Marches Here and There

Bolivia is on the march. We just don’t know to where.

Three thousand campesinos (poor farmers) and coca growers are on the march on the highway to La Paz. Here in Cochabamba another 2,000 people marched under a burning sun from the city’s central plaza two hours out to a Brazilian-owned oil refinery on the edge of the poorest neighborhood in the city. Bolivia’s rebellion over gas exportation appears to be just warming up.

Monday is the day that the whirlwind of protest is likely to hit La Paz. On Tuesday there will be a summit in the capital of a broad array of social movements to determine what course of action to take next.

Bolivia’s deep divisions are on display in bold this week. One Bolivia is marching for economic justice. Another is marching to packed movie theaters to catch the first weekend of the new Star Wars film.

I confess to having a foot in both camps. This morning I went to the oil refinery to cover the protest. Tomorrow night I am taking my two oldest kids to see Yoda wield a mighty light saber. At least in Star Wars, we pretty much know how it turns out (FYI, he becomes Darth Vader).

A pleasant weekend to all.