Posted on 08/18/2004 2:32:16 PM PDT by Kahonek
Updated: 10:21 a.m. ET Aug. 18, 2004 NEW YORK - Mayor Michael Bloomberg turned down requests to allow an anti-war demonstration in Central Park on the eve of the Republican National Convention, but he offered protesters something else: cheap tickets to a Broadway show. All they have to do to get discounted tickets, reduced hotel rates and other perks is play nice when they come to town. “There is no reason we shouldn’t welcome them in the same way we are welcoming the delegates and the press,” Bloomberg said Tuesday. “The right to protest is a basic American right ... and New York City is a place where you can come and get your message out.” Buttons showing the Statue of Liberty welcoming “peaceful political activists” will be given to protesters who obey the law and groups that have permits to demonstrate. Participating restaurants, museums and others will provide the treats. “It’s no fun to protest on an empty stomach,” Bloomberg said. The offer of hospitality didn’t impress protest groups, who questioned whether hotel rooms remain unreserved and theater tickets unsold because Bloomberg has alarmed potential visitors. “They probably realize now that you’re going to see more demonstrators than convention delegates and they’d better cater to them, too,” said Tanya Mayo, national organizer for Not in Our Name, one of the groups seeking the park permit. Protest organizers have threatened to sue to gather 250,000 demonstrators at Central Park rather than use a site proposed by the city. The Republican convention will be held Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at Madison Square Garden.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
Interesting that they're sponsoring the protestors in NYC. Way to impress the RNC!
What does Constitutional jurisprudence say about government promotion of certain types of political speech?
If there was ever any doubt as to the sort of Liberal that Bloomberg truly is, this ought to lay such doubt to rest.
Way to go, Bloomy...offering discounts to anti-American, pro-terrorist protesters. What an astoundingly brilliant plan...NOT.
Time to revive Irving Berlin's old musical, "This is the Army."
Bloomberg is as clueless as ever. If he thinks he can buy these hateful fanatics off with a few perks and snacks, he's deluding himself. Given the opportunity, they will accept whatever they're offered, then tear Manhattan apart.
There's that alright. But he's also saying, "We are intimidated and afraid. If we pay you tribute, will you promise not to hurt us?"
If I don't get free tickets to a Broadway play I will urinate standing up while smoking a cigarette!
You know this used to be called tribute when the Mongol Horde was in a town.
Democrats + atheists + anarchists + homosexual (risky schemers) activists = terrorists.
Take your pick.
From Webster's dictionary...
tell them free tickets to F 9-11 then shut the door and
lock it.
You think just like another famous New Yorker. About 100 years ago, NY banks were in a financial crisis that threatened the national economy. Teddy Roosevelt asked JP Morgan to help him resolve the problem. JP invited all the biggest bankers to his mansion, fed them a kingly dinner, then locked them into his mansion until they agreed to his solution. Ah, the good old days...
the idea comes to me from one of the typical police stings
for stupid criminals (perfect for this protest crowd)
. The police send letters that say you won tickets to
whatever, then all the suckers show up and get arrested.
This is shameful.
This f----g moron is going to get people killed. Mark my word.
They were ripping the perks on at least two of Air America's shows today.
You mean there's actually something AA and I agree on?
Why doesn't he give them bus tickets to Atlantic City to ride with the elderly and the rest of the unwashed?
If he wanted to increase spending in the city during this time, all he had to do was say that everybody who's interested in the discounts can get them. But not Bloomy -- instead of extending these offers to all the people in New York, including the average city resident who won't be involved with politics at all during this time, he specifically targets giving discounts to protestors. What a loon.
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