There is a world of difference between the “occupation” of Wall Street and many other cities not only in the US but all over the world by unarmed protestors, and the occupation of Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya by the US and Nato armed forces. But there is also a definite and clear, though not obvious connection between them.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan, New Patriotic Alliance) strongly opposes any attempt of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to leave the country. In a time when she is being investigated for plunder and election fraud, leaving the country would undermine efforts at making her accountable.