The
World Economic Forum has been scheduled for fortress-like Waldorf-Astoria
hotel from January 31 to February 4. Although ostensibly a progressively-oriented
event, the World Economic Forum. "supported by 1,000 of the foremost
international companies," "serves as a platform for discussion,
debate and action on the key issues on the global agenda."
According to the WEF
official Web site, this meeting will bring together 1,000
business leaders, 250 political leaders, 250 academic experts, and
some 250 media moguls to "come together to shape the global agenda."
(We can expect Enron will not be in attendance.) The site also notes
that: "Due to space constraints and security considerations,
reporting press covering the Annual Meeting 2002 will not have access
to the meeting venue"; rather, press will cover the event from
a separate media center.
To make
up for the lack of access to the main circus tent, a
variety of fun-filled protests have been planned as sideshows.
Some of these are of the traditional neo-Luddites-carrying-signs-and-chanting
variety; however, we can also expect the usual jet-set anarchists
and troublemakers to enhance our city's tourist industry. We hope
not to have another Battle of Seattle, though, since the NYPD, on
edge since September 11, is more
likely to kick ass than chew bubblegum (and they are
very talented at kicking ass).
Hopefully,
the "progressive" community will be able to make its voice
heard, while avoiding the worst excesses of the past. (Example:
violent
protesters using peaceful protesters as human shields in Quebec.)
People who truly want a better world don't need disaffected poseurs
who throw rocks at cops in order to give their bland suburban lives
meaning.
We will
be sure to keep you abreast of all the developments.
Other
sites:
World
Social Forum (AKA Another World is Possible)
NYC Indy
Media
Indy
Media FAQ
Tell
us we're pinko commie bastards. E-mail editor@corporatemofo.com.
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