Kyoto protest beaten back by inflamed petrol traders (UK)

[skippythwndrdog]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-4646-1487741,00.html

WHEN 35 Greenpeace protesters stormed the International Petroleum Exchange (IPE) yesterday they had planned the operation in great detail.

What they were not prepared for was the post-prandial aggression of oil traders who kicked and punched them back on to the pavement.

“We bit off more than we could chew. They were just Cockney barrow boy spivs. Total thugs,” one protester said, rubbing his bruised skull. “I’ve never seen anyone less amenable to listening to our point of view.”

Another said: “I took on a Texan Swat team at Esso last year and they were angels compared with this lot.” Behind him, on the balcony of the pub opposite the IPE, a bleary-eyed trader, pint in hand, yelled: “Sod off, Swampy.”

read more at: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-4646-1487741,00.html


My commentary: While applauding some of the goals of Greenpeace, I abhor their tactics. In this case, I am quite amused by the outcome. Frankly, I have no more respect for Greenpeace than I do for PETA...none. Both could do far better acting like rational human beings.

[slackmaster]

1. Gotta love the Brits

Always quick to bring out the fists and feet even when they aren't drinking.

:toast:

[skippythwndrdog]

2. Maybe they were drinking...

It was after lunch. I think that the article was hinting at that.

[Webster Green]

3. Yes, they should start acting like rational human beings...

...and do nothing while the ruling class destroys the planet.

How dare they demonstrate and confront the polluters?

Tuh!

[TO Kid]

29. Just how "rational" were these thugs?

Did they all walk naked to the exchange? Did they all grow their own food? Do they live in trees or caves with no heat, light or plumbing? If not they're just a bunch of spoiled hypocrites who want all the benefits of industry without any of the costs.

[Southsideirish]

4. I admire PETA and Greenpeace very much as both fight for those who

have no voice to fight for themselves. I think your "commentary" reveals the fact you are a pompous ass.

[mudderfudder77]

9. Sarcasm...

From Websters:

sar·casm Audio pronunciation of "sarcasm" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (särkzm)
n.

1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
3. The use of sarcasm. See Synonyms at wit1.



Thought you might need this for the future...

[Filimon]

11. hmmmm

But it seems to me that the traders had every right to protect themselves.

Would you tolerate a group of rowdy unpredictable strangers who burst into your private property bent on causing trouble? It probably happened pretty quickly.

If you prepare an assault, you should not ignore the fact that your enemy may try to defend itself.

[Chi]

32. I must have missed that in the article...

"But it seems to me that the traders had every right to protect themselves."

Where did you see the information that the protesters were planning on, or initiated violence?
Just curious.

[Filimon]

38. you missed it?

"Where did you see the information that the protesters were planning on, or initiated violence?"

"Greenpeace protesters stormed the International Petroleum Exchange (IPE)"

I'm not sure how you define violence, but I would say that a mob deliberately breaching security (premeditated) on private property with the direct intent of causing financial loss on a legitimate business is a violent assault, and the staff had every right to defend themselves and their livelihoods.

I'm not so sure you can readily separate aggression from violence.

A thief breaking into my house trying to steal my property ought not to be surprised if I, or someone in my family, were to open a can of whoop-ass on them. There is no guarantee that my family would prevail, but in the heat of events, the thief should not surprised if his aggression is resisted.

I would hope that the business that was attacked and successfuly defended itself will sue greenpeace not only for direct financial damages resulting from the attack, but also for damages that would have resulted had the assault been successful. The court should triple the damages to send a message to other would-be groups that illegal assault is not condoned.

Its time for these immature clowns to grow up!

[Chi]

47. Violence = Bodily harm. And I still don't see any reports of any.

Please quote it if you do.

[depakid]

49. Basically, when I hear things like this

I know that I'm hearing the echoes of fear and cowardice... not to mention oppression.

It makes no sense at all to equate non-violent direct action with "a thief entering your house." That's simply an ignorant statement, made with equal immaturity.

[Filimon]

62. violence

The article even said they 'stormed' the IPE with the intent to disrupt legitimate business (cause financial harm).

A peaceful protest would have been a picket line.

Breaking through security onto private property is violent and aggressive. How can you say otherwise?

