Things have changed. Or at least, they’re changing for now anyhow. What I have decided to do is no longer run this website, or the PR Witch. Though I love writing, and being creative, I don’t think this is my avenue of choice any longer. I have been on the internet for years, probably longer than most of you. I have had countless websites, and written a lot of stuff. It’s just not what I want to be doing.

This is all happening as I get ready to get on yet another plane and move around the world again, where I await the next adventure in my life. I know a lot of you come here and enjoy what I have got to say, so I do really apologise to those people. Perhaps one day, I might return. Who knows? I very much doubt it. It is a good thing, because it means I have discovered what I do really love and plan to chase it. I plan to be successful at it too.

I can’t say for sure that this is the end of my writing career. But it definitely is the end of this website and others, and I thank everyone for the support, comments and love. See you in the future, and Goddess bless.

Liam

Pagans Against Plagiarism, a small Facebook group, has published some notes that have somehow originated from a group that is encouraging its members to attack members of Pagans Against Plagiarism online, and other Pagan Facebook groups. They have listed names, and have created links beside them. One of those names listed, is a minor according to US Law. I thought even myself was included on the list, but it was just a woman whom I share a last name with.

What is unclear at the moment is whether it really is a group of people who would call themselves Pagan, or if it is just a frustrated woman whose previously published book was withdrawn because it had been proven that a portion of the published material was effectively stolen. I don’t know at this point, as I’ve yet to find out more. Furthermore, the person instigating this stance is nicknamed Goblin Hunter, and the group Goblin Hunter runs is a closed group. With that, it should be noted that one cannot report this group since that is only available to members belonging to that group.

Yes, you read that right. Goblin Hunter. Just writing that reminds me of the absurdity of the situation. It’s been making the rounds on the Facebook groups, and there is a brilliant blogger who has been keeping up with this whole situation on Bustin’ Chops and has screenshots and a few posts that try to explain the people involved in the situation I am writing about.

When this sort of thing happens, I immediately hope that this does not leave the Pagan community because the mundane community already think some of us a bunch of idiots, so adding this would only incite more silliness.

It also makes me realise that Pagans are not exempt from people living on the fringe end of religious paths and lifestyles. Just because we have spells and have one step up, we still have to deal with the crazies just as much as other religious communities do.

So I guess… this is a bit of a warning to those in our community. Be very weary of whom you deal with, and when you come across situations like these, remain calm and deal with it in a reasonable and logical manner. Some groups can be brushed off with a simple chuckle and rolling of the eyes. Some groups can’t, but can be dealt with effectively if you get on with it. Pagan groups towing the line like this are not a new thing, and if you find yourself in a group that starts to fray, get yourself out immediately. If you have to, report it to the local authorities. In this case of the Goblin Hunter, someone has made a statement to local authorities. Without delay, remove yourself from the situation; don’t do anything senseless, and don’t get yourself caught up in the arguments, and negative discussion that could amount from something like this.

Pagans, of all people around, are duly aware of ethics and the importance they hold within our community, so if you are one of those people involved with this situation, make sure you are standing behind your own morals and beliefs with conviction, and (to quote my father) not out of utter stupidity. You know what is right and what is good, so do the right thing, and do it now before it blows up in your face.

Image via Wikipedia

Originally published at The Witches Voice Inc.

Listen up ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. We are clearing out the community broom closet.

What bones and dusty old things are we pulling out today? The RavenWolf debacle!

Do you like her? Or does the sound of her name make your blood boil? Do you immediately think of Teen Witch? Or does it make you feel ashamed, because you secretly really like the woman? Do you hide your books from your fellow Pagan lovelies? Go on, be honest.

This particular issue seems to be one of the most controversial, because there is a lot of debate and opinion out there, and it really flairs people up. Just whisper the name and the forums explode into action, and people are jumping around like women in a department store that has marked everything down 80%. It incenses so many people, and has become a trendy bandwagon in the last few years and only the cool Pagans are allowed.

I bring it up because I think it is an issue of importance and it is a fascinating exercise on how we treat our own in our community. It is also an issue that really leaves a few of us on the blind side, not really sure what to do. People are afraid to talk about it too, lest someone judge them horribly.

I am one of those people; or, at least I was.

Keeping away from this issue for so long can be explained with a myriad of reasons. Primarily I was afraid that someone was to judge me if I ever spoke about the matter. I had this funny idea that fellow Pagans would think I am one of those Pagans, and they would somehow think less of me. I know I am not alone here.

Then one day I grew up, and saw the issue for what it really was.

What I saw was something within the Pagan community that needed to be addressed. Many may consider this issue minor. However like many other issues it is this that raises questions in our already fragile community, and paints a picture I do not think we were expecting.

I suggest you get your iPad out, and start taking notes.

The Wiccan Witch of the North East

Silver RavenWolf, the Craft name for Jenine E. Trayer, is an accomplished Wiccan writer and author, lecturer and well-known elder and leader in the Pagan community (though even the latter two gets some Pagans revved up) . She has written many works on Witchcraft, Wicca and other Pagan subjects. However such an accomplished Pagan writer also attracted some criticism along the way. Her first book, originally published by Llewellyn To Ride a Silver Broomstick was a huge success, and blew open the Craft to a monumental public audience, subsequently inviting a new generation of Pagans.

Then she published Teen Witch: Witchcraft for a New Generation while Llewellyn laughed all the way to the bank, which took criticism of her work to a whole new level. Much of the criticism stemmed from many things; the fact she has made a lot of money from her works, the touchy feely ‘you-can-have-anything-you-want’ attitude, her style of writing and communicating with the reader, or her supposed disregard for her own community. I’m sure you can think of some others.

Whatever it was, it got someone’s maypole in a knot, and a few Pagans got pissed off somewhere. Those Pagans were even more incensed when the release of the Teen Witch Kit coincided with Teen Witch.

They were so pissed, they dedicated entire websites to the subject, and I kid you not. In the beginning they began seeded with a negative, hateful message and malicious rumours but slowly detracted and what are now left are remnants; kind but condescending ‘expert’ advice on why you should beware of the Trayer.

Did they have the right to be pissed off?

There was a concern amongst some Pagan Circles that it spelt a rather uncertain door opening into our religion for the new and sparkly generation of teenagers. Many felt that a young generation was being introduced to the white shiny light of the religion, the spells, the crafting with a very much serious lack of history, religious theory and a lack of depth to which understanding Paganism requires. The Pagans were concerned that the authentic infrastructure that makes our religion go round and round was being isolated, rounded up and pushed to the side, fumbling around with all the other Pagans scratching their heads.

Many were disappointed perhaps. Even angry some say. That one of our notable Wiccans and public Witches were to open up a whole new bag of beans, but leaving the important fundamentals to tend to themselves. That Trayer sold an over-simplistic view of Wicca, and Paganism.

And lied.

Gloomy perceptions aside, the kids came running and boy did they come with a bang. Teen Witch sold hundreds of thousands of copies, as did the Teen Witch Kit, which caused even more uproar. In our entire young history it is possible that Pagans have not roared so much as this. Simply put, it was breath-taking.

But it did not stop the hordes of kids running to purchase it.

