todays protests were about speaking out, having a voice heard (whatever it might be for you) or trying to create change. on the whole, it was pretty peaceful (even if the press wanted the anarchists to act up and create hell similar to Seattle in 1999) and quite interesting. All sort of people turned out. Students, anti-capitalists, former hippies (still in their tye dye!) and more all coming together via 4 marches into one place – the Bank of England.
There no real official numbers of how many people were actually there today, but there were at least 20 or so thousand (we saw a protest on saturday) and maybe one person acted up. Of course he was at the end of the line and not wanting to move. It was peaceful AND made an impact (at least on myself and my partner). My only regret – sans not joining the crowd – was leaving my memory card at home in my pc. It would have been kinda canadian irony to nip into the Boots on Picadilly Circus to go buy a memory card when the anti capitalists were marching by. So I left the photo taking to his iPhone [oh even more irony!!!]. Over 35,000 people came out on a dreary day with their marching bands, children and pets (yes we saw dogs!) all together to get their united voice heard as one.
In the UK, change is brewing. Times are tough and people are no longer satisfied with being complacent (kinda goes hand in hand doesnt it? times are good, dont complain. times are bad and we let all hell break lose) I know these protests are because the Big 20 are gathering together to discuss the big old mess they got us all into, but I know in my heart this isnt the last of it. I know there will be more protests, more fighting back with the police, more peaceful protestors being penned up like cattle. I hope something happens soon. At least enough to Labour to pull their heads out of their asses and get something done. If they dont, the Tories will be in power and god help us all.
PS this blog was inspired by Russell Brand and his blog, whom for the most part when hes in charcter I really despise. But when hes being normal and passionate, hes oddly attractive – even with the backcomb.