New York City

Scott Horowitz | August 24, 2004
So, next week is the Republican National Convention in NYC. I would like to go in and see what all the hype is about. But, they are telling people not to come into the city. Penn Station is having limited access. Companies are closing for the week and telling people to go on vacation. This whole thing is turning into a logistical nightmare.

I think this may kill the chance the olympics have of being in NYC While, I think the revenue it would generate would be great for the city. I just don't see how it can work. I can drive to Manhattan anywhere from 60 minutes to 4.5 hours (it about 60 miles). The traffic and the amount of people here would be insane.

Just wanted to bitch.

Jackie Mason | August 24, 2004
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Anna Gregoline | August 24, 2004
I didn't even know that NYC was a consideration for the games - where the heck would they put it all?

I don't think America should get the games again for awhile. Let some other countries have a chance.

Scott Horowitz | August 24, 2004
If the US gets chosen for the Olympics in 2012, they will be in New York. It has already been decided. It is between us, Brazil, France and one other that I can't remember.
NYC2012

Erik Bates | August 24, 2004
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Anna Gregoline | August 24, 2004
Weird. I still hope that we don't get the games for at least a few more games cycles.

Not that I'm even watching them right now, or care.

Anthony Lewis | August 25, 2004
There wouldn't be as much hassle with the Olympics as there is with the RNC. NYC could pull of the Games without a hitch. And with the sparse crowds in Athens...NYC has got to be close to being the front runner for getting the 2012 Games.

As far as the convention next week...since i work in the subway, I'm really going to catch hell. There are quite a few of my co-workers who are considering taking off sick during the RNC. They don't want the hassle. Me? I'm going to work because I am stupid.

Jackie Mason | August 25, 2004
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Anthony Lewis | August 28, 2004
I'm actually going to be working in Union Square on Sunday during the protest. I may just grab a sign myself.

Melissa Erin | August 28, 2004
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Anthony Lewis | August 28, 2004
A celebrity has as much of a right to speak their mind as we regular people do. The only difference is that our personal view doesn't make it onto "Access Hollywood", "Extra" or in the morning gossip column. So I think its kind of unfair to say that a celebrity should only stick to "celebritizing". If they have to shut up and stick to what they do, then WE have to as well. If you don't feel this is so, then you'll have to agree that a celebrity has every right to speak as we feel that WE have the same right.

Scott Hardie | August 28, 2004
True, but there's a time and a place for it. If Tim Robbins were invited to speak at a Kerry rally, then he would be expected to speak politics. For him to denounce the war when presenting an Academy Award to a colleague is inappropriate, in that it detracts from that other person's moment.

Personally, I used to read a lot of entertainment news (and still would if I had the time), but I had to give up on the gossip/celebrity pages long ago. Jeanette Walls at MSNBC has around a dozen favorite celebrities to whom she devotes about 90% of her column space, and Heaven help her readers if one of those celebs, including Madonna or Barbra Steisand, made some casual remark at a party about President Bush because it would fill Walls's column later that week.

Melissa Erin | August 28, 2004
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Melissa Erin | August 28, 2004
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John Viola | August 29, 2004
Agree that since we all want to speak are minds freely, that celebrities should not be limited from doing it.

Frustrated that the airwaves supposedly belong to the people but a few dominant corporations decide programming, thus putting out a very narrow range of ideas and views, whether radio shows, tv shows, news shows, etc.

Somewhat relieved to see individuals (such as celebrities) seizing the opportunity to express non-conformist views when they are able.

Ideally would like to see more community activity and discussion / feedback from the local to the national level. Value the internet and forums like this where people can speak their minds and bounce ideas back and forth uncensored. Good job Scott!

Anna Gregoline | August 29, 2004
Your post is kind of imperative. Who would like to see more community activity. Who values internet and forums like this?

Not trying to be a stickler, the commanding tone just struck me.