Los Angeles Indymedia : Activist News

Absurdly high security perimeters and gas masks: these have become symbols of global justice demonstrations all over the world. No different in Washington DC this month as all parties prepare for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Joint Annual General Meetings in Washington, D.C. to be held from September 29 to 30. While the schedule of the Joint Meeting has been scaled back for fear of disruption the ritual preparations are continuing as if everyone expects a repeat of the last major protest in D.C. -- the half-successful attempt to shut down a World Bank meeting in April of 2000. This time taxpayers are expected to shell out some two million dollars for a two-mile long fence to defend the White House and World Bank buildings from the non-violent agitators for global justice. Meanwhile a New York group who call themselves The Masquerade Project are busy decorating gas masks with bright paints, rhinestones, sequins, and glitter to transform them into "splendid and sassy creations". Their plea: "Let's bring the carnival against capitalism to the front lines of protest". In a new twist in the pattern of escalating confrontation Business Week reports that that the IMF and World Bank may finally be ready to meet their critics face to face. "Informed public discourse on the global economy is clearly needed," said a joint letter from Tom Dawson, head of external relations at the IMF, and Mats Karlsson, his counterpart at the World Bank, as if only their voices could ensure informed public discourse. The two were responding to a debate challenge made by four US-based organizations: Global Exchange, Jobs With Justice, 50 Years Is Enough and Essential Action. Opposition to the World Bank & IMF policies remains global. Also this week AlterNet.org, a project of the Independent Media Institute, has launched a new site to bring us breaking news and analysis about the upcoming large-scale protests.

[ The Masquerade Project | Business Week article | New Alternet Global Justice Protest Site ]