arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

I've just returned from the D14 demo. I was a few yards away when a series of (pretty old) Mercedes were smashed. This happened in one of the poorer quarters of Brussels, the cars were parked in front of small repair centers etc. The thought that sprang to my mind immediately was : "why were these cars not moved?". This morning, all along the (slightly) more well-off streets where the demo was to pass, police warned people to get cars off the road & remaining cars were towed away . Obviously, the Brussels authorities are not there to protect everyone. The property of a select few is cared for, whereas small businesses in St Josse just have to fend for themselves! Leaving the Tour & Taxis area, after listening to some speeches and warming myself at a very satisfying bonfire where stars&stipes and a unionjack helped feed the flames, I had no problem getting through the heavy RoboCop lines, although many people had their rucksacks searched. I confirm that the area between Tour&Taxis and the Bld Leopold II is in a state of siege. Watercannon & very heavy police presence. Incomprehensible, given the relaxed atmosphere of most of the demo, and the fact that the "casseurs" are now nowhere to be seen… P.S. Congratulations to the "respectable" demonstrators who are walking up to the RoboCops and telling them how ridiculous and wrong their presence is! Their example should be followed.

Of course, one should wonder what the nit-wits who use violence think they will achieve. First of all, they discredit the political claims of the protesters by their actions. Moreover, the Mercedes cars that were ruined, apparently were old and to be found in the disfavoured neighbourhoods. So probably the violent demonstrators have smashed cars of Moroccan immigrants. Their insurance will probably not cover these damages.

...that the cars were smashed up in the first place?

This has nothing to do with anti- or alternative globalisation, but everything with puerile violence and vandelism by brainless thugs.

What about the people who worked hard and probably saved large amounts of money to be able to buy them? You say they were 'old' Mercedesses, so probably not even owned by rich people (as if that would have been an excuse).

You are completely right, I just wanted to show their violent acts are not even logical according to their own claims. If it would have been brand new cars of rich owners, it would, of course, still be an act to be firmly condemned.

My comment wasn't about you, but about the fool who wrote the original article (who must be a fool to write such a glaring hypocritical statement and still post it)...