Bravo! Just what I was looking for. I wish I could be there and I appreciate your photos very much! Too soon to tell who will prevail but I have hope for the people of Oaxaca and Mexico.
I bet there are crinimals losing sleep, here in el Norte, afraid that Mexico's outrage over stolen elections might be contagious...

"I bet there are crinimals losing sleep, here in el Norte, afraid that Mexico's outrage over stolen elections might be contagious..."

The popular movement in Oaxaca is about so much more than a stolen election. Ruiz stole the Oaxaca governor's election in 2004 and Calderón stole the presidential election in 2006. In Oaxaca, there is a popular struggle against neoliberalism. People are demanding control and self-determination over their own lives.

The people of Oaxaca are an example for the whole world! Let's make the capitalist criminals in the north really worry!

!ya basta!
en solidaridad con APPO!!

Calamity (or anyone else), do you have high-res versions of these photo's?

If so, please email me at:  max@riseup.net

-m

I spent close to 2 months living in this beautiful city 2 years ago and considered staying longer. I worked with people there and fell in love with this bautiful city and its people. I am devistated to see the violence and destruction that is being carried out there now. What is more, I am frustrated to see sites like this celebrating the violence. While Calderon's election was only by a tight margin the only way to properly move forward, especially in such a fragile democracy as Mexico's, is to simply re-group for the next chance at a ballot. I recognize that this issue in Oaxaca is bigger than Calderon but the lines seem to be blurred.

Oaxaca is an incredibly beautiful state filled with some of the nicest people I met on my travels through Mexico. The state's capital, Oaxaca city, is a jewel and it is a pity to see it so destroyed by wanton violence and disregard.

I think it is pertinent that on the eve of midterm elections to remind people that if elections and voting actually decided anything, or meant anything at all, they would be outlawed. As we can see in Mexico the only way for the people's will to be heard is through this kind of action. The only reason this isn't happening in the US is because the ruling class propaganda machine here is much more effective and efficient, and ubiquitous. We are either brainwashed into thinking that bourgeois democracy as usual will make a difference, or that its the only way things can really be done. What's more, too many of us are paralyzed with cynicism. I applaud the citizens of for their disillusionment, and more so for their optimism. If I get the chance, I will join my brothers and sisters in Oaxaca.

Dear Z.
I am absolutly appalled at your blatant lack of understanding of the over and underlying issues. I would first like to point out that your two month stint "living" in Oaxaca seems more like a rich or leisurely persons vacation, knowing what I do about Oaxaca your statements lead me to believe that you did not subject yourself to the every day life, trials, and tribulations of the people who live there! Nobody disputes the fact that Oaxaca is rich in beauty and indigenist culture, but do not be fooled. Oaxaca is close to the poorest state in mexico, 80% of the inhabitants of Oaxaca have NO access to sanitation and/or clean water. The people of Oaxaca live under constant oppression by the government and outside forces, they are consistantly kept down financially, educationally, and even sometimes physically to ensure there subjection to Mexico's ruling parties. Furthermore, if you truly read this website you would understand that this website is not "celebrating" violence, but reporting the truth and applausing the fact that finally a group with in the community of Oaxaca has risen up to demand basic human rights, a living wage for the people of the community i.e. teachers, and bring light to the fact that they have a valid stake in who runs their government. Last time I checked Mexico was a democracy; implicit in democracy is "publicly elected officials," when a publically elected offical no longer or does not represent the will of the people, in a democracy they are removed from power!

viva la causa!
viva la gente!
abajo con el gobierno ilegítimo

 macheteyamor@gmail.com

hi,

i was just in oaxaca for a wedding and while i have followed the events to the best of my ability, i do not claim to fully know all sides of the story. so politics aside, i was enamored with the beauty of the surroundings as well as the genuine and friendly people of oaxaca city. our group tried to steer clear of the violence (we were there for a wedding after all), but we did witness a few close calls.

locals were still talking about the unfortunate death of brad will and all had very kind words for him. a tragedy for sure. he will be remembered on both sides of the border i reckon, and may end up being responsible for helping bring more attention to the plight of the wonderful people of oaxaca, and hopefully a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

here are some links to the photos my wife and i took while there, including a "dia de los muertos" tribute to brad will and all of the victims of the conflict.

my phot stream (merrick brown):  http://www.flickr.com/photos/merrickb/sets/72157594364121628/

my wife (toyacoyah):  http://www.flickr.com/photos/toyacoyah/sets/72157594360502306/

all the best,
merrick brown
--
merrickb [@] gmail [.] com