Seattle Post-Intelligencer
December 3, 2001
By Robert McClure

Oh, what a difference two years makes.

After marching on downtown Seattle sidewalks where pepper spray tainted the air and thousands cried out against the World Trade Organization in 1999, about three dozen demonstrators rallied at Westlake Park yesterday in defense of capitalism.

Really.

"I don't understand what it's all about," said bystander Paul Delahanty, who was dressed in a Gap sweatshirt and had just -- what else? -- done some shopping. "I thought they were joking."

But the local organizers of WalkForCapitalism, an event planned in cities around the world yesterday, were quite serious. Starting in front of finely appointed Benaroya Hall, they marched past U.S. Bank, Washington Mutual, Bank of America, Starbucks, Cingular Wireless, Tully's, The Men's Wearhouse, Wendy's, Office Depot and The Sharper Image before rallying in front of a second office of the Bank of America.

Shoppers loaded down with booty rushed by as the defenders of capitalism took turns espousing the joys of the profit motive.

"We are here to celebrate, not protest, the innovators who have given us the greatest standard of living anywhere in the world," coin dealer and walk organizer Greg Clark told the assembled.

Among the signs they toted: "Help a starving child in Africa. Give him capitalism." "Will work for profit." "Capitalism is more important than democracy."

The gathering was part of a 108-city, 35-nation effort to "thank the producers and creators -- humankind's great benefactors," according to a WalkForCapitalism description by the Prodos Institute, an Australian group that promoted the marches and rallies.

"We extend a hand of friendship and support, (and) praise their achievements, independence of thought, and their courage in following their dreams," the group says on a Web site promoting the walk.

The group said the event was to "uphold the only political system which makes all this possible."

But this is Seattle, after all, so what would an afternoon rally at the park be without a counterprotest?

The three dozen or so pro-capitalism marchers were followed by a roughly equal number of demonstrators determined to point out the shortcomings of capitalism.

"Capitalist zombies unite," said a sign carried by one. Mocking the marchers to the tune of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," they sang, "Capitalism forever. The dollar makes us stronger."

Police directed the counterprotesters to stay on the other side of the street, because the WalkForCapitalism group had a permit to occupy the southern portion of Westlake Park. One person who refused to move was arrested, police said, but it was unclear whether he was to be charged.

"We're here for life safety, property safety and the rights of everyone," said police Lt. Daniel Whelan. "We're neutral."

Clark, the local walk organizer, brought along an award for Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, although Gates did not show up to receive it. Nodding toward the counter-protesters, Clark explained that capitalism "needs intellectual defense. A lot of people really don't understand where all this abundance comes from."

Among those in the pro-capitalism crowd was Scott Northrup of Seattle, who said he nevertheless opposes the World Trade Organization because he feels it restricts free trade in ideas.

"I don't think the WTO is capitalist," Northrup said. "If you can't label a can of tuna as dolphin-safe, that isn't exactly an Ayn Rand-correct form of rulemaking."

On their way to Westlake Park, the marchers all passed John Mendenhall, who stood with a paper cup thrust forward near the corner of Fourth Avenue and Pike Street. Mendenhall said he is a former hotel chef now on Social Security disability because of a condition that causes swelling in his fingers. He is staying at a shelter for the homeless.

None of the marchers put anything in his cup, Mendenhall said, although at least one advised him to "get a job."

Mendenhall said he was not too worried about his treatment.

"I'm waiting for my check tomorrow," he said.