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Why New York?
"I, as well as tens of thousands of others, feel it is just an obvious attempt for Bush to highlight his 'heroic' War on Terrorism."
By Mike Oseroff
If it wasn’t already completely affirmed, it is now: George W. Bush, the wild cowboy, has got some nerve. He’s pissed off the masses quite frequently throughout his controversial four-year term - and at the end of it, he is still going strong. In a very ballsy decision, Bush has decided to hold this year’s Republican National Convention, in New York City, a setting all too familiar when we think of Bush’s notorious reign in office.
New York is not what you would call Republican friendly. The Democrats have had a stronghold on the state ever since Reagan’s terms, and the trend shows no sign of bucking. Last election Al Gore won by nearly 25%, numbers that shouldn’t send a warm tingling feeling through Dubya’s body. But nevertheless, on August 30th Bush will plead his case in the potentially very hostile territory.
Some might ask, “Why?” Why not in Louisiana, where their southern hospitality would surely be glad to host Bush’s team? What about Florida, a swing state that as we’ve seen, can come down to a single retirement home making the difference? Why not even across the water in New Jersey? John Kerry played it safe in his home state of Massachusetts. Why New York City?
Well it really is quite simple. For starters, New York’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg, is a passionate Republican and he welcomed the committee with open arms. But I, as well as tens of thousands of others, feel it is just an obvious attempt for Bush to highlight his “heroic” War on Terrorism, which all seemed to be set in motion three years ago on September 11th, 2001.
When we look back on Bush’s four years- our first four of the new millennium- the image that stands out the most is that of the twin towers falling, and the chaos that ensued in the city of New York. What has followed over the past three years is a war very few saw as rational- as Bush set out to affirm America’s bully attitude, and make sure an attack on our country and pride is never made again.
Whether or not he had a separate agenda when sending young soldiers into Iraq, is up to you to decide. But nevertheless, he has spread a giant blanket over his decisions since 9/11 embroidered with the words “War on Terrorism” on the front. The World Trade Center attacks have been the focal point of all things Bush these past three years. And in his mind, there is no greater setting to solicit a second term, then in the shadow of ground zero.
Keep in mind the RNC will be no tea party for Team Bush. In fact, there is the potential for madness in the streets of New York. It is reported that close to a million protestors will line the streets outside of Madison Square Garden representing over 150 anti-Bush groups. Some armed with weapons, but most just armed with a voice. They will not stand for the politicization of the horror that destroyed their friends and family. And they will all march with the same goal in mind: “Keep Bush out of office for 2004.”
There is no greater stage to get your point across than in the media capital of the world - New York City. George Bush knows this, as do a million angry protestors. But there is one thing both the Republicans and the protestors can agree on: Bush has got some nerve in that cowboy body of his. It’ll be a scene you won’t want to miss. Giddy-up!
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