It's a Paro!

What's this? It's the street in front of the house--almost completely empty of traffic. It feels like a Sunday but it's Wednesday afternoon. Why? All the minibuses and microbuses are not moving today--the bus drivers' union called a 48-hour transportation strike--nationwide-- that began this morning. To me, it feels like 2/3 of the cars are off the streets.

Which means that schools are out for the kids...a paro (strike) is the Bolivian equivalent of a snow day!

Previously, I would have said that it wouldn't be a trip to Bolivia if there wasn't a paro or demonstration of some kind. We've been here when we couldn't plan a trip anywhere out of La Paz because of road blockades, and another when we went home a few days early because the President resigned and we got worried. But in the years since Evo has been president, there have not been paros--this is the first one. It will be interesting to see how he handles it...after all, Evo is the people's president, and I think he's not a stranger to the organizing side of a strike.

But this is a particularly ridiculous strike. Drivers are protesting Public Decree #420 which imposes tougher sanctions on drunk bus drivers. Now that's something to oppose, isn't it???

This is an issue that has been in the papers since we first arrived--beginning with the news that nearly 100 people have died in bus accidents in the last couple of months, all with drunk drivers at the wheel.

The leadership started their protest with a hunger strike on Monday. Clever aren't they--I guess that technically allows them to keep drinking? The cartoon in today's paper sums up my thoughts exactly:

(Caption says: Drivers on hunger strike--it should be an "alcohol strike" instead.)

In any case, we'll see what tomorrow holds. Supposedly the government is going to sanction those that are blocking roads in an attempt to weaken the momentum of the strike, and all indications are that Evo is standing firm on decree 420. I'm guessing school is out again no matter what.

Luckily, for us in the city taxis are running and private cars are circulating normally--we haven't heard of any blockades. And, most businesses seem to be functioning, at least where we have been today.

And after all, civilized strikers stop striking for the weekend, so there should be a break very soon. Will keep you posted...Karen