International Support for Ecuador's Commitment to Democrary

Today there have been protests in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca by the police and some of the military against the national assembly who have voted to change the way bonuses work.

Prior to Correa's presidency the police earned a basic salary (around $240 per month). They now earn around $800 per month. They were given new equipment such as cars, motorcycles, guns, and bulletproof vests (they were not given vests prior to Correa's time in office).

Prior to the new law passed by the assembly, the police would get annual bonuses without any requirements or responsibility on their part. This new law does not take these bonuses away from them, it simply requires that they complete certain requirements (such as classes) to receive their bonuses. Then when they receive their bonuses it will be half in cash (as part of a paycheck) and half in government bonds with high interest rates. The issue with the bonds is that they cannot take the bonds out for a certain period of time (much like our bonds in the United States).

Most of the issues have been in Quito and Guayaquil (Cuenca has been very calm), but all national and international flights have been canceled (which means more time with my mom!), and banks and many stores are closed.

Support for President Correa has been declared by almost all Central and South American countries, demonstrating region-wide support for democracy.

The individuals who are striking are the minority and are doing so without understanding the new law in its entirety. It is important for those of you reading this to understand that a lack of understanding leads to ignorance, which leads to problems such as those we have seen today throughout Ecuador.

I personally hope that these types of outbursts by the uneducated population of Ecuador do not negatively influence the way many of you see Ecuador or feel about coming to this country (here are some photos to remind you of what an amazing country this is!)

Viva Ecuador! Viva la democracia!