In Mexican wrestling, there is an event where a bunch of wrestlers get into the ring and go at each other until there is only one standing. Something similar is happening at the moment in Mexico. It isn't just the presidential chaos. It is citywide protests throughout the country, the drug cartels and the entrenched corruption and undefined line between politicos and criminals that threaten to turn the country into a free for all.
For the last few years and since the PAN took power in Mexico, a political storm is about to come to its end or beginning. The PRD, who so far it seems, lost the presidential race anyway you look at it, is still claiming that it won the election because of electoral fraud and to prove its point (Or that of its leader, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador)it closed down one of the main avenues and thoroughfares of the capital city. In essence shutting down this main corridor has created tensions between the business community, city commuters and the political parties themselves. Now the PRD along with Obrador, are threatening with "shutting down" the last of the State of the Union speeches of president Fox. They have amassed a large number of supporters outside of their congressional building at par with the armed guards and soldiers who normally protect the building and the President himself. It's not only the supporters oustide but also the members of the legislature who sit inside the chamber, who have also threatened to "quiet" the President during his speech. By the way. This is supposed to happen today. So keep your eyes on the news.
In the capital city of Oaxaca, what once was a protest for better wages for teachers (Asamblea Popular), has turned into a free for all as well, for all kind of organizations who demand the same-better wages and the resignation of their current governor. The protesters have also shut down the Zocalo in Oaxaca, a beautiful place when it isn't being crowded by protesters. There have been attacks to offices, newspapers, people have been shot and killed. Currently there are talks between the state government and the Asamblea Popular to "solve" their situation however, the protesters main demand is the removal of the governor and as things go, that might be the only viable solution for everything to return to the way it was before.
The recent arrest of the "Tigrillo" does not mean that drug trafficking is about to come to an end. It actually creates a power vacuum within the drug cartels who are now going to continue killing each other for more territory. The drug cartels were limited to the North of the country as of a couple of years ago. Now you hear about killings, retribution, drive by shooting happening throughout the country. It is not just in remote areas anymore. There are shooting on touristic areas, such as Cancun, Acapulco as well as in residential areas where innocent bystanders get caught in the line of fire.
Who is doing something about this?
Nobody it seems.
The current President is on his way out. The federal government so far has refused to take any action to solve demands or at least listen to them.
The City government in the capital, has blatantly supported the blocking of the main avenues by providing tents and other supplies to the protesters.
Your average everyday law abiding citizen in the meantime just goes about his business as best as he or she can. It is almost futile to complaint to your local government (delegacion) unless you know someone on the inside, your pleas will go unanswered. Of course if you have a briefcase full of dollar bills, then all the head honchos will be shining your shoes.
I know this happens everywhere and every country suffers from these maladies. What is troubling is what is coming ahead. Looking at previous events in other countries, the next and logical steps are not pleasant. Violence and more violence. Sort of like what you see in Mexican wrestling. Lots of biting, chair throwing, pulling of hair and blood everywhere with only one winner.
Who is going to be the last man standing in Mexico?
