It's fair to say that the protests against G20 have been rather muted. Given the chaos in the financial markets, this may seem rather strange. Even my most militant friends are struggling to get worked into a frenzy. I was discussing this yesterday and I've come to the conclusion that with Bush and Blair gone, it is just so much harder to get worked up. People are so relieved to see the back of the undynamic duo, that they just haven't got the energy for a good riot. The consensus is that Obama is a breath of fresh air and he might make things a bit better. As such it's a bit pointless going out to complain. I'm not saying that the many groups out making their point were wrong, far from it, but it does seem to me that at the moment people don't have the energy to protest at these leaders.Perhaps the most interesting contrast was with the recent community meetings to discuss Barnet Council's warden cuts. There is certainly energy here for a fight. At the recent meeting, I bumped into a friends dad. Bill now lives in one of the sheltered homes. He explained the work of wardens. Bill is angry, the other residents are angry. Whatever conclusions you may draw from the muted G20 protests, don't be fooled into thinking that people won't come out when they are enraged. I think it's something to do with the British Psyche. We only get cross when there is something to get cross about. Whilst we are prepared to give Obama a chance, we will fight the injustice of warden cuts like tigers !
