Teachers Union Turns Violent in Mexico’s Streets
- Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:33am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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OAXACA, Mexico (AP) — Police fired tear gas and clashed for several hours Tuesday with teachers protesting a visit by President Felipe Calderon to the colonial city of Oaxaca.
The protests are reminiscent of unrest that paralyzed the southern city for five months in 2006 and left at least a dozen people dead.
The Section 22 teachers union said 20 protesters were injured during the running clashes, which lasted several hours. Police at the scene said five officers were hurt. Reporter Gildardo Mota of Radio Rama said he was struck on the left leg by a bullet.
The violence broke out in Oaxaca’s main plaza as the teachers gathered to protest. The teachers threw rocks and hit police with sticks. Police fought tear gas. It was unclear who fired the live ammunition.
Oaxaca, the capital of the southern state by the same name, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico because of its picturesque colonial center, Zapotec ruins and surrounding Indian villages known for their arts and crafts.
The protesters also torched a government vehicle and beat the Oaxaca state Public Safety Secretary Marco Tulio Lopez when he tried to call for calm outside the government offices.
Section 22 was the same union that began the 2006 protests. That upheaval began as a teachers strike to demand higher pay but quickly ballooned into a wider movement against then-Oaxaca Gov. Ulises Ruiz, who was accused of rigging his election.
Protesters seized the main plaza for months until federal forces moved in to clear them out.
Section 22 leaders said Tuesday they were protesting a decree that Calderon signed Monday giving parents tax breaks on private school tuition. The union leaders argue the measure undermines Mexico’s already struggling public schools. They threatened more protests and roadblocks in response to the police crackdown.
Calderon completed his visit despite the protest, signing several agreements with the state government.
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Comments (78)
Desert Dog
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:15pmRemember all these stories and the drug stories then read this:
http://www.demingheadlight.com/deming-news/ci_17396682
Just what we need. More infiltration into the US. Thank You NAFTA.
Oh by the way, most of the trade comes INTO the US not out.
I know, because I can see the trucks every day.
Report Post »The American
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:11pmI didn’t realize that Mexico had teachers! For those of you that don’t get it, this is called sarcasm.
UlyssesP
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:06pmAyyy ayy yay yay…Sing you fools, don’t cry.
Report Post »BoilitDown
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:00pmIs it the world vs unions now? Have they decared war on the non-union world demanding that everyone else’s rights are below theirs? I’ve told people for over 30 years that unions will be our down fall and all I got back was verbal abuse and threats.
Report Post »blue eyed devil
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:46pmBuy lead! You are going to need it soon!
Report Post »GodHelpUsAllif youPlease
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:36pmPeople Of America It seems time to me for Mr. Murdock, FOX News, and Glen Beck to offer a
Report Post »CHEAP or just shipping charges set of DVDs that we could copy without copyright protection to give to our friends that still have their HEADS STILL IN THE SAND.! Before its too LATE. They could still make money off of Ads on them.
A TEXAN that will fight for Our freedoms to return and Stop the MARKISM in it tracks
Silverline
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:35pmv
Report Post »Your Name Here
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:18pmThe punk in the blue T-Shirt looks like he’s auditioning for the gay olympics.
Report Post »Or else he’s re-enacting the Revenge of the Nerds javelin throwing nerd.
pap pap
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:11pmI’m sure there a lot of good union workers but the leadership and the bad gimme gimme workers need to be spoken against by the good guys so that they can have a union with good intentions for their membership and fairness for those they serve.
If the union good guys don‘t speak against the bad guys then they are no better than the good ******* that won’t condemn the radicals.
Report Post »Maggie in Indiana
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:09pmUnions. huh.
Report Post »ISeeDanger.com
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:05pmAs a kid I always wanted a teacher that carried a club and rocks….
Report Post »noline
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:00pmEven Mexico is coming to realize that the socialized school system is a failure and is moving toward private schools.
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:58amThey should seriously BAN Public Servant Unions in the US.
