Violence at the Repub Convention

[Steely_Dan]

I find myself with growing anticipation at the upcoming Republican Convention. I am anxious to see if there will be any violence and to what extent. I have spoken with many of my "politically aware" friends and the opinion on the possibility of violent confrontation varies considerably. Some feel that order will be maintained and that not as many will show as has been anticipated. Others believe that it will be an all out "free-for-all" ala the Chicago Demo Convention of years ago. What say you? And...is there a small part of you that wishes for a violent confrontation and how do you reconcile that with your hope that no one gets hurt? I'm struggling with the dilemma myself.

-P

[morningglory]

1. Hope all will be very peaceful, but embarrassing

to the Thief in Chief.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

2. there is no need for violence. what will it accomplish? nothing.

[carpediem]

3. i am very hopeful that it will remain peaceful, but be large

enough to get noticed. I definitely don't want to see any violence.

I am afraid that Rove will send in some provacateurs (sp?) pretending to be protestors to try to start something though.

[malachibk]

4. Well, I'll be there...

and (a) hope to God it's not violent and (b) think Dems are smart enough to keep it peaceful.

Of course, I fully expect there to be Repub "provokers" and will try to film as many as I can.

[DrWeird]

5. It'll be violent.

The police will attack peaceful protestors and anybody else who happens to be walking around.

[Romulus]

11. we read it here first (eom)

[annabanana]

6. all violence will be laid directly at Kerry's feet....by the media whores.

I find it hard not to believe that chosing NYC was a set up from the word go....... If they can make people swallow the "democrat = terrorist" thing, they will have done their job.

[johnnie]

7. I hope shrub shows up tanked

And gets violent and starts throwing things around. That would make for some good television.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

8. If past protests are any indication, it's the cops who start the violence.

Very rarely do the protestors initiate violent confrontations. The cops usually over react and set up traps for the demostrators allowing them no exit when the tear gas and clubs start their work.

Then the results are blamed on the protestors..until the lawsuits happen and the city has to cough up millions for the antics of the "Protect and Serve" thugs.

[Name removed]

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[0rganism]

10. Already? Didn't know it was goin' down yet!

Seriously, tho, police and agents provacateurs will start something. They have to. It's their job. 'Course, even if they didn't, some anarchist with poor judgment probably would do it for them.

My prediction: it's going to be very sad, very ugly. There will be some nasty injuries.

[coalition_unwilling]

12. The Whole World is Watching

Chicago Police were the violent ones, as the Commission that called Chicago '68 a "police riot" noted. I want to see a massive peaceful march (and rally in Central Park). If authorities deny permit for Central Park rally, I want to see massive non-violent civil disobedience.

Strict adherence to non-violence is the key to awakening the moral conscience of the nation.

[TreasonousBastard]

13. I'm not worried-- much.

I've been to a lot of NYC protests and events, and the NYC cops are great at stopping it before it gets out of hand. You should see them in action during the St. Patricks's and Puerto Rican day parades. That's when they have real problems to deal with, and they deal with them very well.

The "anarchist" propaganda is mainly to stop many of us from going, and it's pure bullshit. I have no doubt a few of them will be there, but they would normally have no effect-- they haven't in the past.

I do worry about some GOP or Homeland Security provocateurs. A riot during the convention would play right into their hands.

[Greenbeard]

14. violence will only add crediblity to the republican agenda

and allow them to make some misguided connection between the left and terrorists. Instead wouldn't it be nice to shock the media and the world with a massive peaceful protest unlike any ever seen before. A new style of protest for a new era.

Imagine the streets of New York somber as thousands of protesters stand, sit, meditate, or pray silently while others stand gaurd around them holding large American flags. Protesters that do not allow themselves to be provoked. Protesters that present a new face of patriotism to the nation. A protest with the potential to wake up America to the seriousness of the situation we find ourselves being forced to confront.

[dorktv]

15. Reading the NYTimes, it looks like the

cops might want to strike for better pay and they may just happen to do that during the Republican convention. That would be quite interesting. 44K a starting salary and that is including overtime pay! Good god, how can anyone live in NYC with that low pay? My city starts people out at 41K and this town is quite cheap to live in. (Rents average about 500 a month for a one bedroom)

[Green Lantern]

16. Bet

those cops will be beaten out of their overtime as of the admionistation's action on Monday?

Hope the turnout is in the millions and the most peaceful on record.

No injuries, point made by the numbers.