The protesters did not go down third and C, since there is trolley construction, (The Civic Center Station is currently closed). They made their way to the Horton Plaza Shopping center, and walked through the center, to the curious looks of bystanders, chanting all the way. Some bystanders were given fliers explaining what this was about.
Then they moved out into the streets again, and moved through the gas lamp quarter at a good pace, at times blocking intersections for a good five minutes, before moving on.
At one point, the protesters, about three hundred of them, moved through traffic, to the annoyance of drivers. But it was a cheerful, full or energy and without any provocations to bystanders.
Once they reached the Convention center they marched down the street to the Bayfront where a rally was held.
Rally
Jane Kiesley, an activist that came all the way from New Zealand, spoke to the assembled company. Kiesley started her statements by reminding people that indeed, "you know about NAFTA. TTP is for the most part a license for U.S. Companies to plunder our country."
The "is a bill of rights for foreign companies. They got a right to sue in secret off shore tribunals." She told the audience how Phillip Morris is doing precisely this right now, since both New Zealand and Australia have started using clear labels in cigarettes. These lawsuits will lead to a "chilling effects if governments don't do what corporations want."
Kiesley also said that Mexico and Canada have signed on to the negations without checking the fine print. Some of these statements were followed by the screams of "SHAME" from the crowd.
Kiesley also reminded people that there is a lot of resistance in all TTP countries. This is an attempt to take the power of the people away, and people will not stand for it.
Brother Hex from Occupy San Diego reminded people that nine months ago people came together, people who before this would never give the time of day to each other. He added, "oppression lets the global corporations stay on the driver seat."
Hex spoke on how humans realize what is at stake, but corporations do not. "A corporation fueled by capital can never understand these things." This is now a race between corporations and popular uprisings. This (The TTP) needs to be stopped in it's tracks.
He reminded the people that there is no more powerful a weapon than apathy. This is also driving people into a new form of slavery. He ended with a poignant line, as he is not experienced in organizing people. "I can see bullshit when I see it." There is now global dissent and it is "time to rise"the time to be polite is over, they're not listening."
Enrique de la Cruz of the Colectivo Zapatista told the crowd that it is time to stop being nice. "Just call this what it is, Capitalism."
We need to continue the struggle, what we are fighting for. "We need to fight locally and link up with people around the world." There is a great need to build bridges among communities. It is at the community level where we know what the needs are. He ended with a common chant in Mexico, "Zapata vive, la lucha vive."
It must be noted that the people present came from Labor, family farmers, Occupy San Diego, Women Occupy San Diego, and other progressive groups. This is no longer just an Occupy thing, as some may believe. Bridges are now built, and getting stronger.
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