If you can't grasp that this is similar to someone breaking into your private property with malicious intent, then consider the following:

You own an organic coffee roaster shop. There are people that think tea is much better for the environment. So a mob of these people break into your shop, past the customers, into the backroom where you have your roasters. They unplug the machines, jam the works, spill the bags of coffee on the floor. Your staff cannot work. You have contract obligations to fill orders. The day is lost. Everyone feels violated and upset. The chai freaks have won the day!

Hurrah for peaceful protests!

[maddezmom]

5. kick

[emad]

6. Mass brawl on the trading floor

Rob Singh and Catherine Bowen, Evening Standard,
17 February 2005

VIOLENT clashes between City traders and environmental protesters left 27 people in police custody today.

Oil traders reacted in fury when Greenpeace activists stormed the International Petroleum Exchange yesterday afternoon. There were further confrontations when protesters invaded an oil industry dinner at London's five-star Grosvenor House hotel.

Greenpeace members today accused traders of attacking peaceful protesters and behaving like 'Friday night thugs'. One said he had never seen such violence in 15 years of campaigning. But traders said they were only acting in self-defence and had feared for their safety.

More than 30 protesters invaded the IPE trading floor sounding whistles, horns and panic alarms in a bid to paralyse oil deals on the day the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to reduce global warming, came into force.

http://www.thisislondon.com/news/business/articles/timid398114?source=

[ixion]

7. feared for their safety

oh puh-leeze. :eyes:

Violent thugs, is more accurate.

[skippythwndrdog]

12. If dozens of lunatics ran into my office...

screaming and sounding alarms, I'd sure as hell fear for my safety.

[Cocoa]

14. I wouldn't

I would assume it's a protest, and I definitely woulnd't attack them, lol.

[skippythwndrdog]

16. I'd defend myself vigorously...

Besides, I have a home office...it would be a home invasion...and I'd be well within my rights to use force.

[Zynx]

52. You wouldn't be even slightly alarmed by that?

I would be pissed off out of my mind.

[Postmanx]

8. Kyoto protest beaten back by inflamed petrol traders

Times Online

WHEN 35 Greenpeace protesters stormed the International Petroleum Exchange (IPE) yesterday they had planned the operation in great detail. What they were not prepared for was the post-prandial aggression of oil traders who kicked and punched them back on to the pavement.

Greenpeace had hoped to paralyse oil trading at the exchange in the City near Tower Bridge on the day that the Kyoto Protocol came into force. “The Kyoto Protocol has modest aims to improve the climate and we need huge aims,” a spokesman said.

But they were set upon by traders, most of whom were under the age of 25. “They were kicking and punching men and women indiscriminately,” a photographer said. “It was really ugly, but Greenpeace did not fight back.”

“They followed the guys into the lobby and kept kicking and punching them there. They literally kicked them on to the pavement.”

[mudderfudder77]

10. I admire their restraint in not fighting back...

You have to accept the consequences of your actions.

edit:sp

[The Stranger]

13. Great commentary.

While applauding some of the goals of Greenpeace, I abhor their tactics. In this case, I am quite amused by the outcome. Frankly, I have no more respect for Greenpeace than I do for PETA...none.

With friends like you, who needs enemies? Keep attacking other progressives, it is exactly what your masters want you to be doing.

Guess we'll see you in the camps.

[skippythwndrdog]

17. I would never want to be associated with those clowns.

They poorly get their points across through criminal means. \

on edit: They actually don't get their points across, they just draw attention to THEMSELVES, not the issue. People look at them and say, "Ha ha, what idiots", not "Wow, what an interesting point they make" Obviously a small number of folks like DUers will see the point, most will just see the criminal or clownish behavior.

[The Stranger]

19. That is exactly what the right wing wants you to say and believe.

You still don't see it, do you. The right wing extremists, in particular the media outlets run by the right wing, FOCUS attention on the people taking the stand, choosing particular viewpoints or positions that are unpopular or that can be caricatured.

This has happened to numerous celebrities, who are viciously attacked by the talking heads on Faux News and on AM radio 24 hours per day.

The method and message is two fold: (1) First, by focusing on the person instead of the ISSUE, the fact that the person has something important to say to everyone is eviscerated. It doesn't matter that everyone has to live on the planet that is being destroyed if FOCUS is placed instead of how mean-spirited Janeanne Garafalo is supposedly acting. Message destroyed.

