that is an interesting thought. We obviously agree that protests must assume a non-violent nature. However, I suppose you are right and it is worth asking why people choose to resort to violence to make themselves heard. It would be in the states' interest that all citizens are aware of the democratic channels available to voice discontent. Perhaps there is a case for staging some sort of public debates parallel to these summits, where protesters can throw their arguments (not stones) at the politicians. Maybe something like that would help to diffuse some of the frustrations. Personally, I would not be too optimistic about the success of such an approach, there seem to be always a 'hard core' of protesters for whom violence is part of their ideological outlook.

In general, while I am completely against the violence that many Gothenburg protesters resorted to, I can understand the frustration with a US President who seem to care little about environmental concerns.

cheers
Dirk

Tristram Shandy wrote:

 
I am in full agreement with Dirk that protests should be staged peacefully. I think that these demonstrations have become violent
because there is a sense that political and legal channels are closed to voices -- especially younger people's voices -- that are
against the EU / free trade. And to whatever extent they are correct in their estimation of how closed the system is to them, it is
a good idea, I believe, for people with confidence in legal / political channels to lend their own efforts to opening up
information, debate and forums so that everyone in a democratic society feels that their voice is heard loud and clear.

/Aaron

___________________________

Aaron Thomas
mobile +46 (0)70 209 1828
aaronkmt@...
___________________________
 
 

_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
 
 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.