Tamer Protests Expected for Second Inauguration

[papau]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-inaugural13jan13,1,1257023.story?coll=la-headlines-nation

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5131-2005Jan12.html

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-12-not-one-dime-protest_x.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/daily/graphics/inagurationClosings_0105.html

THE NATION
Tamer Protests Expected for Second Inauguration
Some plan to turn their backs on Bush, but key liberal and antiwar groups are abstaining.



By Johanna Neuman, Times Staff Writer


WASHINGTON — Four years ago, thousands of protesters massed along the inaugural parade route to show their anger over the contested election in which President Bush gained his first term. Bearing signs such as "Hail to the Thief" and "Supreme Injustice," they crowded the subways, got into sidewalk debates with inaugural guests and gave a historic day a heightened sense of democracy in action.

This year, as George W. Bush is sworn in for a second term, the atmosphere promises to be calmer.

Once again, demonstrations are planned. An organization called Turn Your Backs on Bush says it will send hundreds of supporters to Washington to literally turn away from the president in silent protest as his motorcade passes.

Anti-Bush activists at an Internet website called bushblackout.com are suggesting that supporters black out their websites or silence their blogs for the day. And a group called Not One Damn Dime Day is urging a boycott of commerce on Jan. 20.

Mainstream liberal and antiwar groups, however, are sitting out the ceremonies this time. The security planned for the first inauguration since the Sept. 11 attacks would make protesting difficult. And the groups are concerned about alienating moderates whose support they hope to attract on issues including Social Security, tax reform and war appropriations.
<snip>

[fertilizeonarbusto]

1. Hee

So they think...

[mslux]

2. Not bloody likely. n/t

[illflem]

3. Too bad the same spirit isn't here

as during the Vietnam war protests when Crosby, Stills and Nash advertised via their music to people to go to the Demo convention in Chicago to protest.

Chicago (Graham Nash)

Though your brother's bound and gagged
And they've chained him to a chair
Won't you please come to Chicago
Just to sing
In a land that's known as freedom
How can such a thing be fair
Won't you plaese come to Chicago
For the help we can bring
We can change the world -
Re-arrange the world
It's dying - to get better
Politicians sit yourself down,
There's nothing for you here
Won't you please come to Chicago
For a ride
Don't ask Jack to help you
Cause he'll turn the other ear
Won't you please come to Chicago
Or else join the other side
We can change the world -
Re-arrange the world
It's dying - if you believe in justice
It's dying - and if you believe in freedom
It's dying - let a man live it's own life
It's dying - rules and regulations, who needs them
Open up the door
Somehow people must be free
I hope the day comes soon
Won't you please come to Chicago
Show your face
From the bottom to the ocean
To the mountains of the moon
Won't you please come to Chicago
No one else can take your place
We can change the world -
Re-arrange the world
It's dying - if you believe in justice
It's dying - and if you believe in freedom
It's dying - let a man live it's own life
It's dying - rules and regulations, who needs them
Open up the door
We can change the world

[tanyev]

4. Now they report it.

Four years ago, thousands of protesters massed along the inaugural parade route to show their anger over the contested election in which President Bush gained his first term. Bearing signs such as "Hail to the Thief" and "Supreme Injustice," they crowded the subways, got into sidewalk debates with inaugural guests and gave a historic day a heightened sense of democracy in action.

I was really surprised when I saw the footage of Inauguration Day 2001 in Fahrenheit 9/11. Mainstream media was very quiet about the demonstrations at the time.

[LibDemAlways]

6. Yep, the LA Times is four years

too late in reporting the protests last time around. Will we be reading about this year's protests in 2008?

[sinkingfeeling]

5. "Mainstream liberal and antiwar groups, however, are sitting out the

ceremonies this time." ?? Not according to all the emails I've gotten...they're even going to have front-row seats!

[Dr Fate]

7. This is so they have an excuse set up for not covering it...

...they know a lot of folks saw F/911 and are wondering why 2000 was not covered as well.