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March 6th protest against paramilitarism and state crimes
I just returned from participating in the mobilization, so here are some first impressions, for those who might be interested.
I walked from the Parque Nacional, where things were being originally set up, to the Plaza de Bolívar, returning by bus after a shorter walk.
All in all, specific details aside, I felt that what I saw of the event accomplished what the organizers were seeking: to bring much needed attention to the victims of paramilitary, parapolitics and state crimes, pointing out the relevant responsibilities and promoting a legislative bill in favor of victims' rights to reparation, truth and justice.
As for my own participation...I repeated those slogans I happened to agree with, but maintained respectful silence when that wasn't the case.
The Bogotá march was quite slow and uneven at times, at least at first, before the more disciplined groups showed up in large numbers. I can't exactly provide a real estimate, but the mobilization was fairly big even if it was probably smaller than the one on February 4th, for those who care about making comparisons, considering how much time passed before the streets were already open for day to day transportation.
I say that because the organizers I heard while in the Plaza were quite explicit in pointing out that they were not reacting against the February 4th march. I did see a couple of banners which argued otherwise, but also some which supported the previous event and the one taking place today. A small number of people even wore "No más FARC" T-shirts, and I overheard one woman who said was marching in favor of the victims even though she supported Uribe.
Once in the Plaza de Bolívar, the organizers read many testimonies from victims of paramilitary and state violence, many of them quite saddening to say the least. They also tried (without too much success, at least from what I saw) to engage in minor crowd control, as more and more people entered the area.
Other details:
-The main theme was paramilitary and state violence, but the humanitarian agreement and the rejection of kidnappings was a noticeable secondary element. Other secondary or tertiary themes included a rejection of displacement, all kinds of violence, calls for the preservation of life (notably from the pro-Mockus groups), for peace, for public education, against racism / discrimination and against U.S. militarism / intervention (mainly from public school / university students).
-Naturally, a very significant amount of explicit anti-Uribism was present as well, in particular among the contingents from disciplined political organizations such as the JUCO (Communist Youth), several public student groups, the unions and many of the different NGOs. "Uribe, Paraco, el Pueblo está Berraco...Uribe, Fascista, usted es Terrorista". The usual stuff.
-However, as far as the more spontaneous participants were concerned, they didn't seem to have that much political fervor...in fact, sometimes they didn't repeat the (pre-recorded?) slogans which were being transmitted from moving vehicles, or only did so infrequently.
-Speaking of the JUCO...if my memory is correct, they were probably among the few who were saying something similar to what I read on ANNCOL: "el que no marche / salte es paramilitar". They seemed to be relatively isolated as far as repeating that slogan goes though...and in fact, the only incident of intolerance I saw was from a passing guy who yelled something at them (or, to be fair, in their general direction).
-No members of the ESMAD were present, as far as I could tell, though there was a fair number of police at some locations.
-There were both genuine UP survivors and many others who carried their banners in solidarity. There were also some representing the M-19.
-Many people had photos of assassinated, disappeared or massacred individuals, not only those from the PCC, UP (Jaime Pardo, Bernardo Jaramillo, Manuel Cepeda), and the orthodox left in general but also Guillermo Cano, Luis Carlos Galán, Carlos Pizarro, Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, the Supreme Court magistrates and those disappeared at the Palace of Justice siege, among as others.
-I didn't see any pro-FARC banners nor hear any undeniably pro-FARC slogans, at least during my presence there. I did see one graffiti or two. I suppose those will be more common elsewhere, in areas of FARC influence or in certain foreign cities.
-Chávez's and Piedad Córdoba's role in favor of the humanitarian agreement was widely praised, but not much open Chavism was evident. Only saw one guy with a handwritten banner comparing Chávez to Gaitán but, ironically enough, another handwritten banner held by another guy was actually quite anti-Chávez, calling him a "FARCSANTE" (sic).
-There were people of practically all races and social classes, including people who might as well have returned from Miami or Europe, considering the kind of clothes they were wearing.
-I saw a couple of observers (?) from the Peace Brigades International, as well as from some Swedish reconciliation organization whose name I cannot remember. They were all female.
-Someone was carrying a handwritten banner advertising for teleSur, as the outlet for "truth". To be honest, "truth" wasn't exactly what came to my mind when I read that, but I respected that opinion.
-Not too much media presence, but I did see some guys from Caracol and CityTV.
By juancegomez on Mar 6, 2008, 13:24 in Politics & the war.
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jonas says on Mar 6, 2008, 14:53: At around 5pm I heard some detonations (maybe 5 or 6), not like a big bomb but quite loud. Then I heard lots of ambulance sirens. The sound came from K7a just north of Jimenez I believe. Anybody hear something about that? What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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juancegomez says on Mar 6, 2008, 14:58: Could have been anything, frankly...anything from an accident to some minor disturbance at the tail end of the concentration, to speculate somewhat.
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jonas says on Mar 6, 2008, 15:05: sounded like papas... What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 16:00: Somos Todos... La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 16:23: "saw a couple of observers (?) from the Peace Brigades International, as well as from some Swedish reconciliation organization whose name I cannot remember. They were all female. " La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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poco says on Mar 6, 2008, 17:06: Did the Unions have naked protesters? "Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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juancegomez says on Mar 6, 2008, 17:09: Alma: Ah, that's what it was, thanks
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tejasmarcos says on Mar 6, 2008, 18:02: nice post. great cause... trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 18:11: "photos anyone?" La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 18:16:
La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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tejasmarcos says on Mar 6, 2008, 19:27: one, trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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chrispej says on Mar 6, 2008, 19:49: I have been told by my many friends here in Colombia that the march back on Feb. 4th was something that could not be done in the last 40 years due to fear. And now, another march. I suspect we'll see more with many different opinions.
