Photo by Nick Deel
On Tuesday Protesters carrying a fake coffin and cardboard tombstones that read, "Killed by G20 broken AIDS promises," marched from the corner of Liberty Avenue and Grant Street, up to and then under the David L. Lawrence convention center, the site of the G-20 Summit. The complaints of the crowd were manifold.
For instance, President Obama has pledged to increase the foreign aid budget to $50 billion by 2012, a large part of which would presumably go towards AID relief in developing countries. However, given the financial crisis and other budgetary concerns the President may have to re-think that figure. Members of ACT UP Philadelphia and the other sponsoring organizations hoped this demonstration would remind the president of the consequences of his decision.
Security at the convention center bristled as the protesters approached the structure. Numerous staff swarmed to the entrances and exits and large men in suits stood in wait for the crowd. The marchers however, carried on, walking right under the convention center via 10th street and then back to Liberty and Grant.
Over 100 people participated in the peaceful march coming from as far as New York City and Philadelphia.
The G-20 Summit will begin on Thursday and continue through Friday at the David L. Lawrence convention center.
For more info: www.healthgap.org/g20.htm
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