For those of you planning to visit New York for the Republican Party Convention, I must re-iterate:
You are demonstrating at the wrong event.
I know that this is a bit of an old song for me, but follow me for a minute here ...
This September, tens of thousands of Republicans plan to come to New York City and freely assemble, under their rights accorded by law, to back their political candidate for the Presidency.
While some people might find their candidate and his policies unfavorable, these people have a right to gather, conduct discourse and participate freely in our political system. This is the same right that Democrats plan to exercise in Boston.
I know that thousands of Americans plan to come to Manhattan to stage a counter-demonstration of some sort, but you are demonstrating at the wrong event.
The real danger to Democracy won't be occurring on the west side of Manhattan in September. It's going to occur at the polling booths in November -- and the week before -- where the Bush Administration is already researching how and when it is acceptable to cancel the Presidential election ... if an act of "terrorism" takes place.
Want to effectively demonstrate against the Bush Administration and for our Democracy?
Talk to you friends. Have a party. Throw a parade. Stage a march. Write a letter to your Congressman. Write a letter to the editor.
Not with the theme, "Down with Bush!" Use the theme, "Elections on Nov. 2, No Matter What!"
Let the Republicans have their party in New York City in peace. It is their right. Then let us have our election on Nov. 2, as is ours.