“Correa is evil, but extremely clever which makes him extremely dangerous. Not like your George Bush”
Rafael Correa has the face of a fox, not in a physical pointed way but it carries the same sly misgivings the clever fox is known for. Elected in 2006, the president of Ecuador draws conflicting feelings from around the country. Many love the man who has reduced unemployment, increased educational opportunities by making all public schooling free, and his support of the Yasuni ITT initiative which strives to save the Yasuni rainforest that sits atop an oil reserve. Many hate the man who takes legal actions against unfavorable media reports, is allowing the remaining 0.7% of copper to be ruthlessly mined by Codelco, and his handling of the 2010 police strike which eventually left 8 dead and 274 wounded. Our program comes at a critical time in Ecuadorian politics as Correa is up for re-election in 2013. In 2009 the National Assembly mandated an election even though Correa’s term wasn’t up until 2011. Correa won the election becoming the first president of Ecuador to be re-elected in 30 years. Whether you love him or hate him that is a pretty impressive feat. To celebrate his five years in office Correa decided to come to Cuenca which he has deemed one of his favorite cities in Ecuador. The opportunity to see such a controversial man superseded any warnings of pickpockets and a strong dislike for the president distributed by my host mom.
Vendors outside the stadium hawked balloons, candy apples, meat, quail eggs and many other wares as seas of people flowed passed. Although, thousands of people were out to see Mr. Correa my friend, Katy, and I rarely had to push our way through a group of people as the color of our skin seemed to provide an effect similar to the parting of the Red Sea. In the little time I have spent in Cuenca I have become somewhat used to the constant staring considering I’m extremely pale and taller than half of Ecuador’s population, but this outing took the stares to an extreme. Katy and I came to the conclusion that it must be not just our looks but our mere presence at such a nationalistic event that was winning all the attention. I almost felt as if I was interrupting a privet affair. Despite the gazes and constant assertions of “gringo” (as if we had forgotten) to our faces, Katy and I jumped into the stream of excited Ecuadorians and made our way into the stadium.
Green and blue dominated the soccer stadium being used to present Correa. Flags, arms, t-shirts were in nonstop motion giving the impression that the stadium itself was a living, breathing entity. All the bleachers around the perimeter were occupied so Katy and I wandered onto the field. Just standing on a professional soccer field in a country that appreciates the game seemed like accomplishment enough. Horns, drums, and quick lilting lyrics flew out from the stage winding around the stadium. Armed guards watched over the demonstration from a nearby roof. Their machine guns providing comfort for one of two parties present and I had an uneasy feeling it wasn’t the group I was currently a part of. Katy and I found a place to stand along the side with a decent view of the stage and waited. And waited. Through countless slideshows of Correa kissing babies and marimba bands we waited. Finally as the sun was starting to set we decided to give up on our fantasy and start the trek home before darkness fell. To ease our disappointment we bought ourselves candy apples which actually did the trick of cheering us up despite their rock solid nature and questionable cleanliness. I was, however, able to enjoy a final part of the festivities as just as I was falling asleep, fireworks lit up my window. With a decent view of the stadium from my room I sat on my bed appreciating the display for a man who will never be my president.
