When demonstrations collide

Everything really is a matter of perspective isn't it? Today, for instance, I witnessed two demonstrations centered around Piccadilly Circus. The first group demonstrating was demanding justice in Ethiopia. The second, and far smaller, group was demanding justice for Michael Jackson. One of these groups had a cause for which I could feel some sympathy. And the other was supporting Michael Jackson. I should probably make it clear that I'm fairly neutral when it comes to most trials that hit the media - I really do hold fast to the old line about innocent until proven guilty and that also applies in this case. It's just that to me it seems an awfully trivial matter to be protesting about on the streets of London, half a world away from anyone with any power to actual affect the outcome of the case.

Obviously, that's just my perspective, and I'm sure the thoughts of those people actually out on the streets were quite different. I was just curious as to what would eventually happen when the two groups encountered one another. Would the Michael Jackson demonstrators be struck as to the futility of their cause and instead begin to appeal for equality on the African continent? Or would they simply pass each other in the streets, never quite understanding what each group needed? I suppose I'm ignoring a couple of other outcomes, such as the Ethiopians switching to the cause of Michael Jackson, or a merger forming between the two factions to form a single coalition to demand fair treatment for Michael Jackson in Ethiopia, but I suspect these are unlikely enough to disregard.

Alas I didn't stay to find out what the outcome was. But I think I know what I would have liked it to be...