Global Clash Number Six

Vancouver - - Another major summit between world leaders was disrupted this past weekend by the largest coalition of anti-globalization protestors since the movement began in Seattle in 1999. For the first time one of the protestors was shot and killed by law enforcement while 450 others were injured, buildings were burned, businesses smashed, and tens of millions of dollars of damage was inflicted on the quiet port town of Genoa, Italy.

This anti-globalization clash, number six or seven depending on whom you talk to, resembles exactly what happens to blockbuster movie sequels. Take Jurassic Park 3, which is high on special effects but short on any real plot, and you have what has become of the protestor movement. By hurdling rocks and now burning buildings the movement has become as lame as Hollywood.

A quick glance at the weekend editions of the newspapers revealed that had there not been a protestor who had been killed the coverage would have been limited. The press gets bored easily especially when a story has a ‘been there, done that’ sort of quality.

Large numbers in their ranks who are anarchists or mischievous malcontents have overshadowed this group of protestors who are either opposed to global capitalism or just opposed to certain aspects of it. They are a funny bunch who rebel against the labels of large corporations such as Nike, Coke, and McDonald’s but willingly support the logo’s of Che Guevara, piercings, and dreadlocks.

But the fact of the matter is, that they are wrong on this issue. Capitalism through ever-freer trade is the best hope at extending a ladder to the developing world. Consequently leaders of the industrialized world must be allowed to meet to develop ways to help the poor nations of the world.

“It is vitally important that democratically elected leaders legitimately representing millions of people can meet to discuss areas of common concern,” read a statement by the summit leaders in response to the violence in Genoa.

Meanwhile in the summit the leaders of the seven largest economies and Russia were doing the work that the protestors lament about. A $1.3 billion public-private fund to help combat HIV/AIDS in Africa was established.

US President Bush and Russian President Putin agreed to link missile defense systems with cuts in nuclear arsenals-this could be the most progressive step to changing the mutually assured destruction (MAD) mentality that is best left in the history books.

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