Thank you for your testimony.
I'm one of the people who was hopeful when the original revolution took place. We had folks come before this committee, as our study evolved over a couple of years, and they talked about how the people were so proud to carry the constitution in their hands. There was a sense of optimism that we were receiving here.
One of the things I would say first of all, Mr. Vecchio, is that in 1996 I led a demonstration in Canada. At the time it was the largest civil demonstration, with 100,000 people. I didn't have to worry about the police at all. We had no injuries and no arrests. I certainly can empathize with the position you feel you're in, because when you lead a demonstration of that size you're never clear on what might happen internally or who may cause disruptions, so you anticipate the potential for problems. However, in my worst nightmare I wouldn't have had to consider what you have faced in this.
One thing that was said here by one of the people who testified was that the people distrusted the police before they were let go and that they trusted the military. It sounds to me that there must be a tremendous sense of betrayal if the police whom they didn't trust were let go and now the military is doing many of the same things. I think you've indicated quite clearly what you hope to come from us, so I'm not going to ask that question.
It sounds like the military is completely out of control and perhaps certain people are exercising more sway over them than they should, not necessarily the political leadership.
Is there any separation between the political leadership and the military, or is it all top-down?