Pots and Pans

Argentinians take to the streets banging their pots and pans together … or as the case was last night from their balconies … to show their disapproval of the government's economic policies. The pot is called cacerola (looks remarkably like casserole) and the action of the beating of the pot is called cacerolazo.
Back in 2001 Argentina was facing a massive financial crisis. Having defaulted on a loan to the International Monetary Fund, tens of thousands of la gente lost their hard earned savings when the peso was devalued, and countless more lost their livelihoods. The banging of empty pots and pans is the way that the ‘normal’ Argentinian is able to express from their casa the fear of either (a) having no food or (b) the cost of living being so high in comparison with salaries and that food is very expensive.
I'm not sure how far back in Argentinian history this form of protest goes, but I think it started well before 2001. I have to do a lot more reading and talk to more people about this subject but this is how I understand it at the moment - The debate is between the farmers (el campo) and the Government – the Government is attempting to raise export taxes. The problem is that many of the farmers are smaller holding farmers and they can not afford such a hike in taxes, while on the other hand many of the farmers are fairly affluent landowners who own land and also live in Buenos Aires or elsewhere, and who probably can afford the taxes. I suppose it’s a bit like being stuck between a rock and a hard place…how do you create the necessary balance while maintaining fairness in democracy. Is this where the ‘survival of the fittest’ notion applies? I will continue to find out more about this because it is very interesting.
Alejandro, if you are reading this post it would be good if you left a comment telling what you know and your opinion about the whole 'el campo' debate would be interesting.