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". . . Rioting and unrest seem likely, but it looks like the government is safe and that the vast majority of Mexicans will be happy to see this guy crushed when the time comes. . . ."

I think you just gave the "preview of coming affairs" if I may put it that way Reverend. It is sad that AMLO is going to lead his followers on a common path of martyrdom, because they have nothing to gain -- excepting AMLO's desire to remain the focus of messianic idol-worship -- and so much to lose. But in the end the consensus of Mexican opinion will come down as you have described it. Fox and his administration have shown what I consider to be remarkable restraint and, in light of that, once the decision is finally made to strike back, the overwhelming majority of the Mexican people will stand by their government, even though there may be both a regional and class character to that support.

But what a tragedy we may have to watch. There are few things that get uglier than political violence and AMLO and his supporters are determined to either be given what they demand or force the issue outside of the law.

I'm going to go back to my university studies in Weberian analysis in political science and point out that there is a difference between overthrowing the regime, which we all have the right to do in a democracy, and overthrowing the state, a right which none of us possesses. Lopez Obrador and his followers are discussing the overthrow of the state and the portents for the future are most ominous as a result. It's so sad.

I think this whole "panic situation" is a bit overblown.

This is not 1920's Mexico nor 19th century Mexico.

As much as some people, through pure ignorance or willful ignorance, seemed determined to portray Mexico as a piss poor shithole.

It is not.Mexico is not Bolivia,nor worse, some failed African State. The Mexican State is strong and Mexico is a middle income country not a "poor" country.

Looking at Mexican television,reading Mexican newspapers, and talking to Mexican relatives there is not a real sense of national crisis, a sense that chaos/revolution is on the cusp.

This is a transitory political crisis.Yes, more serious than Florida 2000 but not like recent events in Bolivia,Ecuador,or Venezuela.

Despite the PRD's attempts to nationalize the matter it is largely a Mexico City affair. The Oaxaca situation is really limited to a small radicalized group of teachers and will be settled IMO within the first six months of the Calderon administration. Fox has retirement on his Guanajato ranch already in mind and does not care to get involved.