(Unpublished) Letter to the New York Times

July 16, 2006

To the Editor:

Ginger Thompson's most recent article on the Mexican election ("Crowds Rally Again to Demand Recount in Mexico," July 17) repeatedly highlights the potential for violence that could be "unleashed" from Lopez Obrador's supporters. But it fails to acknowledge the real threat of violence if Felipe Calderon's victory is affirmed. Only Calderon actively approved of the government's violent repression in San Salvador Atenco on May 4, where police killed two youths and tortured, sexually abused, and indiscriminately arrested hundreds.

Daniel Nemser
Mexico City, Mexico

The writer has been covering the Mexican elections for KPFA - Pacifica Radio, and is a graduate student in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.