Volunteers   2008-06-05 14:27

As the second round of massive protests looms close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of those nameless individuals who have volunteered to assist the weary protesters during last weekend's violent crackdown. Many victims of police brutality had been treated on the streets by doctors and nurses who had come to help. Food and drink had been available on the sidewalks for free. Blankets had been provided to quell the shivers of those who had suffered the hideous water cannons. We thank all who have offered their help. Without you, our brothers and sisters would never have lasted till dawn. We continue without fear, for we know that you are there.

We also thank those who have done their best to maintain peace -- at least on our side of the barricade. In any crowd there are a few who would take the opportunity to get away with violence. But they did not get a chance this week, as the rest of us kept chanting "Nonviolence!" even as police officers kicked us around. As I have emphasized before, if there is going to be any violence, it will come from Lee Myung-Bak's government rather than from us. As usual, we hold only candlelights in our hands.

So we walk into the uncertain future. 2MB and his government has shown nothing but contempt at us so far. Will they change? I sincerely hope so. What if they don't? Well, we'll see.