Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico MEXICO SOLIDARITY NETWORK WEEKLY NEWS AND ANALYSIS NOVEMBER 24-30, 2008 1. World Festival of Dignified Rage 2. Plans to drill for oil in Chiapas 3. Noose tightens around Garcia Luna 4. First official break with ACE 5. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]) 1. World Festival of Dignified Rage Subcomandante Marcos and Lieutenant Colonel Moises reported Friday on the progress of the First World Festival of Dignified Rage.  The Festival is scheduled for Mexico City December 26-29, Oventic December 30-January 1, and San Cristobal de las Casas January 2-5.  The Mexico City festival will include hundreds of booths set up by political organizations, collectives and solidarity groups.  Presentations in Mexico City are organized around the four “wheels” of capitalism (exploitation, dislocation, repression and contempt) with the mornings dedicated to the impacts of capitalism and the afternoons dedicated to alternatives.  Comandantas Susana, Miriam, Florencia, Hortensia and Everilda, Capitana Elena, Comandantes David, Tacho, Zebedeo and Guillermo, Lieutenant Colonel Moises, and two children – Lupita and Tonita – are scheduled to be present in Oventic.  A Zapatista communiqué said, “Entrance to all of the activities of the festival are free and open for anyone who wants to come and find out about the dignified rage that is organized in Mexico and the world.” 2. Plans to drill for oil in Chiapas Energy Secretary Georgina Kessel announced plans this week to begin drilling for oil in the Lacandon rainforest.  Citing a study conducted by Pemex, Kessel estimated by 2021 Chiapas fields could be producing 500,000 barrels a day from 17,000 new wells.  Kessel also announced the construction of a bio-energy plant to produce biodiesel from the jatrofa curcus, a hardy plant that can be grown in marginal soils.  Experts predict the facility will require at least 7,500 acres of mono-culture production.  The plant uses technology developed in Colombia and is financed by at least US$800,000 in federal and state funds.  Two previously funded bio-energy plants in Cintalapa and Huehuetan consumed about US$500,000 in state investment, but both plants are now abandoned, due in part to the lack of a market for the relatively expensive bio-diesel.  Some communities participating in the federal ProArbol (Pro-Tree) program are reportedly receiving seeds to plant jatrofa curcus instead of trees. Kessel’s announcement is part of an ambitious resurgence of Plan Puebla Panama, now renamed the Mesoamerica Project, that contemplates four regional development engines: tourism, minerals, oil and bio-energy.  Plans include construction of a controversial highway linking San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque.  Canadian mining companies have been particularly active in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas region.  The plans are generating substantial community-based opposition from indigenous communities and environmentalists. 3. Noose tightens around Garcia Luna The law enforcement noose tightened around Security Secretary Genaro Garcia Luna this week as the Federal Attorney General (PGR) interviewed his former personal secretary, Mario Velarde, for possible links to drug cartels.  Velarde’s name surfaced during interviews with a protected witness code-named Felipe who accused several high ranking officials of selling information to the Beltran Leyva cartel.  Velarde is the only official questioned as a result of Felipe’s testimony who is not currently under arrest, though he remains under investigation.  President Felipe Calderon went out of his way to publicly defend his Security Secretary.  The President’s speech was heavily criticized across the political spectrum, including by Manuel Espino, former President of the PAN and a rival of Calderon. In related news, about half of Mexico’s federal, state and local police have failed evaluations this year that include psychological, toxicological, socio-economic and medical exams plus a lie-detector test.  The highest failure rates, between 60 and 89%, were registered in states where drug cartels are particularly active, including Baja California, Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon.  The evaluations included 56,000 police, of which only 42% received a passing grade. 4. First official break with ACE Following increasingly militant demonstrations by teachers and supporters, the State Institute of Public Education of Oaxaca announced plans on Friday to work with Section 22 of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) to produce an alternative to the Alliance for Quality Education (ACE).  The agreement to open negotiations followed a mass demonstration by Section 22 and the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca (APPO) commemorating the second anniversary of police repression in the state capitol during the 2006 popular uprising.  Meanwhile, dissident teachers Long message truncated by MailBucket.

