PHILADELPHIA UNDER SIEGE!

Prologue: This was written in the year 2000 during the Republican National Convention. My knowledge and concern of social issues has changed greatly since then. I do, however, believe this prose to speak of the unfortunate disconnect that existed between those groups who were fighting for social change against the well organized neo-con death cult that has now seized our country and the world. Today I would more tip my hat in gratitude toward those brave enough to speak loudly for what is right than view them through the eyes of the tired office worker I was in 2000. Now on to: PHILADELPHIA UNDER SIEGE: The Great Show at City Hall At last they arrive, charging in upon many a mighty steed, with hoisted banners and raised fists they march on to "stir the shit storm" and create general pandemonium and havoc during the Republican National Convention. I refer to the protesters, rabble-rousers and assortment of other mountebanks that have set up temporary camp around City Hall in Philadelphia. These charlatans are the queerest of individuals I have ever witnessed. There was the anti-abortion group, replete with images upon posters of aborted fetuses, which seemed to offend PETA and other animal rights activists because of their close resemblance to red meat. Another group went about wearing costumes constructed of cardboard that appeared as bastardized versions of deer or moose. A convertible Mustang was driving around and within it was a bizarre trio of foppish persons. They managed to meander through the cadre of protesters, with two people, sitting upon the top of the back seat, wearing what appeared to be Teletubbies regalia, or maybe they were pink rabbits. In the air was a dreadful cacophony as provided by a variety of brusque, pear shaped women, excuse me, womyn, shouting their grievances with the benefit of megaphones. Co-existing was the generous competition of sound provided by the police vehicles circling this "encampment". The Philadelphia police provided many prison buses to help "motivate" the crowd to be peaceful. What the presence of the buses and vans did accomplish, however, was the abhorrent frustration of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The odors in the air were most unpleasant. There was the no-so-subtle combination of body odor provided by many protesters and assembled vagrants; the carbon monoxide being spewed from the aforementioned vehicles; the sewers boiling over in the summer heat; and, as if to add spice to my olfactory barrage, the fecal matter of the dozens of horses of the mounted police. This gathering, not being enough to satisfy the city's desire to create a quandary of a business day, were greeted by Wawa foods. They were kind enough to be offering pieces of a free hoagie that was baking in the sun - this was yet another odor to contend with. I cannot imaging anything more appalling than the thought of warm mayonnaise on a multi-foot long sandwich with the benefit of solar heating. The pigs were definitely at the trough, however, grasping every tiny morsel of the fetid, grotesque amalgam of fatty, sodium-rich meats; condiments, and bread. The vendor was kind enough to provide many employees to serve their sordid fare. The employees became a bit impatient, or perhaps frightened, and began casting bags of chips and soft pretzels into the crowd. Fortunately they had the sense to not cast about mustard packs. Although I do believe that some of the PETA folks absconded with the ketchup supply to throw upon anyone partaking of the hoagie, or worse, wearing an animal product. I am seated in a cab during this grand scene. My cab has been motionless for several minutes and my fare keeps rising. The police have now decided to drive their vehicles around the crowd in a circular formation, as if vultures seeking their prey. This display of vehicular prowess and police enforcement has caused and even great traffic snarl, which I fear shall not end upon my departure from Philadelphia this evening. Finally, in frustration, I present the driver his fare, plus a modest tip, and decide to alight immediately and continue my journey on foot. I regretted this decision since the humidity and traffic were unbearable. I nevertheless made it back to the office with my sanity intact. I am back at the office now. The man who delivers the FedEx packages has just deposited his cartage and is telling me about the protesters' migration south along Broad Street. They are marching, still with their fists and banners held high on their way to the First Union Center, where the Republicans have been engaged in their political machinations. One can only imagine the outcome of the events today. Thousands of tired, forlorn protectors off all that is politically correct will be home, or unfortunately incarcerated, feeling a sense of accomplishment. While back in the city, the haughty and well-fed Republicans settle down for an after dinner cognac and a cigar. The peace is again restored and Philadelphia can rest for another evening. Then, there's always tomorrow.