Un-Banned G8 Protests Begin

They should be protesting at Edinburgh university, where students are brainwashed with neoclassical market economics and in turn poison the minds of politicians. I still don't understand why they keep on protesting at the wrong places. ?
Ed Deak, Big Lake, BC.

They'd do well to abandon the fun protest scene and get into real communication and persuasion. Nothing of substance can be accomplished by people behaving like clowns. The key is to get involved politically and put in the time and effort to educate, motivate and organize all receptive elements of society. That takes work and true dedication. Allowing the thug element into the protests was a huge mistake. Provision to isolate and remove them should have been made.

They should shut down Britain. All the highways, railways, ports, etc. This should be done at every G8 meeting. Grind the host country to a halt!

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Dave Ruston

I believe at several globalization protests there have been parallel grassroots summits. We did this in Calgary where I was part of the G6B (group of six billion) summit which had the opportunity to pass our ideas on to the G8. It's likely something like that is going on at this one as well. However, the actual protest component is important as well because it creates a visible public expression of outrage.

As for "allowing" thugs into the protests, by and large the protests are peaceful (especially considering the size of the crowds) despite attempts every time to paint protestors as violent and scary prior to the event in order to discredit them or because of lack of understanding.


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Now call it extreme if you like, but I propose we hit it hard, and we hit it fast, with a major, and I mean major...leaflet campaign.--Rimmer, Red Dwarf

It accomplishes little beyond severely disrupting the lives of ordinary people who need to get to work, take their children to school or the doctor, etc. It allienates alot of people who are inclined to support some of the ideas behind the protests. Protest in the manner we've seen at the recent G8 seems more an exercise in making the protesters feel better about themselves as if they are making an impact and conveying a voice of substance to the issues. They aren't. Expressions of outrage which can't be focussed and articulated in persuasive communication are empty gestures, period. The means through which the message is delivered do matter if you really want to be heard and have an impact. I think many people like myself agree with the ideas of those protesting the G8 on the streets yet won't condone the manner in which some choose to express themselves. Imagine if everyone feeling "outrage" felt the need to express themselves in the same manner. There are much better and more effective ways to do so. People too often let their anger and gratification of their ego get in the way of actually getting things accomplished. My outrage is reserved for those who, despite being well able to do so, choose not to press the cause in an intelligent, articulate, and effective manner. In the long run protests like those going on at the recent G8 work a great disservice upon the cause.

To obtain a little insight into what locals have to deal with check the link:<br />
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<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4660819.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4660819.stm</a><br />
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Would you want your 6 year old worried about you getting attacked when you go to work to support your family?

Do people deserve to have their lives disrupted so others might give public expression to their "outrage." And who's entitled to do so and why and how often and to what end?