Protests in Panama

What are the protests in Panama over? Social Security reform.

Panamanian police battled thousands of demonstrators around the national assembly on Wednesday in the third straight day of fierce protests against pension reforms.

Construction workers and teachers joined the protests and burned effigies of President Martin Torrijos, promising "sticks, stones and molotovs" if the reform proposals became law.

Protesters hurled bottles and rocks at police, who responded with tear gas and shotgun blasts. Thousands fled choking as armored police vehicles combed the area and made arrests. No serious injuries were reported.

Makes our debates over Bush's privatization plan look a bit boring...