(2) Second, by visciously attacking in the mass media those who speak out for any number of progressive causes, the message is made clear: You speak out and this is what will happen to you.

Congratulations. Someone has fed you a pack of lies and you have eaten them with a knife and fork.

[skippythwndrdog]

21. No, I see counter-productive activity when I see it.

Criminal behavior is counter productive.

[The Stranger]

26. It is not "criminal behavior" to speak your mind.

It is not "criminal behavior" to protest. It is not "criminal behavior" to take a stand for justice. It is not "criminal behavior" to dissent.

It is not "criminal behavior" -- at least not yet.

[skippythwndrdog]

27. It is CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

To invade private property. These punks got what they deserved. They are criminals, plain and simple. Their invasion of the trading house is undeniably criminal.

[Chi]

34. I heard an Iraqi freedom fighter say the very same thing, the other day!!

Sorry to hear you agree with them.
8(

[skippythwndrdog]

36. Sure...affairs of state are equivalent to private property...nice try.

[Chi]

41. Actually, one's moral principles should be applied to all actions.

And not ignored because they contradict other moral decisions someone has made.

[skippythwndrdog]

42. My moral principal is thus:

We shouldn't have gone to Iraq, but now we're there and have to finish the job. Additionally, the Greenpeace assclowns who invaded the trading house are criminals. Good enough for you?

[Chi]

43. Would you also stand behind this moral principle?....

'everyone has the right to beat someone into hospitalization for trespassing, even if they show no signs of violence.'

Cause, to me, this is what you are saying.


('assclowns'....that's amusing, will have to remember that one. George Bush and his band of neocon assclowns...Hey thats got a nice ring to it. Thanx!)

[skippythwndrdog]

46. Isn't "Assclown" a hilarious word?

It is from the move "Office Space".

Basically, the criminals who invaded the trading house were dealt with properly. If dozens of lunatics burst into my office (either home office or regular office), screaming and runing rampant, I would be in fear for my safety, and would deal with them appropriately. These criminals (the fact that they are criminals can not be disputed) did more than simply trespass, they broke into and entered a secure area. So, they trespassed, committed breaking and entering, and put people in fear for their safety. Now, the traders probably went a little overboard, or more likely, the news media overstated the ass-kicking that the "protesters" received. Either way, I find it interesting that there appear to be no arrests of the traders. Perhaps it is because they committed no culpable crime?

[Chi]

50. Yup, It's right up there with 'MonkeyBitch'

Criminals, I can't disagree, they broke the law.

B&E, absolutely not. Putting your foot in an open door, then holding it for your buddies is not breaking in (illegal entry).

'People in fear', doesn't appear so. Some articles clearly state most traders continued their business. Police were notified and on their way.
Security personnel didn't even react.
People were attacked out of anger, not fear. Big difference (in my book).

We will have to wait and see if any charges are filed against anyone for assault.

[skippythwndrdog]

51. Very likely, I am putting my own personal bias in too.

As, likely, you are also. We'll wait and see. I've enjoyed the conversation between us assclowns and monkeybitches! :D

[The Stranger]

44. Interesting that you attack the progressives, apparently thinking

they trespassed, which may or may not be what happened, while omitting the CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR involving the violence against them.

On top of that, you have completely swallowed whole the lies told about these progressives.

[Zynx]

55. Read in the article where even the protesters say that they breached the

floor. They have no legal right to that floor without proper passes. Therefore, they were breaking the law and trying to disrupt a vital economic function that has nothing at all to do with pollution. Stopping the trading on the exchange for a couple minutes does absolutely nothing to curb oil consumption. What a bunch of fucking morons. I hate Greenpeace and other environmental fanatics almost as much as I hate the religious wrong. Extremist protesters are useless beyond belief.

Also, progressives my ass. I refuse to be associated with the Greenpeace whackos. My sister worked with Greenpeace for a couple months as a recruiter this summer so I know first hand just how ridiculous those people are.

[The Stranger]

60. Again, you seem to focus on their "breaching the floor" -- which,

again, may or may not constitute trespass -- even without some sort of passes -- while completely ignoring the actual physical violence brought down upon them, which is far more likely to be criminal behavior than "breaching the floor."