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico 2009 Study Abroad Opportunities in Mexico TWO SPOTS OPEN FOR SPRING 2009 STUDY IN MEXICO Here’s a unique opportunity to study in an accredited program with some of Mexico’s most important living social movements, including: - Zapatistas in Chiapas - The Frente Popular Francisco Villa Independiente, Mexico’s largest urban housing movement - The Consejo Nacional Urbano Campesino, one of Mexico’s most important rural movements - Families of femicide victims and maquiladora workers in Ciudad Juarez These unique study abroad programs feature home stays with members of social movements, encouraging unprecedented learning opportunities with organizers and activists on the front line in popular struggles.  The program combines experiential learning with theoretical work in a seminar and workshop based pedagogy focused on student participation. The programs are accredited by the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, one of Mexico’s most important public universities.  Hampshire College and SUNY-Albany are the US schools of record and provide official transcripts.  The program is also formally recognized by the University of Texas-Austin, New Mexico State University, Appalachian State University, and more than 70 others. Fall and Spring semesters are 14 week, 16-credit programs that travel the length and breadth of Mexico, including Chiapas, Mexico City, Tlaxcala and Ciudad Juarez. Spring 2009: January 25 – May 2 Fall 2009: September 6 – December 12 Two summer 2009 programs focus on: Border dynamics, with an emphasis on third world feminism.  This six week course offers 8 credits and is based in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.  The course is Spanish immersion with classes and most readings in Spanish. June 14 – July 25 Mexican social movements.  This eight week course offers 11 credits and is based in Chiapas, Mexico City and Tlaxcala. June 7 – August 1 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  Programs have a tendency to fill quickly, so apply early to assure your spot.  Most financial aid programs from your home university are applicable, and you can apply for aid through our US schools of record.  The Mexico Solidarity Network also offers a scholarship program.  We’ll work with you to make sure this unique study abroad opportunity is affordable. For more information, see our web site at www.mexicosolidarity.org [1] or contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [2].  [1] http://www.mexicosolidarity.org/ [2] MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico MEXICO SOLIDARITY NETWORK WEEKLY NEWS AND ANALYSIS NOVEMBER 17-23, 2008 1. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR DRUG TIES 2. NEW INVESTIGATION INTO DIGNA OCHOA DEATH 3. ZAPATISTAS CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF EZLN 4. NEW CHIAPAS POLITICAL LEADER – BACK TO THE PAST 5. CALDERON REJECTS RENEGOTIATION OF NAFTA 6. IMMIGRATION DROPS 42% IN TWO YEARS 7. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]) 1. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR DRUG TIES With the detention of drug czar Noe Ramirez and two former heads of Interpol in Mexico, President Felipe Calderon’s war on drugs may be on the verge of falling apart.  In an interview this weekend with a Spanish newspaper, Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora was forced to answer probing questions in the negative: “The institutional capacity has not been destroyed.  The fact that we eliminated these people does not destroy the institution.  They are infiltrators, but there is absolutely no institutional collapse.  It’s these same institutions that are carrying out the cleanup.”  But with many of Mexico’s most powerful anti-drug officials under investigation, including Ricardo Gutierrez Vargas, Director of Interpol Mexico, and Rodolfo de la Guardia Garcia, the number two official at the Federal Investigative Agency from 2003 to 2005, the war on drugs may be crumbling in the face of massive narco-bribes.  Gutierrez Vargas enjoyed access to an international database on narcotics trafficking, and reportedly received as much as US$450,000 per month for turning over information to the Sinaloa Cartel.  Former federal police commissioner Gerardo Garay, Miguel Colorado Gonzalez and Fernando Rivera Hernandez, both members of the Attorney’s General organized crime task force (SIEDO), Javier Herrera Valles, former Coordinator of Regional Security for the Federal Preventative Police, and four military officers are among the high level officials accused in recent weeks of working for the cartels.  The case of Herrera Valles is particularly complicated.  The former police official has accused Genaro Garcia Luna, the Secretary of Public Security in Calderon’s cabinet, of a series of irregularities, and claims the charges against him are retribution by the Calderon administration.  While there is currently no investigation of Garcia Luna, the name of his former personal secretary, Mario Velarde Martinez, surfaced recently in a related investigation of narcotics trafficking.  Garcia Luna has been publicly critical of the number of investigations touching the highest levels of his department, indicating a potentially nasty feud between the Secretary of Public Security and the federal Attorney General. Corrupt officials are nothing new in Mexico.  Ten years ago, the first drug czar, Jesus Gutierrez Rebollo, who presided over the now defunct National Institute for Combating Drugs, was detained for links to the Juarez Cartel. 2. NEW INVESTIGATION INTO DIGNA OCHOA DEATH Mexico City’s Attorney General opened a new investigation this week into the death of Digna Ochoa, an internationally known human rights lawyer who was murdered in 2001.  In 2003, former Special Investigator Margartia Guerra characterized the death as “simulated suicide,” a controversial finding that depended on questionable post-mortem psychological evaluations of the victim.  The finding was disputed by human rights organizations, including the Mexico Solidarity Network.  In September 2007, two campesinos from Guerrero provided testimony to the Attorney General, accusing Rogaciano Alvarez, the former mayor of Petatlan, Guerrero, and a notorious power broker from the region, of ordering the assassination of Ochoa.  Digna was investigating human rights violations in Guerrero around the time of her death.     3. ZAPATISTAS CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF EZLN The Zapatista movement celebrated the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Zapatista National Liberation Army on November 17 with food and music in Oventic, one of five Zapatista cultural/political centers.  Lore has it that the EZLN was founded by six people, three indigenous and three meztizos, in 1983.  From these humble beginnings, the movement has grown to arguably the most important popular movement in Latin America. 4. NEW CHIAPAS POLITICAL LEADER – BACK TO THE PAST With the designation of Noe Castañon as state Interior Secretary, Chiapas Governor Juan Sabines is returning to his PRI roots – and returning Chiapas to the violence and corruption of the late 1990s.  Elected in 2006 under the PRD ticket, Sabines has turned to his former party mates in the PRI to fill the most influential positions in the state bureaucracy.  Castañon served as head of the state Supreme Court under former Governor Roberto Albores, the principle promoter of the 1998 rezonification of Chiapas which gave local PRI powerbrokers and ex-military officials Long message truncated by MailBucket.

