2nd Intercontinental Encounter ofPeoples against Neo-liberalism
Encounter 2 in Barcelona
Written for A-infos in Barcelona
Andrew Flood 30/July/1997
The real work at the 2nd encounter for Humanity and against neoliberalism got under way here yesterday in five regions of the Spanish state. Here at the Culture and information table we split into three sub-groups discussing
- 1. An analysis of todays neoliberal media
- 2. Peoples experiences of alternative media
- 3. How we could construct a network of alternative media or communication between struggles
Good progress has been made on defining the areas of discussion needed to continue the construction of the alternaitve communication network (or red) with both practical and political issues being taken into consideration. Particapants here are from a wide range of countries and experiences but sharing a common concern in transmitting accurate information on each others struggles so we can both be inspired by success and learn lessons for struggles in our own countries.
In an extraordinary provication the Barcelonia council had scheduled the eviction of a squat that was home to one of the discussions for today. The participants responded to this by finishing early and heading en mass from all over the city to the demonstration called by the squatters. A couple of thousand people took part with participants from perhaps 40 or 50 countries in a march that at times resembled a massive street party with stilt walkers and fire jugglers. The council backed down and cancelled the eviction so we partied into the early hours of the morning.
Additional information on the encounter can be found by following the link at
www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/2419/andrew.html
Andrew
