global212

The political situation in Mexico is a bit tense at the moment. Both Oaxaca and Mexico City are swirling in tumultuous energy due to the political elections and the unequal social conditions. The Oaxacan teachers strike, which has evolved into a social movement, has grown more tense. The annual teacher strike has lasted for more than ten weeks, since May 22, and while educational demands were the impetus, it has evolved into a debate surrounding human rights and democratic expression. Now other groups have joined the teachers in solidarity, calling for the ousting of Governor Ulises Ruiz, who not only ordered a tear gas showering over the teachers at 4am on June 14, but has remodeled the zocalo and the Parque Llano, destroying trees and the colonial architecture along with it. With so many dire necessities in many small pueblos, such as basic schooling, potable water and access to electricity and in the state of Oaxaca, the fiscal irresponsibility has driven the people to revolt. They want him to either resign or be expelled from office. The mainstream media is saying it is only the teacher demands, it´s more than that. This week a group of woman overtook the radio station and have been broadcasting their message. Just yesterday, the government offices and their vehicles were taken by the group to immobilze the government. It is not dangerous, as the mainstream media is portaying. Some streets are blocked off, but you can freely walk around. There are no checkpoints and no certainly no people walking around with pipes. Speaking of blocked sreets, Calle Reforma, the main artery of Mexico City has been blocked all this week by PRD Lopez Obrador supporters who want a vote for vote recount of the July 2 presidential elections. All this of course is fueling Oaxacan politics as well. I was in Mexico City on Monday and it is a tense situation...Now I am in Tlapa, Guerrero doing my interviews in small pueblos, about to return to Oaxaca City this week...Guerrero has the fame of being aggressive, but frankly the ambiance here is very tranquil and as always, I am happy here...I will write more soon later in the week when I am back in Oaxaca.

Here is an NPR link in English, which is fairly accurate, but isn´t giving the whole picture: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5614073