What the older generation before us forget is that we too grew out of Teen Witch. I still have my copy, simply because I love my books regardless of subject. However not all of us grew out of it like you think. I grew out of mine simply because I just grew up, evolved, and my research had grown and I was doing my own rituals, my own witchcraft and my own religion. I did not need a ritual to help me pass university exams, and I certainly do not need a Friendship Spell in order to make friends.

I did not grow out of it because I suddenly listened to the fellow people around me who had become accustomed to berating Trayer and her work. I did not grow out of it because everyone else thought she was a ‘fake’. I still consult To Ride a Silver Broomstick regularly when I need help. And as a writer, I am indebted to her because she was one of the first who inspired me because she wrote candidly, and with heart.

Now days, my path is dominantly faith orientated, and is a lot less complicated.

What is glaringly obvious is that Trayer set a precedent, and the Pagans did not know how to deal with it.

In essence, these Pagans had their concerns, and they were completely understandable and we must acknowledge the importance of those concerns.

However, the importance of Trayer’s decision to publish the book and subsequent resource material for the young generation should also not be underestimated, nor ignored. Her contribution to the Craft and Paganism in general, should just as well reflect that of other notable Pagan leaders, such as the Farrars’, Starhawk, and Gerald Gardner. You may cry foul at the notion, but it must be understood and stressed that each individual brings their own to the community – what they do is irrelevant.

The Arguments

Let us summarise the arguments simply, and only simply because there are enough websites out there that are only too eager to inform you of the specifics themselves. Trayer’s books contain some historical inaccuracies. They also contain some misguided ethics. They question her ancestry, leadership, tactics, and her intentions. Their favourite is that they like to tell you she encourages teenagers to lie to their parents. Goddess forbid, right?

If we flick through some forums, you see the rumours from nasty individuals that claim she is put there purely to sell her books and make money, while at the same time presenting the Craft – or her craft – as a commercialised package with all the trimmings without a single interest in her audience. There are worse ones too, but it is best to deviate from gossip. Less is more, in this case.

Then you get into the fluff. Yes, that word fluff. Trayer is also considered fluff. Her books supposedly contain just that, fluff. She is the Queen of the Fluff Bunnies. I heard she even has a factory that manufacturers them, these fluffy bunnies.

The term Fluff Bunny however, and its phenomena is just as relevant and constructive as a Witch trying to physically fly a broomstick. I covered this topic a few years ago on Witchvox, and if you are familiar with it, you will know how I feel about the term and its elitist associations.

Simply put, the term is irresponsible and far too self-defeating to serve Paganism in general. Further, it is counterintuitive to what we should be trying to portray as Pagan Role Models and Pagans in general.

And it is not just Trayer. It is Scott Cunningham. Or anyone else associated with New Age Publisher Llewellyn for that matter. There is an entertaining take on the Charge of the Goddess that pops up around the forums every now and then. You should check it out sometime.

Those things – or issues – that are associated with said term should be talked about in a constructive manner and dealt with in a mature, helpful and effective manner, voicing our concerns rather than self-importance, our guidance rather than our thoughtlessness.

Is it taught within our community that giving something a name gives it power, is it not?

Regardless, the only valid argument worth mentioning here is the misguided ethics because it requires an explanation most people don’t realise. The others require no mention, save for maybe the history; Trayer’s books are written by a mother of four children, not an academic scholar.

Trayer obviously has a flair for marketing, all things aside. Partner that with her experience as a mother of teenagers, it is only logical to recognise that her ability to market and be a mother hit a compromise, and produce a rather morally demanding code of ethics. While inaccurate in their true form, they were able to communicate with teenagers she had in mind and most importantly their concerned parents.

Would Teen Witch really have sold if Trayer wrote that Witches did use blood, and real Witches can also be Satanists too? And would concerned parents really have let their child read her material then? I bet Trayer thought it was in the best interests of the young minds that she goes the safe path, knowing they would evolve and learn the complicated ethics we still debate today.

Therefore it would not be unreasonable to say she was like any other mother wanting to support her family and fill a need that was very much needed in the community; both of which are very sensible.

Finally remarking on Trayer encouraging kids to lie to their parents because it needs to be said… remember that many of you had to practice in secrecy and keep information from those you love because you were afraid that people wouldn’t understand. Many of you still do. I did not tell my parents until I was comfortable with my religion and felt comfortable enough to continue to practice it with or without their consent. It has been scientifically proven that lying is a necessary process we must all learn throughout life in order to gauge our own personal morality and understanding. In fact, lying is healthy. And we were going to lie, with or without Trayer’s encouragement anyway. I have, you have. Therefore it is a teenager’s prerogative that matters in this instance, not double standards.

The Facts

As many of you have become comfortable – yes, you – with your little jokes and your ‘don’t ruin your life with her books dear God no!’ mentality, it is about high time you are reminded of a few simple facts.

Trayer has worked hard, and fought even harder to bridge our Pagan community into the mundane world. Criticism of her work should not outweigh this simple fact. You do not have to like her and you certainly do not have to buy her books, but the worst thing you can do is continue to paint her in a light that undermines the core values we practice and claim as a Pagan community; because we undermine ourselves.

Like Starhawk, Buckland, Gardner, Cunningham, The Farrars’, and Margot Alder, Trayer has contributed immensely to what we see as our community today.

It should also be pointed out that preaching what we think is the right path or tradition (gee, this sounds familiar, right?) , we start to become something that is not too different from those lovely people who knock on our doors regularly. This will be particularly important as our religion matures and transitions into the future. We are not those people.

We are the role models that will serve the next generation of Pagans, and the daily influx of newcomers. We set the example of how we would like to be treated. We also set the example of how we should approach, engage and foster others and ourselves in our workings, our path and our religion. Raising the respect, recognition, tolerance and acceptance of our people in the mundane world is what is important, and we cannot do that by scowling loudly at our own people over a few books.

We want people in the mundane world to take us seriously, and see us as a viable alternative to traditional religions, a place that celebrates diversity, and respect for others. Setting up a webpage in order to preach does neither of those things.

We really are a tolerant and supportive bunch of people; we are not a pack of intolerant fools who will only talk to you if you know who Starhawk is. And for the record, Starhawk is also criticised in some circles, which may find some with surprise but it just goes to show how one-sided people can be.

And like they never let us forget that Trayer lies, I will not allow you to pass this off as something irrelevant to our community. This is serious business. This piece may seem like a pretext for some sort of RavenWolf lobby, but I assure it is not the case. Rather I want to try and provide a perspective that too often lacks in our community.

Going Forward

Because it is this very lack of perspective that contributes to creating the divide in our community, creating cliques and often traditional forms of social hierarchy that is counterintuitive to our non-hierarchy system already in place, and supposedly intelligent, wise and open-arms community.

Some may say that our community may well be in a high school type phase of transition, because we are still a relatively young religion.

However it is far too self-defeating and it is important we realise what we are doing now, so we can veer away from it in the future. We have choices people.

It is self-defeating because firstly it alienates those newcomers – young and old – who come to learn our ways but because they feel that our elitist ways are two things: it is far too intimidating and completely unexpected in the first place. It disparages our community, and community is an important tool to those settling in. They need those support networks, and need support in general from all of us. If we continue as we are, they will see the lack of appreciation, and respect for those Elders, those ones who have gone before us, and those who have done amazing things for our community. Then, they will just continue as we have always been, which is not very wise – and let’s be honest, that is not rocket science.

