Mexico Now!!

Hola to all and to all I hope life is treating you well. I thought it somewhat necessary to share some current events and general info regarding contemporary Mexican affairs. If only to broaden your world view abit and provide some insight into that country just to the south of you…..yeah that 51st State that the Bush Amin…..ok, I won’t go there….”Just the facts mam, just the facts.”
This is an election year in Mexico….yes, for the presidency of the Republic of Mexico. Three parties are currently mudslinging there way to July 2, election day, where one of them will serve one term of 6 years as the US’s new lap dog…..though he’ll have tough shoes to fill given the current President’s perfect track record for not wetting the bed….but hey, a former CEO of Coca Cola Mexico knows when to give little licky kisses and when to just LIE DOWN!! Damnit these fingers of mine just won’t obey. JUST THE FACTS!! Sooooo…..some more current events…..Currently there’s a stand off between the Mex Gov. and some flower growers/sellers from Texcoco (just east of Mex. City), some very poor farmers from Atenco (a town very close to Texcoco) who are in solidarity with the folks in Texcoco and La Otra Campana (The Other Campaign). The story behind this conflict is very, very intriguing, and equally disturbing, given the current presidential campaigns as well as the history of blatant corruption that is (IS) the Mex. Gov. and Police Force. For the last couple of weeks hundreds of roit police have surrounded the town and have brutally beaten and detained farmers, students, laborers, and journalists. Women have been sexually assaulted and beaten while in police custody. A young boy of 14 was killed by the impact of a tear gas projectile (made in U.S.A.). Those that are opposing the police repression have managed to close down many of the main roadways heading in and out of Mexcio City. For those that are interested in more information I’ve included some links that will shed more light on the situation. And also some photos of a Solidarity March (one of several) that have taken place here in San Cristobal.

Summery of what happened originally in Atenco May 3rd. http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=59&ItemID=10216
News about police brutality. http://narconews.com/Issue41/article1807.html
Rare interview with Subcomendante Marcos—“La Otra Campana” and Zapatista spokesperson. Two parts http://narconews.com/Issue41/article1794.html http://narconews.com/Issue41/article1799.html ---- interviews have great info on what the Zapatistas are up to right now.

I’ll leave you with a few lines from an ancient book of indispensable wisdom--Tao Te Ching.

If a country is governed with tolerance,
the people are comfortable and honest.
If a country is governed with repression,
the people are depressed and crafty.

Love to all……
ryan