Why the attacks on the protestors while ignoring the blatant and unmistakenly criminal violence that is brought against people who are progressive.

[Zynx]

61. Can you just walk onto the floor of the NYSE or the NYMEX?

NO. It's the same thing. You can't just walk into private buildings unauthorized.

[saskatoon]

15. you are quite amused?

where are you coming from for crying out loud. Are you alqways like this and let peoplen walk all over you just to be polite. Where is your gumption. Were you amused when Bush and his oil buddies stole the election just because they wanted to get their hands on Iraqi oil. you had better wake up, those people are without scruples and I say thank god for greenpeace that they put their lives on the line for principle. If I wasn't 87 I would sure love to be included in their ranks. Grace Stevenson

[skippythwndrdog]

18. Damn straight, I'm amused.

These Greenpeace fools don't have the common sense that God gave gravel. Of course I'm amused when a bunch of criminal trespassers get the snot beaten out of them during the commission of a CRIME. Gumption, I have enough gumption that if these asses ever show up at my place that I'll beat the hell out of them too. These Greenpeace asses don't put their lives on the line for principle, they do it for attention. They draw attention to their own dumb asses instead of to whatever it is they are protesting. Morons and criminals both. I have no respect for them. If they want to picket the place, that's fine, but criminal behavior is wrong. They had it coming to them.

[98geoduck]

20. I'll second that! I've seen members get a standing ovation at a public

hearing in rural upstate NY (90% republicans)for their contribution in educating the public regarding toxicity of landfill/incinerator sites.
They have, and continue to educate the general public on issues regarding environmental and social justice issues. That is, the part of the public that actually participates in their community.

[Blue_Tires]

22. good for the protestors

i wonder why security let them proceed instead of stopping them when they first came in?

"They made their way to the trading floor, blowing whistles and sounding fog horns, encountering little resistance from security guards."

[Piperay]

23. Two thumbs up to

Greenpeace and PETA ... glad someone out there is looking out for those that can't speak for themselves. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[bvar22]

24. The Petrol Traders...

...meeting in secret should begin fearing for their lives. They have shown the World that they value their MONEY over Environmental Destruction and the many lives taken by their indescriminate pollution.

The World will strike back.

[makhno]

25. Sorry ...

... but I can't help but smile at this story. There is something inherently comical about a group of self-righteous earth-firsters having the tables turned on them by a bunch of working class lads.

These clowns should've gone to the US or Chinese embassy instead, if they really wanted to make a valid point about Kyoto.

[TO Kid]

28. Trading floor is no place for wimps

My old roommate worked with traders for a few years. As for the protesters, they're just a bunch of thugs who made the mistake of bullying people who are capable of self-defence.

[flvegan]

30. You're amused that a peaceful protest turned violent like this?

So the next time you're protesting Bush, the freeps can feel free to kick the shit outta, you, right?

Oh, wait...I remember now how we all despised the rethug fucker that kicked that female protester at the repub rally. That wasn't cool, but this is.

Brilliant.

[TO Kid]

31. "Peaceful" protest? How Orwellian of you.

People who barge into a workplace are not peaceful protesters. They're terrorists, and I'm glad the traders fought back.

[KissMeKate]

35. so trespassing is terrorism now?

how bizarre. Soon leaving your driveway will be called terrorism.

[MisterP]

37. heck, if someone tries to blow you up, and you aren't pleased as punch

about California being sold to Georgia-Pacific, YOU're the suspect.

[Zynx]

54. Trespassing is a crime. They were criminals.

They deserve prison time for trying to disrupt critical economic activity.

[MisterP]

39. reminds me of the Edmund Pettus Bridge video I saw

[Filimon]

40. Peaceful protest?

They deliberately breached security on private property and a shouting mob rushed unsuspecting people involved in legitimate business. the intent was to cause financial losses for the legitimate business.

This is not a peaceful protest. This is illegal aggression.

Not only will these bumpkins have bruises to nurse - but they will no doubt be hit with civil and criminal charges.

"So the next time you're protesting Bush, the freeps can feel free to kick the shit outta, you, right?"

If you consider "protesting" to be the mad rush of a mob through a breached White House security perimeter, the President's security detail might do more than kick some asses.

