News & Politics - Protests against the Bush administration in Athens and NYC

StellaSlight · 08-30-2004, 12:09 PM

From BBC NEWS :

Quote:

Powell cancels trip to Olympics

Riot police kept protesters away from the US embassy
US Secretary of State Colin Powell has cancelled plans to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games this weekend, citing a busy work schedule.

A state department spokesman said Mr Powell had called off the visit due to the "press of business in Washington".

The announcement came only hours after clashes erupted in Athens as protesters rallied to condemn the planned visit.

Marchers shouted angry slogans against the Bush administration and its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The BBC's Richard Galpin writes from Athens that the cancellation of Mr Powell's visit is highly embarrassing for the Greek authorities, coming after what has otherwise been a very successful Olympics.

The protest movement has hailed the US decision as a "huge victory".

Other concerns

The state department said that Mr Powell had informed Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis that he would not be able to travel to Athens.

Powell had been due to spend three days in Athens
A spokesman for the department, Kurtis Cooper, was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying the anti-American protests in Athens had "played no role" in Mr Powell's decision.

"The secretary considered a number of factors," he added.

Events in Iraq and Sudan, he said, required the secretary's "close attention".

Mr Powell had been due to meet Greek Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis and US athletes participating in the Games.

In a letter, he thanked Greece for its "especially successful and secure organisation of the Games".

'Huge victory'

Friday's march through the centre of Athens attracted members of the anti-war movement, anti-globalisation activists and anarchists.

Protests continued into Saturday with an anti-Powell banner appearing on the city's most famous monument, the Parthenon.

One of the organisers of the demonstrations, Yiannis Sifakakis, said the cancellation of the visit marked a "huge victory".

"Of course, the cancellation was linked to our protests," he told Reuters news agency.

"It is very clear why he is not coming even if he is trying to come up with excuses. But whenever he should decide to come we will lay on the same welcome."

Quote:

NY protests as Republicans gather

The marchers occupied a stretch of road more than a mile long
Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied in New York against President Bush, as his Republican Party gathers for its national convention.

Speakers on the first day of the convention will include the former mayor of New York, Rudolph Giuliani, and Senator John McCain.

A massive security sweep has virtually sealed off the convention venue.

Police officers with dogs, bomb-detecting equipment and riot gear have closed off the surrounding streets.

Delegates to the convention, due to take place in Madison Square Garden, are being greeted with a list of prohibited items that includes guns, explosives, fireworks and knives.

Legal wrangling

Sunday's march, which went past the Madison Square Garden convention site, was led by activists including filmmaker Michael Moore and former presidential hopeful Jesse Jackson.

Police gave no official crowd estimate. One law enforcement official put the crowd at 125,000 people but organisers said it was more than 500,000, the Associated Press reported.

There were no immediate reports of incidents or injuries during the march, which followed smaller demonstrations over the weekend that led to nearly 300 arrests.

Four police helicopters buzzed overhead during the march.

After weeks of legal wrangling, protesters have been denied the right to march across Central Park, but some had vowed to defy the ban, raising the prospect of a confrontation with police.

Symbolic

The Republican convention is being held just a short distance from the site of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the 11 September 2001 attacks - and just a few days before the third anniversary of those attacks.

The date marked the beginning of what the Bush administration calls its war on terror, and the president has made this a centrepiece of his re-election campaign.

The president is not due to arrive at the convention until Wednesday.

He will spend one night in New York and accept the Republican nomination as presidential candidate, before heading for the election battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Ohio and beyond.

The opening day of the convention is reportedly intended to focus on Mr Bush's leadership in the "war on terror", with a tribute to families of the 11 September 2001 attacks.

In addition to Mr McCain and Mr Giuliani, speakers include New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

In 2003, Bush was the guy who gathered the most people in the world. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't out of popularity, but against him. Looks like he's the king of the world once again.

mh67511 · 08-30-2004, 02:38 PM

Dang, that's a lot of people LOL! Are they going to be caged in like the DNC protestors?

I've never been in a protest - always thought it would be cool to be in one though. Only thing is protests drive me nuts! I remember one in downtown Chicago and it was such a pain in the ass. Took me freaking forever to get home because I had to walk to the train station, but I couldn't cross the street! Had to walk in a big "U" just to get to it...argh! What they need to do is have protest "stops" where they pause and allow the non-protestors to cross the street and get where they need to go.

alli balli · 08-31-2004, 12:12 AM

I marched in the Women's Rights March on Washington in April. That was really fun. And it was a huge number of people...just very cool to be a part of. I would love to be at the protest in NYC, but oh well.

mh67511 · 08-31-2004, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Protesters' Encounters With Delegates on the Town Turn Ugly
By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD

Outside a hotel in Times Square, delegates to the Republican National Convention were swarmed by protesters dressed in black and swearing at them. Blocks away, delegates engaged in shoving matches with protesters seeking to spoil their night at the theater. And outside "The Lion King" on 42nd Street, a delegate was punched by a protester who ran by.

