We arrived in Kenya with the intent of immediately taking a bus to Uganda. However, we stumbled across a gathering of over a hundred thousand people at the World Social Forum. Represented there were many organizations dedicated to many different causes. I went to seminars about AIDS prevention, the untouchable caste in India, and several other worthwhile sessions.
Some causes were less worthwhile than others. Some were just downright amusing. For example, there was one session about how Coca-Cola was destroying communities. I picked up one of their flyers, which read, "Coca-Cola: Destroying Communities, Lives, and (i forget the last one)." Another banner displayed the message, " Coke Steals Water!" Here are some other noteworthy signs and slogans i saw at the Forum.
Lets make poverty illegal!
And how exactly do you suggest we punish those who are illegally poor?
Democracy is war, anarchy is order
Do i even need to say anything?
Why Saddam? Why not Bush and Blair?
I could tell you why not....
Every plan of terror is made here
With an arrow pointing to the white house.
When bush comes to shove, resist!
Lower food prices at the WSF!
There was a march around the stadium with dozens of people protesting the price of food at the event. I was cheering them on from a distance because i was about to buy lunch.
One man travelled all the way to this Forum to try to save a tree in Portland. World hunger, HIV, AIDS, the caste system, and a tree in Portland. My conclusion? There are a lot of good causes out there, but some people just need something to gripe about.
Ben Nissley - Monday, January 29, 2007
