### Innocent People Suffer Due to Reckless Acts
**By Luz Elena Picos – August 19, 2024**
**Photo: Internet / The Impact on Thousands of Motorists**
Is this a nation governed by the rule of law? Are there regulated activities for officials and citizens? Observing the municipal to federal levels, one might think that guiding documents have been relegated to archives or libraries. The disregard for regulations is evident everywhere.
In Baja California, just a few weeks ago, a small group of citizens staged a protest outside the PEMEX facilities in Playas de Rosarito to capture the authorities’ attention. This protest caused significant inconvenience for local motorists who were unable to refuel their vehicles and carry out their daily activities. Who bore the consequences? Innocent citizens uninvolved in the issue.
Recently, numerous residents of Tlahuapan blocked the Mexico-Puebla highway to demand compensation owed since the 1960s for the expropriation of their lands, which were used to build the highway benefiting various towns in Tlaxcala and Veracruz.
The resulting chaos was substantial, and the financial losses due to halted cargo, public, and private transportation were enormous. Additionally, President López Obrador’s firm and consistent response was to ignore these demands, effectively dismissing complaints from those feeling defrauded for decades. Once again, innocent people suffered due to the actions of others.
You might ask, dear reader, why bring this up now? Lately, social and family circles have been rife with criticism directed at private and commercial parking lot owners. Facing financial losses, these owners have opted to raise their fees rapidly and arbitrarily without municipal authorization. Many do not meet the minimum safety requirements stipulated by regulations, such as paved grounds, valid insurance against theft or damage, and basic fire prevention equipment like extinguishers.
What is the Regulation Department doing about this? Absolutely nothing!
**Note 1:** High-end restaurants, particularly in the Zona RÃo area, now charge exorbitantly for parking, despite previously offering it for free as a customer service commitment.
**Note 2:** Years ago, Plaza RÃo imposed high parking fees, leading to protests, and now they charge fair rates. All businesses should offer free parking.
**Note 3:** Let’s hope that upcoming city councils address these issues.
Luz Elena Picos is the Director of Social Network of Tijuana.
Email: redsocialtijuana@hotmail.com
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### Related News: Tlahuapan Protest Causes Massive Highway Blockade
**Recent Protests and Blockades: A Historical Perspective**
In recent months, Tlahuapan residents blocked the Mexico-Puebla highway, demanding long-overdue compensation for their expropriated lands. This protest was in response to grievances dating back to the 1960s when their lands were taken by the government for highway construction. Despite these valid claims, President López Obrador has remained steadfast, refusing to entertain the protesters’ demands.
The blockade resulted in massive traffic disruptions and financial losses for cargo and passenger transport, estimated in millions. This incident shines a light on the broader issue of how historical grievances are handled in Mexico and the cost to innocent bystanders.
For more detailed insights on this ongoing issue, follow our coverage on TJGringo.com.