we don't want no civil war

Got a phone call from my ma yesterday, after she'd received a call from a friend who'd heard that Bolivia is heading into civil war. I assured here that, despite being held captive in Cochabamba going on four weeks now, we are safe and sound and should be allowed to return to Santa Cruz any day now. The news here isn't talking of civil war, but there are a lot of demonstrations, a lot of riots and blocades, and a few million people who are willing to fight for what they want. So, yeah, sounds like civil war could be on it's way.

The news here in short: last week the constitutional assembly passed a new constitution giving more power and rights to the indiginous people of Bolivia, who make up roughly 60% of the population. Essentially asking the non-indiginous crowd to work together with them for a more equitable Bolivia (think affirmative action, but on a broader scale). Trouble is, it was an impromptu session and most of the assembly members who would have voted against it were not present. So people are upset. Three days later, the departments of Santa Cruz and Tarija more or less rejected the new constitution and declared autonomy from the rest of the country in order to keep their financial resources within. Essentially, screw you guys, we're better off on our own.

So things are tense, major highways are blocked, demonstrations are getting violent. But this is nothing new. Bolivia is a country of revolutions and constant changes. While the American slaps on a bumper sticker that listlessly asks if it's been four years yet, the Bolivian takes to the street, marching, chanting, fighting for change. This kind of upheavel comes and goes a few times every year, but no one seems to know how this episode will end.

The U.S. government recently issued a travel warning on Bolivia that says, (i'm paraphrasing here) "It's dangerous. Do not travel to Bolivia unless it's absolutely necessary." Well humph, we were hoping for some visitors this year. I don't mean to make light of the political situation, but we, as individuals, do not feel in danger. Really we just want to go back home to podunk Oki where all is normal and quiet in its special japanese-bolivian way. All roads to Santa Cruz are currently blocked off, unfortunately, and for now, we're just waiting and watching.

If you want my opinion, you should still come visit us.