Some really dumb spoiled kids might end up dead.

On the other hand, if you engage in peaceful protests that are protected by law, you can have your say and no one gets hurt.

Peace!

[DU GrovelBot]

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[SomewhereOutThere424]

45. I don't agree with everything they do

But I think laughing at those who are beaten for trying to express themselves is like laughing when democrats are held from voting in an election by republicans? Everyone finds someone else's methods unorthodox...but I think to openly encourage silencing someone's method and judging it by what we'd do in a situation is a bit fascist.

However, I am proud greenpeace is willing to take a beating for what they believe in. I'd bet a lot of oil contractors would start crying if something they wanted was taken away (take exxon crying about every environmental plus. Boo hoo for them. Atleast greenpeace is willing to take a few hits for the team.)

Even on this own message board stating my opinion about the environment had gotten me berated to the point I made a different screen name (ironically, I was against animal abuse in that topic. I guess tradition is more important than morality.) Maybe we should work towards tolerance more than laughter at this kind of thing? More towards agreement instead of tearing eachother apart, despite who may have the proper opinion?

((note, I meant this towards the entirity of this thread this fits to, not just the topic poster :)))

[depakid]

48. My thoughts are that they have a lot more courage

than most people and that you'd probably been amused by the abuses heaped on the Civil Rights protesters in the 50's and 60's (while parenthetically "claiming" to support their goals)....

[Filimon]

63. More courage?

Civil Rights leaders organized boycotts, peaceful marches, etc. People were violent against them - but in general they weren't provoked into violence because they knew that their peaceful message was irresistable.

Violence would have corrupted their message and simply provided a rallying cry for their opponents.

What these stupid irresponsible kids did at the IPE was to engage in violence and set their cause back. Not only do they look stupid, but the IPE 'should' sue for damages. Have they announced anything?

[Zynx]

53. They were asking for it.

They had no business being there in the first place. They broke the law in what they did and no matter how strongly you feel about something, the law must be respected. When Greenpeace and PETA do bullshit like this, I have even less sympathy for them than I normally do. They're a bunch of fanatics and fanaticism is never the answer.

[98geoduck]

57. probably what they said about Nathanael Greene and the Minutemen

[Zynx]

58. How dare you equate environmental protestors to the American Revolution.

I've also seen some people here equate these protests to civil rights marches. People, gain some perspective. Just because you can attempt to make this comparison does not rise these degenerates to the level of the civil rights leaders or the leaders of the American Revolution. Those movements were for the greater good of mankind and not for some damn extremist environmental movement.

Let me make a few statements to make my views perfectly clear on this. I do not view animal life as being equivilant to human life. Not even close. I would rather see 10,000 animals(pick your species) die than see even one human being suffer. We have to set priorities in this world. As for global warming, while we are definately in a warming cycle, I find it very hard to believe that our pollution is solely to blame for it. Evidence suggests over the past 3,000,000 years that the planet has gone through dozens of warming and cooling cycles and I am of the opinion that this is simply another one of them, probably slightly augmented by our pollution. While I want clear air, clean water, and a nice clean place to live, I am willing to accept some environmental damage for economic prosperity. I do think we should do away with oil and other fossil fuels, but that should be done by governmental policy and corporate innovation and not by a bunch of ill-informed, self-righteous, arrogant,law-breaking protestors.

[lonestarnot]

56. A small forshadowing of events to come...n/t

[Zynx]

59. What the heck is that supposed to mean?

[lonestarnot]

66. I posted this a while back and have been absent from the boards for

a few days, but I think when I posted this that I was thinking we would be seeing many more people standing up for Mother earth. People standing up against the destruction of our environment by those more interested in economies they believe can sustain us rather than ecosystems.

[depakid]

64. Looking at some of the responses here makes me wonder

whether this is becoming GOP underground....

It's smelling very freeperish on this thread....

[daleo]

65. Imagine if they really were terrorists, with guns and stuff

Security seems pretty lax at that place, if it is so vital to the world's economy.

At my university, students have occasionally entered the admin building to protest during tuition votes. It is hardly necessary to beat people up over this sort of thing. The trader boys should have just nipped out for a drink during the protest, which would have quietly dissipated in ten or fifteen minutes.