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NATO-G8 Wed Mar 07 2012
Protesters Unshaken by G8 Summit Relocation
The G8 summit may be moving to Camp David, but protest organizers still expect a big turnout for the NATO conference in May.
"The growing momentum for the protests certainly played a role in the canning of the G8 in Chicago," said longtime Chicago protest organizer Andy Thayer, who is working with the Coalition Against the NATO/G8 War & Poverty Agenda. "And now many people will rightly draw the conclusion that 'If this is what protests can accomplish, then let's do more of them.'"
Officially, the relocation of the summit had nothing to do with protests or the cities hosting ability. "I always have confidence in Chicago being able to handle security issues," President Obama said at a press conference Tuesday, adding that the summit was relocated because Camp David is a more appropriate setting for the Group of Eight.
Protesters gathered at Daley Plaza on Monday, claiming the relocation of the summit as a victory.
"We plan on filling the streets of Chicago with so many people and voices the weekend of the summits that they will be able to hear us in Camp David," said Bunny Lee, a member of the Press Committee, in an email. Occupy Chicago will not change any of their plans based on the sudden news of relocation.
Gary Davis / March 18, 2012 8:10 AM
I think I will NOT hold my breath until someone admits a protest (or threat thereof) made them change their plans. (But it did.)