Archive [January 2000]

The glittering jewels of the left were on full display in Seattle during the World Trade Organization (WTO) summit last Nov. 27 to Dec. 3. There were wackos of all sorts — environmentalists, animal rights, union activists, anti-capitalists, socialists (but I repeat myself.) Protesters dressed as sea turtles, butterflies, pigs, vegetables, and Superman. The Topless Lesbian Avengers were out in force. So were defenders of imprisoned cop-killer Mumia Abu-Jamal. They were against imports, fur, and genetically altered foods. They were for Tibet and Burma. Oh, and naturally they wanted to save the rainforest. The art of the leftist protest has gotten so mainstream that you can take classes in it. I kid you not. Demonstrating his talents in Seattle was Ken Butigan, a theology professor at Berkeley, who teaches a class in protest tactics. The course provides instruction in issuing press releases, keeping the cops informed of the protest schedule, and making the arrest and booking processes more efficient — not to mention making sure visuals of the arrest make the 6 o’clock news. In that vein, the illustrations on this page provide some anarchist fashion tips — proper attire for: rock-throwing, graffiti-spraying, getting tear gassed, smashing storefront windows, looting and trashing businesses, sit-ins, demonstrations (also known as “mobs”). All you need to be a qualified leftist wacko protester.