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04/19/2004 Archived Entry: "No, not that Georgia...."
No, not that Georgia...
Not the one in the former USSR - our Georgia.
Robert Randall never knew free speech could cost so much — in dollars and in compromises — until he tried to organize a large-scale, peaceful demonstration for this summer's G-8 summit.The coastal city of Brunswick, where Randall hopes to gather up to 10,000 people to protest the world leaders' summit, passed a law last month that places conditions on public demonstrations.
Organizers of protests like Randall's "G-8 Carnival" must put up refundable deposits equal to the city's estimated cost for clean up and police protection. Demonstrations may only last 2 hours, 30 minutes. Signs and banners may not be carried on sticks that might be brandished as weapons. And the signs may not be larger than 2-by-3 feet.
"This law would not exist if the G-8 was not coming here," said Randall, 51, a local therapist who has attended demonstrations since the Vietnam War. "It makes it impossible to express oneself through assembly or speech on public property unless you have money."
Replies: 3 people speak up
Hey! This is nothing! Wait until you see the shit they'll try to pull when the unwelcome repugs come to NYC for the corination of King George !
Posted by Blue Demon @ 04/19/2004 04:28 PM NY
Between the rubber bullets and the new deafening sound technology used for crowd control, I think fewer people will be willing to participate in demonstrations at the risk of permanent injury. The repugs won't be happy until only their voices are heard. Their plan is, quite clearly, only one party in the future.
Posted by Mike @ 04/19/2004 07:18 PM NY
Why do you think they scheduled this thing on an ISLAND in the first place?
However, the recent history of mass demonstrations suggests that they are becoming ineffective as a means of "getting alternative voices heard." Cops and municipal officials have a legitimate worry that more extreme elements (anarchists et al) are going to cause expensive damage, as in Seattle.
IMHO a new tactic is needed. Money is the key all right, as Randall says--but how about a protest based on NOT using money?
A nationwide boycott of McDonalds, for one day, would send a hell of a bigger message than trashing the one in Sea Island City as part of a riot.
Just a thought. I swear it was NOT inspired by the fact that Mickey Dee's chairman/CEO dropped dead of a heart attack at age 60 today. Really.
Posted by Xan @ 04/19/2004 08:30 PM NY