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico MEXICO SOLIDARITY NETWORK WEEKLY NEWS AND ANALYSIS NOVEMBER 10-16, 2008 1. CALDERON NAMES NEW INTERIOR SECRETARY 2. INFLATION HITS POOREST CONSUMERS 3. ORTEGA WINS PRD PRESIDENCY 4. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]) 1. CALDERON NAMES NEW INTERIOR SECRETARY Six days after a plane crash claimed the life of Juan Mouriño, President Felipe Calderon named a new Interior Secretary.  The choice of Fernando Gomez Mont came as a surprise to many analysts and broke with Calderon’s tendency to name inexperienced but loyal cabinet members.  Gomez Mont is a well-known lawyer and long-standing member of the National Action Party (PAN).  His father, Felipe Gomez Mont, was a founder and principle ideologue of the PAN.  He is close to Diego Fernandez de Cevallos, one the most polemic, corrupt and conservative figures in PANismo.  During several decades as a lawyer, Gomez Mont defended many high profile cases involving important political figures, including Raul Salinas de Gotari, brother of former President Carlos Salinas de Gotari, who was charged with corruption and receiving illicit funds from drug trafficking.  In one of his first high profile cases in 1994, Gomez Mont successfully defended Carlos Cabal Peniche against corruption charges.  This led to a series of important corruption cases in which he defended high level officials, including Tomas Peñaloza, former treasurer of the IMSS, Gerardo de Prevoisin, former Director of Aeromexico, Jorge Lankenau, former bank executive, and Rogelio Montemayor, former Director of Pemex.  He served briefly as a federal Deputy along with Calderon during the 55th legislature, but has held no other elected office.  However, Gomez Mont knows Mexico’s electoral system well, having served as a member of the Federal Electoral Commission and as the PAN representative to the Federal Electoral Institute.  He vigorously defended PAN electoral victories over the past decade, including the fraudulent election of President Calderon.  During his formal presentation of the new Interior Secretary, President Calderon emphasized that his administration would not negotiate agreements with Mexico’s increasingly violent drug cartels.  Calderon may have felt obliged to make this statement given Gomez Mont’s defense of drug dealers and corrupt government officials, as well as the defense of members of the Sinaloa cartel by his close friend and political ally Diego Fernandez de Cevallos.  The new Interior Secretary will likely focus on Calderon’s most important current political initiatives, including reform of the justice system, establishment of a unified national police force, and the 2009 mid-term elections.  The next election cycle could prove decisive for an increasingly weak President Calderon.  Most experts expect the PAN to suffer significant loses at local, state and federal levels, which could leave an already fragile Calderon administration as little more than a caretaker government for the next three years.  In this context, Gomez Mont’s broad experience with electoral dynamics could portend manipulation or fraud during the mid-term elections.  The Interior Secretary is the second most powerful position in the Mexican government and is traditionally seen as a stepping stone to the presidency; however, Gomez Mont is unlikely to vie for his party’s nomination in 2012.  Look for Gomez Mont to serve through the 2009 elections, then be replaced by someone closer to Calderon.  2. INFLATION HITS POOREST CONSUMERS Rampant inflation during the first two years of Felipe Calderon’s presidency is hurting the poorest consumers most.  Since December of 2006, the cost of the basic food basket (CAR – an important measure of costs particularly for the poorest consumers) increased by 43%, while the minimum wage increased by only 8%, according to a report by the Center for Multi-disciplinary Analysis of the Economic Faculty of the UNAM.  Almost two-thirds of Mexican workers earn three minimum wages or less. 3. ORTEGA WINS PRD PRESIDENCY The Federal Electoral Tribune (TEPJF) awarded Senator Jesus “Chucho” Ortega, leader of the New Left wing of the PRD, the party’s presidency this week, nearly eight months after highly controversial elections marred by fraud left the party badly divided.  In a unanimous decision, the TEPJF gave the disputed election to Ortega by a margin of 35,000 votes, despite widespread fraud documented during the competition.  Ortega filed a formal complaint with the TEPJF, but his nearest competitor, former Mexico City Mayor Alejandro Encinas, refused to file with the Tribunal.  Encinas is close to former PRD presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who lost a fraudulent 2006 election after the TEPJF lined up behind current President Felipe Calderon.  The Tribunal’s ruling noted that 23% of voting booths produced fraudulent or unrel Long message truncated by MailBucket.

=2EheaderTop { background-color:#ffffff; border-top:0px solid #000000; = border-bottom:0px solid #FFCC66; text-align:right; } .adminText { = font-size:10px; color:#FFFFCC; line-height:200%; font-family:verdana; = text-decoration:none; } .headerBar { background-color:#fcd200; = border-top:0px solid #fcd200; border-bottom:0px solid #333333; } .title { = font-size:30px; font-weight:bold; color:#336600; font-family:arial; = line-height:110%; } .subTitle { font-size:11px; font-weight:normal; = color:#666666; font-style:italic; font-family:arial; } td { = font-size:12px; color:#000000; line-height:150%; font-family:trebuchet ms; = } .footerRow { background-color:#FFFFCC; border-top:10px solid #fcd200; } = =2EfooterText { font-size:10px; color:#333333; line-height:100%; = font-family:verdana; } a { color:#0063be; color:#0063be; color:#0063be; } = =20 =20 =20 =20 D'Fiti=20 Defeats Graphiti.D'Fiti=20 is the environmentally safe and biodegradable solution to you=20 graffiti problems. D'Fiti offers the liquid and gel for big = jobs and=20 wet wipes for one step removal on little jobs. Whether the = graffiti=20 or paint is on smooth, porous or especially sensitive = surfaces,=20 D'FITI will do the job. D'FITI is suitable for schools,=20 municipalities, maintenance crews and anyone who needs to = remove=20 paint or graffiti from small or large surfaces. Clean=20 Plus=AE wants to simplify you life, to make the cleaning = process quick=20 and fun, to deliver nothing but the best. To=20 learn more about Clean Plus=AE, click here. And=20 For the Best Hand Cleaning Results Try Clean Plus=AE Hand = Care=20 Products.Industry,=20 automotive, maintenance, office.... Clean Plus=AE Hand Care = offers=20 hand care products for every professional. Traditional = granulated=20 soaps, super-cleaning hand wet wipes fro people on the move = and=20 special creams to protect and restore your skin. To=20 learn more click

