Thursday, November 20 - Tonight a lively group of union leaders and local activists held a march in protest of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) treaty. The march was in solidarity of no FTAA actions taking place in Miami on the same day. Our march was totally fun.

The group met at Baltimore and Fayette streets. It slowly walked through Fells Point, passing out flyers that explained why the FTAA is calculated to hurt working people on a global scale. The flyers were in English and Spanish. The Latino population in Fells Point was included with the target audience for the protest.

Some marchers carried a large banner; others were moving factories. (The factories symbolized the flight of manufacturing jobs that the FTAA will result in). Many people looked stunned at what they were watching. Fortunately, Baltimore's Finest were on hand and they did an excellent job of blocking off traffic and keeping the demonstration peaceful.

The group convened at Broadway and Thames Streets. Speakers continued the discussion. Leafleting at this part of town was easy. The message that the needs of working people and environmental protection should triumph over the profit interests of multinational corporations resonated in blue collar Fells Point.

Thus began the trek to the World Trade Center in the Inner Harbor. We had about 30 people marching, the same number of police following (and blocking traffic) along with dozens of walkers and hundreds of cars. We chanted No-FTAA slogans, such as, "Free Trade? FAIR TRADE!" A difficult issue to discuss, an international trade treaty with innumerable facets, was being introduced to many.

From Fells Point a middle-aged man and woman began following the group, photographing each one of us. Welcome FBI agents, yet again! Their interest in our activities is a sign that we are all entitled to the First Amendment protections under the Constitution.

We reached the World Trade Center and repeated our slogans. Then we called it a night.

Overall, it was a tremendous success. The best part was the hundreds of people who received the No-FTAA flyer in a language they can read. In addition, it was invigorating to see so many young people attempting to convey these complex issues to a mass audience.

Another world is possible, but we all must work very hard for it. The spirited group who addressed this problem did so with absolute gusto this evening (of November 20, 2003).