NEWS & LETTERS, Janurary-February 2010
Defiance of 'ley 7'
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico--Puerto Rico continues to resist the latest version of neo-liberal capitalist policies implemented by the local pro-statehood government. A coalition of labor, religious, student and teacher groups called "Puerto Rico por Puerto Rico" has a continuous campaign of picketing and protesting at all the governor's activities and the legislature. The infamous "ley 7" (law 7), which has thrown thousands of civil service workers into the streets to swell the jobless ranks, has been a magnet for resistance.
Politicians (senators and representatives) who voted for the law are under continuous protest. One popular form of protest uses a traditional holiday form of caroling, only it's called "un asalto"--an assault--where a group of protestors shows up suddenly at a politician's activity or office singing a holiday song inspired and improvised on the spot by the unemployed culture of resistance.
One of the most famous acts of defiance was when a worker, who was recently laid off, threw an egg at the governor during a speech. He missed but became a working-class hero. Needless to say, he was arrested on the spot and charged with a "terrorist" act.
A Methodist bishop has proclaimed from his pulpit that Puerto Ricans are in permanent passive resistance.
On another note, it's great to receive News & Letters again. I feel that I'm in touch again with other workers worldwide. The situation in Puerto Rico is a reflection of a world struggle for freedom.
--Puerto Rican correspondent
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