faces of the great unwashed middle-class masses that have assembled to protest our great president". This is a theatrical group folks, so don't start DOSing their website because of that comment.
Bikes Against Bush *** www.bikesagainstbush.com
The guy behind all this will be travelling NYC on his tech-laden bike, which will include a laptop, GPS device, cellphone and a webcam. Protesters will be able to send him text messages and Joshua Kinberg will print the good ones directly on the pavement using some kind of chalk-sprayer machine attached to the bike. GPS coordinates of all messages will appear on his website.
United for Peace and Justice *** www.unitedforpeace.org
The UFPJ will be leading a march on August 29. The meeting is at 10:00AM, 7th Ave & 14th St.
ProtestWarrior *** www.protestwarrior.com
"As mobs of 'pacifists' plan to descend on New York, encouraging each other to blockade hotels and convention sites, anti-RNC websites are distributing lists of delegates' itineraries and hotel accommodations, targeting them for harassment.
On August 29th, the Republican National Convention will begin, and ProtestWarrior will be there to take on the hordes of leftists whose entire goal is to silence, to hate, to scream out of existence the idea that freedom can flourish throughout the world."
Right, er, well, it's almost funny.
And obviously, much much more.
Now, the planning. I've never been to NYC before so I will not decide where we could meet. Where could we meet? If you have an idea, /msg me or drop me an email at: pacu at sympatico dot ca. In fact, I'm probably not the best person to organize the thing but nobody else did it. Manhattan may not be the best idea since it's going to be packed. But if someone knows a nice restaurant or bar, we could see each other there - even funnier if it's amidst the general chaos.
Ideas:
- Arthur's Tavern, Grove St. & 8th Ave. - Jazz music, no cover.
- The Cajun, 8th Ave. between 16th and 17th - Big Band music.
- The Living Room, Ludlow St. & Rivington St. - Folk.
- Housing Works Used Book Cafe, on Crosby St.
- Your place.
Following is a list of people who think they will be there (the protest at least) and what they need to get there. Again, /msg me if you want your name on the list.
I will be there if...
- Senso - I'll need a ride from Montreal, QC (or near) and a place where I could lay my sleeping bag. I still haven't find a ride and I'm not sure I'll be able to pay $150 to take the bus.
- Altusmens - Also looking for a cheap way to get there from the Montreal area.
I will be there.
I will be there and I have a car and/or a place where to crash.
- Pyrogenic and deeahblita will already have four people at their place for the convention. Say they can squeeze in a few more.
Praises
- Catchpole says: I will not be there, as I'm a britnoder but I sincerely wish you all the best. Have a good one!
- Kit wishes she could be there. Something about the president being a monkey, too.
- eliserh is too broke to travel but wishes to be there.
- TanisNikana says: I approve this gathering, opening, and / or event wholeheartedly.
Note:
The Counter Convention has a board for people looking for/offering a ride to New York City especially for this event:
http://www.counterconvention.org/lightningbug/index.php
You can also take a look at the Rideshare area on Craig's List:
www.craigslist.org/rid/
Notes to Canadians:
1. I strongly suggest you bring a passport, driver licence and/or birth certificate if you plan to cross the border. Paranoia will be at an all-time high during that week and the customs will require proper identification.
2. Allo Stop doesn't deserve the USA. I called them and they don't plan on doing something special for the RNC.
3. To give you an idea, Montreal to New York, NY by Greyhound is $99 CAD for a one-way fare and $154 CAD for round-trip.
Various updates
-
bookw56 told me Penn Station will obviously be closed as it is on top of the Madison Square Garden. The whole Midtown area (between Houston St. & Central Park) will probably be screwed up too. The Greyhound terminal is on 41st & 8th (Port Authority), meaning right into the action. Right, it's only eight streets north of the Madison Square Garden. I don't know if the terminal will be operational - if someone can fill me in...
- I bought a map! I can go places!
- Bits of information on the event from various websites:
CNN, cops testing equipment: http://tinyurl.com/5bwrd
NY Daily News, violence feared: http://tinyurl.com/4tg9u
Indymedia, Nonviolent pratice Aug 22-26: http://tinyurl.com/5rgbt
- A nice guide to NYC for foreigners - excellent reading: http://tinyurl.com/4wmka
- Ok, sekicho told me that, according to Amtrak, Penn Station won't be closed, only some/most of the exits. More info here: http://tinyurl.com/5yfob
You can also check out the chinatown bus: www.staticleap.com/chinatownbus
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