Thousands of Protesters Rally in San Francisco Against Corporate Profits and Trade Deals
San Francisco witnessed a powerful display of resistance on Sunday as thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest against corporate profits and trade deals. The protesters voiced their concerns about the disproportionate influence of corporations, highlighting the detrimental impact on the environment and the prioritization of profits over people and the planet.
Leading the charge were environmentalists, united under the call to Rise up, as they marched through downtown, carrying banners advocating for people and the planet over profit and plunder. One of the organizers, Nik Evasco, explained their opposition to the framing of so-called clean and green economies, asserting that they often end up bolstering corporate profits rather than genuinely addressing environmental issues.
Evasco emphasized the historical pattern of free trade deals leading to the exploitation of pristine lands for corporate gain. This sentiment resonated strongly in San Francisco, a city known for its rich tradition of energetic and vocal protests. The demonstration, reminiscent of the 1999 Seattle protests during a World Trade Organization conference, managed to capture global attention and disrupt the start of the conference.
Furthermore, the city’s police department anticipates multiple protests throughout the duration of the event. Chief Bill Scott issued a warning against criminal behavior, stating that while people are welcome to exercise their constitutional rights, any acts of violence, property destruction, or other crimes will result in arrests.
The protest targeted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, an influential regional economic forum comprising 21 member countries, including economic powerhouses like China and the United States. The APEC summit, accompanied by a CEO summit later in the week, drew critics who planned to protest against them, including a highly anticipated meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This protest also highlighted China’s heavy security measures to prevent any dissent on its home soil. In contrast, San Francisco provided an open platform for demonstrators, despite disappointments expressed by some protesters who believe the city’s hosting of CEOs and leaders contradicts its history of advocating for the working class.
Protests such as these serve as a barometer for public sentiment, allowing politicians to gauge public opinion while attracting significant media attention. While some protests may not yield immediate change, sociologist Rory McVeigh emphasizes that occasionally, they can make a substantial difference.
Various groups participated to raise awareness about different causes. The United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California planned to protest President Xi and Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong, while the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines aimed to rally for the rights of Indigenous Filipinos while protesting the presence of President Bongbong Marcos, son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
As the summit progressed, tensions remained high, with protesters disappointed by what they perceive as a failure to address the interconnected crises caused by those profiting from them. The clash between corporate interests and the demands of the people continues to be a pressing global concern.
In conclusion, San Francisco witnessed a massive gathering of protesters demanding an end to corporate profits prioritized at the expense of the environment and the well-being of people. The demonstration, along with the upcoming protests planned throughout the APEC summit, serves as a reminder that the fight for a fairer and more sustainable world remains ongoing.
