The Times printed a news analysis on the recent coup attempt in the Philippines. Here’s the letter I sent the editor (we’ll see if I get published):
Sunday’s news analysis that “ Political Turmoil Again Thwarts Progress in Philippines†wrongly puts the blame on former President Aquino. Continuous corruption of the many Philippine leaders since Aquino has deeply harmed the legitimacy of their government. President Arroyo’s squashing the free speech of the protesters and news media only makes matters worse. A functioning democracy requires more than just elections; the need for a government which the Filipino people can rely on is of the greatest importance.
John Thomson, Jr.
PhD Student, University of Wisconsin School of Journalism and Mass Communication