We're only a few hours from the "day outside the pens". It's 45:00 am, as usual, and I'm going to try to get a few hours of sleep before it all goes down. One way or another, history is going to be made. But what I remember is that, much of the time, for folks living when history is being made, it really sucks.

My stomach is a little off. It must be that last cup of ice cream and chocolate sauce I had -- at 4 a.m. Just not sitting right. That, and tomorrow's unknown.

(Oh yeah, and these times on the articles are all West Coast times, so they are all 3 hours off. Don't be fooled.)

Good night.

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And so was at least one of our legal observers, a National Lawyers Guild person who was monitoring the group on bike. I came upon them yesterday on my way to the office, after being rerouted for many blocks around MSqG security and blockades for the huge march. This seems to be a bad convention during which to ride bikes. Let's see wat the next few days bring.

Last night the Mouse Bloc kicked *ss! These folks went to various Broadway theaters to, er, welcome the Republican delegates as the shows got out. No delegate left without getting an earful! They're going to know that there is dissent and that people are *pissed off*.

So, on to the rumor mill. I have heard that two folks were arrested for carrying concealed masks. Why? They supposedly had bandanas in their pocket. Now there's a lawsuit waiting to happen!

I've collected a number of 24 hour menus from pizza places and delis around the office. At last the night shift is gonna eat well.

And speaking of the office, gotta go...

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I had two computers to put together, but who can concentrate on tech support when Critical Mass rides right by the legal office? Thousands and thousands of them... and that was only one part of the ride!. I also got a first look at Officer Smolka, who some say takes his agressiveness out on others while on duty. He was busy pulling someone very roughly off of their bike. Two arrests right in our block. Amazing two-story bikes, decorations, all kinds of things. A couple of people tried to flyer us for Sunday :-) And now, to see if there is any other news...


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Yes, I have obtained a copy of the "secret" 35 page set of guidelines the cops are using for the RNC. It does indeed include the nail-filled potatoes, the urine and battery acid delivered via super-soakers, and the helium balloons filled with metal shavings. All very strange, and an illustration of the strange world the cops live in. Too bad they want us to live in it too.

By the time you read this, the full 35 pages ought to be on the web someplace. Try googling for it.

And speaking of police presence, they were out there today near MSqG with the military-style helmets, backpacks of gear, and some unpleasant-looking weapons. I didn't stop to inspect because I was running late as usual. Perhaps tomorrow.

Tech setup is almost ready to go in the legal office. Tomorrow we're live!

We're hearing periodic reports from DNC2RNC; they are in the Bronx and have picked up a discreet police escort. They should be in town tomorrow for a grand shindig.

Other than that, all quiet on the eastern front. We're waiting for the storm.


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I've been looking around to see the incresed security presence here in NYC, and I have to say, the few cops I've seen have been pretty muchh swallowed up by the crowd, floaitng along in the middle of the rush just like everyone else. With a couple of exceptions...

This morning I saw two of them at the entrance to a subway stop and wondered what was up. Then I saw what they were watching: a lone UFPJ person handing out flyers for A29. I guess they wanted to outnumber UFPJ folks now while it's still possible :-)

Then tonight at the RNC Clearinghouse, a couple of us played "is that an undercover?" No conclusions yet, but it was fun to follow him around and see which leaflets he took. (Very unsubstantiated rumor is that someone was outed in Miami and that this is that same person.) In any case, if we don't know that our public meetings have law enforcement attendance by now, we're never gonna figure it out.

No arrests today. I want to pick 56 prominent Republicans and shadow them throughout the convention. We can assign 6 anarchists and one "organizer" to track them :-) Any nominations?

In other news, when is someone gonna design the "Peaceful Repentant Republicans Welcome" button? Let's get on it!


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