Report from U.S. activists in Oaxaca
Update on the Caravana Magonista in the Zocalo
Last night I slept in the Zocalo for the second time; and was excited when I almost was put on watch duty at the barracades set in three block radians around the zocalo. The barricades are makeshift and mostly made out of scrap corrugated sheet metal pieced together, graffitied and guarded by mostly men with sticks and homemade shields. Our own camp has a green shield made from half of a city garbage can with a spray painted anarchy symbol on the front and various sticks and metal poles.
The idea is if there is any trouble, the barricades will hold down the fort and give time to toose who want to get out and those who want to fight. There have been rumors of impending expulsions and repression but up till now nothing has happened (since the 14th of June). I slept unnervingly well and am getting use to the feel of sleeping on concrete and living among deep tensions.
Since we have been with CIPO our Caravan has particpated in all sorts of events which could result in our deportation, since Mexican law does not allow for foreigners to participate politically but so far we have not had any problems or encounters, although undercovers have been around the camp during the day. It´s easy to feel invulnerable but I have to keep reminding myself to be careful and cautious. It´s hard to come to terms with how the police and goverment operate when it´s all intellectual at this point.
Even so the risks and experience outway the danger. Sometimes it´s hard to believe that we are in the middle of what some call a war zone as everything just seems normal during the day and the tourists walk by for the most part oblivious and assured of their desearving. Even though we are okay for the time being, I´ve initiated discussions with the Caravan about security and emergency situations, partly because I feel somewhat responsible and i want us to be prepared for any possible craziness.
The Popular Assembly suspended the camps in the zocalo over the weekend in order to vote : [ …. And so far have not come back in the numbers they previously had. CIPO and other non-magesterial groups have maintained their presence throughout but are therefore more vunerable to attacks. This has been a point of contention internally in CIPO because often they have felt disrespected inside the Assembly, and wondered if they should even continue working with them. Especially since the politics of the majority of the teachers is inside the existing political hierarchy, and they are the Assembly´s base and majority.
Many people say this whole strike and occupation will not end with out more blood, and for better or worse it seems possible. I guess in the 80´s when the students overthrew the governer of Oaxaca there was a lot more bloodshed and widespread support. Although the government seems like they could make this who thing sputter out by giving a few concessions, it´s not really what they have the reputation for lately… and unfortunately blood may be the only thing that can unite and mobilize this movement.
From the center of many contradictions
the magonista caravan
Last night I slept in the Zocalo for the second time; and was excited when I almost was put on watch duty at the barracades set in three block radians around the zocalo. The barricades are makeshift and mostly made out of scrap corrugated sheet metal pieced together, graffitied and guarded by mostly men with sticks and homemade shields. Our own camp has a green shield made from half of a city garbage can with a spray painted anarchy symbol on the front and various sticks and metal poles.
The idea is if there is any trouble, the barricades will hold down the fort and give time to toose who want to get out and those who want to fight. There have been rumors of impending expulsions and repression but up till now nothing has happened (since the 14th of June). I slept unnervingly well and am getting use to the feel of sleeping on concrete and living among deep tensions.
Since we have been with CIPO our Caravan has particpated in all sorts of events which could result in our deportation, since Mexican law does not allow for foreigners to participate politically but so far we have not had any problems or encounters, although undercovers have been around the camp during the day. It´s easy to feel invulnerable but I have to keep reminding myself to be careful and cautious. It´s hard to come to terms with how the police and goverment operate when it´s all intellectual at this point.
Even so the risks and experience outway the danger. Sometimes it´s hard to believe that we are in the middle of what some call a war zone as everything just seems normal during the day and the tourists walk by for the most part oblivious and assured of their desearving. Even though we are okay for the time being, I´ve initiated discussions with the Caravan about security and emergency situations, partly because I feel somewhat responsible and i want us to be prepared for any possible craziness.
The Popular Assembly suspended the camps in the zocalo over the weekend in order to vote : [ …. And so far have not come back in the numbers they previously had. CIPO and other non-magesterial groups have maintained their presence throughout but are therefore more vunerable to attacks. This has been a point of contention internally in CIPO because often they have felt disrespected inside the Assembly, and wondered if they should even continue working with them. Especially since the politics of the majority of the teachers is inside the existing political hierarchy, and they are the Assembly´s base and majority.
Many people say this whole strike and occupation will not end with out more blood, and for better or worse it seems possible. I guess in the 80´s when the students overthrew the governer of Oaxaca there was a lot more bloodshed and widespread support. Although the government seems like they could make this who thing sputter out by giving a few concessions, it´s not really what they have the reputation for lately… and unfortunately blood may be the only thing that can unite and mobilize this movement.
From the center of many contradictions
the magonista caravan
posted by Alice at
Friday, July 07, 2006
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