Protesters planning big demonstrations for meetings of World Bank and IMF/Free Republic

AP ^ | 9/3/2002 | David Ho

[USA21]

WASHINGTON (AP) Anti-globalization demonstrators, relatively subdued since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, are preparing a clamorous return to the streets this month when the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meet.

Protest organizers said Tuesday they expect thousands to turn out on the weekend of Sept. 28 outside the Washington headquarters of the global financial institutions. The demonstrators oppose policies they say harm the environment and people in poor countries.

[Mudboy Slim]

De nada, mi amigo...MUD

[FreeTheHostages]

"But there are others who will be there who deserve our support,"

I just guarantee you that's not true. These are the same people that were out in Seattle. They've come to washington every year for 3 years. There's not one that you'd want to support. I don't know what to say but to *promise* you these guys are, and say they are, anti-capitalists. They're only against globalization because they're not in charge of it. They *want* globalization in terms of $ going to third world countries and retiring of debt. They don't so much oppose globalization and they oppose not having the "workers" in charge of it.

[FreeTheHostages]

"I am anti-globalization and so are they."

Um, actually, no they're not. They're for First World countries giving lost of $ to Third World and forgiving debt. When they say anti-globalization, they mean they believe meany capitalists are taking over the world. Whereas they want the workers to rule the world. *No kidding.* They have signs about this. They think the US should spend *more* on foreign aid. Check out their website.

It is absolutely accurate to say that they're not so much opposed to globalization as to who should be in charge of it.

C'mon, trust us, we're the DC Chapter. We know who these guys are.

[FreeTheHostages]

TaRa, if you read a lot of the posts you'll see some DC Chapter members saying no one is more opposed to globalization than they are. This really is a case of being tricked by the propaganda from these leftists about what they're about: last year, under a "globalization" theme, they protested the war as racist etc. If you read the posts in this thread, they'll take you to links to last year's so you can see what the general theme is. Please be patient and read on: Free Republic people are not going to be taking a pro-globalization position. Such erudite discussions on globalization are completely out of place in such context: they are anti-capitalists who believe that the global force that must be stopped is capitalism. They're not even thinking of globalization as you probably do, in terms of opposing a World Court and the like.

[FreeTheHostages]

Just because the word conservative is used does not mean the media will not twist this to FR as being pro-globalization. These things get downright dangerous, a man was killed in the last protest like this.

Um, like, we protested these guys last year. And a nice photo of us doing it has shown up in some mainstream press. And we were careful to make sure we had specific signs. So we did this last year, and correctly.

Seems to me you're not from around here, unaware of our previous experience in this, and you're worried about the risk of action (which exists) while discounting the risk of inaction.

Honey, if I thought the mere possibility (nay, the probability) that the liberal media would misconstrue conservative grassroots activism was a reason to stay home and just wring my hands in cyberspace and do nothing in the real world, there'd be no reason to be on Free Republic. In my view.

[TBP]

Globalism, no. Free markets, yes. Everywhere in the world.

I am opposed to WTO/IMF/World Bank myself, but for entierly different reasons. I am concerned about U.S. sovereignty and about the stringent requirements (including tax increases) that IMF and World Bank often impose on countries as a condition of receiving their aid, economic conditions that the commisars at teh World Bank and IMF absolutely know will only keep these developing countries from developing -- but then, that is the principal goal of the Left worldwide -- to keep anyone else from gettingas well-off as they are.

Frankly, I am also concerned that IMF/World Bank and all forms of foreign aid are unconstitutional.

Nevertheless, these Communists need to be countered and taken down a few notches. They are opposed tomarkets, trade, and development. They are enemies of the American way of life, and any chance to expose them is a chance we should take.

[FreeTheHostages]

And that is your choice. We've done fairly well dispelling the lies of the leftists and America-haters in the past. We'll see how it goes. As to your previous comment that you'd be marching with them... then you'd be letting them use you to prop up their communist, America hating, violent agenda. That's also your choice.

You know, brat, I wanted to repeat that comment because I think it really is a good one. We're not picking on you here. We agree with your conservative views. You're worried we're being used: we worry you are being misled by the leftist propaganda regarding what their march is about. If you march with them, you only march in favor of anti-globalization in the sense of anti-capitalism. They want foreign loans, foreign debt forgiveness, all the trappings of a world gov't: they just don't want private property to have a say in it. I really think if you came to town, saw our signs and saw them, you'd realize that we're not debating you. We're just trying to persuade you to listen to your fellow conservatives, not the leftists, in terms of what we're about. Trust us, not them. We'll do you proud.

I don't mind at all your questions and concerns. But I think if click on the links to the very successful protest we did last year -- it's in one of my postings above -- you'll see we were very successful, and not one wit pro-globalization, last year. The proof is in the pudding. (Hey, give me a break, it's nearly lunchtime.)