On the whole it illustrates the lack of unity within our community, which is particularly concerning. Our community is what makes us, and we certainly cannot survive without unity. There are diverse opinions, of course and we should teach them that. We should implore the need to be objective, but also implore learning the ways of many so people can find their own rhythm and strength. If that happens to be in form of a particular circle casting Trayer teaches in one of her books for example, then so be it.

We really should take this sort of lesson and start learning from it instead of stepping back into what may be seen as cool. It should not be about what is trendy, what every other Pagan is doing but rather about doing something constructive and good for our community, and promoting a general positive direction; teaching others that each brings their own to the community, and that which they bring is just as important and powerful.

As well as that we should also use this as an opportunity as a fresh start, and putting faith and sustenance back into our foundations. By all means this will not be a quick fix, but we need to start somewhere. We need to utilise the current foundations as a way of stepping up to create more depth and strength in our community, and leave the empty pillars at the wayside.

We also need to stop ourselves from becoming so one-sided because we were too critical, and be kinder to others and ourselves.

A diverse community such as ours can be a unified community. This starts with a basic lesson. Respect our elders, our founders, our contributors, our activists, our leaders and our people. That means you, that person over there, that one there, oh, and me. We are all a part of this and it is important that we all know that, now and in the future. Respect, for everyone’s chosen paths, religions, beliefs and journeys, regardless of how they got there or who they read is vital.

So step back a bit. Don’t become trapped inside those narrow forums of debate and don’t get caught up with the bandwagons because it is trendy. Take some time out, and think about what is important, for the community, and our future. Think about your actions, your words of advice, and forget self-importance, and harsh criticism, and remember the importance of kind words, and faith that all our young ones, and newcomers will evolve in their own path, at their own speed.

Finally, to those out there who huddle in their circles reading, nervously darting their eyes back and forth; those who hide their Llewellyn books or those who learn quickly a really weird way of circle casting from a book that you are uncomfortable with, that is not Trayer’s because it just so happens you have a Pagan friend coming around tonight who will judge you; those who are ashamed of stating, ‘Well, my first few years of being Pagan were based on RavenWolf’s guidance…’, or even better. ‘I love Silver RavenWolf!’ … just stop.

Seriously, stop. Kids, stick up for your RavenWolf habit. And start talking back when someone laughs at you, and tell them to grow up. Because if you aren’t proud of where you come from, how you got there, or what you are doing – then you are not doing any favours for our community.

Stay true to your roots, stay authentic, and let the truth prevail.

Truth, like milk, arrives in the dark
But even so, wise dogs don’t bark.
Only mongrels make it hard
For the milkman to come up the yard.
~ Christopher Morley, Dogs Don’t Bark at the Milkman

© Liam Cavanagh

Featured Image courtesy of Mexico in Focus - Sicilia in Ciudad Juárez

Javier Sicilia arrived in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua and El Paso, Texas, on the 10^th of June ending his second long-winded march against the deadly war that has already killed more than 40,000 people. Numbers were significantly less than the previous march, with some reports citing about three or four thousand people.

Already speaking of anti-war rhetoric previously, he amped it up at the beginning of the weekend and demanded that the US ends the Merida Initiate – The US plan that allows funds to assist in President Felipe Calderón’s war against the drug trafficking organisations (DTOs). The funds allow for training and equipment, and intelligence for Law Enforcement Agencies in Mexico.

“The United States must admit their responsibility in the violence in Mexico,” Sicilia speaks to his fellow protestors, part of a grassroots movement to end the violence that is enraging Mexico.

Sicilia asserts that the United States is the reason why Mexico is dealing with the current crisis, and demanded that obligation to end the crisis not only exists with the US Government, but also exists with its citizens, highlighting promotion of drug-use by some Hollywood celebrities.

Sicilia also endorsed the creation of a citizens inspired pact that calls for a radical change to Calderón’s current militarised drug policy. According to Sicilia, “We need to stop feeding violence and start feeding education and culture,” The pact calls for an increase in fighting corruption, impunity while instating a whole new drug policy that has human rights at its centre, as well as new social policies to draw youth away from recruiting cartels, and other DTOs.

Sicilia’s march also coincides with a report released by the Global Commission on Drug Policy demands an end to the current War on Drugs.

Signed by former world leaders, including former Presidents of Mexico, Colombia and Brazil, and notably former Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan, it calls for the end of criminalisation of drugs, creation of experimental regulated legal drug markets, and an end to the stigma of those who use drugs without causing any harm to others.

The report also highlights the following:

• Challenge the misconceptions and taboos associated with drug use, markets and dependence.
• Implementation of wider access to syringe systems and other harm reduction moves to limit spread of blood borne diseases, and fatal overdoses.
• Reduce drug control resources at the lower ends of illegal drug markets, such as farmers and street sellers.
• Move funds to programs that reduce people taking drugs in the first place, and prevent them from developing more serious dependant habits, while changing the paradigm of basic drug education programs into ones that are based on credible information and prevention programs.
• Focus the efforts of repressing violent criminal organisations in ways that undermine their power but with a focus on less violence and intimidation.
• Begin a global transformation of the War on Drugs Regime, and shift current policies away to policies grounded in good science, health, security and human rights, while re-evaluating flawed classification of drugs like cannabis.

The report could be considered an unprecedented call in the last twenty years to change a global drug policy that effectively is failed.

While the report has been welcomed by many, there are those who have their doubts.

Insight Crime reports that while it is a step closer, it doesn’t state specifically how to stop organised crime and violence and doesn’t offer anything specific to Latin America, stating that many Latin American Governments have rejected the report. It further stated that the US Office on National Drug Control Policy has countered the report, stating that it does not contain clear answers as to how drug reform would affect Latin America.

Sylvia Longmire, Mexican Drug War Author of Cartel: The coming invasion of the Mexico’s Drug War, Latin American Analyst, and former Law Enforcement Officer believes the US will not deviate away from its current drug policy.

“There are two key components of current US drug policy that are keeping it on these rails from which it won’t deviate: morality and history,” Longmire states in a post on her website.

She explains that US Government maintains its current strategy because it is aware of the impact that is caused by abuse of certain drugs, and introducing drugs to the legal market may cause an increase of drug use among adults and encourage minors therefore the US would rather keep its cautious stance. She also believes that the US has a history of maintaining policies that don’t work, throwing doubt on possibility of change.

While many have cast doubts on the report, it allows for new understanding and debate which can be seen in the recent letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron signed by British music artist Sting and British Actress Dame Judi Dench that urges a re-think in drug policy. Sir Richard Branson has also signed the report on the Global Commission on Drug Policy.

The report will also give organisations around the world that support these reforms or similar, more clarity in their drive to change drug policy. Certainly Javier Sicilia’s movement could only benefit from.

And while the call to reform drugs may elude others, for many – like Sicilia – in Mexico, it is a cause for hope and support for a movement that requires more than just marches for the suffering, the killing and the violence to stop.

You can find the complete report on the Global Commission on Drug Policy by clicking here.

Image via Wikipedia

Originally published at The Witches Voice Inc.

This essay may offend those Male Witches who have piercings, crazy tattoos, dark clothing, and horrible hair, or those that partake in the Gothic subculture and/or those over the age of thirty.

I warned you.

