Today, Bolivian Thoughts in an Emerging World has picked three cartoons that appeared on 10/4/11; they best represent current state of play regarding the TIPNIS protest-walk towards La Paz, and the awkward and changing discourse of current Bolivian government.

This cartoon is from El Diario, it portrays how the Chapare region where coca leafs is grown. Some months ago, a TV program showed many luxury vehicles, satellite dishes and fancy homes across that region; most of Chapare’s wealth comes from coca leaf related trade. In this cartoon people are talking inside, one says: “..! well…! For once and for all!.. the road is going to open or not!…(he) should define at once!!” and the other person says: “..what needs to define is: is he is the president of the coca growers or is he the president of the Bolivians!.. nothing else!!” This dialogue, is in clear allusion of current Bolivian’s dual role and if the TIPNIS road will be built or not.

This cartoon is from El Dia, up above, there is a drawing with caterpillars working on segments one and three of the road; in the middle is the TIPNIS forest, considered as segment two in question (construction in  one and three is actually happening). The person, who intends to stab the indigenous person on the back, resembles the minister of the presidency, Carlos Romero. This cartoon directly makes reference on the speeches that government officials make and their actions.

Finally, this cartoon is from La Prensa, shows on the left side a police officer and a person in a red poncho, which represents the radical and violent group of Aymara people from Achacachi saying “patience friends!” to their side is a traffic light which is currently in red. Then, there is “paved bridge” of people who are supposedly the TIPNIS indigenous group who are represented as defeated. On the right end, two smiling people are waving; one representing the coca growers (cocaleros) and the “prosperous” gentleman portrays the Brazilian companies (in charge of the construction of the polemic road).

As you can see, there is a hidden sense that the TIPNIS future is somehow already defined…

The protest-walk group has reached Sapecho, they walked around 20 kilometers yesterday, their resolve is firm.