In 1973 I came to Mexico to participate in a “junior year abroad” college program. I was twenty-one and knew nothing of Mexican history, culture or US/Mexico relations. So the morning I sat with three fellow students on the zocalo in Puebla, sipping cafe con leche and munching unfamiliar breakfast pastries remains fixed in my memory.
We were newly arrived and felt very grown up experiencing a new and magical world. Across the street was a large park (zocalo) and on the other side of the square, a cathedral.
It was a beautiful day when suddenly everything changed.
From a distance we heard an unrecognizable sound approaching. It grew louder and turned into a ruckus. What at first appeared to be a parade, in actuality was an angry mob banging pots, chanting and dragging an effigy of Uncle Sam hanging by the neck. To say we were terrified is an understatement. The four of us took off running, zig-zagging down side streets and putting distance between us and the protesters. In retrospect we were not in any danger, but of course we didn’t know that.
I have no knowledge of what the protest was about. The US and Mexico have never been the best of friends. It was the time of Richard Nixon, Watergate and gas shortages in the US. I fully expected to return home to a revolution. We all know how that turned out.
Here I am again in Mexico reading about protests in the US and not able to participate. If we were there, Lisa would probably have to lock me in the bedroom to keep this 73 year old woman from joining in. My days of marching against the Vietnam war and participating in university sit-ins are long gone. I’m glad there are others to take up the gauntlet.
I can’t believe our country is again taking to the streets in protest. Past actions helped put an end to the Viet Nam war. This time it’s not just young people protesting. Hopefully the outcome will have results in the ballot box.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
I was at a No Kings protest yesterday in Leesburg! (I’m 78) There were people of all ages, from children to elders.
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GFY we need everyone.
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I was unable to attend a protest but followed events online. 10-11 MILLION people came out!! I was and stan ecstatic.
That man’s days are numbered.
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From your lips to god’s ears.
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Thank you Alex – sending love xo
Lorrie Jones
Simple Serenity
simpleserenity.comhttp://simpleserenity.com/
253.312.3117
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I feel the same. I’m 76 and would be out in the streets if we still lived in Virginia. So glad to see the turnout yesterday across the country. Jeff and I cry for what has happened North of us, and thank God we are here in Mexico,
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When I was in school in Mx my father sent me a letter asking why I was hiding out in Mexico. My teacher commented that there weren’t that many good places to hide out anymore.
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I’m 75 and still
protesting!
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Yup, and we thought our protests in the 70’s would change the world. 😔
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I really hope the demos makes a difference – looking for some hope wherever I can find it. 😦
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You better have enough hope for both of us.
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