Mexican politics

[Jo Clute]

This is just for those interested in Mexican politics......

I was signed up for a workshop in late October to build  a home out of 
shipping pallets for a local family in Juarez, ME.

Due to recent events described below,  my workshop was cancelled.  I am so 
sad about what has happenned

This is one of many reasons why I am empathetic and sensitive to our Mexican 
immigrants

imagine, for a moment,  what it must be like.....


JC


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <vonbach at worldhandsproject.org>
Cc: <mail at jmthomas.net>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 8:16 AM
Subject: Fall 2006 Workshop


> Hey all, please read below. If you have any questions, please call me or
> Alfred...thanks for your understanding. Matt (505.751.7345) or Alfred
> (505.470.6141)
>
> ___________________________________________
>
> Greetings,
> It is with great regret that I have to write these words to all of you.
> Due to recent events in Anapra, we have decided that it is just too risky
> to hold our workshop in late October.  About ten days ago, Fr. Bill
> Morton, the coordinator of the Mexican component of our work in Anapra and
> a great champion of the oppressed people in the area, got deported from
> Mexico.   For many years he has selflessly fought for the rights of the
> people living on the mesa above Anapra, who are getting pushed off their
> land by a wealthy Mexican family wanting to develop the area.  In so
> doing, he has had some success in helping the people retain their rights
> to the land, but because of that success, he became a problem to the
> developers who clearly wanted him out of the way, so they trumped up some
> charges through the corrupt local authorities and had him deported.  This
> effectively disabled him from continuing his work with the local people.
> As the result and for their protection, he chose to disband the crews he
> employs in the area, who assist him and us in the production of the houses
> we build in the workshops, leaving us without their needed help in
> completing the projects.
>
> I addition through our (WHP) association with Fr. Bill and our involvement
> with him on houses on the Mesa, there is the potential that we could also
> be subject to some form of retribution, as these people will stop at
> nothing to achieve their goal.  Although we may not actually be a target,
> I cannot take the chance of having any of you innocently caught up in the
> fray.  I never realized, until now, the extent to which these powerful
> people control the business and government in the area and how little the
> plight of the people is of concern to them.  Nevertheless it is our hope
> that in the near future, we can find a way to help the people who are
> getting displaced, without being at risk ourselves.  It may take some time
> for things to cool down before we attempt this.  In the meantime, we will
> keep you abreast of the developments and let you know when we again feel
> it is safe to work in the area.
>
> Also in the meantime we will be looking for other areas to work in that
> will allow us to continue with our efforts.   We will let you know about
> these projects as they evolve.  Thank you so much for your interest in
> supporting with our work.  I sincerely hope to see you on future projects
> with us.
>
> Of course your money will be fully refunded and I hope that those of you
> that purchased airline tickets can obtain credit towards other travel
> (hopefully for a future workshop).  Please stay in touch.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Alfred von Bachmayr
> World Hands Project
> Director
>
>