We’re young, we’re cool, we’re out all weekends on almost every bender you can think of; there’s nothing funny about us, we’re just guys. Dudes. You see us on the street, in the clubs, the restaurants, the malls – we all look pretty normal, man. We’re builders, lawyers, and writers. I’m talking about guys like me. Guys like us. Witches. Male Witches.

We, like everyone else, have the same Pagan beliefs as everyone else [give or take a few]. We worship the Goddess and the God. We have our altar at home, in our apartments, the candles, the wands, the incense, the rituals, the drums, freaking our housemates and roommates out every so often. We even make our magickal circle look as elegant as yours.

The only exception however, is that we’re dudes.

We get given a lot of flak for being who we are, I’ll tell you right now.

That, and we’re under represented.

You girls have it easy; when you tell people you’re a Witch, people just sort of nod and smile. You can dress up any way you like, wear those darker coloured dresses, and wear all that jewellery, that dark make up. You can pull it off, easy. I’m not saying all female Witches do it because they don’t. Some girls, you can’t even tell… However, the point is, is that you girls aren’t going to get much jib-jab for calling yourself a Witch.

We dudes just don’t have it the same. We get triple raised eyebrows, quick glances left and right to see who else is cracking up, and a punch in the shoulder and before you know it you’re the laughing stock and someone’s buying you that drink because they reckon you’re pretty weird… but that’s cool, right?

Take me, for example. I’m a reasonably charismatic guy, and I like to present myself as best as possible because I know it’s my confidence that’s going to get me somewhere in life. Dark blonde hair, blue eyes, tall. I wear my Lacoste and my chinos; I play sports. I keep to a pretty hip group of people, and I go out most weekends, work my ass off during the week. I look after myself. I run, swim. We go out to restaurants, have nice cocktails, meet girls and boys, and spend our Sundays looking over the new project in the garage.

Football is another matter.

Point is I’m pretty normal to most standards. I don’t wear black clothing. I don’t suffocate myself in all this jewellery; I don’t have weird tattoos on my arms. And I wear deodorant. I don’t hang out with those Goths on the corner because I think that’s where I fit. My hair isn’t long and dark and full of wax.

And this is where it all stops. People don’t believe me if I tell them I’m a Witch. Even if I tell someone who’s reasonably educated, they’re going to look at me funny, and they do. The number of times I’ve had to convince people I wasn’t lying and that this is my religion, well, if I had a dime… you know the rest.

But even after I’ve convinced them [or I think I have] I’ve already lost the impending fight. They won’t believe a single word I will say about it, because I’m suddenly a break in the standards they would normally expect. Their illusion of Witches is suddenly shoved aside and well, if they believe me, then so be it. But more often than not, it’s just not the case at all.

They can’t seem to break the fabric, the one that only really includes females that dance around – naked – under the full moon going crazy. They really can’t see past that. Because A, why would a person of my status involve myself in witchcraft, and B, “No way, you just spent last weekend at the football and then got drunk with your buddies afterwards. I mean, come on, that’s silly. You’re being silly.”

See what I mean? They think I’m silly. And they don’t believe me.

You girls really do have it easy. You have no idea how much crap we have to deal with.

It would be all fine if we dressed in black and dyed our hair black and had an infinite amount of piercings in our face, didn’t wear deodorant [yes, you do know what I’m getting at here], and spoke in monotones… that would make it easier. We could tell people we’re Witches, and we’d get some recognition and some form of respect. Maybe not the respect that is wanted, but at least we wouldn’t have to sit down for hours convincing our friends that we really do love God – albeit the female version – and getting them, our good friends to take us seriously.

But thing is, we all don’t. And some of us… don’t want to.

Take me for example; I’m a little image phobic. I know if I wear that hoodie to a job interview, I’m probably not going to get it. When I’m just walking around in general, I like to look fashionable. I like to look tidy, and reasonably clean cut. You won’t find me with a tattoo anywhere. I come from a good family, let’s be honest. I realise the whole world isn’t as conservative anymore and if I do have that sleeve tattoo I’ve always wanted, well then I don’t think it will be too much of an issue in life. I guess it all depends on how we are individually raised and our different values and I definitely stay true to my roots.

I know a few other Male Witches who run the same track team as I do. You couldn’t tell them off the street. Some of them don’t say anything because they’re tired of the same-old-same-old when they talk about their religious affiliation. Then there are the few others I know, the more hippie-like ones, who wear tee shirts with holes, the long hair, the tattoos, a very bohemia-Witch-chic look I guess you could say. They don’t get hassled when they state their religious affirmation, because that’s not really a big surprise coming from the guy with the bong [It’s a hollow wand!].

To those who do dress up in dark clothing, have the piercings, the dark make up etc., I hope I haven’t offended – we’re getting into a major subculture here and that’s fine. There are many male Witches out there who do that, and that’s like, cool. But thing is, the majority of the population believe that if you are a Witch, apart from being a woman, that ‘we all dress like that’ and ‘behave like that’. And we all know that’s not a fact.

It gets worse too, especially if we go out, and you’re with your friends, non-Pagan friends of course – typical. You’re at a bar or club with all your friends; it’s a good time, and you’re chatting up all these good-looking girls and boys. Obviously it’s not the time to bring out the religion card, unless it’s that important to you, however if it is you’re pulling it out at the wrong place… Anyhow, it just so happens that one of these boys or girls you’re hanging out with is cool and you kind of like him/her. And he/she kind of likes you and you can work the rest out.

But then your buddy Jackson thinks it’s funny (though claims to respect your religious choice) to ask you about the Witch thing. And then the person you have your arm around kind of looks at you, smirking, waiting for an answer, mouths “What’s he talking about?”… It really all just goes downhill from here, and in two directions. That person gets scared off and goes back to her friends, or this person is ‘open-minded’, and wants to ‘understand’ you but really you know what that means. Jackson’s destroyed your mojo and your date’s friends are all giggling away.

However the more relevant and probably more critical example is your professional life and this is where it gets serious, whether that is in an office environment, you may or may not be a Law Graduate, or you’re just the supervisor of a video store. It’s all the same. You expect to have a bit of professionalism at any job you take and in situations like these, the religion card can be pulled for any number of reasons. But, for relevance, the example will be my own.

I’m comfortable with my religion, and in any situation, regardless of who I meet, whether it be the Prince of Wales or the President of the USA, my role model or my own boss, I’ll tell them what I am, and who I am. I’ll say it proudly and normally can counteract any missile questions that seem to follow.

I’ll say it, don’t you worry. I’m very driven in life. I like powerful people and I surround myself with them. I’m a very lucky Witch. I tend to treat it like it is a religious choice [and so should you] and the seriousness of my nature normally convinces them and shuts down any annoying questions. Unfortunately it’s inevitable that I lose a little respect, you know?

As I said before, some of these people have even asked me why I would involve myself in Witchcraft; I mean, its Witchcraft, right? Respect is important for me but at the same time I try not to compromise my own beliefs or my own self in order to impress anyone. I’m a Witch; I’m male. That’s weird to them, let’s be honest. But it does pain me sometimes, and I do lose sleep over it depending on the situation. For that reason, sometimes I don’t tell someone so as to avoid this situation because really, it’s a little difficult sometimes and more so than just the normal run-of-the-mill discrimination Witches get in general.

