The World Trade
Organization in Seattle: (Abridged Version) From a news story by December 12, 1999
On the very first day there was a tense moment. It was a hint of things to come. A World Trade Organization (WTO) delegate couldn't get through the human chain of protesters. Peaceful protesters surrounded the convention center where the WTO meeting was to be held. They stood their ground, trying to delay the meetings inside. They promised to stall the World Trade Organization. They succeeded at least temporarily. The first day's events were delayed for hours, due to the blockade and a security scare in the convention center. Few could have anticipated so much anger towards such an obscure organization. A steelworker in the labor march had this to say, "A lot of people didn't know what that was about; no concept, no idea of what the WTO is." Labor groups, environmentalists and farmers formed unlikely coalitions, fearing the WTO could upset their world. Rep. George Miller says, "It affects our environment, it affects our workers, it affects our trade policy, it affects our habitat." Tens of thousands rallied peacefully. However, those with more violent agendas stole the headlines. A band of about 150 self-avowed anarchists smashed windows, sprayed graffiti and looted storefronts. When the police took back the streets, the images were just as ugly. Protesters were arrested, and tear gas and pepper spray was used. Finally, police cordoned off the downtown area to keep protesters away from the meeting. By the week's end there was an uneasy truce. Seattle Mayor Paul Schell says, "Ninety-nine percent of the protests went peacefully when people had their say, and it will have an impact on the WTO." With the U.S. presidential race beginning, now when voters want to talk trade, the politicians will listen.
Additional notes: Group I
Group II
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