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico 2009 Study Abroad Opportunities in Mexico APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR SPRING 2009 PROGRAM.  TWO OPENINGS REMAIN FOR THE SPRING 2009 PROGRAM. Here’s a unique opportunity to study in an accredited program with some of Mexico’s most important living social movements, including: - Zapatistas in Chiapas - The Frente Popular Francisco Villa Independiente, Mexico’s largest urban housing movement - The Consejo Nacional Urbano Campesino, one of Mexico’s most important rural movements - Families of femicide victims and maquiladora workers in Ciudad Juarez These unique study abroad programs feature home stays with members of social movements, encouraging unprecedented learning opportunities with organizers and activists on the front line in popular struggles.  The program combines experiential learning with theoretical work in a seminar and workshop based pedagogy focused on student participation. The programs are accredited by the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, one of Mexico’s most important public universities.  Hampshire College and SUNY-Albany are the US schools of record and provide official transcripts.  The program is also formally recognized by the University of Texas-Austin, New Mexico State University, Appalachian State University, and more than 70 others. Fall and Spring semesters are 14 week, 16-credit programs that travel the length and breadth of Mexico, including Chiapas, Mexico City, Tlaxcala and Ciudad Juarez. Spring 2009: January 25 – May 2 Fall 2009: September 6 – December 12 Two summer 2009 programs focus on: Border dynamics, with an emphasis on third world feminism.  This six week course offers 8 credits and is based in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.  The course is Spanish immersion with classes and most readings in Spanish. June 14 – July 25 Mexican social movements.  This eight week course offers 11 credits and is based in Chiapas, Mexico City and Tlaxcala. June 7 – August 1 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  Programs have a tendency to fill quickly, so apply early to assure your spot.  Most financial aid programs from your home university are applicable, and you can apply for aid through our US schools of record.  The Mexico Solidarity Network also offers a scholarship program.  We’ll work with you to make sure this unique study abroad opportunity is affordable. For more information, see our web site at www.mexicosolidarity.org [1] or contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [2].  [1] http://www.mexicosolidarity.org/ [2] MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico MEXICO SOLIDARITY NETWORK WEEKLY NEWS AND ANALYSIS NOVEMBER 3-9, 2008 1. INTERIOR SECRETARY DIES IN PLANE CRASH 2. OFFICIALS CAPTURE CARTEL LEADER AND WEAPONS CACHE 3. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]) 1. INTERIOR SECRETARY DIES IN PLANE CRASH Juan Mouriño, Mexico’s Interior Secretary, died Tuesday evening in a fiery plane crash on a crowded street in Mexico City.  Mouriño held the second most powerful position in Mexico’s government and was a close friend and confident of President Calderon.  Mouriño’s Lear jet crashed into a wealthy neighborhood, killing all eight occupants of the plane and at least six others on the ground.  The spectacular crash burned some forty vehicles.  Government officials called the crash an accident, initially blaming pilot error or turbulence, though given Mouriño’s outspoken support for the war on drugs and reports or death threats directed at the Secretary, many Mexicans wonder if cartels were responsible.  The Interior Secretary’s death came as a blow to President Calderon, already reeling from a series of policy failures.  Mouriño was in charge of Calderon’s initiative to privatize Pemex, which largely failed as Congress passed an energy reform bill last week that bore little resemblance to the original Calderon proposal.  In recent months, many opposition politicians called for the unpopular Mouriño to step down, but he enjoyed Calderon’s full support.  Mouriño was a controversial figure.  Born in Spain, he became a naturalized Mexican citizen.  In a country where Spaniards are generally not well-liked, in part because they own strategic sectors of the economy including several major banks and many tourist facilities, Mouriño came under withering criticism from his first days in office.  Speculation was rampant regarding his successor, with many National Action Party (PAN) leaders openly vying for the office.  Calderon appears to be in no hurry to name a new Secretary, and by week’s end there were no clear leaders in the selection process. 2. OFFICIALS CAPTURE CARTEL LEADER AND WEAPONS CACHE On Friday, the Mexican army announced the capture of a major cartel leader, along with the largest weapons cache in the country’s history.  Jamie Gonzalez Duran, reportedly a founder of the Zetas who act as enforcers for the Gulf Cartel, was arrested by Federal Preventative Police and army troops in the border city of Reynosa.  A brief firefight with cartel members ensued as officials loaded Gonzalez onto a plane at the Reynosa airport for a flight to Mexico City.  Gonzalez is a former member of the army, as are many Zeta hitmen.  Officials captured of 540 rifles, 165 grenades, 500,000 rounds of ammunition and 14 sticks of dynamite from a cartel safehouse in Reynosa. In related news, the federal Attorney General announced an investigation of Rodolfo de la Guardia, former head of Interpol Mexico, for his links to the Beltran Leyva brothers, two of Mexico’s most notorious cartel leaders.  De la Guardia began working in Interpol in 2001 and also held posts in the office of the federal Attorney General and the Federal Investigative Agency (AFI). 3. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [2]) STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM: Mexico Solidarity Network study abroad programs are accredited at the undergraduate and masters level by the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, one of Mexico’s most prestigious public universities.  Hampshire College is the US school of record and provides official transcripts. Fall 2008, September 7 – December 13: Study in Chiapas, Tlaxcala, Mexico City and Ciudad Juarez, focusing on the theory and practice of Mexican social movements, including indigenous movements, campesino organizations, and urban movements.  The 14-week, 16-credit program includes intensive Spanish language courses and alternative study options for native Spanish speakers. Spring 2009, January 25 – May 2: Study in Chiapas, Tlaxcala, Mexico City and Ciudad Juarez, focusing on the theory and practice of Mexican social movements, including indigenous movements, campesino organizations, and urban movements.  The 14-week, 16-credit program includes intensive Spanish language courses and alternative study options for native Spanish speakers. Summer 2009, June 7 – August 1: Study Mexico’s most important social movements in Chiapas, Mexico City and Tlaxcala.  The eight-week, 11-credit program includes intensive Spanish classes and alternative study options for native Spanish speakers. Summer 2009, June 14 – July 25: The Border Dynamics program focuses on US-Mexico border dynamics viewed through a third world feminist lens.  The six-week, 8-credit program is Spanish immersion. Fall 2009, September 6 – December 12: Study in Chiapas, Tlaxcala, Mexico City and Ciudad Juarez, focusing on the theory and practice of Mexican social movements Long message truncated by MailBucket.

