Whether they are protesters or not, people visiting Calgary from all over the world are jumping at the chance to add their voices to anti-G-8 activities.
Inspired by a sense of community and a feeling of safety in protesting in a country like Canada, where the possible repercussions are minimal compared to those in his homeland of Argentina, Daniel Folmer said he is leaping at the opportunity to participate in some of the G-8 protest activities while he is in Calgary on business.
"These people are suffering," said the petroleum engineer, who works in developing Argentinian gas wells.
"The Argentinians are suffering more than they are here, but it's all because of U.S. politics and the politics of the world banks this affects everybody."
Although Sunday's Solidarity March -- which drew some 3,000 protesters to downtown Calgary -- was of a smaller scale than what Folmer said he's used to seeing in South America, he's thrilled to see people coming to Calgary and exercising their right to protest.
"It makes me proud to see so many people helping to make a difference," he said.
"The U.S. runs the world, and whatever happens around the world starts right here.
"It's difficult for demonstrators to make change, but it's necessary to demonstrate, anyway."
Marching in solidarity with activists Sunday, Folmer worked his way along the protest route banging together a metal spoon and pot he borrowed from his upscale Calgary hotel.
"This is how we do it in Argentina," he said, grinning.
"You have to make a lot of noise."
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