[UC] Sunday in the Park

[Benseraglio2]

Today's editorial in the New York Times:   August 27, 2004 Sunday in the Park state judge's ruling against the use of Central Park for the largest demonstration planned against the Republican National Convention next week is not likely to keep individual protesters, perhaps thousands of them, off the grass this weekend or during the four days of the convention. But the protest groups have had their day in court and cannot allow their disappointment to become an excuse for lawlessness and disorder. The city has granted nearly 30 permits for demonstrations while the convention is in town, and while a small number allow the use of other parts of the park, none allow participants to congregate on the Great Lawn. Legal challenges by three groups, including United for Peace and Justice, the coalition holding the biggest event, planned for Sunday, were decided in the city's favor. The root issue of whether political protests should be allowed access to the park's largest open space was lost in the rush, but in each case, the groups hurt their chances of winning by waiting until late in the game to go to court. Organizers of United for Peace and Justice and the police seem relieved to have an agreement for a march at midday on Sunday that will include a stretch of Fifth Avenue and the streets outside the convention site at Madison Square Garden. It will end at Union Square, a spot rich with the history of social activism in New York City. Marchers are supposed to disperse at the route's end, but with most of the day remaining, many protesters are expected to trek north to Central Park. They could even end up on the Great Lawn, and, to their credit, city and police officials say that's fine, as long as people obey the law and spontaneous gatherings don't become organized rallies. Sunday's protest organizers say they are encouraging only legal and peaceful political _expression_. Two days before the big event, both sides sound very civilized and reasonable. That's reassuring, and it could help make next week easier for everyone." NOTE: Oddly, the Times says the groups "hurt their chances of winning by waiting until late in the game to go to court." Bullshit. ANSWER filed for a permit in January. The two last minute Court decisions, on Monday and on Wednesday, were blatant police state denials of constitutionally guaranteed free speech by Bush, Bloomberg and their Republican minions. The Times is full of it. Just sayin.     Ross Bender http://rossbender.org