The RNC post (and other stuff)

I've been thinking a lot about the RNC - if anyone is going to protest, tell me so I can make sure you know your rights. :) We are moving the 22nd, so I should be living in NYC during the convention instead of dealing with NJ Transit. I was thinking about this editorial from today's Times, by Dahlia Lithwick: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/12/opinion/12lith.html?hpIt talks about how protests are being limited (by things like searches, protest zones and barriers) and why this is happening now. She writes: "It's tempting to say the difference this time lies in the perils of the post-9/11 world, but that argument assumes some meaningful link between domestic political protest and terrorism," and then writes about how the link doesn't exist, except in the eyes of the Bush administration (who made it up to squelch dissenters), along with some particularly egregious examples.While I believe that the Bush admin would/does go to ridiculous lengths to insulate their regime from dissent, there are other reasons that protests might need to be limited. Like all people, not all protestors are nice or law-abiding. A small number of violent individuals will be there specifically to cause chaos and harm to anyone - cops, yes, but also protestors and passers-by. And when you have terrorists craving mass death, any big event is a security situation. The protests are not a risk; instead, the protests might be at risk. Furthermore, any NYC situation with a huge crowd is usually staffed with metal barriers and plenty of police. Think of parades, or New Years Eve at Times Square - it's definitely annoying, but without order control, a gigantic crowd (especially with someone sinister in it) is a potential disaster. So maybe some of these restrictions are there to *help*. Just another point to consider.There's a fine line between protection and suppression, and to tell you the truth I don't really know if it's been crossed this year. (I'm not going to comment on the moving of the United for Peace and Justice protest, the largest of the RNC) I know that enforcement aims to be neutral - nobody, Democrat or Republican, wants a riot or loss of life (and don't assume that all those in blue are pro-Bush). Please comment on this if you like. They're just my thoughts. I miss discussions. :)I am also looking for a nice bar cart for the apartment. But the only decent ones are too expensive - any ideas of where we can get good cheap furniture besides the usual places? Sandy and I are going to build a kitchen nook bench, that should be interesting. Woodworkers, volunteer now. :P I really miss the hours of 8-9am and 5-6pm, which I always spend in transit. I used to cook breakfast and dinner. On a good note, my coworker told me that the 5th Harry Potter is being sold in the Rite-Aid downstairs, in paperback, so I know what I'll be doing with my lunch break (and ride home) today... :D