As the RNC kicks off in NYC, another mass protest is getting underway across the city. The unemployment line is a symbolic line of people representing job loss in the US consisting of “more than 5,000 citizens, each holding a pink slip, who will form a line stretching from the corner of Broadway and Wall St., up to 31st St. and then west along 31st St to 7th Ave. – right across from Madison Square Garden and the site of the Republican National Convention.” A bit like the 1980s “Hands Across America”, but much more focused and with a seemingly greater impact. The purpose is simple: “..to bring attention to current disastrous economic policies, not to create confrontations or hazards. Because the unemployment line will run single file along the sidewalk and will not block pedestrians or intersections, no permit is required; the NYPD has given their okay.” The NYPD are “okay” with this? I thought the NYPD were against free speech? Anyways, I hope this works out – I’m sure it will be a big success.