For contras, a reprise of bitter discontent

[Louisiana1976]

JINOTEGA, Nicaragua -- The red and black Sandinista graffiti scrawled on buildings, street lamps and trees in downtown Jinotega makes it seem like this traditionally conservative coffee town has suddenly had a political change of heart. But behind the facade of leftist propaganda, a right-wing rebellion is brewing.

For several months, a group of former contras identified as the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN) has been quietly conspiring against what they call ``the second dictatorship of Daniel Ortega.''

Group leader Mario Espinoza, who goes by the nom de guerre ``Pajarillo,'' said they are unarmed and that their goals are ``peaceful and democratic'' -- but that all ``depends on the government's attitude.''

Espinoza, who already led a rearmed contra group in the 1990s -- the Frente Norte 3-80 -- claims that the FDN is ready to make its presence felt by facing off against the Sandinistas on Saturday during nationwide protest against President Ortega's government.

snip


http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/1344836.html

[Xipe Totec]

1. Does anybody still remember what the colors red and black stand for?

Red and black are the international symbol of a worker's strike.

Red and Black are the colors of Revolution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuBNLsvNntw

[ngant17]

5. red and black colors are often associated with anarcho-syndicalist groups

it was also the colors of the flag adopted by Fidel Castro's 26 July Movement, and which are often seen in Cuba today.

[Xipe Totec]

6. The French Revolution predates Castro

And Red-Black is recognized outside Cuba, independent of Castro, by every country in Latin America.

[niceypoo]

2. Nicuragua is stunningly poor

...barely a notch above Haiti. I was so shocked the first time we went there. You are either wealthy and flaunting it, or you are destitute. I had a wonderful time there, but man those people work so hard and have absolutely nothing.

Godspeed to them.

[regnaD kciN]

3. Isn't one of the former Contra leaders Ortega's V.P.?

It sounds like this is a small splinter group right up there with the RoT band that wants to see Texas declare its independence.

[EFerrari]

4. This article should only be read with a roll of tp handy.

"Unlike other opposition groups, which were forced to flee every time Sandinista mobs attacked protesters on more than 30 occasions over the past year, FDN leaders said they will hold the line."

Get it while it's hot.