NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Tuesday 31, December 2002

Things might actually be getting worse than what I thought.

My mother tonight went to a neighborhood meeting, attended among other by our local elected official. Well, the topic was how to organize our defense if Chavez sends the slums to ransack us.

Apparently there is evidence that Chavez and his people are threatening to let loose their followers if the strike leads to significant food shortages. Rich neighborhoods (anything in comparison to slums) would have to share their provisions since they are guilty of the strike.

The meeting described the security measures to be taken if such "invasion" should occur...... I will pass the details such as how to close your street with cars and when and where use weapons (only within your house if somebody were to try to enter without your consent).

The councilor actually was a voice of moderation, reporting that my area was rather protected but that we should be aware since other more exposed areas were quite ready. I am not sure if that was supposed to reassure us.

My next door neighbor was named coordinator of my street, which as dead end street on top of a hill, so presumably I would be last to be ransacked.....

I do not know, but I have trouble dealing with that. I really do not know whether I should take this seriously or if it is just people playing little soldiers. My poor mother came back steady still, but reported that a lot of people were really, really scared....