Protest groups 'empowered' by large turnout

[G_j]

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0903-01.htm

Protest groups 'empowered' by large turnout
By Martha T. Moore and Charisse Jones, USA TODAY

NEW YORK — They didn't change the Republican platform, prevent the nomination of President Bush or even make a lot of noise about voting for Democratic nominee Sen. John Kerry. But the half-million or so people who protested during the GOP convention this week didn't come for that.

Protesters said they had shown that not all Americans agree with Bush and that dissenters can speak out. "People are recognizing they need to vote with their feet. They need to be out in the streets," said Tanya Mayo, 36, national organizer of Not In Our Name, an anti-war group.

The protests were believed to be the largest ever at a U.S. political convention.

On Thursday, police in riot gear greeted demonstrators for a final night outside the Republican convention as Bush spoke inside. Police said late Thursday that there were no major incidents.

But two protesters gained access to Madison Square Garden and briefly interrupted his speech; another one earlier shouted when New York Gov. George Pataki spoke.


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http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-09-02-protesters-nyc_x.htm

[peace4all]

1. WTF? She faces charges of assault?

Kim Sue, 19, a New York college student, spent more than 24 hours in custody after she helped disrupt the Young Republicans rally in Madison Square Garden. She faces charges of assault from the ensuing scuffle — although she says she was punched by people attending the rally who were not arrested.