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August 18, 2004
Come, protest, shop
When I first saw this story at the Post, I thought it must have been a parody -- that I was reading the Onion and not a real newspaper.
But it's true.
NYC Mayor Bloomberg, a billionaire by the way, has decided that protestor might as well try to do some shopping --and fine wining and dining-- while they are in NY for the Convention.
Here's the Post article and here's the NYC "Welcome Peaceful Political Activist" page. Check out the "special offers" that include $189 a night hotels, a steal. If you are a billionaire, that is.
By the way, before you get too dazzled by the special offers, remember:
Offers are based on availability; offers cannot be combined; not valid on prior purchases; some manufacturers may be excluded; refunds or exchanges may be limited; advance reservations may be required; tax, alcoholic beverages, and gratuity may not be included; offers may not be valid on prix-fixe or other special menus; phone and internet orders subject to service fees; ticket limit may apply; blackout dates may apply; plays, performers, and dates subject to change without notice; additional restrictions may apply. Offers are for 2004 Republican National Convention Peaceful Political Activists who present a Peaceful Political Activists Savings Card, downloaded from this web site, or a Peaceful Political Activists pin, at the NYC businesses listed August 22-September 8; or redeem offers as otherwise indicated in individual listings.
Posted by zeynep at August 18, 2004 02:20 AM
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Comments
I love sarcasm! It is the most under-rated and effective tools in humor today.
I cannot think of a single protestor that would want, much less afford, almost $200 a night. It is quite hilarious, however.
Posted by: Anthony Smith at August 18, 2004 02:48 AM
Is this April 1st.? Are we sure that someone isn't pulling our collective legs? Peaceful Political Activists Savings Card? Nah...we are being put-on here. Only someone as out of touch with reality as Bloomberg could possibly be serious about any of this nonsense. I'm laughing here but perhaps I should be crying!!
Sincerely,
Old & In The Way
Posted by: Phil Cicchi at August 18, 2004 04:03 PM
"Peaceful Political Activists Savings Card"
omg.
and yes that whole section is a direct quote.
"HAH. they'll brand 'activism' yet."
Posted by: Sean Champ at August 19, 2004 01:53 AM
I hate market-based societies!!!
Getting Even Older & Even More In The Way
(by choice!!)
Posted by: Phil Cicchi at August 19, 2004 07:42 PM
Do you think the Peaceful Political Activists Savings Card has a discount on bail?
Posted by: The other Ted at August 19, 2004 10:56 PM
Ya -- "branding". It's all co-option.
I think Guy Debord's "Society of the Spectacle" work applies here. Somewhat (I don't agree with the defeatism permeating it...)
At some point -- I think NOW -- capitalist co-opting "success" hits its asymptotic wall of diminishing returns. Smart activists can even turn co-optation events on their head IMO. For fun & "profit" of another kind.
Posted by: Comandante Gringo at August 20, 2004 10:34 PM