By David Simmonds 

That the internet has changed the way that we get our news is well documented. Major media sources are all in decline as people young and old turn to their computers to find out what’s happening in the world. The pathetic manner in which the lapdog mainstream, corporate media has performed for the past several years has ironically hastened their own demise. “Everyman” can now be a reporter, which has created an environment that offers a wide array of opinions and views on any given subject. Separating the reliable sources from the agenda-driven can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort.

A good example  I have found is a guy, Matt Plavnick, who is attending language school in Oaxaca for the next eight months. On his blog site you can follow the conflict between the rights activists and the government forces from the viewpoint of a gringo spectator. Matt presents a frequent,well-written snapshot from a bystander trying to make sense of what he is experiencing. If you are planning a trip to Oaxaca, or have been there in the past and have a concern for the what is taking place in the city, give Matt’s site a try. I think you’ll be better informed than from watching the 5:00 news or the once reliable newsprint publications. http://plavwriter.blogspot.com/