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico MEXICO SOLIDARITY NETWORK WEEKLY NEWS AND ANALYSIS OCTOBER 27 – NOVEMBER 3, 2008 1. Migrant remittances increase 2. Narco dollars corrupt security forces 3. Lopez Obrador presents new plan of action 4. Teacher protests growing 1. Migrant remittances increase For the past month, economists and politicians offered dire predictions that family remittances to Mexico from migrant workers in the US would decrease as a result of the economic crisis, but exactly the opposite appears to be happening.  Remittances increased by 58% in September compared to a year earlier, probably due to the increased value of the dollar relative to the peso.  The Bank of Mexico reported a 12% decrease in August, when the exchange rate fell below 10 pesos to the dollar for the first time in years.  Figures are not yet available for October, but with the exchange rate sinking as low as 14 pesos to the dollar, the trend may be toward even larger remittances.  It appears that migrants are quite savvy in their economic calculations. 2. Narco dollars corrupt security forces Evidence surfaced this week of narco-corruption at the highest levels of Mexico’s national security forces, including the Unit for Special Investigation of Organized Crime (SIEDO), part of the federal Attorney General (PGR).  Three members of SIEDO are implicated in providing information to drug cartels in exchange for millions of dollars laundered through false businesses, friends and family members.  Miguel Colorado, the former technical coordinator of SIEDO, Fernando Rivera, retired director of Intelligence, and Jose Cueto, a bureaucrat in the PGR, are implicated in the transfer of information to the Beltran Leyva cartel in exchange for up to US$450,000 per month.  The PGR also announced this week an investigation of Gerardo Garay, the former Commissioner of the Federal Preventative Police, for links to the Sinaloa Cartel.  Corruption at such high levels calls into question plans by the Calderon administration to form a single federal police force to fight organized crime, which could make it easier for cartels to bribe a small number of selected officials. 3. Lopez Obrador presents new plan of action With a new set of laws governing Pemex signed, sealed and delivered, former PRD presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador turned his attention to the growing economic crisis in Mexico.  The broad movement to stop the privatization of Pemex organized by Lopez Obrador fizzled this week as legislators approved a package of reforms that include most of Lopez Obrador’s demands, but open the door to privatization of the national petroleum monopoly via long term service contracts that could award large sections of Mexican territory exclusively to a single foreign company.  Most of the current PRD leadership voted for the reforms then trumpeted their defense of Mexican sovereignty, confusing the political terrain for Lopez Obrador.  Rather than maintain a strong position in relation to Pemex, Lopez Obrador switched gears, outlining a populist program to confront the rapidly growing crisis.  His proposals include loans for small and medium-sized businesses, increased spending on infrastructure projects, price freezes, an increased education budget, protection for pension funds, and several social service programs.  Most of his proposals appeal to the middle class, which is the foundation of his movement. 4. Teacher protests growing Protests by teachers against the Alliance for Quality Education (ACE), signed earlier this year by President Felipe Calderon and Elba Esther Gordillo, “president for life” of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE), grew this week, especially in southern Mexico.  Even the 32 state Secretaries of Education refused to “unconditionally” support the ACE, calling for an evaluation of its impact on public education at a national meeting on Thursday.  Protestors were most active in Morelos, Guerrero and Michoacan, where dissident teachers maintained their week-long occupation of the Secretary of Education building in Morelia.  On Thursday, Guerrero teachers took over a toll booth on the main highway to Acapulco, allowing motorists free passage for four hours.  The growing movement threatens to engulf public schools in at least 14 states, but federal authorities are unwilling to negotiate the provisions of the ACE.  Instead, authorities threatened teachers in Morelos with sanctions and loss of jobs if they didn’t immediately end their two-month strike.  But Morelos teachers appear united, and announced a new radio station at 89.5 FM to be called Radio Planton.  The increasingly militant Morelos teachers are reminiscent of the 2006 teacher-led uprising in Oaxaca. 5. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]) STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM: Mexico Solidarity Network study abroad programs are accredited at the undergraduate and mast Long message truncated by MailBucket.

