Earlier I promised a post about the anarchists I came across today in Copley Square. Let’s simply say it was a motley group.

One thing that struck me was the number of participants who had their faces covered, ala Hamas and the evil doers in Iraq. Seemed I bold move, I thought, visually associating yourself with terrorists, so I decided to interview one of the covered.

I didn’t bother to ask for a name.

He was 18, from New Jersey, and a self-proclaimed “anarchist.” And a quick one, too … when I asked who their candidate was he replied “We don’t have one … we’re anarchists.” So at least he’s got that figured out.

When I asked him why he covered his face and head, he said, in essence, that he was afraid for his personal security. “There’s always undercover police in the crowd,” he said, “taking pictures. I don’t want to end up in some FBI file.”

Uh huh. And then they’ll follow you home, I’m sure.

Say what you will about the Patriot Act … it’s had a chilling effect on the anarchists.

“I’m surprised you’d do something that is visually reminiscient of the folks in Iraq who are cutting off peoples’ heads,” I said. He was quick to disavow any terrorist leanings, though. Wanted me to make it clear to everyone that he’s not a terrorist. Just an anarchist.

Here’s something else I found interesting: the protest was not organized … it just emerged from the morning ether. Seems there’s a local organization that was giving out free breakfast and dinner to people in from out of town to protest, and it was at this breakfast that the assorted anarchists, Greens, and Radical Cheerleading Squad members ginned up their event.

So there you go: Open-source protesting.