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:01: That's 6 Tejas - If you want more you'll have to ask nicely ;) La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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goin_south says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:15: juancegomez.... 'what does it mean, when one of you (colombians) tell another: YOU WERE NOT/ARE NOT. 'COLOMBIAN ENOUGH'?? jejeje..a mixture, I think, of stupidity mixed with a false sense of arrogance.. How 'colombian' do you have to be? to be 'colombian enough 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:19: Goin_South...was that just a question for juancegomez or can anyone reply? He's had a long day! La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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webmanco says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:20: The pictures I am about to post do not necesarily reflect any afiliation to any group, Si algo no soy es extremista. A few posters get their panties wet for not reason at all. (I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:23: Da le! Did you get the link? La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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webmanco says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:36: http://colombiche.net/mipueblo/v/La+Capital/Marzo4/?g2_page=2 (I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:41: Nice!! I wasn't going to post my pic of your second one - thought it might have been a bit inflamatory- naughty. Did you get the link? La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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webmanco says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:44: I did not get any link (I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:53: You asked for it. I PM''d you with it: La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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webmanco says on Mar 6, 2008, 20:55: Gracias (I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 21:16: Webby, I like your pics, but I think you concentrate on the sensational rather than "The Pueblo" : La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 6, 2008, 21:19: No, I take it all back with the last one, y de nada. La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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goin_south says on Mar 6, 2008, 21:29: of course, Alma..d N.. you or anyone can address my question. 'what does it mean, when one of you (colombians) tell another: YOU WERE NOT/ARE NOT. 'COLOMBIAN ENOUGH'?? jejeje..a mixture, I think, of stupidity mixed with a false sense of arrogance.. How 'colombian' do you have to be? to be 'colombian enough 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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goin_south says on Mar 6, 2008, 21:35: my observation... born out of my question, is that... it was both marches, for good causes... and that I am happy, first to see that two differing perspectives, one somewhat, if not very, slanted against the president... AND my hope would be that both those perspectives, while not so contrasting in nature, but in contrast for who they were aimed at.... can become stepping stones for more unity and peace in Colombia. 'what does it mean, when one of you (colombians) tell another: YOU WERE NOT/ARE NOT. 'COLOMBIAN ENOUGH'?? jejeje..a mixture, I think, of stupidity mixed with a false sense of arrogance.. How 'colombian' do you have to be? to be 'colombian enough 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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goin_south says on Mar 6, 2008, 21:51: DID ANYTHING SIGNIFICANT HAPPEN TODAY? 'what does it mean, when one of you (colombians) tell another: YOU WERE NOT/ARE NOT. 'COLOMBIAN ENOUGH'?? jejeje..a mixture, I think, of stupidity mixed with a false sense of arrogance.. How 'colombian' do you have to be? to be 'colombian enough 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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goin_south says on Mar 6, 2008, 21:52: Please..... don't make me go read msnbc.com....Please, spare me. 'what does it mean, when one of you (colombians) tell another: YOU WERE NOT/ARE NOT. 'COLOMBIAN ENOUGH'?? jejeje..a mixture, I think, of stupidity mixed with a false sense of arrogance.. How 'colombian' do you have to be? to be 'colombian enough 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 6, 2008, 22:22: "Por momentos la marcha pareció más una protesta política, pero por otros fue un gran encuentro cultural cuyo tema era la violencia. Las mujeres fueron protagonistas. "I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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webmanco says on Mar 7, 2008, 03:01:
(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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podborski says on Mar 7, 2008, 04:36: webmanco's photos on the link he posted make it look like it was mostly a political anti-Uribe march as many suspected
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gringoloid says on Mar 7, 2008, 04:58: this was kind of a rough day.................webmanco is telling the truth............. some of these colombian people are really pissed off. my friends were a little scared at some of the things going on.
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 7, 2008, 05:49: Gringoloid, can you be more specific about the things that scared your friends? La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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juancegomez says on Mar 7, 2008, 11:08: podborski : That the event was quite explicitly anti-Uribe is unquestionable. However, webmanco showed off some of the more radical or extreme examples, in particular those involving the previously mentioned Anarchists (which, again, I didn't get to see for myself). Others were different enough, even if their general complaints and rhetoric were common.
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tejasmarcos says on Mar 7, 2008, 14:56: way to go guys! great reporting from the pbh crew as usual! the pics speak loudly... trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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gringoloid says on Mar 7, 2008, 20:49: Alma...............i was not there for the demonstration........i was there for other business and happened to get caught up in all that with two abogadas in their 40's.
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cali373 says on Mar 7, 2008, 20:57: http://www.slide.com/r/6McH4k2A2D83Ovt3ab35jPQrlDX6nvNS?previous_view=... Smile if you are a thinker! 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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podborski says on Mar 8, 2008, 04:28: this is the problem I had with this march, they pretended it was anti violence but it was really about being anti-Uribe and a desperate attempt to save face after the wildly successful anti-FARC march.
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SiV says on Mar 8, 2008, 04:57: Well, first off, I marched in both. Stultórum númere infinitum est. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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webmanco says on Mar 8, 2008, 05:14:
(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Alma del Norte says on Mar 8, 2008, 12:03: Pod, frustrating isn't it? On the 4th Feb. I found myself shoulder to shoulder with chanting Nazi scum. But hey, I got over it. La vida es una rutina 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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podborski says on Mar 8, 2008, 12:26: I dunno about frustrating, but it's just one reason why I don't usually participate in group events, you never know who's going to hijack the thing, and I would not be able to march alongside nazis for any reason
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