Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

On January 1st, 1994, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation rose up against the oppression of the indigenous peoples of Mexico and against NAFTA. Subcomandante Marcos, of the EZLN, proclaimed NAFTA to be a death sentence for Mexican Indians. The Zapatista revolt was a rallying cry against neo-liberal economic policies. Thousands of people across Europe and the Americas carried the Zapatista banner and cried out, “YA BASTA” in solidarity with the EZLN. From Ya Basta! in Italy to the People’s Global Action to the spirit of resistance in Seattle, Prague, Davos and struggles worldwide, people began to resist the onslaught of global capitalism. The Zapatista struggle was inspiration and fuel for the growing movement.

        Delegates from thirty four nations of North, Central, and South America will be meeting in Quebec City to negotiate a trade agreement called the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The FTAA is NAFTA extended throughout the whole Western Hemisphere (except Cuba). Just as NAFTA is the death sentence to Mexican Indians, the FTAA is a death sentence to all indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere as well as to worker’s rights, the environment and peasant communities from north to south.

        In the spirit of Emiliano Zapata and the EZLN, we call on all workers, women, peasants, indigenous peoples, people of color, students, and all people concerned with the fate of all life on earth, to rise up and struggle in unity against this “death sentence”. Protest against the erosion of worker’s rights, the degradation of the environment, privatization of what rightfully belongs to the people, and corporate dominance of the earth as well as the continued inequalities relating to sexism, racism, homophobia, and all forms of discrimination!

        This is a call to action to join the Zapatista Bloc in Quebec or to form one in your own area! A Zapatista Bloc is a diverse group of people coming together to work with one another despite ideological differences to struggle in unity for a just future. A Zapatista Bloc is a mostly decentralized group incorporating many struggles and ideas putting the philosophy of Zapatismo into action. It is an unarmed protest tactic of caring people who have been inspired by the Zapatistas and wish to put the Zapatista struggle and their own into the forefront of political debate. It is a visible symbol of resistance and the desire to create a radical alternative for the future.

        Whether you will be in Quebec, taking part in a border action, or protesting locally – Whether you’re engaged in letter writing campaigns, nonviolent civil disobedience and direct action, or legal protests and rallies – Come out against the FTAA the weekend of April 20-22nd and stand with the faceless and voiceless of the world. Wear black and army green clothing, red stars, EZLN or anti-FTAA logos and other Zapatista regalia. Join marches, create banners, stickers and flyers to declare to all the leaders of the world, “That’s Enough!”

        Join us in Quebec on April 20-22nd or, form your own. Please let us know where you are forming one so we can add it to our list of Zapatista Blocs for people to join. Email zapatistabloc1@hotmail.com. To keep up to date on the ZB, visit http://www.stopftaa.org/zapatistabloc/

In the Spirit of Emiliano Zapata
And in the name of Zapatismo

---

For more history on the Zapatistas please visit the following sites: EZLN, EZLNALDF, Miriam CZC.

For more information on the Free Trade Area of the Americas and the upcoming protests in Quebec and around the world visit; Stop FTAA and Quebec 2001.

*Please Note, a) this Bloc is NOT organized by the Zapatistas of Chiapas, Mexico but by followers of Zapatismo. b.) masks have been “outlawed” in Quebec City.

*Note, this CTA is available in Spanish, French, AND, Portuguese. They will be made available on the ZB site in the next week!

For more information contact the: Cincinnati Zapatista Coalition