[Stay tuned also for sign on statement in solidarity with Bolivia, and potentially for emergency protests. I think the second article below, by Australian Socialist Alliance and DSP activist Tamara Pearson, currently working in Cochabamba, adds an important dimension that can be missed in the essential work of building solidarity against attacks, which is the attacks are only one side of the coin. There is also, already, inspiring mass resistance, with massive mobilisation of campesinos and indigenous people in defence of their process.
To keep on top of the situation, check out Tamara's blog: GringaDiary (which also has a lot of photos of Thursday's huge protest/celebration).
And BoliviaRising, which provides a constant stream of news and analysis in English, run by Socialist Alliance and DSP activist Federico Fuentes.]
Bolivia needs solidarity
Federico Fuentes
For Bolivia’s indigenous majority there is no going back. The election in 2005 of Bolivia’s first indigenous president, Evo Morales, marked a watershed — a before and after in Bolivia’s history — after more than 500 years of struggle against imperialism and colonialism. It marked a conscious step forward by Bolivia’s indigenous majority in its struggle for justice and equality.
Full article
No longer victims and slaves
Tamara Pearson
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Plaza San Sebastian, as well as on the hill behind it and in the surrounding streets, to demonstrate unity. The protest was initially called in retaliation to a call by the prefect of Cochabamba, Manfred Reyes Villa, for Evo to resign. However, by the day of the rally it became more of an occasion to receive the tractors and to celebrate the anniversary of Cochabamba state.
Full article
Posted by Stuart Munckton
