We're back at Bank again!

This time the demonstration was organised by a group called Space Hijackers, of whom 11 members were hilariously arrested at the G20 protests for "impersonating police officers" when they dressed up in costume. This protest was advertised as "a celebration of the police state", and the ironic tone of the gathering was set early on by a man with the loudspeaker in hand:

"What we need is MORE police control! Look at this man's clothes, he should be arrested immediately!"

I hope he wasn't referring to me. The intermittent announcements also criticised society's unfettered adoration for the newly-inaugarated US President:

"Obama is our God... everything he says is right... Obama is great!"

The man had a point - although Barack has been an inspiration for me in the past, sending thousands more troops to their deaths in an unwinnable war in Afghanisation has not been the most impressive of starts to his leadership.

With the sun shining over Bank, and DIY soundsystems banging out classics from the likes of Lowkey and Bob Marley, I felt a sense that the demonstration, although involving small numbers, was symbolic for the victory of democracy over repression. As expected, the police missed the irony of having a police photographer present at a protest against these ridiculous surveillance tactics. But again, the announcer made a good point:

"If he was really here to gather intelligence, then I don't think he'd be wearing a hi-vis jacket with "POLICE" written on it."

It was quite refreshing to see protestors not masking their faces and waving fists at the police, but instead waving at the cameras and threatening the officers with the prospect of a big cuddle.  The police surveillance team are clearly only present to intimidate protestors, but showings of love against brutality like this completely undermine the tactic.

But above all, the event was a really fun day out. We reclaimed the streets.  We had a party.

On the other hand, I personally don't agree with the aims of the anarchist groups (such as Space Hijackers) - for example, I do think we need some form of government.  Nevertheless, it was a good experience to get a view of anarchists that consisted of dialogue rather than sensationalist headlines in the tabloids.

Words: Jody McIntyre, 18, is looking forward to Brighton.
Photos: IndyMedia.