Nonetheless the question still stands – why should I have to be ashamed and even do that? I’m an open-minded guy and more often than not it just comes out like a verbal machine gun. I want to be respected, and according to my Star Sign, I ‘command respect’. But I don’t want people laughing at me, unless it’s because I’m a really funny guy for other reasons [which I am].

We all know why we shouldn’t be calling ourselves a Warlock although I am aware that many a Pagan actually does use the term. But that’s the other thing people say, “Isn’t a guy like a wizard or a Warlock? Yeah, you’re a Warlock [realising wizards don’t exist right?]. Only girls are Witches…” says the person who thinks he/she knows more about your religion than you do. This is the biggest most single annoying thing in the world for me personally. It pisses me off, to put it bluntly. It’s incredibly frustrating when people in life just don’t take you seriously, and for something that’s actually genuine.

And this is where it gets infuriating. I attended a Pagan festival in a nearby city several weeks ago. I brought a few Pagan friends along. I think I was wearing jeans and a shirt, and wore my necklace which consists of a beautiful Goddess symbol, and a pentagram (all on the same chain) which I’ve worn for years; the Goddess to represent my faith in the Mother, and Pentagram which to me is a symbol of humanity, and my religion, and path as a Witch.

However I was talking to a group of people around my age who seemed really nice and we had been chatting for a while. We were outside, the sun was shining, and there were tents everywhere. They told me they were going to be doing a Meditative Circle for the opening of the weekend-long festival. One of the girls, who seemed to be the inst igator of the group (there were several of them) , invited us to join. But suddenly another girl who I had noticed talking quietly with the others interjected. “We’re a closed group Mandy. If we’re going to be inviting people to join, at least make sure they’re Pagan.”

I replied, “I’ve been Pagan for over 13 years now.”

“Yeah well you don’t look like one to me, let alone a guy…” Mandy told her to back off and I wished Mandy a good weekend. She later contacted me that weekend to apologise.

Am I sensing something silly in the Pagan Community itself?

As a Male Witch, a dude, you can see this issue is thoroughly important to me. And I think for many dudes, it will be correct for them too. But why is it important enough that I write something about it? And why is it important for you? I’ll tell you why.

I last wrote the “Reluctant to be a Witch?” essay recently published, and I touch upon a couple of points from it here. However the response I got was not what I expected at all. I thought I’d get the usual, “You know, you’ve got a point” and though I did, I received even more emails from guys, Male Witches and just Male Pagan’s in general which really surprised me. They told me a few points in the essay really hit home for them, which made me realise I had landed on a gold mine without even realising it. I’ll tell you, normally we guys keep this stuff to ourselves, and we get on with it, because standing around moping is for… you get the dealio.

It’s important for we guys because you know, I think we cut more crap than we should. We as Male Witches tend to get left in the corner, because it’s a reality that our religion is sourced from the Feminine Divine though we don’t mind this, of course (that’s why we left Patriarchal behind) . We accept this but some traditions we are not even allowed to be near because a bunch of woman think Women’s Mysteries are for women. That’s fair enough I guess, but for a religion that is progressive as ours, and accepts people from all walks of life, in particular transgender, why should it be gender specific? Who draws the line saying for example that transgender cannot be involved in some Dianic Traditions?

It’s important for we, as Men, because we want to be validated and accepted as an equal contribution to the Pagan Community. It may well be that the ratios aren’t exactly on par, but we’re a growing trend too. We want to have the same recognition within the religion, and outside. I’m not saying we should get credit for things we haven’t done though. I just think that with all the specialised women’s traditions in Paganism, and significant role models, there is a very large lack of support networks and role models for men. It is important for we men to feel validated, not because we want to be better and superior again, but because we feel our own journey is just as important for any Maiden, Mother and Crone.

Would a suggestion of a National Male Witch Awareness Week be too much for you? Probably, but it makes you wonder how many support networks out there for Pagan Males, doesn’t it?

On a public scale, it’s just as important, if not more, to propagate the fact we are a religion of men and women, and not just a religion of Women’s Mysteries. This will be particularly important as Paganism becomes more mainstream and there are two reasons why: obviously for one, it would be silly not to, but for two, it obscures what our religion is really about, an intrinsically linked organism of the Feminine and Masculine. I might even suggest that the disproportionate ratio is why, although men like the idea of our religion, they cast their eyes away.

More importantly, it’s just another integral part of the public education we are undertaking, and one that needs much more of a spotlight. Yes, we need more education for the actual term Witch and what Witches are really about, but we also need to spread more awareness that men are included in the package too. And that we aren’t that weird. A lot of us do dress up in suits and have professional jobs, go to the gym, dress fashionably and even may have prominent status in the world.

In terms of this issue, it’s clear that further questions jump out to me. Do we need to create more networks out there to support our growing male Pagan Community? There are male traditions, but is there more work to be done? What about our male Pagan role models, especially for the young Pagan guys they’re churning out these days? The women are fantastic but where is the Masculine Divine in all of this? Do we need some more go from some of the exclusive women’s traditions? Surely they could send some of their magick our way. And finally, do we need more recognition in the Pagan Community?

Because we guys don’t like being left out, we want to be taken seriously in our professional and personal life, and in both the Pagan and Mundane Communities. We don’t like being the weirder ones, and ultimately our religion, and the Pagan Community is one that fundamentally links the Masculine Divine, and the Feminine Divine, something that really should reflect the people whose lives belong under the Serpent banner.

(C) Liam Cavanagh

Javier, at the start of his latest march in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY – Javier Sicilia is heading to Ciudad Juárez, according to the El Paso Times. Sicilia, a renowned Mexican Poet and activist caught headlines when he led a massive protest against the violence and President Felipe Calderón’s military campaign after his son Juan was murdered in Cuernavaca, Morelos.

Previously we reported on the last march [here and here], and will continue to on an on-going basis as to keep you up-to-date, as much as possible.

The last march spurned out tens of thousands of people, though that number depends on what you read. The Los Angeles Times reports it at 90,000 culminated at La Plaza in Mexico City on March 8th, those numbers according to Mexico City Police but states that other sources doubles that figure.

Whatever the number, it is clear that Sicilia is now determined more than ever to make this a national priority. The latest march started as of today, and will head right through to the 11^th, with major stops in Juárez and El Paso, Texas. He’s also looking beyond the violence too, an entire re-founding of the state, something he is calling a ‘peaceful revolution’.

According to the Los Angeles times, ‘Though short on specifics, Sicilia said the movement is looking beyond the issue of violence by advocating an overhaul of Mexico’s graft-laden political system across party lines. Their goal, he said, is a nation where residents trust police enough to report crimes, wrongdoers are punished and politicians pay heed to constituents.’

What’s interesting about this march is that it highlights the growing discontent amongst Mexico’s population, though it would be interesting to see who are attending, as there are many people in Mexico who believe the ‘war’ is not really a war, but a minor problem.

However, since the majority of the violence does take place up in the North, there is an expectation this national march will mean a bigger turn out which would generally mean far extended coverage, though it’s hard to see at this point if it will have any effect on how the Government are currently driving their current campaign. Sicilia plans to speak to the communities he travels through, with events being planned in Ciudad Juárez and El Paso.

Calderón is a Conservative, and believes that they must continue the current war on DTOs, because they believe it is the only way. However, their campaign is dependent on public support, and with further national protests being announced all over the country and outside of Mexico, pressure on Calderón will continue to rise, because as staunchly as he defends his war on the drug trafficking organisations, the people in the streets march with just as much unwavering determination to end the violence and the suffering.

