Protesters Prepare Ugly Welcome For G20

by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁸⁰⁾ Red Star

London is hosting the G20 summit meeting on April 2 and 3. (Author’s note: Probably would have been more fitting if they had set the date starting on April 1). But, as usual, the protesters are expected to be out in full force. Police have been warned of plans by many to haul truck loads of sand into the city to block streets. They are preparing to have 3,000 police on duty to try and keep things in order.

In addition to those police, Scotland Yard has the added responsibility of security measures for the leaders, including Barack Obama who is to arrive there on March 31. This, in itself, is a massive effort where so many national leaders are assembled. Police are expecting 40 diplomatic groups during this period.

The rumor mill tells of plans for some demonstrators to attempt to scale some of their larger buildings to distract attention from the summit leaders as well as those sand truck drivers. Authorities have specially trained police climbers ready to thwart those efforts if possible.

London authorities report that there has been an increase in protest groups of late and they are becoming more organized. One of the major organizers is reportedly a senior lecturer from the East London University. Here is a quote from the London Evening Standard:

Police say they are seeing a re-emergence of protest groups such as Reclaim the Streets and The Wombles. They are forming alliances with new groups such as Fossil Fools and Financial Fools.

All leaves for the police department have been cancelled for this period and many foreign protection teams have been given permission to carry weapons to protect their leaders.

Freedom is a most wonderful thing, yet this writer is completely opposed to the freedom to demonstrate in such radical manners. If one wishes to get a point across, they may be justified in bringing signs and even gathering in large numbers, however, when streets are blocked, whether it be with sand or just the demonstrators, it should be illegal and punished severely enough to put a stop to it. By exerting their “rights” in such a manner is extremely costly to the local and national governments and also infringes upon others legitimate rights. Freedoms of one (or some) should never be allowed when interfering with another’s rights. Or when it is costing taxpayers many thousands of dollars. The demonstrators fines should be such as to repay their costs.

Article submitted Saturday, March 21, 2009 & read 49 times.

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» left by Gary W. Halsey Sr. (2 years 324 days ago.)

I am in full agreement with what you are saying about demonstrations. When they get so out of hand, violent, and with intent to damage public, or personal property, these demonstrators should be harshly, and swiftly punished to the fullest extent of the law. I think that some of the freedoms and rights that we have are really of another era and time. These rights should be revisited and re-established under present conditions and circumstances as to whether or not it is a peaceful demonstration or not. Most of our laws and rights are really at this point becoming out of control and out dated. Don't get me wrong, I fought for these rights for our freedoms, but, there is a time, when to much, is too much. That is the way I look at it....Great article Joel as usual, full of information...I usually come to visit your articles just to see what is happening around the world...Thanks for sharing this one....Your friend and fan....Gary

» left by Joel Hendon (2 years 324 days ago.)

Thanks again Gary. Yes I agree with what you said. it is like the old saying..."A man has the right to swing his fist until it reaches my nose."

» left by Anonymous (2 years 323 days ago.)

Joel, all over but here in America. The writing on the wall. Look, seek and you shall find. The answers very clear.

» left by Linda DeWitt from Oregon (2 years 323 days ago.)

Great article. I agree. People should be able to protest but only in a manner in which others do not get hurt. I think if the protestors did have to pay for the costs for damages and security they would have a little more respect.

» left by Anonymous (13 days 2 hours ago.)

A bit surprised it seems to simlpe and yet useful.

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