Showing The Battle in Seattle: The Story Behind and Beyond the Wto Demonstrations by Janet Thomas

November 30, 1999, is seen as a day of infamy -- the day the World Trade Organization was battled head-on in Seattle. Media coverage, with its images of gas masks, tear-gas victims, bullying cops, rampaging hoodlums, and ruffled WTO dignitaries, presented a riveting picture of violence in the streets. But there was another battle of far greater consequence. People from around the world converged that day to show solidarity for working people and to voice their concerns about child labor, the environment, and global economic justice.That was the real picture of the day. But it was seen, felt, heard, and treasured only by the 40,000 to 50,000 "unseen" in Seattle. The unseen included rice farmers from Japan; teachers from Canada; religious leaders; steelworkers; longshoremen; experts in economics, the environment, and education; students; and the workers. These peaceful protesters paid tribute to a vision of fairness for all who contribute to our global well-being -- often at the price of their own. Although this gathering was characterized as mere anarchy, something of positive consequence happened in the streets of Seattle. This is the story of international populism. And it's only just begun.