Letter from FPDT in Atenco to the EZLN

San Salvador Atenco, May 3, 2009.

TO THE CCRI-CG OF THE EZLN.
TO THE SIXTH COMMISSION.
TO THE GOOD GOVERNMENT COUNCILS.
TO THE BASES OF SUPPORT.
TO THE ZAPATISTA MOVEMENT.

SISTERS AND BROTHERS.

When everything began, a lot of people said, “You can’t beat the government.” Back in 2001, when they condemned us to extermination and to the loss of our history and identity for the sake of building an airport, we knew things shouldn’t be the way they were. We knew we had to struggle to overcome the mentality that tells us “that’s the way things are and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Back then, we looked all around us in search of others who were struggling just like we were. We wanted to join forces with them because we knew we weren’t the only ones out there. We must say that everywhere we looked, you appeared. There was a big star full of dignity and hope that announced your presence. We didn’t need to ask who you were. Those bright eyes and soft hands of resistance were ever present, the eyes and hands of small women and men who showed us the road towards building justice and freedom. As you moved on along, the warmth and solidarity of your hugs stayed with us and sheltered us. So that’s the way we met, on the same road, side by side, and your happy, rebellious smiles reflected in our machetes lit our way. Since you had come a long way when we met and were well along on your journey, we had no doubts about joining with you. We decided to follow in your footsteps and open up other roads for those who would come after us.

Read the rest of the letter at Angry White Kid.