Citizen collaboration? A sign appeals to Bogotanos to report violence. |
And Colombians overwhelmingly doubted that most crimes would be punished (for some reason, however, this question was apparently not asked in Bogotá).
This makes it unsurprising that 57% of Colombians (not just Bogotanos) told Gallup pollsters they'd be willing to give up civil liberties in order to increase security. With civil institutions as frequently corrupt and frail as Colombia's, that's a worrying number. As I see it, strengthening civil society, getting Colombians to use their civil liberties is the best way to build an alternative to the violence which has afflicted this nation for so long.
Unsurprisingly, too, Pres. Juan Manuel Santos, who was Pres. Uribe's defense minister, continues to be super popular, with 77% support, while national police director Grl. Oscar Naranjo and ex-Pres. Uribe are right behind him. Colombians still want law and order and hanker after a strongman, a reason why Green Party candidate Antanas Mockus never had a chance to be elected president. Surprisingly, however, 70% of Colombians like Barack Obama - even tho the U.S. is slashing Plan Colombia support and hasn't ratified a free trade agreement.
On the other hand, it's no surprise at all that Bogotá Mayor Samuel Moreno's UNPOPULARITY rating is 85%. And many Colombians feel that corruption is getting worse.
Work on Ave. 26 drags on - for how much longer? |
Near Jorge Tadeo University, a new TM station is taking shape. |
The survey did also produce some positive results: a majority of Colombians liked their health and educational services.
By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours
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