Riots in Geneva, really?

So on Satuday afternoon, a demonstration organized by the extremist left of Switzerland decided to take up the streets. Purpose: to demonstrate about The World Economic Forum. The group is mainly composed of 18-25 years that want to change the world (and don't we all?) - we've all had our moments of being fed-up with what's going on in the world and thought that taking up the streets and creating chaos was a good idea. What do they want? Well, equality for all, no social classes, jobs for everybody...blah, blah, sounds like communism or extreme socialism to me.

Well, since the demonstration was not authorized by the police, it was no surprise that there were some police-demonstrators clashes.

One thing to acknowledge though - Swiss police is organised for sure. The route was announced, so the police decided to cordon off the start point, dressed up in their riot gear - honestly, they looked more like ice-hockey players with a big "police" written on their back.

I read an article in the paper this morning, and the organizers didn't want to show their faces because they didn't want to be seen as leaders and highjack the purpose of the demonstration. To them, as say: "assume and be accountable".

Also, I got to think that, all those 18-25 years, are probalby Swiss citizens, enjoying the Swiss capitalism and social services...I wonder if any of them has ever experienced lining up outside of a grocery store for a few hours, hoping to buy even an ounce of butter - as my grand-parents and other family did in Poland before the fall of communism. Also, did they hear the news about China laying people off? Everybody is affected.

Oh, well we all need to be 18 to 25, and express our idealism. For my part, I now do I have a swiss bank account, have the privilege to work for an international organisation that helps people that need the developing countries'help - so I guess we all need to find what makes us tick...and find what we can truly believe in. I do have my ideals but I won't tempt the odds to clash with the police.

By the way, I did try to pretend I was a photo-journalist, but my camera battery died. So maybe next time you will get some photos of the action.