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico MEXICO SOLIDARITY NETWORK WEEKLY NEWS AND ANALYSIS OCTOBER 20-26, 2008 1. IMPUNITY IN CIUDAD JUAREZ 2. SENATE AND LOWER HOUSE APPROVE PEMEX REFORMS 3. PUBLIC ARGUMENT OVER BRAD WILL CASE 4. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]) 1. IMPUNITY IN CIUDAD JUAREZ Residents of Lomas de Poleo on the western outskirts of Ciudad Juarez suffered another setback this week in their efforts to defend their 35-year-old community when the Zaragoza family dug a deep trench around parts of the property, limiting access for residents and visitors.  The Zaragozas claim ownership of some 800 acres of land with plans for a major new industrial park, but families who have lived there for over three decades are contesting the claim.  Armed paramilitaries hired by the Zaragozas guard the land 24 hours a day.  Guards destroyed four houses this week, then removed debris before local authorities could investigate.  In any case, local officials are clearly on the side of the Zaragozas, routinely refusing to intervene, even when residents are beaten or killed.  And Chihuahua Governor Jose Reyes Baeza has permitted the Zaragozas to convert the community into a virtual prison, refusing to intervene when the rights of residents are violated despite formal complaints.  Paramilitaries murdered three residents over the past three years, including two young children who perished when their house was torched by armed guards, yet Baeza’s security forces haven’t even investigated.  As journalist Gloria Munoz notes, “Lomas de Poleo is the symbol of impunity and barbarity.” 2. SENATE AND LOWER HOUSE APPROVE PEMEX REFORMS In the midst of a massive security cordon established by 1,200 Federal Preventative Police, the Senate voted overwhelmingly on Thursday in favor of a set of reforms that open the door to privatization of Pemex, Mexico’s national petroleum monopoly.  Only eight Senators, those aligned with former presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, opposed the measure.  With most of the PRD Senators voting in favor, this could mark a permanent rupture within the fractured party.  The reform includes seven sections, most of which won the approval of Lopez Obrador’s opposition movement.  In fact, the legislation bears little resemblance to Calderon’s proposal of several months ago.  But one article that would award exclusive exploration rights for large tracts of seabed to foreign companies proved to be the sticking point.  The lower house approved the same legislation on Saturday without debate.  As one astute political cartoonist pointed out, politicians make the rules and private companies interpret them, which may mean that Pemex is on its way to large scale privatization no matter what the legislation says.  Lopez Obrador called for civil resistance to begin on Monday. 3. PUBLIC ARGUMENT OVER BRAD WILL CASE An unusual public argument broke out this week over the case of murdered US journalist Brad Will, who was killed in October 27, 2006, during confrontations between the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca (APPO) and armed supporters of Governor Ulises Ruiz.  The federal Attorney General arrested three APPO members last week for the murder and issued warrants for five more, but the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), a government agency, discredited the arrests in a series of press conferences.  It appears that Will’s case is increasingly linked to the release of US$400 million from the Bush administration to Mexican security forces, part of the three-year, US$1.2 billion Merida Initiative approved earlier this year by the US Congress.  Will’s case, along with the murders of at least two dozen APPO activists during the 2006 uprising in Oaxaca, languished for nearly two years.  But only days before the arrival of Condoleezza Rice in Mexico for high level talks, and only fifteen days after the CNDH released a series of recommendations to the Attorney General concerning the case, suddenly arrests were made.  The peso lost about a quarter of its value in the past two weeks versus the dollar, and the Calderon administration may be looking for every possible source of hard currency to bolster the flagging currency.  In addition, Calderon is losing the war on drugs, the centerpiece of his administration to date.  There may be hopes at the highest levels that a quick infusion of fire power and new intelligence gathering equipment might help turn the tide.  Meanwhile, one clearly innocent APPO supporter is in prison for Will’s murder.  Juan Manuel Martinez Moreno was committed to prison by a federal judge early this week, despite the fact that video shot by Will himself and forensic evidence compiled by the CNDH indicate that supporters of Governor Ruiz committed the murder.   4. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [2]) STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM: Mexico Solidarity Network st Long message truncated by MailBucket.

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico 2009 Study Abroad Opportunities in Mexico Here’s a unique opportunity to study in an accredited program with some of Mexico’s most important living social movements, including: - Zapatistas in Chiapas - The Frente Popular Francisco Villa Independiente, Mexico’s largest urban housing movement - The Consejo Nacional Urbano Campesino, one of Mexico’s most important rural movements - Families of femicide victims and maquiladora workers in Ciudad Juarez These unique study abroad programs feature home stays with members of social movements, encouraging unprecedented learning opportunities with organizers and activists on the front line in popular struggles.  The program combines experiential learning with theoretical work in a seminar and workshop based pedagogy focused on student participation. The programs are accredited by the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, one of Mexico’s most important public universities.  Hampshire College and SUNY-Albany are the US schools of record and provide official transcripts.  