Less Protest = More Dollars

by Daniel Cuevas

Originally published on Political Storm on August 14, 2004.

With the Republican National Convention on its way to the Big Apple, scores of New Yorkers are eagerly preparing to protest what many have coined, “The Republican Invasion.” Activists are coming out of nowhere, ready to blast the GOP.
The question begs to be asked: Why should we protest? I didn’t vote for Bush, I don’t like him, and I doubt I’ll ever be a Republican. Even with my anti-Republican convictions, I don’t see the point of protesting and creating extensive demonstrations. Protesting won’t cause the GOP move their convention to another city. It won’t make them change their ideology. The only thing protesting will accomplish is to keep the visiting Republicans inside their hotel rooms, and from patronizing our stores, museums, and restaurants.
New York City is still hurting from 9/11, and the local economy remains weak. What New York’s economy needs is more consumer spending, and if there’s one thing the Republicans have lots of, it’s money. Making visiting Republicans feel unwelcome is a real waste of energy; instead of protesting, New Yorkers should welcome them and treat them as they would any out-of-town visitor. This means charging them $2 for bottled water at Times Square, making sure they hit all the tourist traps, and watching them pay Manhattan prices for things that can be purchased in the outer boroughs at more reasonable prices.
The ridership of the infamously expensive New York City taxis is a healthy mix of the wealthy and the ignorant, two qualities which distinguish out-of-town Republicans. They’ve probably heard enough exaggerated stories about the New York City subway to make them treat taxis as if they were the only mode of transportation in New York-surely there must be one taxi driver in this city who is happy to see this convention coming to town.
Should you see any Republicans during the convention, don’t compare Bush to Adolf Hitler, tell them they’re killing the environment, or that they live to serve big business-they already know that. Simply hand them a bottle of water and charge them $2 for it.