Benjamin. I am very sorry to hear of your friends who had such an unfortunate experience. That was not the intention of the people who organized the protests or of most of those who attended them. As far as I know no protesters threw tear gas, that was the action of the police. You say that the protesters "created the climate" in which vandalism seemed appropriate to a few individuals; most of the protesters were not trying to create a climate of hooliganism they were trying to make sure that their voices were heard as loudly and clearly and possible. That some people misinterpreted this as a license for vandalism is not the fault of the protesters. The misinterpretation seems general as innocent bystanders are blaming peaceful protesters not hooligans or police; this is a sad commentary on the society in which we live. The protesters were not in Seattle on whim they followed the WTO there. The WTO has not listened to the legitimate concerns of the people who are affected by their decisions. Thus creating a high level of anxiety and frustration for these people. Why are you not blaming them for "creating a climate" where violence is acceptable? I would suggest that when you next enter a church you use the intellect that God gave to reflect on the dangers of having Mammon run rampant over the world.