Bolivia: Enter the MAS

The MAS (the Movement Towards Socialism party) is going back to its roots. The have finally remembered that they are the party of the people - that their strength lies in the streets, despite the fact that they also have access to the Congressional floor.  Fed up with the stall tactics of the traditional rightist parties in the government (despite last night's announcement, no session was held today because they can't reach an agreement to place the Constitutional Assembly on the table), Evo and MAS have called for nationwide road blocks and for new elections.  Until now, the MAS has been soft: their marches have cruised along the Prado without venturing up the hill to put pressure on the Plaza Murillo, Evo has spoken in vague language, with euphemisms and was refusing to call for anything that would rock the boat.  This "politician-esque" posture had brought on a torrent of criticism from Bolivia's social movements.  But today, everything could have changed. The MAS decision to convert its constituency into a force that challenges the operation of the country and the authority of the current government could be the catalyst we've been waiting for. The numbers and breadth of the MAS will now accompany the fierceness of the Altiplano campesinos, the relentlessness of El Alto, and the complementing pressure from striking teachers, transit workers, and health care professionals within La Paz.  And this combination is a force unlike anything I have ever witnessed. Let us not however, forget the risks of placing hope in the actions of a political party. The MAS has an agenda that is, unfortunately, not simply to advance the desires of its constituency.  Their goal is to increase their own governmental power and to do what they deem necessary make Evo the next president. As such, should there be a firm agreement tomorrow in the Congress on the Constitutional Assembly, MAS would back down, leaving the rest of this (dare I say) burgeoning movement coalition out in the cold.  Hopefully, the other groups would persist regardless, but the division that could be created by such a shift could be irreparable.

Three hours ago, I wasn't sure if I would have anything to report more today other than the continuation of political bull-shitting in Congress and the images of empty streets and market stalls created by the transportation workers strike and blossoming blockades...and now, it looks like a whole other chapter is just beginning.  Such is life here on the streets of La Paz...