Mexico: Weekly Newsletter
We hereby share an unofficial translation of the part on Mexico of the latest Weekly Newsletter published by Sol Rojo on October 20.
Outrage over poor water quality was once again voiced in the streets of Guadalajara, where residents and collectives took to the streets to demand clean water, answers from the authorities, and justice in response to reports of police abuse during previous protests. What is happening in Jalisco cannot be reduced to mere public discontent; when families report that the water reaching their homes is cloudy, contains sediment, and has a foul odor, a fundamental right is at stake: access to safe drinking water under adequate conditions. Water is not a commodity; it is essential for life. Therefore, demanding clean water means defending the health, dignity, and right of communities to participate in decisions that affect their present and their future.
The arrests made during the October 11 demonstration, as well as reports of attacks against protesters, have escalated the conflict, driving large crowds into the streets to engage in more militant actions and stand up to the fascist regime governing the State.
In the wake of the recent protests, the media monopolies are shouting themselves hoarse denouncing “the black blocs,” “masked demonstrators,” “the infiltrators,” etc., calling on the people to keep their heads down, to “civilize” the protests, and to turn the other cheek to the bloodthirsty riot police. The media is pushing the narrative that the government itself infiltrated a shock group into the second march for water held this Sunday, under the pretext of justifying the repression. This would be nothing new. However, this rhetoric seeks to delegitimize the anger of the people who want to fight, who demand justice for those detained and tortured, and who know that the only correct tactic is to fight and resist.
We need to think about this a little more: Why does the media want protesters to march with their faces uncovered? Why do riot police beat unarmed people and then retreat when they see the people fighting back? Who benefits most from the media’s rhetoric… Lemus playing the victim, Sheinbaum capitalizing on the discontent… the PRI, the PAN, or all of them together?
It is imperative that the popular movement in Jalisco and throughout the country shake off that cowardly veil of pacifism and passivity that the ruling classes – backed by media monopolies and opportunism – seek to impose on it.
It is not though peaceful strolls or with signs that we fight the privatization of water; it is not with speeches that we fight the political hacks entrenched in the State apparatus; it is not with roses or songs that we fight the people’s executioners.
We salute the dignified struggle of the people of Guadalajara and other municipalities in Jalisco; we join the demand for freedom for our detained comrades; the defense of water as a fundamental right; and the immediate resolution of all the just demands of the people of Jalisco.
Down with Lemus, MC, and all the Parties of the big bourgeoisie!
In defense of water, in defense of life – the people’s struggle is just and combative!
