Skim 1
Quentin Sciulli
Skim one
A case of the blame game
A landslide in Columbia over the weekend has sparked mass devastation and controversy. It sent mud and rocks plummeting into the town of Mocoa and swept towns away that stood in its path. At least 290 people have died while another 300 are still missing. The landslide has left about 2,700 people without shelter. The worst part of this whole situation is that, according to BBC, it may have been preventable. Authorities in Columbia have ordered an investigation to see if building regulations were enforced and if local officials were prepared for such a natural disaster. Edgardo Maya, who ordered the investigation, states that this investigation is not meant to punish anyone, but instead meant to prevent future problems. I tend to believe that is just a story he is spinning. Soon the public will demand repercussions if it is found that there was wrongdoing.
Who can help with the devastation right now?
According to BBC the Farc rebel group is offering their assistance amongst the devastation. This would need government approval though. The government has stated they would invest money to help rebuild the town. The president has declared an emergency there so the process of aid would be hastened. There are efforts to build a new hospital and disease prevention specialists have been sent in. The Farc rebels seem to be extending an olive branch just as the rebels and government are implementing a peace deal. The rebels are in camps right now as they disarm as part of the peace deal. So that is why they need government approval to go help. This could also be a bit of a public relations strategy by the Farc rebels. They state they are happy to help and if the government says no for some reason, then they look bad for not using all the help they can get. It seems to be a win win situation for the rebels
Strikes equal anarchy?
According to BBC the Brazilian Supreme Court has ruled that police officers are not allowed to strike in order to have their grievances heard. In a 7-3 ruling. The main argument that the judges used against the strikes is that it promotes anarchy, and under the constitution, that is not allowed. The federal union representative said that they will protest in other ways now, like handing in their weapons and bullet proof vests. The problem of police strikes escalated in Espirito Santo in February. When the police went on strike there it caused the murder rate to sharply increase and forced the closing of schools and public transportation. I have to imagine this has been an especially difficult problem since the summer Olympics when they were in Rio. The police threatened to not work in this time and I assume relations between the two sides have been deteriorating since then. I am a little concerned about actual police grievances being heard though. I’m not sure that they could not have come up with an agreement that would work better for both sides. Because this one will just make the relationship even worse.
Sources in order of appearance
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39510721
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39478189
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39513733