The IMF and World Bank assure us that the global economy is recovering after the economic crisis in Asia, Russia, and Latin America, and that the outlook for the US economy remains cheery. Yet as I write this article, the US stock market has just suffered its biggest-ever point loss. Events like this can rapidly shake the consciousness of millions of people, and more and more will realize that the system they live under is neither stable nor humanitarian. Another extremely interesting feature of the rising wave of activism is the role played by the Internet both in the organization and reporting of events like Seattle and the April 16 mobilizations. The democratic potential of the Internet is being put to use in some very creative ways.
Various websites provide up to the minute chats, news, images, and even videos of the events.
The mainstream media, controlled by the ruling class, is slowly losing its stranglehold as a source for news and information. Even the tiniest organizations can make their presence and influence felt. However, their new found allies are in a way legitimizing their position on globalization. In spite of what the labor leaders say, there are protectionist interests behind their actions. They know that if they fail to defend jobs in the US, the rank and file workers will get even more restless and demand a change in leadership - a change which would almost certainly be towards the left.