And now, Santa Cruz
06.23.2004Yesterday's pro-autonomy march in the city of Santa Cruz was well attended. Reports estimate more than 100,000 present (more than any COB march I ever heard of), many w/ the green-white-green departmental flags. The call was for a departmental referendum by the end of the year to determine whether Santa Cruz will govern itself autonomously (but still remaining part of Bolivia).
The leader of the Comité Cívico Pro Santa Cruz, Rubén Costas, spoke about continuing in the tradition of the once porciento — the fight almost 50 years ago demanding that at least 11% of departmental production remain in the department, rather than go to the capital. The new cruceño-led movement plants an 11-point agenda for regional political & economic autonomy.
In his speech, Costas exclaimed:
"We believe in our way of life. We believe in our [economic] development model, which sustains the country. We think differently. The cruceño loves his Patria w/ a son's love, that's why he can't allow that she be violated every day. Is it Bolivia that violates the laws? ... Is it Bolivia that has all the power of the laws in her hands & doesn't apply them? ... Or is it Bolivia that violates democracy? ... Is it Bolivia that eliminates the rule of law? ... Is it Bolivia that violates [the right to] property? ... Or is it Bolivia that doesn't believe in Justice? ... Is it Bolivia that kills her neighbors & authorities? ... Is it Bolivia that destroys? ... We aren't that!"
Despite the massive numbers, the entire event was peaceful. No dynamite, no attacking pedestrians. By 6:30, Costa's speech was over. Then the crowd burst into the Himno Cruceño, waving the departmental flags.
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I rescued this post from the now-defunct LivinginLatinAmerica.com. Original comments can temporarily be found on Google cache.
Posted by Miguel at 02:35 PM