21 Killed as Political Rivalry turns violent

Caitlin Adams
11/23/09 6:00 pm
21 Killed as political rivalry turns violent
This article is about an attack that took place in the Philippines killing a politician’s wife along with 20 other Filipinos. The gunman apparently wanted to prevent this woman from filing her husband’s nomination to run for provincial governor. There were 21 confirmed deaths, about 30 people held hostage and it is said that there may be more bodies buried. The killings happened before troops arrived. Philippine elections tend to be violent in the south because of the presence of armed groups. These groups include Muslim rebels fighting for self-rule and political warlords who maintain private armies.
Hearing stories like this makes me feel thankful to live in America. Yes, people here have their fair share of political disagreements but it is not every day you turn on the 5 o’clock news to hear that there has been a shooting because of an election or because someone voiced their opinion. The Philippines are facing an election in May 2010 and it makes me wonder if they are planning ahead for violence. I feel that a lot of these violent acts could be taken care of if proper measures are taken before hand. For example, if they know that their elections have the tendency to be violent, than maybe plan for more security.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34105360/ns/world_news-asiapacific/