You've probably heard that the Republicans have purchased our fair city for their national convention this year, just a week before the anniversary of 9/11. Bush has already run campaign ads that attempt to co-opt for his own political gain the memories associated with that day, even after telling the AP in January 2003 that he had "no ambition whatsoever to use this as a political issue." Most New Yorkers are not happy. [For a NY Times article on the ad that will absolutely disgust you too, click here]
The GOP gang senses this antipathy - a few months ago it attempted to relocate its conventioneer housing to a cruise ship in the middle of the Hudson River, far from the scaaaaary black and brown people the place is crawling with, and even worse, all the dissenting voices those gentle prairie Republicans will meet when they arrive. And they're right to be afraid. Community and political groups throughout New York have been organizing for six months for the arrival of the party who would use our city as a marketing tool, and there are six months yet before the RNC.
Chris is starting a blog, RNC Pundit Patrol, to provide media analysis of the mainstream coverage leading up to and during the convention. C. is getting his Ph.D. in Media Studies at Columbia. I'm biased, but I'm not the only one who thinks he is an insightful, entertaining media commentator. You should check it often, particularly if you live here. If you're interested in learning more about the preparations for the Republican descent on New York City, visit RNC Watch, which is run by a friend of ours.
Posted by jessica at March 7, 2004 9:52 AM