from a story on Noticiasnetmx

From January 1st through March 10th of this year, there have been 96 blockades, marches and sit-ins, as many as three per day. Of course, these cause chaos in the city, business is lost, people get upset, traffic is impossible.  Still, many of the concerns are real and legit.  The protesters included social organizations, farmers and inhabitants of municipalities well away from the city who demand solutions to a diverse set of problems.  Then, of course, there are the teachers, Section 22, and the students from  the Independent University “ Benito Juárez ” of Oaxaca (UABJO).

Blockades are effective because there are so few major roads in and out of the city.  There are 500,000 inhabitants in the city and surrounding areas.  There are lots of cars, trucks and buses.  Motos and taxis and burros, oh my.   If you want to shut down the road to Mexico City or the Isthmo or the coast, it is relatively easy.  Plus, the right to protest is a time honored privilege here and people take full advantage of it.

The city of Oaxaca supplies 60% of the state's economy and the protests have a far-reaching impact on all aspects of business and life in general.  Everyone is affected.  It ripples through the various sectors of the economy.  Kids don't get educated.  People can't work.  Ambulances can't get through.  You get the picture.  You notice I have not mentioned all the construction projects that are adding to the fun.

Some of the issues are long standing.  Some are legit and others, not so much, more political than anything else.  It does seem sometimes that as soon as one issue is addressed, another pops up.

Still, the place continues to function pretty well given the circumstances.  I drove into the city this morning and was confronted with buses blocking entrance to the city center.  Ah well, it is normal.  I slapped the car in reverse and backed down several one-way streets to get to where I need to be.  There has to be a better way.  Anyone have the answer?  Anyone?  Bueller?