Santa Cruz in Paro Written on November 11, 2004, by Eddie.
As promised, the Comites Civicos of Santa Cruz and Tarija have come through on their threat. An organized general strike began this morning at 12 a.m. For the next 24 hours, no markets will be open, no cars, buses, or taxi will operate, and businesses will be closed. Now, it is not a national holiday, nor is it a mandated law, but the civic leaders and other leaders have a way of making people comply.
Their demand is for a Referendum to take place this year for Regional autonomies. The government’s position supports autonomies for all the regions, but have said that this is an issue that should be discussed in the upcoming Constituent Assembly.
Apparently, the strike is supported by the transportistas, campesinos, and other gremialistas. But as with any strike, those most affected are the working poor, who usually hope to sell enough product that day to put food on the table.
In order to make sure that no vehicles circulate today, the Unión Juvenil Cruceñista have graciously volunteered their time to monitor this prohibition on vehicles. Most likely if this group of noble young patriots runs across a taxi cab trying to earn a living, these young men will calmly discuss the matter with the cabbie and encourage him to join in their crusade.
Or the Unión Juvenil will use violence to threaten those that don’t share their views. Back in October 2003, this group of thugs attacked a group of campesinos (mostly of an indigenous background), who tried to enter Santa Cruz’ main plaza asking for Goni’s resignation. This targeting of poor mainly indigenous Bolivians is an example of racist hate-crimes that target so-called “collas”.
As usual, with any strike, whether called by the COB, COR or Comite Civico of Santa Cruz, it ultimately hurts that region’s economy. It is estimated that 8 million dollars will be lost because of this protest. In a country, where some people live off of 1 dollar a day, the rich elites heading this strike won’t feel the same degree of pinch.
The leaders have also announced that they will blockade the roads within the city.
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Yeah, the Union Juvenil is a thinly-veild proto-fascist group. Not saying they *are* fascists, but pretty close. They’re the flipside of the paceño/orureño Trotskyite radicals. Yikes.
Let’s hope it all gets resolved quickly & peacefully enough.