Ok. This is just surreal

01.21.2004

I'm sitting at Café La Terraza, using their WiFi. And sitting at the table next to me are two syndicalist dirigentes, not sure from which "confederation" (they keep using the word). I'm eavesdropping, of course, but doing my best to not look to suspicious.

They're planning a manifestación for Monday. And they're quite organized, working through various logistical measures. Like how to make sure they have enough press coverage for the evening news. Or how to write up the demand letter they'll give to the COB, who'll then give to President Mesa. And how to make sure they round up enough people by Monday to make a good showing of it in front of the ministry building.

Nothing strange about this. Except. This is an expensive café, and these men are very well dressed. Actually, they look like New Jersey mafia stereotypes, w/ their slicked back hair & three-quarter leather jackets.

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NOTE: I'm not meaning to disparage these guys' convictions or whatnot, but it just seems weird to overhear two trotskyite types plan a popular protest in the same café normally filled w/ socialites & where I've bumped into a former vice president.

Posted by Miguel at 03:55 PM

Comments

truly interesting post - just hope those syndicalistas aren't reading your blog. I always wonder about who is reading.
Great political update that follows.Glad you are better, by the way. I think if nothing else, you'll have great material for an interesting novel - if dissertation fails, write a novel!

Posted by: bev at January 21, 2004 10:35 PM

Mom:

Well, I never worry about who reads my blog. On one hand, I self-censor for some practical reasons. Including that you & dad read it (which pretty much just means little or no swearing). But. I like the honest truth, even the brutal truth, no matter the consequences (I guess it's my camba nature). And my life really is an open book (for the most part).

And if the syndicalists read my little blog, I say let them. I have to put up w/ all their outdated trotskyite political hackery, the least they can do is put up w/ my opinions.

Posted by: Miguel at January 22, 2004 12:30 PM