The program is also formally recognized by the University of Texas-Austin, New Mexico State University, Appalachian State University, and more than 70 others. Fall and Spring semesters are 14 week, 16-credit programs that travel the length and breadth of Mexico, including Chiapas, Mexico City, Tlaxcala and Ciudad Juarez. Spring 2009: January 25 – May 2 Fall 2009: September 6 – December 12 Two summer 2009 programs focus on: Border dynamics, with an emphasis on third world feminism.  This six week course offers 8 credits and is based in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.  The course is Spanish immersion with classes and most readings in Spanish. June 14 – July 25 Mexican social movements.  This eight week course offers 11 credits and is based in Chiapas, Mexico City and Tlaxcala. June 7 – August 1 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  Programs have a tendency to fill quickly, so apply early to assure your spot.  Most financial aid programs from your home university are applicable, and you can apply for aid through our US schools of record.  The Mexico Solidarity Network also offers a scholarship program.  We’ll work with you to make sure this unique study abroad opportunity is affordable. For more information, see our web site at www.mexicosolidarity.org [1] or contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [2]. [1] http://www.mexicosolidarity.org/ [2] MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico MEXICO SOLIDARITY NETWORK WEEKLY NEWS AND ANALYSIS OCTOBER 13-19, 2008 1. APPO ACTIVISTS ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF BRAD WILL 2. TEACHER PROTESTS EXTEND TO 13 STATES 3. ANTONIO VILLALBA OF FAT DIES 4. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]) 1. APPO ACTIVISTS ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF BRAD WILL An activist affiliated with the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca (APPO) was arrested this week for the murder two years ago of US journalist Brad Will.  Officials from the Federal Agency of Investigation (AFI) and the federal Attorney General (PGR) took Juan Manuel Martinez Moreno into custody on Thursday.  APPO leaders immediately condemned the arrest as “criminalization of social protest” and declared Martinez innocent.  Will died during confrontations on October 27, 2006, when heavily armed supporters of Governor Ulises Ruiz fired at members of the APPO from a distance of about 40 meters.  Will most likely videotaped the very people who are responsible for his murder, yet federal officials have adopted a line of investigation that Will died from a gunshot fired from less than a meter.  The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) conducted its own investigation and found that Will died from a gunshot fired from 35 to 50 meters.  The CNDH claims the case has been politicized by Governor Ruiz in the midst of absolute impunity for state-affiliated gunmen and a series of grave irregularities during the initial investigation.  At least five other APPO activists were also arrested this week and charged with covering up the murder.  Dissident teachers began the APPO-led uprising in 2006, educators in Oaxaca and neighboring states have participated in recent demonstrations condemning federal education reforms.  Federal officials may have arrested the activists as part of a broader strategy to dampen enthusiasm for growing protests as the second anniversary of the Oaxaca uprising approaches. 2. TEACHER PROTESTS EXTEND TO 13 STATES Five months after Elba Esther Gordillo, “President for life” of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE), signed the Alliance for Quality Education (ACE) with President Felipe Calderon, the movement against the unpopular reform has extended to thirteen states.  In Morelos, Puebla and Guerrero teachers and parents participated in marches, meetings, highway blockades and occupations of union buildings this week.  In Quintana Roo, Campeche and Baja California Sur teachers organized marches of “historic” proportions and work stoppages.  The movement is centered in Morelos, where 20,000 teachers have been on strike for two months demanding an end to ACE.  They receive strong support from teachers in Oaxaca, Michoacan, Zacatecas, Tlaxcala, Chiapas and Mexico City.  This week dissident teachers called for a series of national caravans that will converge in Mexico City on October 23 for a mega-march to the federal Congress.  On the 24th, teachers will travel to Cuernavaca, Morelos, for a giant march and impeachment of Gordillo.  On Saturday, 300 teachers from Mexico City burned an effigy with the body of a rat (a sign in Mexico of a thief) and the head of Gordillo in protest of her plans to distribute 59 Hummers to selected SNTE officials via a raffle.  Teachers have come under increasing pressure to end their growing movement.  The Secretary of Education cut off paychecks to strikers in Morelos and called on parents from right wing groups affiliated with the PAN to open alternative schools. 3. ANTONIO VILLALBA OF FAT DIES Antonio Villalba, a leader of the Frente Autentico del Trabajo (FAT), passed away on Wednesday night after a long battle with lung cancer.  Antonio was a labor organizer dedicated to the struggle for independent unions, and one of the world’s truly wonderful people.  He will be sorely missed. 4. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [2]) STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM: Mexico Solidarity Network study abroad programs are accredited at the undergraduate and masters level by the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, one of Mexico’s most prestigious public universities.  Hampshire College is the US school of record and provides official transcripts. Fall 2008, September 7 – December 13: Study in Chiapas, Tlaxcala, Mexico City and Ciudad Juarez, focusing on the theory and practice of Mexican social movements, including indigenous movements, campesino organizations, and urban movements.  The 14-week, 16-credit program includes intensive Spanish language courses and alternative study options for native Spanish speakers. Spring 2009, January 25 – May 2: Study in Chiapas, Tlaxcala, Mexico City and Ciudad Juarez, focusing on the theory and practice of Mexican social movements, including indigenous movements, campesino organizations, and urban movements.  The 14-week, 16-credit program includes intensive Spanish language courses and alternative stud Long message truncated by MailBucket.

