Posted on 07/11/2004 6:30:14 PM PDT by Libloather
The high cost of pomp and circumstance
By Andrew Miga/ Online Exclusive
Thursday, June 17, 2004
WASHINGTON – Back when the Democratic National Committee first awarded its 2004 convention to Boston nearly two years ago, local pundits gushed about how the event would showcase Boston’s new image as a city that works.
There were lots of lofty predictions about boosting tourism and luring more conventions – recasting Boston’s old image of anti-busing violence from the 1970s and its reputation for petty, parochial political backfighting. There was a lot of self-congratulatory hugging and puffing about the “new Boston.”
One prominent Hub ad executive boldly predicted the city could “relaunch” its national profile as a cutting edge research-and-development center.
Instead of projecting a bold new national profile, the latest headlines make Boston look more like a third-world city on the verge of veering out of control.
With the July 26-29 Democatic National Convention fast approaching, the city seems to be lurching from one crisis to another – imperiling what should be a golden moment in the national spotlight.
Angry police picketers ringed the FleetCenter in their bitter fight with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino – a simmering contract dispute that could still mar the convention.
Sen. John F. Kerry’s brief flirtation with the idea of not accepting his party’s nomination in Boston was a snub to the city, pure and simple, that underscored the hollow nature of party nominating conventions.
Already there are budget overrruns and alarming reports the city may lose money, debunking rosy predictions by Menino and others that the event would be a shot-in-the-arm for the city’s economy.
The traffic and transportation nightmare seems to grow worse by the week. There will be major roadway and train station shutdowns, frustrating commuters and conventioneers alike.
Cambridge and Somerville are even threatening road closings.
New York, by comparison, seems to be handling its convention planning with aplomb. Major commuter arteries and train stations are not shutting down, the city seems to be taking the elaborate security precautions in characteristic stride.
A few months ago on his campaign plane, an upbeat Kerry mused about how the convention could be a tremendous showcase for Boston, highlighting both its rich history and its vibrant role in the new American century.
Today, the most pressing question in the Kerry camp is whether traffic chaos, red ink and labor unrest will mar the four-day party gathering or else fade to black as the celebration begins.
It sounds like appropriate conditions for the Al Quada - Taliban Public Relations Convention.
So9
Hunh, no mention of Black Masked Anarchists destroying the City Center? Wonder why?
I love all this hand wringing in Boston about the convention.
Since all the 9/11 terrorists boarded their planes in BOSTON, I find it extremely insulting that Boston would host the convention by the party who feels we've spent too much money fighting the war on terror.
Of course, Boston is filled with RATs and hasn't shown any real conservative ideals since they dumped all that tea in the harbor, so I know my being offended by them is useless.
This is pathetic that they can't get their act together over this convention stuff. Maybe the smooth talking, good looking, non-Boston Mr. Edwards can go up there and broker some settlement, or at least a truce. If the dems really want to be running the whole country that is, and not just running the little city of Boston into the ground.
And yes, I blame the Irish.
Maybe tens of thousands of people flush at the same time, turn on all their air conditioners and appliances, and shut the place down.
I know nothing about that state and couldn't care less...but I can't help but wonder how often the 'senior senator' (let alone the 'junior senator') really go "downtown" for a bite to eat, and just kinda hang around...
(Being a Kalifornian, it's nice to see that a few other states are as politically abhorrent as this place.)
More like he quits his lost cause campaign and goes back to trial lawyering....I guess there are some ripe targets in Boston
All indications are that the week of the DNC convention is going to be totally dead. Most companies downtown are going to be working skeleton crews. Effectively the city will be shut down.
Will be very interesting to see how this works out from a business perspective.
Can anyone say "Chicago" and "1968" in the same sentence?!!!!
With a mayor by the name of Menino, and you blame the Irish?
Fastest way to ruin a city: Vote democrat.
what a mess... Massachusetts must be run by the Mugabe family.
"With a mayor by the name of Menino, and you blame the Irish?"
Well, I was just being flippant, and being of Irish descent of course I am surrounded by those quarelsome folks at all times. But, seriously, I'm not sure Menino is at fault, although he may be. But the whole situation is making the dems look very inept. Which is good for us, I suppose.
Perfect place for the convention of a Third World party.
I have never read an analysis, but is it possible that Teddy hates America because of his brothers?
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