Protests at the G20 summit

The photos are from the anti-capitalism protests at the latest G20 summit in London, pilfered from the Boston Globe's website.

Thousands of protesters gathered in London, England on April 1st and 2nd to demonstrate against an array of issues, largely anti-capitalist or pro-environmental in nature. A large underlying theme was anger with the effects of the economic downturn and a call for accountability and responsibility. While the majority of protesters were peaceful, a number of them took to smashing windows and throwing debris at police lines. London police responded with baton charges and arrests. Similar protests are now taking place in Strasbourg, France, which hosts a NATO summit today.

Protesting -- and the freedom to do so -- is a critical part of democracies. I can understand some of the reasons the protesters were out on the streets in London. Wanting a better world is always a good reason to protest. Wanting a more caring capitalist society -- always a good thing. Wanting to end capitalism and globalization? I'm in favour of dragging all those bastards who want that into the streets and beating the crap out of them -- because that is what they need.