Protesters, police clash in Mexico before marches

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Protesters, police clash in Mexico before marches
| November 20, 2014 | Updated: November 20, 2014 4:45pm

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Protesters marched in Mexico City on Thursday to demand authorities find 43 missing college students, trying to step up pressure on the government on a day traditionally reserved for the celebration of the 1910-17 Revolution.

About 200 youthful protesters, some with their faces covered in masks or bandannas, scuffled with police as they tried to block a main expressway to the capital's international airport. Protesters hurled rocks, fireworks and gasoline bombs at the police, at least one of whom was hit by the projectiles.

Some passengers had to walk to the terminal, but flights were not interrupted and the expressways were reopened.

Authorities decided to cancel the traditional Nov. 20 Revolution Day march, but did not give a reason.

Bus caravans carrying the relatives and family members of the 43 missing college students converged on the capital after several days crisscrossing the country.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Mexico-City-braces-for-large-demonstrations-5906828.php

[mpcamb]

1. Viva La huelga!

!Y Viva Mexico!

[Judi Lynn]

2. UPDATE 1-Molotov cocktails, clashes as thousands of Mexicans protest massacre

UPDATE 1-Molotov cocktails, clashes as thousands of Mexicans protest massacre
Thu Nov 20, 2014 7:52pm EST


(Updates with quotes and details from protests)

Nov 20 (Reuters) - Masked demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails and shot fireworks at police near Mexico City's airport on Thursday as thousands protested President Enrique Pena Nieto's handling of the apparent massacre of 43 trainee school teachers.

Police in riot gear faced down around 300 protesters near the airport a few hours before three major marches in Mexico City set off in support of the students, apparently murdered after their abduction by corrupt police on Sept. 26.

No one was injured in Thursday's clashes, police said.

Mexico has been convulsed by protests since the 43 students were taken from the southwestern city of Iguala by police working with a local drug gang and then very likely incinerated, according to the government, which is still investigating the incident.

The three marches took place on the 114th anniversary of the day the Mexican Revolution to overthrow dictator Porfirio Diaz began in 1910. The protesters included relatives of the students. Many carried banners with slogans attacking the government such as "the state did it."

More:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/21/mexico-violence-idUSL2N0TA3D220141121?rpc=401

[Comrade Grumpy]

3. This may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Mexicans are sick to death of corruption, official impunity, a lawless state, and economic misery.

And the rot extends to the entire political structure. The anger now is being directed at the ruling PRI (and with good reason), but it was the "leftist" mayor of Iguala and his wife who were really directly responsible. He belongs to the PRD. All of the parties have the same authoritarian strong-man structures and networks of corruption. Time to sweep them all away.

[KingCharlemagne]

4. My Socialist comrades characterize Mexico currently

as a 'narco-fascist state,' meaning that its democracy is only for show and that the reality underneath the surface is far different and far more brutally violent. I have friends who live in Cozumel and they assure me that life there continues fairly placidly, the unrest in other areas of Mexico notwithstanding.

[Comrade Grumpy]

5. There's a phrase, "debajo del agua," which describes how Mexico works.

It literally means under the water, or beneath the surface.

There are the formal, institutional power structures, but real power is exercised informally, "debajo del agua."

The elections are largely a charade, the country is dominated by two conservative media giants, and the president looks like a soap opera star (and in fact is married to one).

But Mexico has a long history of popular movements, often bloodily repressed. They are raising their heads again.