Protesters hit Seattle and Des Moines

Protestors in Seattle delayed the start of the World Trade Organization talks today. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin waited in his hotel room for a call that the opening ceremonies of the W-T-O meeting would move ahead. Harkin said participants were told they may be caught up in the protest if they left the hotel.Harkin says W-T-O security officials say there may be protestors armed with cream pies to throw at any government officials they see.Harkin, a democrat, says he is not concerned for his safety. He hopes the protestors will respect their right to protest.Seattle police did have to use tear gas on some protestors today to get them to disperse. Back in Iowa, students and environmentalists joined together in front of the Federal Building in downtown Des Moines today to rally against the W-T-O. Jill Peterson, a student at Grinnell College, says this protest should help raise awareness of the situation.Gil Dawes, Pastor of United Methodist Hispanic Congregation, says the leaders of the W-T-O are only thinking of themselves and money.Emily Mize, a representative of Iowa Students Toward Environmental Protection, says she just hopes the protesters’ voices are heard.