18 January 2007

acampamiento

let me first say that someone is leaving me semi-rude anonymous comments...to be honest, i don't appreciate anonymous comments. If you have something to say to me, please please please say it nombrado, for the sake of character and discussion.

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Yesterday we went to check out the APPO camp. I was expecting that everyone there would be (I have no idea why I had this assumption) Chilangos (Chilango is the word used to describe a person from Mexico City) in support of the APPO, what I found was a line of Oaxacans, selling their products directly made by Oaxacan hands. I want so badly to interview these people. Over the statue that they camp in front of, they've hung a home-made flag that I'm sure says something profound/protesty but the wind has rapped around the statue, rendering it illegible. The products sold are typical; bracelets, hats, scarves, inscense and information. The camp is falling apart. There are a couple of co-ops where people bring fod, clothes and the like to support the protesters and the rest are housing. It's definately interesting, nothing I've ever seen in my life.

The news has announced that not only has the price of corn (and consequently tortillas) gone up, but also the price of chickens, due to their increasingly costly diet and thus the cost of eggs. Presidente Calderón promised the people that when he became president he would reduce the salary of his officers -- that he's done....by 200 pesos. 200 pesos....the equivalent of rougly 20 USD. I have more than twice that in my purse right now. The country is mad, but nothing really is being done. These officials earn 151 thousand pesos per month while there are people on every street begging for food, money...anything. Sure, officials in the US gain plenty too, but let's face it, the poverty rates in the US are not close to those of Mexico.



Sorry, I think this is going to be a short blog today, I'm a bit put off by the rude comment made on my last blog....

4 comments:

Eliza B said...

hello lovely! i have a birthday package for you and have the address you left me for tonios parents, is that still where you want things to be sent? and ups or fedex or does it matter?

also if that person doesnt stop being rude to you i will personally kick the shit out of them.

love you!

Ashley Smith said...

send them to that place, but PLEASE look for cheaper places than FEDEX or UPS to send them. aand, just FYI, do not put (as the insurance) that the package is worth more than $50....yes, you'll get that money back if something happens to it, but I'll have to pay COD, something I can't afford!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweetie, Anytime you or anyone expresses an opinion that reflects on what countries, or economies are doing or not doing, you are going to get flack from from the opposite views, and it will hurt. Just remember that it is just an opinion, and like assholes, everybody has one. We love you. Always do good work. Grampa

Anonymous said...

How much is a dozen tortillas and a dozen eggs, just to get a prespective?....