TLC protests in San Jose TLC referendum is next Sunday. Town was full of protesters today. Should be an interesting week. - (70) more edit 2007-09-30 - rec# 57

Next Sunday, 7 October the citizens of Costa Rica will vote in a national referendum on the TLC (or CAFTA). This is the first referendum to have been held in this country and the vote looks like it will be close. In any case feelings and loyalties are are running strong. Debates in public forums abound and are televised. There are ads in the paper every day. There are good arguments on both sides. Also mud being thrown by both sides. I think one of the best things I have read on the subject was an editorial in the paper last week..."Somos todos hermanos"..."We are all brothers". Perhaps the most important thing that will happen will happen on the 8th. When the election is over can the two sides come together to build Costa Rica? Or more to the point...HOW will the two sides come together. Yesterday there was a big demonstration in town. The paper had reported that it was expected to be the largest ever in the country. I think they were correct! Knowing that there would be activity in town I took my camera with me...well I FORGOT my camera and went back, but that's a another story. I have a bunch of pics posted from the demonstration. It was the largest mass of people I've ever been a part of. We've been in country long enough that we even recognized some of our friends there. Our minister came up and talked to us while holding his sign. The only certain element is change. If the country gets in bed with the US they will be lead by the interest of the capitalists, all the arguments of the "si" side not withstanding. If the TLC fails, then the country will STILL have its problems of poverty and corruption to deal with and have no additional resources. How can the country join the party without horing themselves? Is it a party really worth joining? This is a beautiful country with wonderful people..patriotic all. I feel honored to be able to live among them. On the 8th it will be nice to have the decision behind us, but then the work really begins. When Deb and I were headed back to our bus to return home after the demonstration several Ticos talked to us as we passed them. One quick quip stands out. There was a group of about 5 coming our way, we passed pleasantries and then one woman looked back at us and yelled (in English) "We LOVE you (Americans)!" I responded "igualmente!"