"Cancun Medics Call for Aid"

Garth Karl

Hi to all of you from Garth. I'm writing from Cancún. I want to apologize for the mass mailing, but things are desperate here. Basically we're way short of funds. What this means is that we literally have people sleeping in public parks, inspite of the nearly nightly downpours (not medics, though, because I and several others have fronted nearly 2,000 to provide for medic housing and a clinic space). We're looking at nearly 30,000 people coming here and right now we don't even have money to buy jugs of water...so we medics have organized a short crew to use bleach to decontaminate water.The letter below doesn't really do justice to the situation. We're really

fucked down here unless we can get some $$ fast. I can personally assure

you that things are working and beyond a shoe string here. The big

foundations and much of the anti-globalization movement seems to have left

us to hang in the wind, choosing instead to go to Miami for the FTAA,

rather than risk the police, Dengue fever and current conjunctivitis

epidemic here (your money will buy liquid soap for handwashing the

convergence space and Indy Media center...or more accurately reimburse

yours truly for what's been already purchased) Your money will go to

things like Band-Aids, chemical ice packs, communications (radios or cell

phones for the actions), copies and legal support. There is no fat at all

here, so help me Goddess.


In spite of this things are coming together. As medics we are way out

ahead of the other working groups. We've put together materials for

incoming people with information on basic health and sanitation

appropriate for this clime, as well as giving our normal workshops on

health and safety during demonstrations "dress for success"/"moda para

manifestantes." Three of us were in meetings all day with the local civil

defense authorities to possibly volunteer with them during the actions.

This MIGHT give us more ability to cross police line to access patients

and possibly some protection from arrest, beatings etc. They are receptive

and generally overworked public health personel. The process does carry

some risk in terms of personal security (they need photos and names), but

we are considering it.



From Mexico there are at least 7,000 compesinos scheduled to arrive next

week, also tens of thousands from Mexico city. There still really exists

the possibility that folks here can successfully pull off at least a delay

of the meetings, but it could get rough. Basically if we can delay the

bastards even half a day, they may be unable to launch a new round of

coporporate takeover. We medics are preparing for the worst, what with

rumors of squads of paid provacatures (a la Genoa) and the PFF posturing

and unloading anphibious tanks!!!



I cannot stress this enough. This is truly an 11th hour appeal. Things

really hang in the balance Please circulate this far and wide.



If you don't want to read the form letter below, please jump to the bottom

and see where to send money.



Better yet, if you speak Spanish, surf over to hotwire or priceline and

get yourself down here!! We need medics bad.



If you can't do either, send prayers.


Thank you for your precious time,



Garth Kahl, EMT-B, WFR, MASHH collective.