global212

Since last Wednesday, when Oaxacan governor Ulises Ruiz stated he would not resign, the APPO has been using more force to get their voice heard. Banks were surrounded and closed on Thursday and the entrances and exits to the city were blocked on Friday, Monday and Tuesday, paralyzing the city. On Monday morning the government attacked and killed one of the APPO who were standing guard over the Canal 9 station that the women overtook last week. In retailiation the APPO stormed and took over the twelve radio stations in the city, seized the public transportation busses and used them as roadblocks at intersections all around the city. The school year was supposed to have started on Monday, but was suspended by the teachers. A new group, "Oaxaca en Paz" (Oaxaca in Peace) has now sprung up against the APPO. Posting the photos and home addresses of the leaders on their website (www.oaxacaenpaz.org.mx), they are urging people to sequester the leaders. Now isn't that peaceful? It's "civil society" against the government and "civil society" against "civil society". While the teachers and the APPO had many supporters early on, more and more are abandoning them, as it has been three months of road closures, bank closures, and traffic jams. With each passing day there is more forceful retailiation and more insecurity as no one knows what may come to pass. It's a real 'Mexican standoff' (!) as each side is not backing down. No one seems to be gaining anything from this, but most importantly the children are the ones who are losing out, as they are not in school.
I have been trying to leave for four days, but with the blocked highways suspending bus service, my only option is to fly out to Mexico City tomorrow in order to make my scheduled flight from D.F.back to the U.S. I have so many mixed feelings as there seemed to be hope for some change, but it seems to be deteriorating in violence. While history does point out that violence and revolution can create change, my peaceful warrior wants another route taken. I have been impressed by the organization and the ability to mobilize quickly. The use of the media: radio, websites, newspaper, and tv has been most impressive and the expressive graffittiart has been a pleasure in the midst of the mess. Enjoy the photos.