In Santiago today, the March of the Umbrellas

[rabs]

Another massive student/teacher demonstration in Santiago today. About 100,000 turned out despite snow and freezing rain. Another 50,000 demonstrated in other cities the length of the country.

Brief video (one minute or so)

http://www.3tv.cl/index.php?m=video&v=19774

There was no violence reported because the students themselves blocked any hooded or masked thugs from clashing with police or looting. The students have denounced that Carabineros and pinochetista youths were infiltrating the student marches to cause chaos. (Update: ONE tear gas canister was reported fired at the end of the demonstration.)

There is no end in sight for this 3-month-old stalemate between the students and the Pinera government. Neither side is backing down.

What is clear is that Pinera has gotten a very black eye not only in Chile but internationally.


University student federation leader Camila Vallejos made the frontpage of a major German newspaper today. She has become well known in the European/Latin American media but not in the United States (except here in the Latin American Forum :-)

On a personal note: Today was my little grandson's first participation in the student movement (sort of). :woohoo:

He is a pre-kindergartener (3 years old) and his "tias" joined the massive demonstration so no "classes" for him today.

(tias = aunts, which is what Chileans call pre-kinder and pre-school teachers who take care of and teach little kids. The tias are university educated and belong to the national teachers union.)

[Judi Lynn]

1. Terrific news clip. Had to see it twice. They are very determined to face a day like today there

Good and cold and sloppy. They appeared to be in great spirits, however.

The German paper found an outstanding photo of Camila Vallejos for the front page. Exceptionally pretty Pinera protester!

Amusing to see the giant Pinera head wandering around in the crowd at the link.

Didn't know Chile had much higher requirements for pre-school teachers. That difference will show as the children grow up, won't it?

I'm sure your grandson didn't mind staying home one bit! It's good socially conscious young people are still flourishing in Chile, and haven't been stamped out, afraid to stand up again.

[rabs]

2. Nearly a quarter of a million turned out

according to article in El Mercurio.

100,000 in Santiago and 140,000 and counting in cities the length of the country.

It was a nationwide demonstration. Pinera must have a severe headache again tonight.

About the "tias," their official name is "parvularias," which translates to professional,pre-school teachers -- day nursery, day-care center and kindergarten. They care for babies who have completed three months, up to four-year-old kindergarten toddlers.

Parvularias must have a four-year university education. Assistants at least two years. This has been the Chilean system of providing quality care for very young children, and ensuring that not just anyone can get near the children while the mothers work.

Parvularias joined the student demonstrations because they are part of the national teachers union, which is backing the student movement.

[gbscar]

3. I'm reading this a bit late, but thanks for the update (nt).