Organized Anarchy

You know when the anarchists get organized, you're in trouble. But, that's just what's supposed to go on in toney Palo Alto tomorrow night when two groups calling themselves Anarchist Action and Peninsula Anarchist Cooperative combine forces.

The anarchists are coming! And Palo Alto police, who haven't seen a major protest since the Vietnam War 30 years ago, are calling in horses and helicopters to deal with what the police chief says could be a violent protest by 800 anarchists marching past downtown restaurants on University Avenue on Saturday night.

It wouldn't be Palo Alto, though, without a deep bow to political correctness. When caught undercover videotaping at the anarchists' press conference, the local chief said, "That was one of our officers. She should not have lied to you." This is the same town that attempted to enforce a rule of being polite and respectful at city council meetings.

Unfortunately -- and here is the big issue -- the area being focused on by these anarchists contains Dara's favorite gelato shop. I'm guessing that they won't have trouble finding customers among the protesters, but they may have trouble convincing them to form the usual line out the door.