February 16, 2006
NYC Has the Convention Bug
Well, our government has a fever for a convention, that is. Mayor Bloomberg, not content with just one convention under his mayoral belt, is looking to land both the 2008 Republican and Democratic conventions. Even Senator Schumer said he'd support another Republican powwow in 2008, noting its economic impact (the city only made $3 million after all the bills were paid, but there was $250 million in economic activity). Frankly, Gothamist is surprised that the RNC asked NYC to submit a bid, after the warm reception it received last time, but maybe the RNC wants to tussle with blue-city folk again. While a city like New Orleans might be attractive to both parties, if the plans go according to schedule, there should be significant construction progress made at the World Trade Center (though no Freedom Tower), which is perfect for photo ops.
Would you want another convention here? Or would you rent out your place to convention goers?
Photograph from Jake Dobkin
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We don't want you! Either of you.
Chicago was smart with the 'thanks but no thanks' policy.
Bring it on! The RNC was a blast, and having two conventions here would be orgasmic.
Bloomberg also attempted to land both the Democratic and Republican conventions in 2004, and succeeded in attracting the RNC.
Yet, he got a lot of grief from shortsighted Democrats for hosting the Republicans...
www.forgotten-ny.com
god help us all
I'd rather hunt penned-in quail with Dick Cheney.
I don't give a rats ass about the Democrats, but those asshat republicans can all fuck off and die. Get them them off this planet before they destroy it and us along with it.
FUCK REPUBLICANS!
You shouldn't be surprised that the RNC asked for a bid from New York. In many interviews, that I've read the delegates to the Republican convention said that they had a wonderful time in the city. Also last time I looked New York was still part of the USA and dependent on the Federal Government in a major or minor form for almost everything it needs.
The "We are unique and don't need the Red States because we are smart and hip" schtick is kind of pathetic, old, tiresome and weak.
I'd like to call everyones attention to: http://fuckthesouth.com/
This is proof that Bloomberg worships the dollar more than principles.
As long as we agree to pen all of the convention attendees in midtown and prevent them from traveling below 34th Street, above 59th, west of 8th Avenue, and east of Park Ave, I think we'll be okay.
I also think that the police should be especially liberal with writing tickets to attendees for minor infractions like spitting on the ground, littering, talking loudly, and blinking. These are privileges that New Yorkers have earned with our tax dollars. Anyone else should have to at least contribute something. It's like having a guest over for dinner and they show up empty handed - where are their manners? Plus it will boost that paltry $3 million revenue.
Who's the little slut in the picture? I normally don't associate with Repugnicans but I'd do her. But I'd make her read NY Times the next morning and listen to NPR.
roll out the welcome mat! anyone who doesn't want them both here, every year is an idiot. nyc will glad take their money, and the exposure. now if we could only host the conventions themselves somewhere other than msg it would all be perfect.
$250 million in economic activity is complete & total bullshit. So is the $3 million in the black figure. Nice history re-write, folks.
Hey kowgurl, got any facts to back up your rant? Didn't think so.
And for the rest of you, the name calling makes you look really pathetic.
I'd be surprised if the RNC didn't hold all of their conventions here. The spectacle of hordes of chanting retards attacking conventioneers paid off big dividends among TV viewers.
Joe: You're doing a wonderful job perpetuating the stereotype of an elitist Democratic northerner.
While my sentiments are the same as yours, there are more constructive ways to phrase things.
The constant helicopters overhead during the last one nearly drove me insane.
Will the conventions pay for me to leave town so I don't lose it entirely if there is a next time?
Let's invite the KKK while we're at it.
Is it a bad thing to be a elitist democratic northerner?
While everyone hates the Republicans, let's not forget we elected a Republican for a mayor and he is doing a really good job. He's just trying to get good exposure for the city. It's obviously working since New York just had a record number tourists visit in the last year. We may hate the bumpkins stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to stare upward, but we all benefit from their spending. Where do you think the money for that Calatrava tram is going to come from?
Oh MT! You are inviting Blike to attack your points!
"dependent on the Federal Government in a major or minor form for almost everything it needs"
Untrue. NYC generates more money for the federal gov. than it takes. So really, we are just paying for everyone else.
Is it a bad thing to be a elitist democratic northerner?
It's not going to win you any of the swing voters that are necessary for a successful Democratic run at the White House.
Another RNC in NYC would be fantastic - the ultimate thumb in the eye to all the sanctimonious lefties in this town. The nutty protesters are fun to laugh at and they will end up helping the Republicans win another one.
Fairbuttons: Of course New York pays more in taxes. That's because of the outrageous salaries of Wall Street and the large law firms. Considering the screw job they do to the rest of the country, giving a little back in taxes is the least they can do.
And do you really think that any government spending done outside of New York City does not benefit you? You may disagree with the current level of military spending but that spending is done on behalf of all Americans, not just the ones in the Red States. You may disapprove of farm subsidies but they make your food cheaper. You may disapprove of the highway bill but highways in other states mean more crap can be trucked to New York consumers (well, maybe not via the "Bridge to Nowhere" in Alaska).
Many of us are Republicans but don't even know it. Have you ever said "My tax dollars!" "Market forces!" or "Tax cuts!"? Did you side with the MTA during the strike, and think the TWU were a bunch of "greedy" scumbags? Look in the mirror. It's okay to admit you're a Republican. This is the first step.
Or, perhaps you're a Libertarian. But please stop walking around telling people you're liberal or a Democrat, because you're not.
Look it up in your Funk and Wagnall's.
it's actually not ok to be a republican. remember... it's a disease, and those people deserve your pity.
Leftist-Rightist, that is the old definition. Sadly.
Let's invite the KKK while we're at it.
[19] Posted by: Bubba | February 16, 2006 02:47 PM
That's funny-you did - Robert Byrd, Democratic Senator, West Virgina and KLANSMEN!
They should both go to Las Vegas. Heh...
stop the insanity! LOL!
http://www.retrocrush.com/archive2004/powter/susanbuild02-vi.jpg
Can't believe nobody's commented on that terrifying pic. That girl looks like a robotic teenaged Angie Harmon -- and she's wearing a Tshirt that's already inherently creepy but is intensely creepy on anyone post-pubescent.
Don't disrespect Robert Byrd. He has apologized and atoned for his KKK membership repeatedly, even aplogized in his massive autobiography last year. No point in beating a dead horse, Max.
Don't disrespect Robert Byrd. He has apologized and atoned for his KKK membership repeatedly, even aplogized in his massive autobiography last year. No point in beating a dead horse, Max.
[34] Posted by: Tom | February 17, 2006 02:22 AM
I'll forgive Robert Byrd when the jews forgive Hitler.