OUL is honored to present John Ross considered by many to be the most informed and incisive English-language writer on political and social events unfolding in Mexico at this time. He has lived for many years in Mexico City's old quarter. He is a frequent contributor to The Nation, Counterpunch, Z Magazine and the Mexican daily La Journada. He is the author of eight books both fiction and non-fiction and more specifically, has written three books chronicling the Zapatista movement in Mexico. His recently published third volume in his series titled "Zapatistas! Making Another World Possible: Chronicles of Resistance 2000-2006" (Nation Books, 2006), covers how this indigenous movement has challenged the NAFTA neo-liberal model from its very inception. He has been following the Zapatista movement first-hand since its beginnings and may be the first writer to have interviewed Zapatista leader Subcommandante Marcos. Fundamentally, Ross believes this movement, should be seen as a social movement to protect indigenous culture not one organizing to take over state power. Ross will be covering this question and more. As always, open discussion will follow the presentation