Commentary
Fue el estado
A Contrast in Moral Behavior
By
Rodolfo F. Acuña  11-23-14

http://revoluciontrespuntocero.com/mientras-rector-de-bolivia-marcha-por-normalistas-narro-defiende-el-penanietismo/

My colleague Jorge Garcia reads everything and forgets very little. He posted the above piece on the contrast between the behaviors of the rector of UNAM, José Narro, and the director of UMSA de Bolivia Alberto Quevedo in the case of the 43 normalistas de Ayotzinapa. Mexican students are demanding the resignation of Narro for the lack of action on November 16, in the shooting of an UNAM student at a November march protesting the apparent killing of the 43 normalistas and Quevedo’s marching with his students protesting the disappearance of the 43 Mexican students.

Protesting Mexican students say that Narro’s statement that “I have condemned the criminal and permissive conduct of public servants. I have demanded the resolution of their actions and the punishment of those responsible and I have expressed my solidarity to those affected and their families,” adding that Mexican society needs “a chance without violence, to make sure that events like those in Iguala, where 43 teachers in training went missing, never happens in the country ever again. I am certain that violence only generates more resentment and more problems” is not enough and he continues to be an apologist for Enrique Pena Nieto. “I have condemned the criminal and permissive conduct of public servants. I have demanded the resolution of their actions and the punishment of those responsible and I have expressed my solidarity to those affected and their families,” he said. Narro Robles added that Mexican society needs “a chance without violence, to make sure events like those in Iguala, where 43 teachers in training went missing, never happens in the country ever again. I am certain that violence only generates more resentment and more problems.” https://sg.news.yahoo.com/video/students-demand-resignation-unam-rector-023807304.html

Given the context of this statement, I have no other alternative but to side with the students. It has been over 46 years since the massacre at Tlatelolco in 1968 and students are still the favorite targets of the state. UNAM enjoys a special status in Mexico. Narro is also known as public functionary of PRI and served as a public official and endorsed Enrique Pena Nieto. http://tupcm.com/2012/06/06/penanarro/. Universities whether in the United States or Mexico do not exist independent of the state.

We all have a moral responsibility to check the action of the Narro’s of this world. I am sorry and condemn violence is not enough. Words have to have meaning. In this context the chant of Mexican student that “Fue el Estado” take on a special meaning.