Saturday, August 2, 2008

In a Catholic country? For Real?

Well, Ecuador's new constitution has been written...and lo' and behold, there is a bit of controversy. I imagine we'll be getting some "political unrest" days out of this when the voting commences in September. Those are kinda like snow days, but, with road blockades and tear gas instead of snow drifts and frostbitten appendages.

Particularly interesting for a Catholic country, is the inclusion of same-sex marriage rights, and an ambiguously worded clause about abortion that is not definitively pro-life. The Ecuadorian Archbishop has got his habit in a wad over all of this.

Also, finally, indigenous languages are officially recognized...and some traditional phrases have actually been woven into the wording of the new constitution. Finally, the US Air-Force base in Manta will not be allowed to renew it's 10 year lease on the land. But hey, given the trend in the states, they were probably going in to foreclosure anyways:)

Read more here.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow! those additions sound... very progressive?!? good for ecuador. good for south america. just stay safe when the tear gas hits the fan, ok? until then, enjoy your time off! 2 weeks or me til school starts!!!

zircon said...

Enjoy those political unrest days when they come. But your know here in Watauga County we have snow days without snow drifts and frostbitten appendages all the time. Ha ha. As for the air force base issue I'm just wondering when the Ecuadorian Dollar will go equal with our own dollar. Kids start for us here on Thursday. Only a couple of work days left to get my spedo/baggies leg tan in before having to return to trousers. Tell Erin to check out Annette Bednoski's blog for some inspiration in preparing for her ultra. I thought I was man enough for it but things have definitely changed this summer in terms of feeling up to running anything over a couple of hours. Best of luck on that endevor. I will be helping man the aid stations at Annette's New River 50k this fall however. Ta.... Russ

Anonymous said...

"Also, finally, indigenous languages are officially recognized...and some traditional phrases have actually been woven into the wording of the new constitution.

About indigenous languages being 'recognized': well, those languages are used by less than 5% of the population of this country, and this new constitution makes it obligatory for the rest 95% to learn to speak it. Not fair at all

About 'traditional phrases being 'woven' into the 'wording' of the new constitution: more than 'traditional phrases' they are more like indigenous religions being inserted into a constitution that should always separate church from state. Independent from whatever background that 'religion' comes, being christian or indigenous or any other.

The controversy comes from the fact that the constitution finally presented to approval vote in a referendum on September, is not the same one written by the Assembly. Somehow the constitution written and approved by the assembly got 'changed' in the wee hours of the night between July 23 and 24, and a brand new one 'appeared' as the final version.

This is the reason why you will see protests and riots in the streets in the forthcoming weeks. The people opposing to a corrupt and communist government and trying to defend whatever scarce freedom we have left here.

Unknown said...

Wow, always good to hear the voice of dissent. I couldn't be more pleased!