Margie - 5-19-2004 at 06:03 PM
" In November 1994 in the Mexican state of Michoacan 200 angry men carried a coffin containing the body of a farmer into the local branch of one of
the country's largest banks and left it in the bank lobby for two hours. The farmers said that a threat by the local branch of Serfin Bank to
foreclose on the farmer's land had caused him to suffer a fatal heart attack.
The extrarordinary gesture was part of a rapidly escalating confrontation between Mexico's farmers and the nation's banks,
which had raised their annual interest rates on loans to as high as 100 percent or more as a result of a dramatic drop in the value of the peso.
One month later Mexico's economy crashed. The peso was devalued by 35 percent. Prices doubled, sales plummeted and businesses laid off workers or
closed down entirely. The peso went into a free fall.
In the following months Mexican farmers picketed more than 800 banks, resulting in the closing of some 200 of them, in an attempt to force banks to
renegotiate their loans.
This was the first time in the history of Mexico that middle-class Mexican farmers and small businesspeople had united and successfully used the power
of the picket and boycott to fight back against abuses by the country's archaic banking system.
The unifying force in this new type of people's revolution was an organization called El Barzon, which literally means "The Ring", referring to the
metal ring on a yoke . It may also mean the cutting edge of a plow.
El Barzon was founded to help prevent banks from foreclosing on farmers and small business owners who had taken out loans and who could not afford to
pay the skyrockting interest rates. By 1995 the national debtor's organization had more than half a million members, and it had begun to emply
aggressive tactics in its battle against banks.
In addition to picketing banks and depositing dead bodies in their lobbies, El Barzon encouraged its members to default on their loans, bringing
further pressure
against the disintegrating banking system.
El Barzon activists provided members with legal advice and attorneys. Then, if a bank attempted to foreclose on the property of a member, the
organization took direct action to prevent the bank from seizing the property.
Observers of the Mexican scene described the El Barazon phenomenon as a "middle class guerrilla movement" which was more disruptive than armed
uprisings by Zapatista rebels, because El Barzon members were educated, had resources, knew how to use the legal and financial system, had
professional organizational skills and could operate openly.
Fueled by the continuation of the "Peso Shock" that struck Mexico in 1994-95, membership in the El Barzon spiraled upward and it began to take on the
appearance of a militant political party, with goals that went well beyond reducing high interest rates.
While viewed by the old-guard elements in the ruling party as a serious threat that could lead to vioence, El Barzon was supported by most Mexicans
who saw it as a positive influence in forcing political and economic reforms on a hidebound, recalcitrant government.
The influence of El Barzon has continued to grow and has helped bring a measure of democracy to Mexico that was simply inconceivable in the past. To
the country's embattled farmers and small business class, El Barzon has become something of a magic word."
by, Boye Lafayette De Mente
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Questions:
Does El Barzon still exist?
What are the chances of another crash like the one in 1994?
Doesn't this group negate the meaning of "ni modo" in Mexico ?
Is the middle class in Mexico becomming more populus and widespread?
Populism in El Barzon
aldosalato - 5-19-2004 at 09:36 PM
El Barzon is still another way to promote populism and infringement of law in Mexico.
The same party in power for 70 years, PRI has been the major promoter of it.
True in Mexico nobody defends the rights of honest people and the rich and corrupts are always above the law but El Barzon is still another face of
the old corrupt system that brought poverty and economic disaster to Mexico for many decades.
Mexico badly needs reforms and respect of contracts and law. It does not need El Barzon because El Barzon does not promote any change they just
promote the defence of privileges and corruption.
Does El Barzon still exist?
Yes it still exist but has less power than 7 years ago.
What are the chances of another crash like the one in 1994?
None. If a crash will come it will be from North of the border, together with Europe and Japan. Everybody needs to look at economic numbers and do his
homework.
Doesn't this group negate the meaning of "ni modo" in Mexico ?
"Ni modo" has been a way of life in Mexico but now young generation are waking up and fighting for their rights, for reforms, and respect of law.
Is the middle class in Mexico becomming more populus and widespread?
Yes. Just look at how many new cars and new houses you see in all major towns.
El Barzon
Margie - 5-19-2004 at 10:34 PM
So, to refer to El Barzon today as "something of a magic word " in Mexico is a myth. Who or what specific group identifies with them today?
Also, because of the increase in middle class population, it seems almost unfair to refer to Mexico as a "Third World Country". Would calling Mexico
an "Emerging Industrial Nation" be more appropriate?
And, with the increase of a functioning middle-class, who will be most likely to represent them in the future? A new party, or with variations on the
PRI and PAN?
I'm glad to hear that about 'ni modo', I was always frustrated with that perception, although, I must say, it comes in handy when the deck is stacked
against you !
Thank you Aldosalato for addressing this. I haven't checked your thread on India, shame she didn't decide to be Prime Minister.