Opinions are mixed on whether or not the convention will provide a boost to the local economy, but some things are for certain: New Yorkers traveling in or around mid-town can expect delays in their morning commute – from train schedule changes to subway exits and entrances and whole city blocks closed. They can also expect to see more men and women in blue: the New York Times reported that more than 10,000 officers will be providing security at Madison Square Garden, delegate hotels, and throughout the city. One resident living near the Garden told me she was informed by the New York City police department that there would be snipers on the roof of her building. And while the Democrats had lobster rolls, Fenway Park and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Republicans will have Broadway shows, the U.S. Open and batting practice at Shea Stadium to choose from.

Russ Schriefer, the convention program director, noted that the RNC would be shorter and have fewer speakers than the DNC. Schriefer has arranged events into segments and mini-programs saying, "we tried to look at what TV shows do to keep an audience." The entire convention is spread over four days, with 19 hours of schedule programs.

Capitalizing on the proximity in time and place to Ground Zero and 9/11, painted above the arena are the words "A Nation of Courage." Building on that theme, there's a "Preachers and Patriots" segment in which people from around the country have been invited to make short statements during the convention, and although earlier rumors indicated Senator John McCain would deliver the keynote address, now Democratic Senator Zell Miller from Georgia is scheduled to deliver the address entitled, "Fulfilling America's Promise: Building a Safer World and a More Hopeful America." Miller gave the keynote address in 1992 for Clinton. This year, his presence is meant to convey an image of broad support for the Republican Party.

The GOP convention website notes that each day the convention speakers will focus on a key element of the goal of a safer world and more hopeful American. On Monday, former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Senator John McCain will talk about "the courage of a nation." Tuesday, the theme of the day is compassion with comments from Mrs. Bush and the "Terminator" (now Governor of California) Arnold Schwartzenegger. On Wednesday, in addition to Miller's address there will be a special bonus—who better to speak about the "land of opportunity" than Vice President Dick Cheney, whose former company, Halliburton has made billions on servicing U.S. troops in Iraq? And capping off the event on Thursday, will be none other than George W. presenting his plan for "building a safer world by spreading freedom around the globe."

• Free Metrocards
• Guided tours of Coney Island featuring The Wonder Wheel and the Brooklyn Aquarium, but no mention of free rides on the rickety old Cyclone rollercoaster?
• Shopping excursions and fashion shows at Cartier, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's
• Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) will be honored at the "Good Ol' Honky Tonk Salute" at the RNC convention, sponsors include the Nuclear Energy Institute, the National Mining Association, and the power companies' trade association, the Edison Electric Institute (each paid $20,000 a pop to cover the expenses)
• Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn) will throw a gala at Rockefeller Center on September 1st, featuring a concert, general reception and a VIP reception. A mere $250,000 gives you 10 tickets to the VIP event, 50 tickets to the general reception and concert, and entrée to another VIP event with Frist at the convention, proceeds will go to a foundation established by Frist, World of Hope, which will divvy up the funds among five global AIDS relief groups
• "Salute to the Financial Services Committee" benefits a charity affiliated with Rep. Michael Oxley (R-Ohio) and will take place at the Rainbow Room. Frank Sinatra Jr. will perform and concert go-ers are asked to donate $100,000
• Lynyrd Skynyrd concert Sunday, August 29, for a group of Southern congressional Republicans including Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC) and Sen. Saxby Chambliss (GA), sponsors include Edison Electric Institute, electric power company Southern Co., and accounting firm Deloitte & Touche
• The NY Host committee announced that Time Warner will host the welcoming party for thousands of journalists descending upon NYC to cover the GOP bash, making the company an official sponsor of the convention
• A luncheon for J. Dennis Hastert, the speaker of the House, is being held Sept. 1, organized by the law and lobbying firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and sponsored by companies like Boeing and Dow Chemical

• CNN Money reported that more than 125 companies, unions and private foundations, including some 50 members of the Fortune 500, will pump at least $103.5 million into the conventions of both major US political parties this year -- of course, that amount does not include the various parties thrown for politicians and delegates.
• General Motors is the official vehicle provider for both conventions
• IBM has contributed about $2 million worth of computers/equipment to both conventions
• Lists of private contributors and amounts do not have to be revealed until 60 days after the conventions

And get this … there's even perks for the protesters, kind of. Mayor Bloomberg and the city's tourism office is offering "peaceful political activists" -- those that have a legal permit to rally -- discounts at select hotels, museums, stores and restaurants similar to those offered to the Republican delegates. However, there are some notable differences: Republicans get "Rent," protesters get "Tony 'n Tina's Wedding," Republicans get discounts to the Museum of Natural History, protesters get discount to the Museum of Sex.

For a complete, updated list of discounts go to www.nycvisit.com and click on "Welcome Peaceful Political Activists." For more information about counter conventions and protests, see below.

• "Party Favors," by Samuel Loewenberg, July/August 2004, Mother Jones
• "The Republican Convention: The party begins in New York City, paid for by special interests," by Meredith O'Brien, August 20, 2004, The Center for Public Integrity
• The Campaign Finance Institute
• The Republican National Committee
• The 2004 Republican National Convention

CONVENTION PROTESTS:
Bush's advisers are expecting the most extensive street demonstrations at any political convention since the Democrats nominated Hubert H. Humphrey in Chicago in 1968. The New York Times reported that the Republicans will try and portray activists as "Democratic-sanctioned displays of disrespect for a sitting president."

There are countless conferences and vigils and marches taking place in New York City the week of the convention. The lack of clarity from the city about permits for the United for Peace and Justice march on Sunday, August 29th has not cast a pall over peace and justice activities; in fact it has led to a proliferation of protest. While we await the verdict from the courts on the end location of the march, we have plenty to fill our planners with for the rest of the week.

Visit United for Peace and Justice for a comprehensive (and user friendly) calendar and events.

Also, check out RNC Not Welcome, this site has a ton of resources and information.

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