Featured photo is courtesy of  the Seattle PE.

Mexico: A Failed State

The latest one puts Mexico at #94, two up from 2010. 2009 put Mexico at #98. Generally speaking, this puts Mexico in the Warning Stage. If you take a look at the last few years, this doesn’t seem so bad. In 2005, it was #73. Fast forward to 2006 when Felipe Calderón is elected President of Mexico – though this doesn’t happen until the end of the year – and it’s put at #85. Jump into 2007 it rises further away from the red lines; #102. Calderón can’t be doing a bad job if it jumps further away from countries like North Korea, Sudan, and Russia to #105 in 2008. Calderón’s attack on the Drug Trafficking Organisations [DTOs] started in 2006, and it’s only in 2009 when it starts slipping back, albeit only a few places.

It must be considered that the Failed States Index currently ranks 177 countries which include most stable nations such as New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, and Canada in the sustainable box while placing the likes of the US and the UK in the moderate box. Therefore it must be made clear that this Failed State Index list does not compile a list of countries that are only considered failed states, but ranks all countries accordingly.

Taking a quick look at the early figures [from a report from The Fund for Peace], it still appears that Mexico is improving in many respects, though its showing its drug war blemishes. Its five core institutions are at a moderate level, Leadership, Military and Civil Service while the remaining two are weak, Policing and Judiciary. Even with the human rights organisations crying out, it still makes it into the moderate human rights box. However they are also appearing weak in State Legitimacy and Security. Overall, Mexico has been placed on a stable, but cautious pedestal.

Why does Mexico: a Failed State jump from time to time then?

Many reasons, though its certain that the seemingly growing influence and power of the DTOs in Mexico’s North and the escalating violence is a prime factor in their arguments. So too is the loss of control by the Government over drug and border matters. The recent March for Peace from Cuernavaca to Mexico City highlights this, suggesting Calderón’s war is out of control.

Much of the news that is shown also suggests a lack of basic security; there is the news coverage of DTOs creating roadblocks and carnage in major cities, blocking local law enforcement from getting into the area. There is news of politicians and would-be politicians being kidnapped, never to be seen again. There are the most recent mass graves where hundreds of bodies have been unearthed, something not often associated places like Mexico; all of this suggests uncertainty.

Overall, the growing media coverage of the Mexican Drug War is showing the war at its worse; a violent and gruesome war waged by seemingly lawless cowboys on the streets with high powered guns with a terrified nation in tow. This limited and almost hopeless view could easily convince an audience that Mexico as a whole is a failed state. With that you also have the media jumping on it, because the tag-line sells; and everyone else goes along with it.

The label however is not accurate because despite the gloomy assessments.

If we were to compare actual failed states with possible failed states, you would look at places like Sudan, North Korea or Somalia. They have some real problems there compared to what we are used to. Here are a few factors that separate Mexico from these countries:

1. Foremost, Mexico has an able government, reasonably strong institutions, and a growing, even booming economy. They are collecting taxes, they are providing education, public hospitals; they are still functioning as a viable Government would.

2. Most of the drug war violence takes place in Northern Mexico, along the border. In the South is Mexico’s heart: Mexico City, one of Latin Americas most important economic power houses and most populated cities. It also houses the most concentrated Law Enforcement and Military in Mexico. Beyond and around this city the violence and effects of the drug war aren’t as prevalent. Many people in the South perceive the problems in the North as minor, not affecting the country as a whole.

Therefore Mexico may have problems with control and DTOs, but ultimately Mexico’s Government are confronting it as they have always done albeit far more staunchly, regardless whether it’s the right way or not; they are confronting a problem that is a real threat to national security, in the hopes of dismantling the problem so that it becomes a local security problem.

3. There is also the bizarre fact that economically, Mexico is benefiting from the war on drugs. It’s argued that too much is at stake if they were to actually take out the DTOs. The flow of money coming in from America is actually invested in Mexico significantly, creating growth, jobs and wealth. We’re talking billions of US dollars here. George Friedman argues that ‘… illegal money everywhere, the goal is to wash it and invest it in legitimate enterprises where it can produce more money. That means it has to enter the economy through legitimate institutions – banks and other financial entities – and then be redeployed into the economy. This is no different from the American Mafia’s practice…’  Hence the need to become effective does not outweigh the benefits from being ineffective. The Mexican Government and Elites understands this, and accepts that the loss – minor to them – is accepted, in order to benefit from the situation.

4. You have crime rates that, when compared with other western hemisphere countries, it’s well below the line. For example if you compare numbers of Mexico since 2007 with countries like Colombia and Brazil, you get the following results:

• Mexico – 45,000 deaths [14 per 100,000]
• Colombia – 50,000 deaths [30 per 100,000]
• Brazil – 80,000 deaths [20 per 100,000]

This is a huge jump and it’s highly likely that people would be a lot more reluctant to draw the same conclusions about Brazil, the land of the Carnival. Further, Mexico’s number is only just over double that of the US.

5. Finally, the economy grew by 5.5% last year in 2010, which represents the fastest rate in a decade. As well as that, the violent crime hasn’t stopped the millions of tourists flocking to Mexico, which when you compare to 2008, is actually an increase. Then you have the latest judicial reforms, the US drug war funds that benefit Mexico; increasing middle class, increasing literacy rates, and expected life averages.

All of these reasons illustrate a stark contrast from a place like Sudan for example, considered a failed state, and if anything point out the total opposite of a failed state.

It seems that we have a prospering state in our midst.

The Mexican Government have taken the ultimate gamble, and in order for them to continue with it, they’ll need public support. Public support, despite recent protests stands at around 54%; many Mexicans believe it’s a necessary cause. Therefore despite the crisis dismal assessments, you can’t argue with the Mexicans who believe in the bigger picture.

Yes, Mexico has a long way to go with the current Mexican Drug War, but it also has a long way to go before Mexico can be called a failed state.

Credit: Crime rates are courtesy of Justice in Mexico, ‘The Drug War in Mexico; Confronting a Shared Threat’ – David A. Shirk, Featured Image Courtesy of the US Naval Institute.

Monocle - a briefing on global affairs, business, culture and design

In the recent issue of the London-based print magazine the Monocle, an article was published that offered a hypothetical scenario:

What would happen if Americans stopped taking cocaine?

The article titled Not To Be Sniffed At written by Steven Bodzin, Mary Cuddehe, and Anastasia Moloney offers an analysis on the effect it would have if Americans stopped consuming cocaine, and commented on the Manufacturers, countries involved namely Mexico and Colombia, Drug Trafficking Organisations [DTOs], and the US/World Market.

While the actual scenario itself was quite insipid – “… the drug control office treats the country’s water supply with a chemical to make the very thought of the white stuff unpalatable.” – It offers a reasonably well-thought out, non-partisan approach and discussion on subsequent changes to drug war discourse, though does take a swing at US hegemony within Latin America.

According to the writers, cocaine use in the US market has dropped, citing statistics that state that it was the only recreational drug to have lost users in 2009, while the year arrests in connection to the drug were less than a quarter, though with little effect on Mexico. They assert that most drug users would switch to other drugs that could potentially be more harmful, therefore doubting any savings in the Law Enforcement and Health Sector. However it is added that some would benefit by switching to less harmful, addictive drugs.

