Though it is obvious by now that the SWP/GLA/SA axis have conspired to make the ESF a very different event than the one originally envisaged, though defo still worth going, I thought the demo at least would be a lively celebratory affair. Now it is seems the demo has mutated into a STWC/MAB/CND march against Bush.

I wanted to be part of a vibrant peaceful, celebratory explosion of colour, spontaneity, life, while still highlighting the deep injustices in the world, this is what has happened with the past ESF demos. Instead it looks like I will be marching dourly around the block. How, did they get away with this? the demo is for everyone, it is an international event for the burgeoning movement, not the Trots and their fellow travellers. Bush will one day be gone, (maybe sooner than we think) but the new social movements are the future and I reject the short-termism of the SWP et al. So, will there be any alternative cultural blocs on the demo, so we can show the world ‘love is life’ while still raising our voices about the awful events happening in Iraq and around the world..