Although the organized protests yesterday and Sunday have been largely peaceful, there has been a starkly different tone to smaller incidents in Midtown and elsewhere: angry encounters and planned harassment of convention delegates as they go out on the town.

Sometimes the delegates answer back in toe-to-toe, finger-pointing shouting matches. Other times the police, who are guarding delegate gatherings, have dispersed protesters, who move on to other locations to taunt other delegates.

The harassment of delegates came as organized protests continued to draw thousands of people. The Still We Rise march by advocates for social issues was peaceful, and a Poor People's March, a column several blocks long, proceeded from the United Nations to the Madison Square Garden yesterday after the police decided to let it go ahead without a permit.

When marchers approached the Garden, a police detective was knocked off his scooter. He was then repeatedly kicked and punched in the head by at least one male demonstrator, the police said.

The detective, William Sample, was listed in serious condition at St. Vincent's Manhattan Hospital, where Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly both visited him, the police said. There was no immediate word of an arrest in the assault, but as of 9 p.m., the police said there had been 11 protest-related arrests.

The heavy police presence at the Garden apparently inspired the coordinated plan by anarchists and other radicals to strike out at the delegates at their hotels, breakfasts, parties, and on the streets.

The incidents are the result of months of planning by opposition groups, who report that they have obtained copies of plans and addresses for delegates' parties, caucuses and other gatherings outside the Garden.

Their efforts are aided by a support network that uses cellphone text messaging. Text message was also used extensively in a bike protest on Friday night and during demonstrations in Times Square on Sunday.

"CT delegation breakfast everyday @ Maison (7th ave & 53rd) from 7-8:30. Can we get some dissenters?" said one text message yesterday, apparently referring to the Connecticut delegation's plan to gather at a Midtown restaurant. "Maison has outdoor buffet. It would be direct contact with delegates."

One Internet discussion list used by protesters posted an advisory about where some delegate buses would be idling in Midtown every morning. Another message included phone numbers and e-mail addresses for convention officials and advised that delegate hotels would be busiest in the morning and evening.

The police are bracing for another round of unsanctioned demonstrations today, which protesters have designated a day of "nonviolent civil disobedience and direct action." Among the parties expected to be a target is the Tennessee delegation's gathering at Sotheby's. A group calling itself the Man in Black Bloc plans to protest it, saying it is angered that the convention intends to honor the late country singer Johnny Cash.

Yesterday, Jamie Moran, who lives in Brooklyn and describes himself as an anarchist and helps direct the rncnotwelcome.org Web site, was roaming Times Square with a band of protesters shouting at delegates. "These people are in a bubble," he said. "This is absolutely better than standing outside the Garden and shouting to let them know they are not welcome here."

As delegate buses arrived at the Garden yesterday afternoon, protesters who had gathered for a demonstration screamed obscenities and gestured rudely at them. When the police spotted Pete Coors, a Republican candidate for Senate from Colorado, walking near the group, they swiftly steered him away.

Clearly, the protesters were not deterred by entreaties by former Mayor Edward I. Koch that New Yorkers be nice and an offer by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to give peaceful protesters buttons and shopping discounts.

Adam Chase, 23, who said he came from Michigan for the protests, said that while he believed demonstrators should not be violent, "I think it is quite unfair for the R.N.C. and the delegates to tell us we should not be telling them we think they are exploiting the fears of the people."

Mindful that delegates are targets, police officers guard their hotels and ride aboard their chartered buses around town, and several receive police escorts to various events.

"New York City is a fortress, and I love it," Joseph Kyrillos, the New Jersey state Republican chairman, said yesterday at a delegate breakfast. "We need to thank the New York police for all the protection."

Leonardo Alcivar, a spokesman for the convention, said officials recommended that delegates not respond to heckling and taunts, which he said have been "few and far between."

Still, he said, "Our delegates understand the old adage, do unto others as they do unto you."

The tensest encounters between delegates and protesters so far occurred Sunday evening when large groups of demonstrators moved through the theater district while delegates were attending shows under arrangements prepared by convention planners. Several protesters were arrested for trying to block hotel and theater entrances, and face-to-face standoffs abounded.

