Anti-Arroyo protesters storm Philippine ministry

[dArKeR]

A protest against Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo turned violent on Friday when 300 activists from farmers' groups stormed the compound of the agriculture department in Manila and called on her to resign.

Police quickly cleared dozens of protesters from the main building after they broke windows and chanted "End the Gloria regime." All dispersed after an official talked to them and set a meeting for a later date.

But the incident underlined the volatility of political tensions two days after 30,000 people marched peacefully in Manila's business district, denouncing Arroyo over allegations of election fraud and graft in her family.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050715/wl_nm/philippines_dc;_ylt=AtnLn8qt8wHuyhov1enyfJAUewgF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3b3JuZGZhBHNlYwM3MjE-

[ronnykmarshall]

1. Aquino has called her to quit.

Cory still holds a lot of influence in the country.

[IndianaGreen]

2. There is an axis of evil in the Philippines

This troika of the military, the reactionary Catholic Church, and the elites are now split as to what to do with Arroyo. The Church has criticized Arroyo but has also chided those calling for her resignation. The military is nominally neutral, at least as of last week when one general told the troops that they are to remain out of politics. The elites are worried that Arroyo remaining in power may unleash forces that the troika won't be able to control. The last thing the troika needs is a social revolution like the one in Bolivia and Venezuela.

Arroyo's days are numbered. Her husband has already left the country after accusations of corruption. I am sure that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will soon be joining her husband in the US.

[ronnykmarshall]

3. I can't understand why she's staying on.

She needs to step down. I thought Marcos was subborn, but Arroyo is coming close.

[IndianaGreen]

4. The problem are the elites. Arroyo is just a symptom.

The longer Arroyo hangs to power, the more likely that a revolution will sweep the elites out of power. It won't be bloodless, simply because the military will not hesitate to murder thousands to keep their share of power.

[DrRang]

5. Like your Big Giant Head. n/t

[poetsdream]

6. Hooray for the Farmers!

I like the idea of people taking it directly to the houses of power. I think we can learn a lesson from this kind of 'direct action' and expression of dissatisfaction. A lot more powerful than a letter to the editor...

:woohoo: