Although a few demonstrators managed to hurl the police tear- gas canisters back across the barricades, and a few unoccupied police cars were vandalized, there was no violence against police. However, small groups of young renegades took advantage of the pandemonium to smash store windows and loot. They were still roaming through downtown late last night, playing a cat-and mouse game with police. About 10,000 mostly youthful protesters at the convention center were joined by a march of AFL-CIO members and supporters that swelled to about 50,000 people. Teamsters President James Hoffa Jr. told the union members at a rally before they reached downtown.
Backers say the world body is essential for facilitating trade and investment across the globe.
But opponents say it favors corporations and undermines national laws that protect the environment, endangered species and consumers. Union leaders also said the WTO's push for free trade encourages American companies to move operations overseas, where workers are paid far less and have few rights. The wide variety of complaints about the WTO was evident from the kaleidoscope of humanity in the streets. Costumes, music and elaborate puppets were the order of the day. There were sea turtles, dancing South Korean fishermen, a group called the Radical Cheerleaders and even a troupe of Santas.