London had been bracing itself for riots during the G-20 summit, with bankers being warned to leave their suits and ties at home. But, with a few exceptions, the demonstrations on "Financial Fools' Day" were light-hearted rather than violent.
When this hinge-point in human history is remembered, there will be far more sympathy for the people who took to the streets and rioted than for the people who stayed silently in their homes. Two global crises have collided, and we have a chance here, now, to solve them both with one mighty heave - but our leaders are letting this opportunity for greatness leach away. The protesters here in London were trying to sound an alarm now, at five minutes to ecological midnight.
