A Revolution in Oaxaca
by Anthony Moss Sunday, Jul. 02, 2006 at 10:52 AM

On July 5, things will be different in one state in Mexico...

With attention focused on the elections and outcomes in Mexico today, few people realize that it is a backdrop for the people in many parts of Mexico to take back what it theirs.
Case in point: Oaxaca State. The corporate media has not really done much to touch on the massive social movements taking place in Oaxaca in recent years. A good example of this was the attempted repression by federal police of striking teachers in Oaxaca State's capital, which was forced back by the teachers. The media never reported that the teachers still occupy the zocalo, opening the door for a popular government to take control, thus ousting Ulises Ruiz Ortiz as governor.
Indeed, this June 5, three days after the election, two days after the so-called winner is determined, there will be a different kind of movement.
A civic strike is planned for July 5, as well as the fifth massive calling for the governor's removal, and to return the government of the state of Oaxaca to its people.
Outsiders might note the absence of the Zapatista Other Campaign's participation directly in this movement, but in fact, this movement is exactly what the Other Campaign calls for. It calls for the people to take back their livelihood, their voice, and their dignity from ruthless state officials who would sooner have them killed as listen to them. The APPO (Asemblea Popular del Pueblo de Oaxaca, or Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca) is not the run-of-the-mill, same ol' lies party like PRI, PAN, or even the PRD. It is a participatory democracy, truly a government by and for the people, that they may take their own destinies in their own hands.
This is a time to look to those peoples who stand up against bad governments and demand justice. What can we learn?

From the desert of the Other New Mexico
Anthony Moss

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