Fwd: BBC News EUROPE Body bags stockpiled for Genoa summit

[/ dave /]

Doug Henwood wrote:

> [How to read this? Are the authorities trying to talk up violence to
> discredit protests? Should we take this at face value?]
> 
> <http://news.bbc.co.uk/low/english/world/europe/newsid_1400000/1400554.stm>
> 
> Thursday, 21 June, 2001, 13:09 GMT 14:09 UK
> Body bags stockpiled for Genoa summit

I'm astounded that they're holding this meeting in Genoa/Genova. Having
spent some time there, I well remember the labyrinthine streets and
alleyways, the hilly areas, the overlooks, etc. Is it just me? Some
version of mayhem seems very possible, provided people manage to avoid
slipping and falling on the ubiquitous dog droppings on the cobblestones.

For the G-8 Summit, I predict -- well, I'll keep my mouth shut. I spoke
up with my thoughts on the possible outcome of the U.S. Presidential
election back in November, and look what happened. I don't need U.S.
Marshalls at my door anytime soon.

But speaking of dog droppings (and harkening obliquely, if such a thing
is possible, to Doug's forward of the South Park story), I find it
completely, utterly *fascinating* from a sociological/psychological
point of view to witness scores upon scores of fashion-conscious North
American citizen-comrades gleefully, playfully even, swinging small
plastic bags containing fresh animal feces as they ambulate for *block
after block* along the sidewalks with their faithful four-legged
instigators trotting beside them on a sunny summer's day - stopping to
chat with friends, sip their lattes, etc., all the while seemingly
unmindful of the curious cargo they transport. Perhaps it can only be a
good thing, but wherein lies that crucial mechanism in the mind that
makes such things possible? Find the answer to that, comrades, and
revolution becomes ever more imminent.

--

/  dave  /