I absolutely agree with the Guest poster above. the violent protesters did nothing but tarnish the face of socialists around the world. violence is not always the best way. just because guevara preached armed revolt in the sixties, it doesn't mean armed revolt is always the best way... with peaceful protests, not only would they have accomplished more, but they wouldn't allow the media to categorize them as confused "rebels without a cause." furthermore, if there weren't so many rumors of violence, the protesters would have probably been allowed closer to the BigHeads and as a result would have had a greater impact on them as well.
I also noticed that on a few occasions people have posted speeches or transcripts from Ralph Nader...Now I ask you, who has a greater influence on the BigHeads, Nader or the violent protesters on the streets. Nadar probably represents most, if not all, of the views of the protesters, yet he can accomplish more in the long run than 100 violent protesters because he is viewed as a respectable person in the eye of the world while the protesters who have the same views as him are represented as savages. i'm not saying everyone should support Nader, I only use him as an example of how peaceful protest accomplishes more.
I know I'm talking too much now, so I'll stop.
\"One murder makes a villain...millions a hero. Numbers sanctify, my friend.\" -Charlie Chaplin