Re: Critical Mass planning to disrupt the Republican Convention

07-09-2004, 01:40 PM

I think that, like the article states, bikes *may* offer a uniquely
powerful method of resisting the normal treatment demonstrators get
from the cops. Maybe not, but it looks like the normal protests will
be contained and kept distant from the Convention --- but this bike
protest has the potential to make a bigger impact and to get press.
I'm fearful that the media will not cover the fact that thousands of
people are pissed that the GOP is meeting here. They are not wanted
and in my mind they are only here to yet again play the 9/11 card and
to do the whole be afraid - vote for use bs.

I don't think that it is fair to decide that a protest on the saddle
has anything to do with bicyclists is my point. Anymore than a protest
enacted by motorists snafuing traffic would have to do with automobile
enthusiasts. Biking is a thing that I do, like walking and is not
politicised by what I do when I am on my bike. That's kind of silly in
my mind.

TA and Critical Mass are very political entities and it makes perfect
sense for lefty bikers in NYC to organize through these groups.