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Home › Money

Reader Forum | 04/01/2009 10:45 am

G-20 Protests in London Turn Violent: Open Thread for wowOwow Readers

What do you think about the protests? Do you think they will happen here?
By The Staff at wowOwow.com

As we informed you earlier, anger about the worldwide economic crisis spilled into the streets in the British financial district today, as President Barack Obama and the heads of state of countries all over the world convene for the G-20 conference. On the agenda of the world leaders:  managing the worsening economic situation.

The Times of London reports that protesters stormed a branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland, which had been closed in advance of the protest (see the embedded video in the Times link). In addition, thousands of others went to the Bank of England in a protest that was said elsewhere to be called "an  April Financial Fools’ Day."

Last fall, wowOwow reported on the movie "The Battle in Seattle," which followed the story of the first major U.S. protest rally/riot against the WTO. As that tragic event drove greater general awareness and acceptance of environmentalism and fair-trade practices and a nascent anti-consumerist movement, can a parallel be drawn between that event and what’s happening in London today? Do you think the anger in London portends similar protests here in the U.S.?

Here’s an open thread for your thoughts.

Read more about: Economy, Finance, News, Reader Forum, The Greatest Depression

117 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Diana T

I think the demonstrations a horrible.  I noted that in one of the news pictures one of the demonstrators is holding a sign that says "Abolish money" and he’s wearing a Nike Windbreaker.  Good God,  these people are so counter productive, it’s pitiful. 

I have had some of my international friends tell me that these demonstrations that occur are financed by Communists, and the ring leaders are paid.  That these demonstrations aren’t really spontaneous, but carefully crafted to do the most harm.  And, of course the more gullible follow in goose step right behind…

I feel sorry and admire the police that are having to endure this.

By Diana T on 04/01/2009 10:55 am
Diana T

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45623000/jpg/_45623824_rbs_window_pa_2.jpg

This is a picture out of the Guardian of the amount of photogs at the Bank.  These demonstrations get particularly nasty when so many are there to take the pix.  So,  scruffy people breaking windows and protesting money?  What is their alternative?  Poverty and anarchy? 

By Diana T on 04/01/2009 11:01 am
DeBúrca obj
The demonstrations are good and they are legitimate. There are groups that go in there and start the violence and then that takes away from the legitimacy of the cause. I wouldn’t assume they are Communist either, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is actually done by people who have MORE to gain by the demonstrators appearing like a mob.
By DeBúrca obj on 04/01/2009 11:13 am
Suzanne de Cornelia

Exactly. This is done all the time…there are legitimate protests and then the groups with the most to gain stirring up trouble. People have a right to protest….and if there is some violence…why are a few broken windows by the people so difficult to take when England/the US started a phony war that killed and displaced millions….and the US/England created the deregulated derivatives mess that even an ‘ordinary citizen’ like me could easily predict in 2001 the outcomes of BOTH the war and the deregulation of derivatives. The leaders game the system and then are sooooo bloody SHOCKED when the rable gets their knickers in a twist. Get over it.

I stayed up til past 3AM last night to watch PM Brown and Obama in their pre-G-20 meeting press conference. God, what a RELIEF to listen to ARTICULATE men. Instead of the clown sideshow GWB and Tony Blair. Although Obama kept referring to Brown as ‘Gordon" which is very inappropriate.

And three cheers for President Sarkozy for PROTESTING the G-20 by saying he will not attend if STRICT reregulations are not the first order of the day. Great for him. Viva la France!! 

 

 

 

 

By Suzanne de Cornelia on 04/01/2009 12:08 pm
DeBúrca obj
I agree. Funny how a little civil unrest upsets people so much but government backed violence is called a "war" and so many people seem to get behind that. At least these people are not low information, apathetic and sitting glued to ‘Dances With the Stars".
By DeBúrca obj on 04/01/2009 3:11 pm
Mel Berg
DeBurca, people seem to forget that our founding fathers were up to a bit of protest themselves and they weren’t pleasant either…tar and feathers anyone?
By Mel Berg on 04/01/2009 3:30 pm
Sharon Jones
hahahahaha truth at it’s best!!
By Sharon Jones on 04/01/2009 5:50 pm
Sharon Jones
Mel this is the one i responded to by you ..tar and feathers!!!
By Sharon Jones on 04/02/2009 7:21 pm
Sharon Jones
i get the feeling you yourself may not be anyone from either country…your info is screwed up…the whole darn world is in economic crisis…and it did not start with just the United States and England…but i must say i am always wondering about the slang Blue Blood…when i know all those people are mixed up. Also i know the Windsors are not truly English…but Jewish….yeah its a real mess.
By Sharon Jones on 04/01/2009 5:49 pm
Mel Berg
Sharon, are you posting to me? I am confused about "not being from either country"? Blue blood just means that you are descented from a noble or aristocratic family….big deal
By Mel Berg on 04/01/2009 6:57 pm
Mary Quite-Contrary
Rent-a-mobs are to be found across the pond as well.  There is another thread on this topic (well, on the G-20) here on WOW today.  A wonderful post is near the end, spotlighting the irony of Nike clad/latte sipping/anti-capitilist ‘protesters.’
By Mary Quite-Contrary on 04/01/2009 11:42 am
Frederica Winter

I believe we could experience same type of protests as London. Good to be cautious and aware.

F. Winter 4-1-09  1:46 pm edt

By Frederica Winter on 04/01/2009 12:48 pm
DeBúrca obj
I think it is always great for the people to get out there and be heard. Remind these leaders who they are representing and that there IS a line. and limit to what the people will tolerate.
By DeBúrca obj on 04/01/2009 10:58 am
Diana T
But, why do they have to show up and vandalize everything in sight?  These people would just as soon set the whole of the London financial district on fire.  Or, Zurich, or DC…and what does that accomplish?   
By Diana T on 04/01/2009 11:03 am
f p
It’s a European tradition since the 1830’s to have a riot now and then—it cleanses the soul, gets the anger out and done with Di.  Then everyone settles down and everything is copacetic again :-)
By f p on 04/01/2009 11:08 am
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