Tag Archives: civil unrest
Riot at Colombia’s National University
Posted on 29. Jun, 2010 by Colin.
SUMMARY: Pictures and video of a riot at Colombia’s national university.
Alternate Title: My 2nd Time Tear-Gassed in Colombia
While Universidad de los Andes is the most prestigious in Colombia, the national university is actually ranked higher. One of the national university’s claims to fame comes from its former rector and recent presidential candidate, Antanas Mockus. He once mooned a disorderly crowd of students. … Read more
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My 1st Time Tear-Gassed in Bogota
Posted on 15. Apr, 2010 by Colin.
SUMMARY: Short dittie about my first whiff of tear gas during a small riot in Chicó.
I got a small dose of tear gas for the first time in my life today. Late for a class, I was speeding north on the Carrera 11 bike path. When I pulled up to Calle 72, I saw there was a small but common riot outside Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. Pedestrians blocked the sidewalk near the intersection so I had to slow my bike to a stop. There was no car traffic as the coppers had blocked off 11 and 72.
Being in a hurry, I quickly sized up the situation. Facing north up 11 from the south side of 72, I saw the rolito rioters standing on the median on the other side of 11. They were throwing rocks at the riot police who were holding their position north of 72 next to the Porciúncula church. This picture was my exact view of the northwest corner.
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Limpiezas in Colombia: Social Cleansing
Posted on 06. Mar, 2010 by Colin.
SUMMARY: I discuss social cleansing in Colombia, which Wikipedia defines as “the elimination of ‘undesirable’ social elements, such as criminals, homosexuals, and the homeless.”
I’ve heard of police and military carrying out extrajudicial killings of thieves and indigentes. The issue came up after I noticed a significant difference in the streets around 7 de agosto, which is usually crawling with indigentes… Read more
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Contributed Story: Revolution in China?
Posted on 28. Feb, 2010 by Colin.
SUMMARY: An American expat in China explains his opinion on the prospect of revolution.
Western media will have you believe China’s government is immoral and oppressive, and that at any minute people will revolt to produce a modern democracy. I’m no expert but I’ve lived in China for almost two years now. This is my American perspective on the prospect of revolution… Read more
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Contributed Story: Instability in Tijuana
Posted on 06. Nov, 2009 by Colin.
SUMMARY: Luis Blasini from Borrowed Flesh describes a typical day in Tijuana, one of the most violent cities in Mexico.
An old man draped in filthy rags blinked in the unrelenting Mexican sun. His creased face was the color of a brown paper bag and he sported a dingy yellow cowboy hat. From tired eyes he watched three white trucks – Tijuana paddy wagons – hurtling down a broad street kicking up dust. Several police clung to the sides as they raced by – dark eyes filled with fear and hatred, faces covered in black masks. One stared back at the old man, fingering his shiny black AK-47. The old man stood glaring in apathy… Read more
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Arica: Chillin’ in Chile
Posted on 24. Mar, 2009 by Colin.
SUMMARY: Short trip to Arica, Chile, a charming coastal town in northern Chile. Including a bizarre Border Incident.
The Border Incident
I took a bus from Arequipa to Tacna, a pueblo on the Peruvian side of the Peru-Chile border. We arrived around 3 am. Collectivo taxi drivers sell trips across the border. I was solicited the second I exited the bus terminal. I asked how much and the guy replied “30 soles.” I agreed… Read more
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Combi Strike in Arequipa, Peru
Posted on 28. Jan, 2009 by Colin.
SUMMARY: The combis, Peruvian buses, struck in Arequipa, stopping life as we know it.
The combi employees went on strike last week. The government tried to mandate that all public combis be less than 25 years old, causing enough outrage for a strike. There were no combis. … Read more
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News Roundup – Nov 12, 2008
Posted on 12. Nov, 2008 by Colin.
SUMMARY: News stories from Peru with links. Including a sexy picture of Leysi Suarez on a horse.
Peru ‘to sue Yale for Inca items’
Peru offers Obama hairless dog
In Peru, a Rebellion Reborn
Naked model faces jail for offending Peru
Magnitude 6 quake strikes southern Peru
Reports: Police hurt, held hostage amid Peru protests
Years after slaughter, Peru opens giant burial pit
Fitch Upgrades Peru to Investment Grade
APEC finance ministers coordinate crisis responses
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Basketball, Language, and Civil Unrest in Peru
Posted on 15. Jun, 2008 by Colin.
SUMMARY: My new basketball team, improving Spanish, and the protest / civil unrest dimension of Arequipa, Peru.
My basketball team played our first game last Wednesday night. I played about 15 of the 40 minute game. In my 15 minutes, I had 2 points, several rebounds, a few blocks, and 3 fouls. The refs here call MUCH closer than in the States. Or maybe they’re picking on me because I’m a gringo playing rough. … Read more
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