Party like it's 1999 Down south they know how to beat a dead horse. This is the home of the "Dixiecrats," a place where people declare themselves "Democrats" because they still can't completely forgive the Republicans for the emancipation proclamation; but, they're angry about the Democrats and the civil rights movement. And they still elect today some of their favorite leaders, who were actively pro segregation, giving us the joys of Strom Thurmond and Jesse Helms. But things are looking up. Mississippi outlawed slavery in 1995. However, let's not dwell on the past, but look at the present. Let it not be said that whitey can't party. Every year down south they get together to re-enact famous battles of the civil war. In addition to giving television news some fluff pieces, and history channel documentaries footage for more program filler (my god, how much footage is there from WWII?) they will tell you that these events are great for the economy. Let's take a page from their book. Let's party like it's 1999 every year. First, we go to Seattle to apply for the permits and look for corporate sponsorship. They won't turn us down because we'll remind them that it's good for the economy- and it will provide jobs and tourism. We alert the media and prepare our commemorative merchandise to sell to the curious tourists. Then we pour in, from all points on the globe, to Seattle and the re-enactment for the new century- the decisive battle of Seattle. Imagine the excitement as we pour into the city, our re-enactors dressed as protestors and as cops, as media workers and as innocent bystanders. Imagine the period costumes. It brings tears to my eyes. We'll re-enact all the decisive mini-battles for the history channel while there are still living veterans around to ensure the level of realism. We'll get all the main events: the media and the city lying about the use of force and chemical warfare; the police beatings of helpless people, be they residents or protestors; the denial of medical aid; the clamping down of the city under martial law; the jailhouse solidarity; and the great food and carnival rides. In addition to this great idea that will bolster tourism (we have to replace the ailing tech industry with something), the WTO events have brought me to the conclusion that we need a mandatory ROTC program at all colleges nationwide. Frankly, the WTO protest was a shambles. The protestors forgot to bring their own pepper spray, tear gas, concussion grenades, assorted chemical weapons, and other important event supplies. There weren't enough gas masks to go round, and what ones were available tended to be out of date or wholly makeshift. Frankly, I must say that I am ashamed of our side. The government wasn't so short sighted when it came to supplies, and they claimed to have shown up wholly unprepared. They had so many gas masks that they were issuing them to members of the press. No wonder the press coverage was so one-sided; if you want the press on your side you have to come bearing gifts. We must teach our young people bribery skills, classes in real politics. Let's not even get into the logistical problem of defending yourself and others while you're chained together in groups of ten like prison labor. Tactics, people, tactics. Now, let us pause for a moment to consider solidarity. While a cop was shooting a Seattle resident point blank in the chest with a bean-bag gun and then kicking him in the crotch while he was doubled over in pain, thirty feet away protesters were busy retreating. This never happens on the other side. Cops have solidarity. When they just feel they are under attack, they surge onward, nightsticks & guns in hand. I've seen the Rodney King tape. And all he had done was merely suggest to them that they not shoot him. So, mandatory ROTC training can teach us a great deal: how to show up prepared; how to defend yourself and others; and how to stick together. And we need this training. I watched the whole event carefully and I still remember which side had the numbers and which side had the supplies.