SPP negotiations wrapped up yesterday, but the SFUO wasn't finished criticizing Bush, Harper, Calderon, and the corporate leaders around the table.Fat Cat Tuesday was the name given to a party in the streets that started in Jackson Square. About 30 people were banging on make-shift drums, playing a flute (awesome!), and dancing by the Mississippi River in an attempt to gather interested passersby.
By about 10 p.m., the crowd grew to 40 people, then 50 people, and a march began through the French Quarter. The so-called "snake march" wound its way through N.O.'s biggest party district, attracting smiles from onlookers.
Marchers passed out information sheets about the SPP and its faults.
Interestingly enough, this demonstration was one of the largest and loudest of the week. It was nowhere near violent. Drums, a flute, and drunk New Orleanians made for a happy atmosphere.
Members of the Council of Canadians, CUPE, and NDP MP Peter Julian joined the group of marchers as they wrapped it up on the north side of Jackson Square.
4 comments:
Seeing the SFUO flag there is cool. But it begs the question, "What is it doing there?"
It's just not a protest without a flute...
This totally confirmed all my assumptions about the demise of activism in America. 50 people? Half of whom were Canadian? That's just sad. What will it take for Americans to mobilize against anyone or anything? It's a George Bush led and made project for crying out loud! This is pathetic compared to Montebello...
Activism, amy, is more than just protesting. I think the people of New orleans know that by now.
The People's summit worked to address the day-to-day ways in which Canadians, Mexicans, and Americans had been affected by 15 years of NAFTA. Important questions were raised about our own methods of activism.
But most important is to think that just because our manifestation looked totally different, it doesnt mean ours was any better, more effective, or lasting. I met some fantastic activists in New orleans who taught me a lot about my own activism. I think they just dont think that marching around is going to fix it, when the problems at hand have not been understood in the proper terms.
i cant find it right now, but there are recordings from the sessions that are pretty interesting. also, a lot of original recordings are on my computer. if you are interested, let me know. i'll try to post it somewhere.
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