[FreeTheHostages]

"I can't understand conservatives supporting this IMF/WB globalist crew. These people might be protesting for the wrong reasons"

We are not doing this.
We are not doing this.
We are not doing this.
We are not doing this.
We are not doing this.

OK? Hey, this is the DC Chapter, you guys know us. Please, a little credit, OK?

[TBP]

Exactly, FreeThe Hostages. You hit it right on the head. I don't like the IMF (unless Peter Graves is involved) or the World Bank for good, principled conservative reasons, but these people, if they were consistent, should love these institutions. They promote socialism, and socialism or worse is what these people are about. That and getting high.

They must be countered not because they PRETEND to be opposed to the IMF/World Bank, but because it's only a pretense, and as FTH said, the real agenda is to impose socialism or worse on this country through the back door of "environmentalism."

These guys are a bunch of mint-flavored cherries: Green on the outside, Red on the inside.

[Freemeorkillme]

they litter like crazy; so much for being "green.")

IDIOTARIAN/ANARCHTWIT ALERT should've been posted in the title.

[FreeTheHostages]

I am beginning to have a renewed appreciation for how rumors start and spread.

The concerns that other conservatives are posting here are earnest concerns and they're just not yet informed on what we're protesting for and against. So I have infinite patience, fellow DC Chapter freepers. These guys are entitled to an answer since they're on Free Republic too, and I'll just be here until this rumor dies, insisting that many of us are very anti-globalization. We're just not anti-capitalist.

The protestors don't like the IMF and the World Bank because the institutions aren't doing ENOUGH to curb world poverty. They make this very clear. I think that people here can honestly get confused because they don't live locally and don't know what these guys are saying. So, it's an important thing the DC Chapter has to do, to stay and explain this to others.

I'm not going anywhere. I'm living here on the thread. I'm parking my lawn chair right here, avaialable via public postings, Freep mail, however you wish, to explain to *anyone* who will listen that we are not doing a counterprotest in favor of globalization and that our previous counterprotests have *never* been construed that way by the press.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

I wonder if a sign saying "Die, Socialist Scum" would be appropriate?

Just kidding...:-)

[FreeTheHostages]

IDIOTARIAN/ANARCHTWIT ALERT should've been posted in the title.

Good point! (Nice Freep name, by the way.) Yes, the posting itself wasn't by a DC Chapter member and it didn't really set out what our plans were etc. So this kinda got away from us. That's why I've been trying to nurse the thread back to health. I'm just so certain that those that are worrying here will be, in retrospect, proud of us.

[DM1]

Because the people who show up to these anti-globalist rallies are usually marxists, anti-american, American - hatinganarchisits, socialists and anyone with a pet cause that come together merely to protest something. usually a bunch of bored college kids who don't know what life is about.

[Freemeorkillme]

One anarchist group known to participate in anti-globalization events, the Anti-Capitalist Convergence, said on its Web site that its goal later this month is ''not just shutting down the meetings but extending our protests to disrupt all of the institutions headquartered in D.C. that play a part in this system.''

Sounds like terrorism to me. Stay safe FReepers and bring your cameras.

Should damage from any of what has been promised by this group transpire, the Bush administration should immediately add the "Anti-Capitalist Convergence" group to the Active Terrorist List.

[TBP]

Yes, I posted early and often herein. I'm figuring it would *NOT* be good for people to think that we're pro-IMF!

Maybe we should have a few anti-IMF signs of our own, on the idea of "IMF No, Capitalism Yes." Or "More Money for World Bank Means Less Money in My Bank." We could also throw these Commie clowns for a loop by showing up with signs carrying messages like "Socialism is bad for the environment." Along with the usual Bin Laden Fan Club signs of course.

I remember thse turkeys. I work across the street from one of the IMF buildings and when they were here destroying DC a couple of years ago, I could not get to work. I wound up getting my face on Channel 5 complaining about these d**n Commies and how they were only here to wrek destuction, but they were keeping people like me from working, and is that very supportive of the "working people"? (I love making lefties foam at the mouth.)

I also remember them from last year. The guy with the swastika and the hammer and sickle on his poster. (Equal oppoortunity totalitarian!) The idiot college kids chanting "1-2-3-4, we don't want your racist war." And the others.

I remember announcing to my fellow FReepers "Here come the smart ones. They can count to 4!"

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Whadaya want to bet this guy, Noel Ignatiev, http://www.washtimes.com/national/20020904-4292682.htm makes an appearance

[FreeTheHostages]

"Maybe we should have a few anti-IMF signs of our own, on the idea of "IMF No, Capitalism Yes" "

This is a GOOD idea.

[FreeTheHostages]

Wow -- I remember you saying they can count to 4!

What I recall most is those bands of kids all dressed in black with bandannas to cover their face carrying canisters of God knows what. I really think the police have to stop those guys *before* they do something. Especially in a post 9/11 war, we can't have that going on.

[stand watie]

WELL SAID!

free dixie,sw