Drug Trafficking Organisations in Mexico would not disappear, according to the writers. They believe the DTOs would branch out, and start manufacturing other drugs such as methamphetamines, and increasing export of marijuana outside of the Americas, a result of vast capital and human resources DTOs control.

They explain the current decline in cocaine sales is already being countered by an increase in methamphetamine manufacturing, and with DTOs already making headway into other lucrative markets and organised crime, lost revenue from cocaine sales due to the scenario wouldn’t hurt cartel profits too much. They point out however that cocaine is still a significant source of revenue for the cartels, with only one kilo of cocaine in the US fetching $18,000 wholesale, and retail $150,000.

Then there is Colombia, producer of half the world’s cocaine supply. It’s suggested that drug crime – which is far more prevalent than in Mexico – would decline, though this would depend on the capacity of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia [FARC], and their ability to adjust to, and exploit new lucrative and criminal markets. The writers state that most analysts would agree that if the cocaine industry were to disappear, the FARC would be severely undermined, but stops short of saying it would mean the end of the FARC.

Finally, the writers pose some food for thought. They assert that the US would be the surprise loser in this scenario; what would happen if US pretext no longer existed in Colombia, with cocaine gone – could the US easily give up their last remaining military grip and hegemony in Latin America?

Analysis: The Monocle article paints a scenario that is very relevant to the crisis that is happening in Mexico. The pretext seems entirely realistic; however it does make for some interesting discussion. One thing that stands out is the underscoring fact: While cocaine consumption in the US is declining, it will in actuality have little effect on the Mexican Drug War.

It’s possible that this is deceptive because it’s quite hard to envision a drug war with the same level of violence in Mexico.

For example, not all drug users would move onto other drugs, particularly those who take cocaine as a recreational drug. Many of the people who take the drug have substantially higher incomes than most. Cocaine is the drug of choice for the rich and famous. We’ve seen the stories about US Actress Lindsay Lohan. The white powder has more positive associations surrounding it; it’s considered fashionable and glamorous. When you start talking about crystal meth for example, you find far more negative associations, and reluctant users. Therefore the DTOs can boost methamphetamine production all they want, but it won’t necessarily offset the loss of profits cocaine produces.

As well as that, it’s important to realise drugs use crosses all cultures, all ages, and all socio-economic areas of society. When you start talking about other illegal markets, you are in different territory. Take human smuggling for example; it’s highly unlikely that DTOs will have success tapping into the markets of college students and successful twenty-somethings.

What about the savings on drug war funds? Some of the saved cash could be used toward other funds that fight other illegal criminal activities that DTOs may take up, effectively counter-acting any offsetting undertaken by DTOs.

Another factor not considered is that cocaine is not as flexible as Marijuana and Methamphetamines. You can easily grow Marijuana plants in the comfort of your own garden and are easily accessible, not just from Mexico. The rise of medical marijuana growing around the country, and increasing legalisation possibilities in the future would dramatically decrease the demand on Mexico’s marijuana.

Same goes for methamphetamines. New Zealand for example, has a large problem with this industry, but it’s not dependant on supply from other countries. Someone could easily go out there and find out how to manufacture it; therefore the US market wouldn’t necessarily be dependent on Meth from Mexico.

Furthermore, sending meth and marijuana to Europe wouldn’t be as profitable, since it’s further away, and more prevalent liberal drug legalisation laws are potential drawbacks. Therefore demand wouldn’t be as intense, lucrative drug routes would diminish – though not disappear – and violence would decline. And with the profit loss to the DTOs, there would be less to play around with and wage wars; they would have less power and influence.

Therefore it is possible the DTOs would take a significant blow if this scenario were to play out – many other factors come into play when you take cocaine out of the question.

Finally, what does it say about our current Mexican Drug War?

It says that it’s not just about the white powder; the cocaine. It illustrates the flaws in fighting the current war with our prohibitive and violent stance – both including Mexico and the US. It highlights the failure of the Mexican justice system, the failure of the Government to protect its citizens. It advocates success in drug hauls, and death, and acceptance that people must die for the majority.

Ultimately, it says that the Mexican Drug War isn’t only about the drugs, the cartels. There is real focus on this part of the problem,

but there are much more other aspects that make up the problem. Like the flawed justice system. Mexico requires large judicial reform, and an aggressive battle against the significant impunity and corruption that is rife throughout Mexico’s greatest institutions. Then there are the social problems. Mexico requires practical social programs that take Mexican youth out of cartel influence and into real jobs, and career opportunities, for example. Furthermore, none of these should be created suddenly due to increased pressure and criticism from a policy that has gone astray.

These are only some factors, but they contribute largely to the influence and power of Mexico’s DTOs, and to the current state of affairs we call the Mexican Drug War.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Link to Article: Monocle (Subscription Access Only) – available in Print: No.43; Vol. 05; May 2011 pp 65 – 67

Featured Image Courtesy of CNN | Javier Sicilia

In Mexico City, on Thursday morning, an earthquake struck with a modest 5.8 on the Richter scale, causing no known injuries or damage.

This Sunday the 8^th of May, there may well be another earthquake hitting the City – in the form of a massive March culminating in Mexico City that is expected to reach hundreds of thousands or protesters.

It began on Thursday in the City of Cuernavaca, Morelos, fifty miles from Mexico City where hundreds of frustrated Mexicans set out in a March, with slogans like “No Mas Sangre” [No more blood], “Ya Basta” [Enough] and “Ya Estamos Hasta La Madre” [We’ve had it up to here]. They set out in protest against President Felipe Calderon’s military campaign against Drug Trafficking Organisations, a war that has claimed the lives of almost 40,000 people.

Poet, and father to a slain son, Javier Sicilia leads the protest that ends in Mexico City’s Plaza, the Zocalo this Sunday, according to reports where it’s believed hundreds of thousands will amass, some who began the march in Cuernavaca with Sicilia, and those who have joined along the way.

Walking eighty kilometres [fifty miles] from the starting point – and in progress as this is written – it’s the culmination of Mexicans who believe that the military campaign Calderon started in 2006 is a failure to its citizens and its integrity, to a society that has become accustomed to seeing daily violence in normally safe areas, as well as beheadings, murders and most recently, mass graves.

Javier Sicilia led the march Thursday, with severe criticism of Calderon’s campaign, according to CNN.

“We cannot understand a war that is badly planned, a war that is badly directed. We cannot understand why he does not understand why the criminals are out there. If they are out there, it is because the institutions and the state are co-opted,” Sicilia said – CNN

Sicilia explains that the March is about establishing an agreement with Mexican Governments and institutions, one for peace and justice within Mexico. And it’s not just about his son, Sicilia says. Sicilia’s son was murdered with friends after speaking openly about Mexico’s drug war. They were found bound and are thought to have suffocated to death. The case became high-profile, going as far as having President Calderon speak out about it. However, Sicilia insists that it’s about those who have died, and the pain Mexico endures, with the staggering figure of 40,000 killed.

Marches in Mexico aren’t new. In 2008 there were marches after high-profile kidnappings of prominent children. However, recent revolutions and protests across the Middle East have appeared to reignite fresh hope that citizens can change policy and Government if there is enough momentum, enough desire.

