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Anti-Globalization Protests Loom at Cancun
U.S. environmentalists, militant Mexican peasants and European backpackers descended on the sweltering Caribbean resort of Cancun on Monday for anti-globalization protests at world trade talks.Yes, itâs that time again. Truckloads of Mexican police in gray uniforms patrolled the streets around where the World Trade Organization is to open a five-day meeting on Wednesday to nudge its 146 members toward a comprehensive world trade pact by the end of next year. Local authorities, keen to avoid a repeat of the riots that marred a WTO meeting in Seattle in 1999, are putting on free concerts and open-air plays to allow protesters to let off steam. Tattooed activists, some playing bongo drums, mingled with promenading Mexican families at a concert in a square in central Cancun on Sunday night as Brazilian rap music boomed from speakers through the balmy night air. And I had to work this week, dammit, itâs not fair! Campaigners say they will get their message across peacefully. "I would hope that we can demonstrate again that the WTO is an organization that should not exist. It is creating more harm economically, socially and environmentally than good," said Antonia Juhasz, a veteran protester based in San Francisco. Who else from where else. Activists say the chance of violence at mass protests planned for later this week was slim because many foreign campaigners were staying away from Cancun due to the cost of traveling and the reputation of the Mexican police as being tough on dissent. Mostly the latter, Mexican police have no sense of humor toward people trashing their cash cow tourist trap. Especially rich unemployed yankee hippie scum. "You can either come here and get your ass kicked by the police or stay at home and take action at a local level," said Juhasz. So I take it Mr. Juhasz will be issuing press releases from the hotel pool. Up to 15,000 Mexican peasants wielding machetes are expected to hit the streets at a demonstration on the meetingâs opening day on Wednesday. Another reason to stay by the pool. Posted by: Steve 2003-09-08 |
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