Why are you protesting downtown? Downtowns represent the physical and architectural manifestation of the commons, a “we” society rather than a “me” society. Disrupt and, God forbid, trash a downtown and you’re just playing into the hands of the people you’re supposedly protesting against. The toffs are out in places such as Darien, Conn. Go protest there.

— Seattle Times columnist Jon Talton, addressing May Day protesters who say they are marching today in protest of capitalism.