Riot at Colombia’s National University
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
My 1st Time Tear-Gassed in Bogota
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.
Limpiezas in Colombia: Social Cleansing
SUMMARY: I discuss social cleansing, which Wikipedia defines as “the elimination of ‘undesirable’ social elements, such as criminals, homosexuals, and the homeless.” I believe the 7 de agosto neighborhood recently underwent a limpieza.
I’d heard of police and military carrying out extrajudicial killings of thieves and indigentes. But only recently have I read in-depth about social cleansing. The issue came up after I noticed a significant difference in the streets around 7 de agosto, one of those inexpensive produce markets around Calle 66 and Carrera 23.
I first passed through the area on the bike tour I took. I made a mental note to not cross Avenida Caracas in Chapinero if I didn’t have to. Then The Mick started taking me to the market for cheap food. I always hated going because the place is crawling with indigentes, bazuceros, stumble-bums, and drunks. After countless times going, I never stopped getting uncomfortable. I thought pictures or video of the area would be great for this blog, but I could never imagine stopping to take out a camera around all those dirty junkies. I even joined the conversation about 7 de agosto on Poorbuthappy, recommending tourists steer clear of the area. … Read more
Contributed Story: Revolution in China?
SUMMARY: An American expat in China discusses the political climate there and his opinion on the prospect of revolution. If Expat Chronicles wasn’t censored in China before, it surely is now. And I could care less.
You often hear in Western media that China’s government is immoral and oppressive, and you’re led to believe that at any minute the people will revolt to produce something resembling a modern democracy. I can barely speak Chinese (much less read it), so I’m no expert on Chinese culture or politics. But I’ve lived in China for almost two years now. This is my American perspective on Chinese culture and the prospect of revolution.
Revolution is a long shot. In Hong Kong I was studying for a Master’s degree in economics. None of my classmates seemed to have strong political views. Most took up economics because their parents told them to, or because they thought it would lead to a well paying job, or just for the prestige conferred by higher education – any subject would do.
Contributed Story: Instability in Tijuana
SUMMARY: Luis from Borrowed Flesh describes a day in Tijuana, one of the more violent cities in Mexico, which US officials have stated runs the risk of becoming a “failed state.”
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. Out of tired rheumy eyes, he watched three white Ford 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.
Seconds later and blocks away, gunfire and a rumbling explosion erupted. Five more trucks careened past, followed by monstrous paramilitary vehicles while the street teemed with pedestrians casually going about their affairs. … Read more
Arica: Chillin’ in Chile
SUMMARY: I take a trip to Arica, Chile, a charming little coastal town in northern Chile. I encountered some nice bribery action at immigration, met a bunch of friendly locals including some lovely Chilenas, and learned a (very) little about the local history. Sections include The Border Incident; Chile, Pinochet, and the Chicago Boys; The Chilean People; La Represión y Daniel Menco; and Pictures.
The Border Incident
I took a bus from Arequipa to Tacna, a pueblo on the Peruvian side of the Peru-Chile border, and arrived around 3am. 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.
We walked two blocks to his early-80s model Chevy Caprice and I put my suitcase in the trunk. The driver returned to the terminal to find more passengers. I noticed a small sign on the windshield advertising “Tarifa” for 20 soles or 4000 Chilean pesos. Hmmm… … Read more
Combi Strike
SUMMARY: The combis struck in Arequipa. I talk about strikes in Peru.
The combi employees went on strike last week. The government (again) tried to mandate that all public combis be less than 25 years old. This caused enough outrage among combi operators that they organized a strike. There were almost no combis on the road. I think the combi workers own their buses, but the companies own the route while taking a percentage from operators, and maybe even selling them the combis. This would explain why the rank and file combi drivers and attendants care about this new law – because they don’t want to buy new combis. … Read more
