The 1st of May

I am writing this with very little knowledge of what transpired today in the States. I had a moment today to watch a little bit of CNN en Español which showed the huge waves of people participating in the national boycott. Its presence was felt even here in El Salvador where several stores denied the sale of American products and posted signs of solidarity. In what little way I could to show support, I did not purchase an American product (but even if i did, I couldn’t, because I tried out of curiosity).



My feelings about the immigration bills and the boycott are not original and felt by many, in an email I recently sent out to a friend I said, “I do agree that something must be done because the criminalization of immigrants simply isn’t the answer. My own personal view is investment in our neighboring countries. Not just NAFTA and CAFTA type stuff, I’m talking heavy investing, taking money out of the war and into development, only that way can you create stability and curb the wave of immigration. Not that it’s a bad thing for us, but this increase in immigrants is a tax to several of our systems set in place for Americans. In the end it’s about helping the global community rather than exploiting it (the case for both ends of the argument).”

May 1st also marked the change of administration here in my community. It began at 8:05 am with when the areneros crossed the threshold of the alcaldia. The new alcalde was accompanied with his new consejo and several supporters. It was a long process taking most of the day; locks were changed, official seals were destroyed and everywhere a PDC worker (now an ARENA worker) were informing someone from the ARENA camp consejo about their work. Goverment officals were present to facilitate the change over and police stood guard outside. It was a peaceful process, right up until the end where one arenero accused the old alcalde of stealing lamina and hording it in the office of the Unidad de Salud. It was in bad taste to do this and for something that seems so petty. The truth of it should have been discussed at a later time and among officials of the court.



By 4:00 pm the new alcalde with his consejo were in the mayor’s office celebrating their victory. I now offically have a new alcalde, many of my friends have quit or will be either fired or relocated. My personal views about the change I will keep to myself for the time being and perhaps in a later blog, as an update I will reveal my feelings on the matter. Until then I look forward to tomorrow and my remaining time here.

Your Affectionate Volunteer,

SCRUTAPE