South of the Border

Recently, Blue Voice reader, and, I must add, personal friend, Tim D, write in an e-mail on his return from wintering in Mexico:

In so many ways Mexico is a tonic for me. It's thrilling to see their democratic spirit come alive after 70 years of one-party rule, just as ours seems to be dying. Everything there is much, much more GRASS-ROOTS-ORGANIZED, than it is here. They are about twenty years behind us in surrendering to the monopoly of broadcast media. Print journalism still holds the upper hand. Not only are there more newspapers there -- the city of Acapulco has four dailies, Mexico City has six -- but the newspapers are far more political than they are here (this is not to say their journalism is better than ours, just more diverse). Mexico holds its presidential election this July 2 and it looks like it's going to be a real wingdinger! Three candidates, with the "center-Left" candidate way out ahead right now. Can't wait to watch FOX News, CNN and MSNBC start their mojos against Obredor, the PRD's left-wing candidate and, for now at least, the odds-on favorite. If he's elected, he'll go after Bush big time over our border policy. Hell, he'll go after Bush even if the fence is not erected and we clean up our act (not much of a chance there).

Mexico's regard for the USA is just about at an all time low. They're aghast at Iraq, appalled at our handling of the immigration issue, disillusioned with NAFTA and all "Free Trade" rhetoric, fed up with our meddling in Latin America. Obredor, if elected, will bring all this to the fore. As I say, it's going to be really interesting to watch this unfold.

It will be interesting, indeed, and I hope Tim will help us keep tabs on what happens.

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