Sunday night I scrambled to scan my passport and write down my emergency contact number, then practiced inflating a pig attached to a backpack. One wonders why, on a Sunday, I was involved in such odd activities.
Well, the passport scan was so that I could have a copy of my identification on me, in case I get arrested. By the way, I not a criminal! The inflatable pig was part of a large United States Congress puppet costume. I was getting ready to be in action. I was among the Greenpeace activists going to protest against corporations that stand accused of polluting the atmosphere.
On Monday morning, I ran into the kitchen at 06:20 am to get a cup of coffee but by the time I made it through the long coffee queue and finally served myself, it was time to go. I rode in a panel van with the two other "puppet masters" jealously guarding a box of costumes and other props.
My role as a puppet master was to support the U.S. Congress puppet whenever she needed a costume adjustment, water, a break, or anything else I could help with.
In the action, there were three puppets - the U.S. Congress, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President of the European Union José Manuel Barroso. They all had flags that had the names and logos of corporations accused of polluting the atmosphere and backpacks with inflatable pigs, holding their harnesses and controlling them like puppets.
It was an amusing site, but the message was clear and visible on the many banners of the other activists: "Listen to the people, not the polluters."
Corporations, like Koch Industries in the United States, stand accused of having hijacked the political process in the negotiations for a solution to climate change. Politicians all over the world seem to be guided by lobbyists hired by these companies to rule against the moves geared to combat climate change.
I strongly feel that the political process needs to be more transparent and representative of the people. This is why I was convinced that when I was at the "action" on Monday morning, there was no place I would rather be at that time.
As a U.S. citizen, I feel ashamed. The U.S. has so far indicated that it does not want to sign a legally binding climate agreement until 2020. My beloved country does not want to be forced to reduce its polluting habits for the next nine more years.