Anti-test

So, the G20 protests. That was big and clever, wasn't it? How to make the world's leaders think you have an argument worth listening to - run around a city's financial district smashing windows and daubing graffiti everywhere. I've no doubt that a lot of the people in the protests had valid arguments and issues they wanted to discuss. But I didn't hear any of them, other than the usual "it's really bad to make the rich richer and have poor people and that".

Just an idea, but if you want Gordon Broon and Barack Obama to take notice of your views, why not try articulating them in meaningful debate rather than running about on some kind of glorified student rag week (as described in the Guardian) getting up to hi jinks? I don't know, crazy thought, but how about using the democracy you're so fond of referring to to maybe form a political party and challenge the old guard at the next elections? Or is it that you are unable to explain exactly what you're protesting against, much less formulate a viable alternative to the course of action currently being undertaken by the government.

The majority of people on yesterday's protests seemed to have as much of a clue about why they were there as kids in Northern Ireland do as to why they're nationalist or unionist. They were there because, as liberal left wing socialists, they were supposed to be. Because the world is in economic crisis, people are losing their jobs and a few of the richest are not only unaffected, they actually seem to be profiting from the situation. But come on. Why the hell should anyone give you the time of day if all you're going to do is rock up in the centre of town going "thisisbad, fixitandgiveusallmoremoneypleasethankyou". I used to work for a boss well versed in the spouting of management bullshit, but in his words, "don't bring me problems, bring me solutions".

One thing I'm particularly irritated about is that in voicing my opinion I probably seem all Daily Mail and Conservative. I'm not, but neither am I a dumb sheep who is jumping on the burn the Fat Cat campaign becuase it's what I 'should' be doing and it gives me a good excuse to dance to bad techno in the Royal Exchange. I am, however, more than willing to listen to anyone who understands the ins and outs of the global situation and comes up with a workable, effective resolution other than throwing good money after bad to failing banks.

I don't profess to understand the economics of the whole thing - much like the majority of the population I would imagine - but I am guessing that there was a reason why the banks were bailed out by the Government, no? Perhaps, you know, that the whole of the British economy would completely collapse if they went under? No? Still believe it's a conspiracy between the MPs and banks? Whatever.

Yesterday, the clever clever "anarchists" decided that the best way to make the leaders of the free world take notice of their 'demands' was to break a few windows at a bank branch and break in, throwing a few keyboards and posters about. This sums up the trouble makers yesterday. "I know how to make a point! Let's protest against the fact that some banks have had to be bailed out by the tax payer by finding one of those tax-payer-owned bank branches, trashing it, and then sitting back and watch as some of our taxes go towards repairing the damage. Brilliant! I've no idea why we've no credibility". Good work fellas.