The #AcapulcoOfEveryone

For a #HorizontalSociety

Although, compared to the hurricane Pauline, the death figures would seem lower, there is still a lack of information about what really happened on the coastal strip of Guerrero. To the physical chaos of the city, without light, communications, fuel or water, social chaos ensued. The inhabitants decided to go to stores and supermarkets to loot everything. The images of hordes of people who broke into businesses to take by force everything they found in their path gave a clear account of the absence of any type of authority.

Meanwhile, a President of the Republic stranded in the mud, literally stuck. In fact, to this day there is reasonable doubt that he ever set foot at the scene of the tragedy. On the other hand, an absent governor, like her cabinet. Without data and poor communication, the feeling that for days on end there was no one in charge was consolidated in people's feelings.

Otis not only stripped Acapulco's buildings and infrastructure. He also laid bare what has been known for years. In Guerrero there is no government. In a few hours the hurricane showed that, for many years, that land has been left to its own devices. Without important investments from the federal government, with a lack of state support to reverse the depreciation of its foundations, today Acapulco stands out for its chronic poverty. The inability shown by the authorities also clearly reminded that it is crime that has the best penetration in that territory.

With great concern, audio recordings were heard of citizens being stripped of food and support by the National Guard. Given the impediment to civil organizations from bringing food and medicine to those affected, the feeling cannot be avoided that the government and its party intend to take advantage of the situation electorally. Worse still, the doubt remains that the forces of “public order” could carry out these types of actions, above civil power, in the near future. Therefore, the government is obliged to clarify these statements as soon as possible.

Beyond political criticism, the tragedy that the port is experiencing should help us understand, think and formulate response mechanisms that allow Acapulco to move forward. Faced with an overwhelmed government, it is essential to find solutions that consider perspectives for the short and medium term:

1. First of all, in the immediate future, it is essential to align and coordinate all the possible help in terms of addressing the most pressing needs. In the event that the authority prevents said help from arriving, citizens must document and massively disseminate each case. Social pressure must overcome any absurd, retrograde and authoritarian decision. A government temporary employment plan is required, which mobilizes people to clean up the devastated area.

2. In the medium term it will be essential to identify providers who are willing to support those who have lost their homes, especially in popular areas. The use of social networks, as occurred in the 2017 earthquake, can help directly link the requesting demand with the solidarity offer. Avoiding the electoral use of government programs in the face of this misfortune will only be possible if society is massively transparent about what happens in Acapulco territory. The government should join this dynamic—without competing—with a reconstruction program.

3. Put together a financial plan by the private initiative that identifies, in the face of this terrible blow, credit-real estate support mechanisms that guarantee that those who have been affected have instruments to invest in the recovery of the hotel zone and department that has been so seriously affected.

In summary, in the face of limited government capacity, the #HorizontalSociety must pressure, demand and act to achieve the rebirth of #AcapulcoDe todos.