Outside "Bombay Dreams" demonstrators shouted at and videotaped people standing outside for intermission.

At "Aida," a group of protesters unfurled a banner and hurled invective at delegates leaving the show. Some looked nervous, but a few shouted back, "You're sick, sick."

Delegates lined up to see "Phantom of the Opera" ended up in a sing-song, tit-for-tat with protesters. One protester shouted, "The phantom dies at the end."

Flora Rohrs, a delegate from Colorado, burst into song, "This is my country," with bits of "God Bless America" thrown in. She said, "What is going on here is we are still going to get George Bush re-elected."

For some, there was no escape even at dinner.

"A person came by and used an explicative and stuck his finger in our face," said Deb Etcheson, an alternate delegate from Iowa. "But I don't blame that on New Yorkers. I just love this city."

Some delegates seemed perplexed, even hurt, not because they did not expect protesters to be here, but because they did not expect them to get personal. "They were using foul language, getting real ugly," said Kim Kirkwood, a delegate from Amarillo, Tex. Her husband, Jim, said he could not understand it. "I have friends who are Democrats in Texas, and we talk about things, agree to disagree."

Real classy!

For me, it just makes me resent them AND their views more! Plus it just makes Bush's victory in November so much sweeter!

StellaSlight · 09-01-2004, 10:12 AM

You're funny. The article pointed out that it was a very small group of people that were troublesome, while the large majority of the protestors were peaceful. But enough to resent all the Bush-opponents and their views, huh?

I think it's also funny that Bush had it full circle during the four years of his presidency. He started as the most controversial elected US president ever, with protests against him on his very first day. Now he ends as the most hated US president ever, with protests against him until his very last day.

mh67511 · 09-01-2004, 02:51 PM

No, I resent these violent protestors and their views. I said "them" as in those protestors who engage in these kinds of ridiculous acts - no way can I take someone like that seriously!

I only resent the peaceful protestors when they make my life a pain in the ass - i.e. blocking off major streets, causing traffic delays, etc.

LaraCroft01 · 09-01-2004, 04:09 PM

I wish I could be there to protest, I would love it.

Good job to those who are protesting peacefully and letting everyone know how they feel about the Bush adminstration!

Stellasight ITA with you, I think it's funny that during the four years of his presidency it was all protest. Up to his first day, until the end, he has been hated. He'll end it hated.

I can't wait till he's out of office, hopefully sooner rather then later.

WalkingOnSunshine · 09-02-2004, 03:18 AM

I do not really care about these protestors as long as they keep it safe & civil. But the protestors that are violent & out of control, such as that guy who beat up that cop, deserved to have a stiff punishment thrown at them.

Quote:

Originally posted by StellaSlight
I think it's also funny that Bush had it full circle during the four years of his presidency. He started as the most controversial elected US president ever, with protests against him on his very first day. Now he ends as the most hated US president ever, with protests against him until his very last day.

I don't think he is the most hated president ever. I think a lot of these swing voters are starting to lean more towards Bush than Kerry and I would not be surprised to see more 4 more years of the Bush camp.

As well, I hope these protestors stay calm when President Bush arrives at the garden tomorrow night. Staying clam and acting civil will cause less problems and headaches for everyone involved.

Did anyone notice the protestor tonight that was quickly ushered out during the RNC when Cheney was speaking?

StellaSlight · 09-02-2004, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WalkingOnSunshine

I don't think he is the most hated president ever. I think a lot of these swing voters are starting to lean more towards Bush than Kerry and I would not be surprised to see more 4 more years of the Bush camp.

Er, it takes a blind man to not see that Bush is not only the most controversial president ever in his own country, but also the currently most hated man in the world. There's not a country in the world where he would go without protests against him rising up, even in so-called allied countries such as UK and Italy, where the majority of people are angry that their governments (d)allied with Bush against the opinion.

Anabela · 09-02-2004, 08:12 AM

I'd love to be in New York to protest against Bush.

I also think it's obvious he's the most hated american president ever.

Everytime I think of him, Bob Dylan's song "Masters of War" comes to my mind.

