Bloody protests

[Dante]

In a slightly ghoulish yet very impressive display, protesters in Thailand have been donating their blood to massive demonstrations where it is poured out at government buildings. I have to say, though it's a largely symbolic gesture (the protesters are on the whole keen to negotiate and avoid confrontation), it's a very impressive one all the same.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8571592.stm

[athanasios]

I wouldn't call that impressive. It is shocking. And more shocking it was for the police to through tear gases and chemicals on the face of a certain protester here in Greece: an elderly person, member of the parliament and most important, one of the few surviving WWII heroes-a living legend. Shame... (Note: This doesn't mean I support his ideas and political views-he is a communist-but there are values you cannot trample like this.)

[Dante]

Impressive and shocking are not mutually exclusive. I think it shows an admirable level of dedication, whether to the cause or the symbol is irrelevent. Blood is, after all, a very potent device.

[Dragoon Knight]

Waste of good blood, I'd say.  Can't be too picky, since I'm not a blood donor myself, but I doubt those in hospitals needing a transfusion would be happy at the loss.

Strange sense of priorities, that.  People are willing to throw their own blood away because of a political issue, but not to save another person's life?

[Dante]

Think of it like this: they're willing to expend it on themselves, but not others. Though you're not the first to make that observation.

[Dragoon Knight]

Think of it like this: they're willing to expend it on themselves, but not others.

Selfishness, really.  I mean sure, I don't donate, but that's because I'm lazy.  If donation people went round door to door, I'd certainly be happy to oblige a pint or so.

Although it does sound strikingly similar to a certain Monty Python sketch.  Liver donation is involved. :P

Though you're not the first to make that observation.

D: