Unconventional participation in Mexico
Well, maybe not so unconventional in Mexico City. Remember the political culture and politics of the capital city is distinct from the rest of the country.More than 100,000 Mexicans protest crime wave
"MEXICO CITY – More than 100,000 frustrated Mexicans, many carrying pictures of kidnapped loved ones, marched across the country Saturday to demand government action against a relentless tide of killings, abductions and shootouts."The mass candlelight protests were a challenge to the government of President Felipe Calderón, who has made fighting crime a priority...
"City officials refused to give a crowd estimate, but the Zocalo can hold nearly 100,000 people. Tens of thousands overflowed into the surrounding streets, unable to squeeze into the square. Thousands more protested in cities across the country...
"While impoverished Mexicans stage almost daily strikes and protests, Saturday's marches brought out thousands of middle-class citizens who are often the targets of kidnappings. The protest was inspired by the abduction and murder of the 14-year-old son of a wealthy businessman – a case that provoked an outcry when prosecutors said a police detective was a key participant in the abduction for ransom...
"Having staked his presidency on improving security, Calderón responded to the rising anger by summoning governors and mayors to a national security meeting, drawing up a a 74-point anti-crime plan.
"It included plans for better police recruiting and oversight systems, as well as an anti-kidnapping strategy within six months. The Defense Department promised to equip police with more powerful automatic weapons.
"Calderón has urged patience, warning that rooting out drug gangs and bringing security to the streets would not happen by decree..."
See also: Mexicans add modern tool to ancient art of protest: Facebook
"The protest is an art form in Mexico. Load up a bus by offering a meal or a few pesos as an incentive, arm the troops with signs and bullhorns, and find a strategic plaza or street for maximum attention or disruption.
"But with outrage bubbling after the kidnapping and murder of a teenage boy, a 27-year-old teacher has found a new way to rally Mexicans, a modern tool known here by its English name: Facebook.
"On a whim, America Aleman organized an anti-crime march on her Facebook page, the same one she uses to send party invitations to her 1,000 "friends." In just two weeks, her event page added tens of thousands of supporters on the social-networking site, and Aleman became a regular on Mexico's largest media outlets.
"The Mexico City power brokers behind a competing march were so impressed by Aleman's cyber-organizing that they asked to combine efforts and installed her on the steering committee for a candlelight march Saturday that drew more than 100,000 in Mexico City..."
Labels: civil society, Mexico, participation, political culture, politics
posted by Ken Wedding @ 6:06 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home