Anti-U.S. protest violence ahead of Obama visit highlights concern over military pact in Philippines

[dipsydoodle]

Source: CBS News

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine police armed with truncheon, shields and water hose clashed Wednesday with more than 100 left-wing activists who rallied at the U.S. Embassy in Manila to oppose a visit by President Obama and a looming pact that will increase the American military presence in the Philippines.

Riot policemen blocked the flag-waving activists near the heavily fortified embassy compound but the protesters slipped past them, sparking a brief scuffle in view of motorists stuck in traffic.

The police sprayed the protesters with water from a fire truck to push them away. A police officer was punched in the face in the melee but no arrests were made. Some of the protesters carried paper U.S. flags with the message: "Obama, not welcome."

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/philippines-anti-us-protest-violence-ahead-of-obama-visit-over-military-pact/

[dotymed]

1. "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man"

has a very informative (and sad) chapter that tells of the American government/corporate corruption, including the CIA
assassination of a sitting Panamanian President, that it took to "convince" Panama to allow American corporations to build the canal.