|
Police State in Miamiby Molly MaleckiI went to Miami to protest the FTAA because of my fear for our democracy by outside forces. I returned with a much greater fear for our democracy, but by sources right here. Eleven million dollars was spent on security in Miami, $8.5 million of it cam from the federal government. We were surrounded by more than 2,500 officers from at least forty agencies. The police were dressed in riot gear, some rode around on humvees, others on horses. They stood shoulder to shoulder, three deep at intersections. They stood shoulder to shoulder where we gathered for our parade. Even as I was feeling fearful, I also felt exhilarated by the 10 to 20 thousand people who were there to protest, to assert their rights as Americans, to stand up for what they believe. We were intimidated, but we marched, nevertheless. The 230 of us from Minnesota know we are not alone in fighting the FTAA. We joined thousands of steelworkers and other unionists, environmentalists, human rights advocates, retirees and students. The protesters cannot take credit for the fact that the FTAA negotiations fell apart the day of our protest. It seems the trade ministers felt they could not come up with one hemispheric trade deal, and that they would continue negotiating pieces of it. But we consider it a victory. This will probably make it more complicated to keep an eye on these pieces, but I'm sure the Minnesota Fair Trade Coalition will do that. And we will keep you informed. |