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico 2009 Study Abroad Opportunities in Mexico Learn about some of the world’s most important radical social change movements from the inside.  Here’s a unique opportunity to study with some of Mexico’s most important living social movements, including: - Zapatistas in Chiapas - The Frente Popular Francisco Villa Independiente, Mexico’s largest urban housing movement and part of the “Otra Campaña” - The Consejo Nacional Urbano Campesino, one of Mexico’s most important rural movements and also part of the “Otra Campaña” - Families of femicide victims and maquiladora workers in Ciudad Juarez These unique programs feature home stays with members of social movements, which encourages unprecedented learning opportunities with organizers on the front line in popular struggles.  The program combines experiential learning with theoretical work in a seminar and workshop based environment focused on student participation. The programs are accredited by the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, one of Mexico’s most important public universities.  Hampshire College is the US school of record and provides official transcripts.  The program is also formally recognized by the University of Texas-Austin, New Mexico State University, the State University of New York (SUNY) via SUNY at Albany, Appalachian State University, and many others. Fall and Spring semesters are 14 week, 16-credit programs that travel the length and breadth of Mexico, including Chiapas, Mexico City, Tlaxcala and Ciudad Juarez. Spring 2009: January 25 – May 2 Fall 2009: September 6 – December 12 Two summer 2009 programs focus on: Border dynamics, with an emphasis on third world feminism.  This six week course offers 8 credits and is based in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.  The course is Spanish immersion with classes and most readings in Spanish. June 14 – July 25 Mexican social movements.  This eight week course offers 11 credits and is based in Chiapas, Mexico City and Tlaxcala. June 7 – August 1 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.  Programs have a tendency to fill quickly, so apply early to assure your spot.  Most financial aid programs from your home university are applicable, and you can apply for aid through Hampshire College.  The Mexico Solidarity Network also offers a scholarship program.  We’ll work with you to make sure this unique study abroad opportunity is affordable. For more information, see our web site at www.mexicosolidarity.org or contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]. Please accept our apologies if you have received this email in error. To be removed from the Mexico Solidarity Network mailing list, please send a blank message to allies-unsubscribe@mexicosolidarity.org [2] If this message has been forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe to the Mexico Solidarity Network mailing list, please visit www.mexicosolidarity.org [3] and use the subscription feature provided, or send a blank message to allies-subscribe@mexicos [4]  [1] MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [2] allies-unsubscribe@mexicosolidarity.org [3] http://www.mexicosolidarity.org [4] allies-subscribe@mexicos

Mexico Solidarity Network Red de Solidaridad con Mexico MEXICO SOLIDARITY NETWORK WEEKLY NEWS AND ANALYSIS OCTOBER 6-12, 2008 1. MEXICO FEELS ECONOMIC CRISIS 2. TEACHER MOVEMENT SPREAD 3. STATE OFFICIALS TRY TO BUY OFF CHINKULTIK SURVIVORS 4. JUSTICE IN ATENCO? 5. MSN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (Contact MSN@MexicoSolidarity.org [1]) 1. MEXICO FEELS ECONOMIC CRISIS Despite months of wildly optimistic pronouncements by President Felipe Calderon boasting the economy was immune to US credit problems, the worldwide crisis hit Mexico this week with a vengeance.  The peso declined 17% in five days, trading as high as 14 per dollar before settling just above 13 at the interbank rate on Friday.  The Bank of Mexico auctioned 10% of its dollar reserves in three days in an effort to stem the fall, but to no avail as investors fled Mexico for US Treasury bonds.  Meanwhile, Mexican crude oil, the country’s most important source of hard currency, sank to US$65.89 a barrel, the lowest price in more than a year.  On Wednesday, Calderon announced an emergency plan after admitting publicly for the first time that the crisis might provoke “negative impacts” in the Mexican economy.  The five point plan includes increased public expenditures on infrastructure projects, construction of a new petroleum refinery, assistance for small and medium seized businesses, tax cuts, and an increase in the federal deficit from 2% of GNP to 2.8%.  The President expects the plan to increase GNP by at least 1% next year, although federal incomes will decrease by at least US$2.5 billion due to lower taxes and oil prices.  In the midst of a global meltdown, Treasury Secretary Agustin Carstens called this “an opportune moment to invest” and he encouraged “patience and confidence in the national economy.”  Despite the Calderon administration’s generally optimistic prognostications, the World Bank predicted that 100 million people living in the global South would sink into poverty by the end of this year.  Mexico’s bleak outlook for 2009 includes high inflation, increasing unemployment and reduced credit, leaving many Mexicans wondering how they will survive. 2. TEACHER MOVEMENT SPREADS Teachers unhappy with a federal plan to reform Mexico’s public schools blocked highways, took over offices, continued a permanent “planton” in front of the Secretary of Education offices in Mexico City, and challenged the leadership of “President for life” Elba Esther Gordillo of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE).  Protests against the Alliance for Quality Education (ACE), signed by Gordillo and President Felipe Calderon this summer, increased throughout the country, despite pressure from federal authorities to stem the growing movement.  Police and army troops cleared three highway blockades in Morelia, the center of the teacher’s movement, leaving dozens injured and at least 49 people arrested.  The most violent repression occurred Thursday in the largely indigenous community of Xoxocotla, where 2,000 army troops joined hundreds of Federal Preventative Police to violently break up an 11-day blockade of the federal highway that passes through the town.  Police attacked “padres de familia” (the rough equivalent of an attack on a PTA in the US) with tear gas and night sticks while protestors sang the national anthem.  Protestors fled the highway blockade after a brief encounter, but police chased them into town, arresting at least 49 people and leaving dozens injured.  The CNTE reported at least 200 serious injuries suffered by teachers and supporters at the hands of police during the week’s actions.  The Secretary of Education, Josefina Vázquez Mota, began cutting off paychecks and hiring substitutes in Morelos this week, while federal officials promised to apply the “full force of the State” when demonstrators block highways.  The Calderon administration called for continuing negotiations but refused to discuss the ACE, the removal of Gordillo as union president, or last year’s widely unpopular social security reform.  Since these are the three main points on the teachers’ agenda, it appears that federal officials are simply buying time with negotiations, hoping education workers will tire of the demonstrations. Opposition is centered in the dissident National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) in Morelos, Michoacan, Guerrero, Zacatecas, Coahuila, Puebla, Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Oaxaca, Chiapas and the Federal District.  Even union leadership in Guanajuato, traditionally a stronghold for Gordillo, is challenged by the dissident CNTE, which includes 10,000 of the 72,000 teachers statewide.  Teachers in the normally conservative Guanajuato shut down the center of the capitol on October 8 during the International Festival of Cervantino.  In Veracruz, 36 dissident teachers registered the Veracruz Autonomous Union of Workers in Service to Education (Satev), a potential alternative fo Long message truncated by MailBucket.