as i do not normally write about the news of area, in a formal sense, i want you all to know that the following link i am about to give you is based on news reports from local, mexican, media. just as with any media, you must realize that this is one side, although it genearlly purports itself to be unbiased. a lack of bias is nearly impossible in any situation.

the teachers in oaxaca strike every year at this time. every single year. normally, they strike for two weeks and then go back to work. the salaries of public school teachers is ridiculously low in this state, the state where i live, so each year the teachers gain a little but not much. this year is an election year in mexico, and unlike the usa, the govt contributes nearly 100% to all campaigns. private funding is unnecessary bc anyone who starts a party automatically receives funding. debating the vailidity of this practice is not what i want to do; however, because this is only the second time in 80 years that mexico has had election with more than one party giving candidates (1999 was the first time ever) and as there are 5 candidates, you might imagine that money is spread thin. thus, this year, the govt cannot afford to increase teachers salaries and give them any money because it has all been spent on other things, not the least of which are the campaigns of the five candidates.

we are now 25 days into the teachers strike. this strike effects all schools in my state. kids have been out of school for over 3 weeks and as the end of the year is fast approaching, none of them will be able to move on to the next level. also, parents are freaking out bc they do not know what to do with the trikes while they have to work. needless to say, not a single complaint has been heard from arcade and beer stand owners.

so, here it is. http://www.mexiconews.com.mx/18754.html. if the link does not work, let me know. i doubt this news has made cnn or any other channel in the usa, although the bbc is covering the story. keep in mind that deaths, disappearances and the like, all with obvious and sometimes covert links to the military and police, are common in mexico. what is not common is people being free to talk about them in the press. also, i do not tell you guys about the bad stuff normally.

a final note. i teach at a university and although we received an invitation yesterday to join our ¨brothers and sisters¨ - hermanos for those who like arrested development- we shall not be travelling to the capital of the state- 5hrs away- to participate. there have been minor scurmishes with the police and military in my town, but as we work until 7pm at night and are located 3 kilometers out of town, we do not feel the effects here.

i am fine. all is well, with me at least, but this is a very interesting piece and so i want you all to learn a little about mexican teachers (the allegation that ak-47´s were seized is startling, but given the access to weapons that just about anyone in the modern world now enjoys, not 100% surprising). also, the elections are just over 2 weeks away. this could get very interesting. ¡bienvenidos a mexico!