Calderon is well aware of that too; in a recent televised address, without mentioning the March specifically, he reiterated the need for his current policy and vowed not to change course, stating it is the only to dismantle the DTOs. He emphasised again his major blows to cartels, pointing towards arrests and major drug hauls despite growing discontent and movement against Calderon’s campaign.

According to Melissa del Bosque of the Texas Observer, John Ackerman, a prominent Law Professor in Mexico City believes it’s time for much-needed change for the citizens of Mexico.

“The 40,000 dead is a symptom of deeper problems: corruption, impunity and profound political and economic inequality,” he says. “The stagnation and inequality has created optimal conditions for the drug cartels.” – Texas Observer

John Ackerman writes for several prominent media, including magazine and newspapers, and also is the Editor-in-Chief for the Mexican Law Review, at the Institute for Legal Research of the UNAM [National Autonomous University of Mexico].

In a recent article Ackerman wrote for the Dallas News, he spoke of the increasing anger and frustration of the Mexican people as they look around their society today, and question the wars justification, its validity and whether it’s worth the enormous loss of life.

Those who are taking part in the Peach March and planned demonstrations in Mexico City’s Plaza will have the opportunity to make their frustrations and emotions known. There are also planned marches and demonstrations in major US cities and some cities around the world.

Courtesy of Cronica.com.mx | March in Progress

Unfortunately, with the March underway the reality of the drug war still makes its presence hard to miss.

It’s been reported recently on newKerala that three women who were travelling with a group of Migrants heading towards Mexico City to take part in planned demonstrations were involved in an attempted kidnapping. The report said armed men tried to prevent the people from boarding the train to Mexico City, however there has been no contact since and Javier Sicilia has called upon Human Rights Organisations to verify the safety of those Migrants.

Whatever the outcome, it will be yet another case that will highlight the very reality that these Mexicans are marching against; another reason Mexico’s citizens are standing up and demanding change.

The demonstrations this week however, will be a case of wait-and-see, as there is much doubt that these protests will actually influence Calderon’s military campaign. If the demonstrations are particularly significant, it could be possible that Calderon decides to pursue smaller-scale concessions though that remains to be seen.

However, with growing frustrations against the Mexican Government’s handling of the drug war, lack of justice, and the social problems that plague Mexico, it might be enough for citizens in Mexico to start making some real contribution to moving forward in Mexico. And even if it does become a stalemate, it might however accomplish one thing.

It will staunchly inform the Mexican Government that it must listen to its citizens or face real consequences, something that may shake the ground more profoundly than it did on that early Thursday morning.

Image via Wikipedia

As news broke out that Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, news stations across the US and the globe broke out in simultaneous fashion, declaring justice has been served, and we watched as thousands of Americans broke out in celebration of this moment, though with subsequent mixed emotion outside of the US. Bin Laden was shot – in an operation that has taken ten years and thousands of lives – that may well define the era of the Obama Administration, and win him a re-election.

However it also underpins an incredible phenomenon within America’s culture – though not exclusive; the idea that violence against one another in order to accomplish set Government Policy is the only viable solution while casualties, fatalities and trail of destruction are an accepted but necessary consequence.

In Mexico, President Felipe Calderon too reflects this phenomenon as he continues his military-led campaign on Drug Trafficking Organisations [DTO] because he doesn’t believe – or so it seems – that there is any other solution. His campaign is palpable, perhaps. He’s concerned about the destruction of Mexico, and the social fabric that has been undermined for many decades.

He’s also concerned about the cartels that are growing in power, structure, and influence. Ultimately we can assume that a man of his position – whether we may feel what he is doing is right or wrong – is only there because he’s a proud Mexican, and wants to do something for his country.

However, one must look at the trail of destruction and the loss of life to really see the bigger picture here, and to see if it has any viable function for Mexico in dealing with the DTOs.

Bin Laden was purported to be the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, where around 3000 people were killed. However many trillions of US taxpayers dollars went into the US-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, consequently taking the lives of thousands of civilians and armed forces, US and otherwise. Almost ten years later Bin Laden is finally found and the numbers killed since then are staggering.

It’s a fact that Foreign Armed Forces will not leave Afghanistan or Iraq suddenly now that Bin Laden has been killed, which would be a critical error, make no mistake. Also a fact nonetheless is Washington’s reluctance to adopt serious discourse that could amount to something far more palatable and humanitarian to the world stage.

In Mexico, it’s a different story.

The DTOs are not considered terrorist organisations; however they certainly do imitate aspects of those who are considered terrorist cells, from their structure to their violence. Calderon is not going after these organisations because they attacked him first, but rather going all-out believing that he can take them down with a military approach.

He then highlights this approach by hailing the successes of his campaign when a DTO leader is killed or captured. While no one is cheering in the street, Calderon is dancing; though it doesn’t add to his election chances – he cannot take another term legally.

Yet it seems that when a leader is captured or killed, violence rises sharply.

When a cartel leader is slain or captured, it often triggers even more violence as a deadly power struggle ensues.

We can see this in the case of Arturo Beltran Leyva; in 2009 he was killed in a battle in Cuernavaca, Morelos. Afterwards, it was reported that crime within the state rose significantly as a war of succession followed. Later late last year, when former leader of the Gulf Cartel Tony ‘Tormenta’ was killed, rival cartels produced posters in public places a day later revelling in his death while scared residents of Ciudad Mier left in droves for fear of violent retaliation. Then around the same time in the colonial town of Morelia in Western Mexico, retaliation was carried out by suspected members of the La Familia cartel after two of their leaders were captured. They set fires to cars and buildings and created blockades on highways and roads.

This sort of fear was further mirrored when Tijuana Cartel leader Teodoro Garcia Simental was arrested, with the US Consulate inside Tijuana issuing a warning that his arrest would spark further violence. As well as the power struggles and retaliation, there is also the violence that results from rival cartels using the death or capture of a cartel leader as an opportunity to attack a seemingly weakened cartel.

While these DTOs may not always be reacting in revenge, it is clear that cartels are engaging in more violence than ever before. Maybe more than has ever been seen in Mexican history? Its evidence to suggest that Calderon’s military campaign is only creating more unrest, and an incredible engulfing of Mexico’s social and cultural fabric. Over 35,000 people have died since he launched his campaign, and yet DTOs have more power, influence, territory and control more than ever.

This makes one wonder why they don’t need more reason to justify a re-think in Policy.

With all the criticism he receives for his Drug War Policy, he reiterates the need for his military approach, and points to his ‘victories’; the captures, the killings, the drug hauls. This could paint a picture of an administration, which is reflective of a society that is too focused on surface symbolism as opposed to the deeper meaning of the actual issue involved. We saw this type of phenomena on display recently as we watched Americans react to Bin Laden’s death.

The root problems in Mexico are complicated undoubtedly.

Still, President Calderon believes that there are no other viable alternative to dismantling the DTOs and has prompted further changes to the National Security Law, changes that will potentially blister an already out of control Drug War Policy if Congress approves.

Regardless, Osama Bin Laden’s death leaves us with a legacy and a lesson for the Mexican Government: Does the extreme violence, staggering loss of life, the profound psychological impact on people and society and the systematic destruction of a proud country really justify the current Drug War Policy and the hunt for that supposed simple end-game?

One thing is for sure however.

If that end-game is eventually found or even exists, no one in Mexico will be cheering on the streets, because the consequences of a flawed drug war policy may be far too profound to bear.