In light of all the recent Hydro Asyen protests here in Santiago, I thought I would dedicate today’s memory to being tear-gassed. Since last Monday night, there have been wild and violent protests against the new law that passed, giving the go ahead for the government to enter the pristine Patagonia area of Asyen and build dams for energy. I may like marches, but protests are a different thing: my one and only time of covering one ended up with me holding my eyes and screaming in the street that I couldn’t see, and that possibly–dramatic as it now seems–I would never be able to see again.

Tear gas is a horrible thing.

The thing is, I get being angry over something, and I respect whole-heartedly the freedom of speech and demonstration, but once violence is involved, I believe the voice and cause lose a bit. I mean, I’ve witnessed angry youth throwing rocks at policemen, people starting fires in the street and even, as you’ll see below, a squad car destroyed. It just seems so counter productive. Moreover, those who generally participate, are rebellious youth, whom I’m not even sure are as concerned about what their fighting for, as just being a part of it. It’s cool to protest, it’s cool destroy in the wake of your “anger.”

The bottom line though, is that 75 percent of Chilean towns are protesting this law. It’s sad to see the government do something against the majority´s will. They say it´s for the best, which promises lower energy costs. I just hope that what this makes this country so unique—it´s beautiful, untouched, not-yet-destroyed lands, dubbed an “eco-gem”—doesn´t take a blow, which according to the protestors, is exactly what´s going to happen.

Tear Gassed

Saturday, August 15, 2009

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