Here are the lyrics:

Come you masters of war
You that build all the guns
You that build the death planes
You that build the big bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know I can see through your masks

You that never done nothin'
But build to destroy
You play with my world like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly

Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But I see through your eyes
And I see through your brain
Like I see through the water
That runs down my drain

You fasten the triggers for the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
As young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud

You've thrown the worst fear that can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children into the world
For threatening my baby unborn and unnamed
You ain't worth the blood that runs in your veins

How much do I know to talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know though I'm younger than you
Even Jesus would never forgive what you do

Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good?
Will it buy you forgiveness?
Do you think that it could?
I think you will find when your death takes its toll
All the money you made will never buy back your soul

And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket in the pale afternoon
And I'll watch while you're lowered down to your deathbed
And I'll stand o'er your grave 'til I'm sure that you're dead

Charlize'sAngel · 09-02-2004, 03:20 PM

I would definitely want to be a part of that protest if I was in NYC. I think protests are cool, but I could do without the riots and the vandalism though...

alli balli · 09-02-2004, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WalkingOnSunshine
Did anyone notice the protestor tonight that was quickly ushered out during the RNC when Cheney was speaking?

I did. There's an article about it here. I think it's pretty funny that even though they supposedly have this amazing security, some college kid managed to get TEN FEET away from Dick Cheney in his private box. Yeha, that's some good security there.

It's hard for me to say that I think Bush is the most hated president ever - I know a lot hated Hoover and blamed him for the economic crash, and since none of us were alive at that time we can't really compare. But he is certainly the most hated president in more modern times, probably the most hated since Hoover. (And rightly so.

)

WalkingOnSunshine · 09-03-2004, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by StellaSlight
Er, it takes a blind man to not see that Bush is not only the most controversial president ever in his own country, but also the currently most hated man in the world. There's not a country in the world where he would go without protests against him rising up, even in so-called allied countries such as UK and Italy, where the majority of people are angry that their governments (d)allied with Bush against the opinion.

Then I must be blind because I don't see that. Yes you will always have protests in other countries about the US (and/or their allies). That is just a fact of life and those people that oppose ways of the US/allies. I believe that the majority of people out there do not believe that this President though is the most hated man in the world.

I don't think those Afghan people that were under the terror of the Taliban hate George W. BUsh? I think they are grateful to the US and their allies for helping them. I think those women that can vote in the upcoming presidental elections are thankful for the actions of the coalition. Those children that can now go to school & learn and try to be more than what they thought was their fate of hiding from the Taliban. That is a country whose people like the coalition and appreciate the efforts of President Bush. The same can be said for Iraq. Where mass graves and rape rooms are no longer. Where people no longer have their villages gassed and are violently assaulted by Saddam and his "police". That is another example of a country that I believe is thankful for the coalition's help and this President's dedication to freedom.

In regards to the protestors during President Bush's speech it just amazes me. Now, I realize that some people do not like this President and think he is dishonest. But, it takes a lot of - I was going to say guts but that gives those people way tooo much credit. It takes a lot of gall to protest and yell at the President of the United States during his convention. And to hold up a sign that says "Bush lies, who dies?". That kind of thinking just makes me wonder about the intentions of some. Free speech yes - but sometimes I just think the abuse of free speech is endless. But that is just me.

mh67511 · 09-03-2004, 03:14 PM

Protestors breaking into the RNC doesn't suprise me. Frankly, I would expect nothing less from them.

We had two Afghan women stay at our house in December for 2 days. They were part of a program through the university that brought Afghan teachers to the United States.

It was so interesting to hear them speak, and also very sad. One of the women told us of how once she went outside without her burqa and was beaten with a rod. They were not even allowed to watch movies! They had to hide their copies of "Terminator" from the Taliban! (Yes she loves the movie!) Yes, life is still tough, because Afghanistan is a very poor country. And yet things are changing for the better. Girls are not allowed to learn, women can walk without covering themsevles up, and women can have jobs.

busybuzz · 09-04-2004, 12:27 AM

I'm a New Yorker and I have to say -- if the Republicans have a problem with the protesters and all the anti-Bush stickers/pins/shirts that have been paraded around the city for the last couple of days, then they never should've come to the city. People here hate him (which is funny b/c Bush touts his "strong" stance on national security yet the people in the city that was actually attacked want him out of office) and in my mind it was a bad idea to hold the RNC here (not just for political reasons but as a resident the number of cops on the streets was outrageous). This isn't directed at any specific person it just bothers me how protesters are continually put in a bad light.

Also, for all the articles that say that the protesters were anarchists and lunatics (which, some were, no doubt about that) there were more families, veterans, little old ladies, teenagers, and baby boomers hitting the streets. These are normal people showing their dislike for the Bush administration. Certainly the 100,000 - 400,000 people that marched last Sunday are an example of this.


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