Election - Oaxaca

I was here for the last election, staying in the city, and last Sunday's winner, Gabino Cué, was on the ballot. He was ahead when I went to bed and I went to bed because the power went out. When we awoke his opponent, Ulises Ruiz, had won. The years that followed were some of the most trying and horrible years any city or state could endure. There was corruption, oppression, violence, wasteful spending, social problems galore, all of which culminated in the many months of anarchy in 2006. Years later, Oaxaca has still not come close to recovering economically or in its standing as a world cultural destination.

I am a humble guest here, so I will leave it at that.

However, this recent election is such a breath of fresh air, a sign of hope. People got organized and overcame what appeared to be an firmly entrenched establishment. The people's message is loud and powerful and one that resonates, or should resonate, in many places. Oaxaca is known for its culture and for the strength and pride of its indigenous peoples. It is inspirational to see how to make it through tough times and to keep pushing for moral and social justice. It is a key moment. Now let's see what follows.