By Paul Boin

The two bits that especially irk me, and severely undermine real movement towards a better world, are the label 'anti-globalization', when describing this incredibly broad coalition of advocates, and the phrase 'against trade', when explaining what these protesters stand for. Both the mainstream media and high profile activists are guilty of simply regurgitating these statements, and for failing to call them into question whenever they are uttered.

For example, when hearing the demonstrators call themselves 'pro-democracy' protesters, one might be moved to ask and investigate how organizations, elite gatherings of nations, and trade agreements such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), G-8 meetings, and NATFA (and possibly the FTAA) respectively, undermine the rights and living conditions of the vast multitude of people. Such a person might realize that critical public interest decisions are being taken out of more local democratic jurisdictions and put into the hands of unaccountable supranational corporate agents. Or a journalist might wonder why powerful international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) force poor countries like Ecuador and Honduras to privatize their water management facilities and telecommunications services, in exchange for 'aid' or 'loan' packages. If a person, any person, took the time to look into the concerns and arguments of 'pro-democracy' protesters it would be quickly found that the present version of corporate-led globalization, and the dominant institutions and agreements that enforce it, overwhelmingly benefits the privileged few at the direct expense of the great majority of the worlds 6 billion+ people.

Onwards 'pro-democracy' and 'fair trade' advocates. The re-framed global movement for democracy is just beginning. RNN

This Article (now a Real News Brief) was originally submitted as an Op-Ed article to Canada's major daily newspapers - the Globe and Mail, the National Post, and the Toronto Star - on the morning of Friday July 20, 2001 (Just prior to the Genoa G-8 Summit/Protests). However, none of them gave it the light of day.

In October RNN will be publishing an in depth investigative report on the state and potential of Canada's media landscape entitled: "Canada's Most Critical Moment: Protecting Our Democracy Through Media Reform". Copies of this special 40-page investigative report can be obtained for (Price includes shipping and taxes. International orders add ). Mail, and make check payable, to: the Real News Network, 35 Green Valley Dr., Unit #1204, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, N2P 2A5.