This year marks the 25th anniversary of the WTO protests in Seattle, a raucous action by 50,000 protesters who descended on the city in the fall of 1999. Their aim? shutting down a conference of top decision makers at the World Trade Organization.

When this coalition of activists succeeded in stopping the WTO’s opening ceremonies, the “Battle of Seattle” became an inflection point in a growing struggle between advocates for free trade and groups fighting for the rights of labor, farmers, the environment and more.

It was 1999, and no we didn’t party like #itslike1999 either! Although, one would think with the media coverage that it was New Year’s Eve instead of the WTO (World Trade Organization) Riots aka The Battle of Seattle.

Flashback: Demonstrators gathered in downtown Seattle on Nov. 28, 1999, in advance of a four-day World Trade Organization ministerial conference being held there.

• On the conference’s first official day, Nov. 30, thousands of protesters blocked downtown streets. Many chained themselves together or joined arms, in what the Washington Post described as “one the largest acts of mass civil disobedience in recent U.S. history.”
• Protesters were driven by a range of issues, including labor conditions and the effects of international trade on the environment, the Associated Press reported on the protests’ 20th anniversary.
• While most protesters were peaceful, a small group of black-clad anarchists broke windows and vandalized buildings downtown, the AP and the Seattle Times reported.

The police response to the protests, which included using tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters, was heavily criticized.

• Norm Stamper, Seattle’s police chief at the time, later called police actions during the WTO protests an “overreaction” and “the worst mistake” of his career.

I digress.

The following was my point-of-view of those events.

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On the morning of the day, I knew that there was some buzz about the WTO Meeting on the news. And that there were would be active protestors. What I didn’t realize was what the Gods of Lunacy had planned for me.

I was working for Rosenbluth International Travel, attached to the Bank of America and Banc of America Securities LLC corporate travel account, in … (yes, you guessed it) in the Bank of America Tower which is now known as the Columbia Tower.

It was another run-of-the-mill, garden-variety, kinda day at the “salt mines”. Once I clocked in, and jumped into the phone queue for the inbound call center, my supervisor addressed the group.

“Alright, people. Good morning. As you already seen, we have protestors active outside the convention center because of the WTO Meeting. While we are watchful, we are not concerned, yet. I wouldn’t suggest leaving the building for lunch because while the WTO has nothing to do with us, they could view all of corporate America a target. And we represent not just Rosenbluth International, but Bank of America.

Your safety is our priority. If the situation escalates and changes, we’ll advise on the next course of action. That’s all for now.”

We, the call center rats, all exchanged worried looks. #WTF on that speech? I shrugged my shoulders, and went about my business of answering calls.

Later on that day …

The situation did escalate! An anarchist group from Portland started fighting with the Seattle P.D. Then some mob-mentality rioters used this as an excuse to join the fray. Our supervisor returned.

“Alright people. The situation has escalated. I’ve been authorized to shut down the call center and shunt the calls to the East Coast. Please gather up your belongings and head home as safely and as best as possible. Good luck.”

Well, I take the 311 bus so I checked out the Metro webpage. I discovered that the division line south of my location is South Jackson St, with Olive Street to the north. And here I am smack in the middle of this “dead zone” of service due to rioters.

Thanks a ton!

I called my girlfriend, Charlene. She was concerned. After a brief discussion, a mutual friend of ours happened to be working downtown today, and he drove his Jeep. Isaac and I set up a pick up point a block south of the Columbia Tower.

As I made my way to the elevators, I peered outside to the streets below some 38 stories down.

The rioters have made an ant-like column towards the Seattle P.D. H.Q. which is located right across the street from the tower! These idiots are trying to take over the police home base? Are you kidding me with this?

So that’s the equivalent of kicking over a hornet’s nest. That meant, I needed to bounce out ASAP, and the exits are near all that activity.

I scampered out and headed south to Cherry St. Several dark clothed people were running rampant, smoke filled the air, and so much yelling. As I waited for my friend to find me, I looked around. I didn’t realize it but I gravitated towards my favorite sandwich place: Bakeman’s Restaurant.

They make fresh turkey sandwiches on the daily! Some asshat had broken the window with the logo on it. “Damnit,” I cursed. This is senseless. I returned my eyes to surveying the scene, and Isaac’s Jeep rounded the corner. I’m saved.

This man, while he saved me today, will eventually betray me by having an affair with Charlene.

There was no way I’ll be able to get to South Jackson Street amongst the chaos with a shirt and tie which was a virtual bull’s eye on me. And traveling north anywhere near the downtown interior wasn’t an option, either.

Me to him: “Thanks, man. What the fuck on this Battle of Seattle! It’s in full effect. I appreciate the emergency evac.”

Him: “No problem. Happy to help. You owe me. Maybe you can repay the favor in the future.”

Little did I know that in the future, I would marry and divorce the woman that he would eventually marrying her after me. In essence, doing me the favor instead.

I guess I owe that guy two? Life’s funny like that, isn’t it?