I don’t care what public servant unions think here or there. They’re lecherous to every state they consume here. To be a public servant, to serve the people, that’s an honor. Pay them more, but no more unions. They’re no different from the rest of us who go to work and work our tails off to make a living. If they want to fight here, they should beware armed citizens whom are tired of their rhetoric. I‘ll happily go fist to fist with a bunch of teachers that think they’re THAT much better than everyone else, especially since most in the unions aren’t teaching children anything anymore.
Report Post »KL
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:58amIF union members were good people, then they wouldn’t be protesting OR become violent. But what do we expect from Mexico. This is how they are, another reason to secure the borders. We don’t need these types of people running wild over here.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:25pmWe better secure the Wisconsin border as well. OK, the cheeseheads aren’t violent yet.
Report Post »LadyLibertykicksASS
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:57amThe Whole world is unraveling….. get ready folks, it’s coming here.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:12pm.
Report Post »I have a 5gal bucket of rocks by the front door. Don’t have a camel, but my neighbor has some shetland ponies. Hoping the sight of a bunch of 50 somethings charging with bad intentions, will make them break and run……..If not let the Head Whooooooping Start!!!! WooooHooooooooo……
kissmyazobama
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:56amMexico………..what can you say?
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:55am.
Report Post »No talent in this crowd. I’ve seen little kids in the middle east chunk rocks, that would take your head off.
Gonzo
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:05pmI‘ve often wondered if Major League Baseball isn’t missing out on an untapped talent pool in the middle east. The Reds could use some of that natural ability on the mound.
Report Post »TERMLIMITSNOW
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:34pmthey can’t hit tho
Report Post »maxedout
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:51amComing to a city near you.
Report Post »maxedout
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:55amTime for a drink.
Report Post »rightwingheroes
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:43amNothing good comes out of Unions.
Report Post »rodamaa
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:46amexcept their ending.
Report Post »ARIZONA VETERAN
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:08pmProtest sign makes make alot of money
Report Post »ds7
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:42amsame people who are crashing our borders and setting up shop in america.
Report Post »rodamaa
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:42amThe coming insurrection? Oh, that Glenn Beck
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:40amAll union members are interested in is MONEY!
Report Post »Why couldn’t Congress pass a law against the organization of unions and ban unions in government and schools, which receive our tax money?
butler180
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:55amBecause the Unions pour millions of their union dues into Democratic election coffers
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:00pmI would say “All union LEADERS are interested in is MONEY!”
Report Post »A lot of people join a union to get a job. In a unionized auto plant, you have to be a union member to get a job. There is no question that unions kill jobs in America. Both of my grandfathers made a living their whole life in the steel mills of Pittsburgh. One of the biggest reasons that NOBODY makes a living in the steel industry today is because it became cheaper to import Japanese steel than to fund the Steel Workers Union.
ltb
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:18pmI would never belong to a union, but don’t believe unions, in and of themselves, are bad. The problem isn’t the unions, the problem is that union leaders are corrupt, just like our public school administrators are corrupt, just like our government “representatives” are corrupt, just like our society is corrupt. Are you beginning to see a pattern? Garbage in, garbage out.
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:46pm@Gonzo.. Not entirely true some people just send out resumes and when they get a job it happens to be union.. had they been hired for a private company (and some private companies have unionized workers).. it all depends.. However.. lets face it.. ANYONE who is looking for a job is looking to MAKE money.. in the case of the TEACHERS unions the LOCAL GOVERNMENT signed the contracts.. had they NOT signed them the UNIONS wouldn’t be leading the teachers now would they..It’s the same with SS GOVERNMENT demanded we pay into the system at a certain rate for so long before collecting a set amount.. THAN when they kept dipping their hands in it and it’s short NOW they want to CHANGE the rules.. I can see where the people would be angry.. HOWEVER it’s the UNIONS who will now be cut off who are making the stink.. I use to work for a company that was union.. than the office workers got rid of the union and only the shop was union.. the OFFICE workers were treated BETTER than the UNION workers.. and it wasn’t about job security.. the company NEVER laid off or FIRED anyone.. cause they didn’t want you to collect unemployment or take the chance of being sued..In the end the government got so involved at trying to MAKE the owners give even more to the union they sold the company to a non union company and they KICKED out the union.. however since the new company kept the shop workers they didn’t qualify for the severance package so they were stuck working for the non union company or walk away with nothing.. there is more than one way to bust a union …
Report Post »Michael912
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 6:40pmUnions ARE a Communist agenda. Read the Communist manifesto.
