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Farmers kids The anti-WTO demonstration patiently orchestrated over the past several months by a coalition of Swiss groups (trade unions, social movements and other NGOs) in consultation with the international network Our World Is Not For Sale was set for success. On Saturday, November 28, more than 4,000 people (a huge number by Geneva standards) had gathered on Place Neuve, the starting point of the demonstration. They held colorful banners and consistent messages. Kids and older activists co-existed peacefully. Farmers, workers, musicians and environmentalists had joined the ranks and were ready to walk to the WTO. The protest organizers were thrilled. Alessandro Pelizzari, from the Swiss union UNIA, launched the demonstration with a very unifying speech.

But then the Black bloc decided it would be more fun if they started trashing windows and setting SUVs on fire.

Owinfs climate banner The protest had to be called off after about 500 meters. For those of us who work hours on end trying to make another world possible through a consistent critique of what’s wrong with the current system, this is a blow. Protesters were unable to convey their messages through the media about the need to change trade rules if the world is to overcome the conjunction of crises it is faced with.

I fear that all that will remembered from this demonstration are the burnt cars and broken windows. Eric Stauffer, Geneva’s extreme right leader, will no doubt thrive on this fiasco while proponents of another world will be associated with violence and fear. Was that the kids in black's objective?