In Chile, a happy birthday to Bernardo O'Higgins and catcalls for Pinera

[rabs]

Today was the 233rd anniversary of the birth of Gen. Bernardo O'Higgins, the leader of Chile's independence from Spain two centuries ago (along with Gen. Jose de San Martin of Argentina).

There was a ceremony in Chillán, a small city south of Santiago and the birthplace of O'Higgins.

Pinera was there, only to be met with demonstrations, just a couple of blocks from the presidential stage.

There was the usual tear gas and water cannon. About 35 people wound up being detained, including a 10-year-old child and his mother.

Only about 300 handpicked people were allowed to witness the ceremony and a military parade that followed. All other people from Chillan were not allowed.

What this means is that wherever he appears in public, Pinera will face noisy demonstrations against him and his administration because of the student/teacher calls for educational reforms.

Halfway through his presidential, Pinera has transformed Chile into a social pressure-cooker that is overheating.

Some way to ease the ever-growing national pressure will have to be found or there could be a serious social explosion.

There is a nationwide strike set for next week, Aug. 24/25, at which hundreds of thousands of workers, students, teachers and parents are expected to turn out.



Pinera and his generals in Chillan today.


Parade honoring O'Higgins, but residents of Chillan were not allowed to see it.


Carbineros detaining a demonstrator in Chillan.