Report Post »eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:39amViolence? In Mexico? No way!
Report Post »HairRazor
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:12pmthe good thing about it down there is.. siesta is at 10am and 2pm.. best times to get outatown
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:36amUnions! They must have some sort of mental disorder!
Report Post »cnsrvtvj
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:48amI think it’s called the “all about me” syndrome.
Report Post »Miguelito
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:48amI feel most of union members are good people. There is a few as with any organization that are evil including the leadership in the union. The good union members should rise up against the evil members in the union. The devil has come to kill, steal and destroy!
Report Post »butler180
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:52amYeah, not only GREED.
Report Post »But can’t be fired, can abuse children and keep their jobs and pensions, can commit a crime go to prison and keep their pensions, our children graduate from High School and can not read or write a sentence, work nine months and receive 12 months pay, free medical care packages
And on top of all this they strike for more money (no inflation but they get 3 or 4 % pay increases)
Doubt check out your local teaches pay packages
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:03pm.
Report Post »Union is a Mental Disorder…………..
independentvoteril
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:27pm@Miguelito.. 50% of union members don’t even LIKE the union.. and over 50% are conservatives..
Report Post »jdog777
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:55pmTeacher’s Union in Mexico?? I didn’t even think they had teachers much less a union. Have you seen the highly educated Mexican’s gracing our great country?
Report Post »Cheekymnky2
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:36amNothing to see, move along.
Report Post »cnsrvtvj
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:40amThere is absolutely something to see. It sounds like we’re getting closer to this happening here in America. The situation in Wisconsin is really heating up. I’ve read several articles on this and the liberal media all say the same thing. They are all saying Governor Scott Walker is “attacking” working families. Heaven forbid he should ask the teachers to start contributing to their own health care coverage. The media is in full support of the unions, what a shock.
http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the union tactics video
Report Post »JoeBtfsplk
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:12pmHue Puta Idiota cheek!
Exactly what is about to happen here in the USA.
Think NOT ?
Report Post »Crewbot
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:14pm.
Report Post »Typical union worker drones!
exdem
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:18pmOnce again UNIONS spreading peace – just like Islam.
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:20pmPass the bill they want to THAN he can NOT PAY any teachers that DON’T show up.. Hey when I went to a protest it was on a week-end OR I took off work and didn’t get paid..
Report Post »Curator_JDR
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:31pmProtesters torching government vehicles. I wonder what else they’re teaching the kids besides anarchy? This world-wide movement began with an invasion of the Arts about 100 years ago. Convincing people that anti-art is real art is the first step in dumbing people down and demoralizing them. It takes personal choice (opinion), which makes us human, off the table.
This movie “Dada – The Enemy of Freedom” exposes all. Watch part 2 first.
Report Post »http://www.marcrubin.com/dada.ivnu
Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:57pmWhere does everybody go for this rock throwing school?
Report Post »DashRipRock
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:18pmIf the Mexicans need to rent a Camel they can get one here.
http://americancamelcompany.com/
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:29pmUnions need to be redefined as a cult instead of for the workers; they have become cults of personality for their leadership just like so many other men of utter madness.
Report Post »Melvin Spittle
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 6:12pmNoticed how violent they got over giving parents a tax break if they send their kids to a private school. Sound familiar? Federal government has no business in public education. Our public schools are nothing but socialist indoctrination camps.
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:20pmI‘m glad it’s about the students!
Report Post »DisillusionedDaily
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:50pmComing soon to a community near you. Prepare for it.
Report Post »TruthLover
Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:10amThis is why I homeschool. If I feel like going on strike, I just sleep in.
Report Post »