Monday - September 03, 2007

Mexico Does Not End at the Border: Part II

Another blog, Blue Collar Muse, responded to my post about President Calderon's speech and brought up several interesting observations. Foremost among them was the fact that Calderon's speech was required by the Mexican constitution and therefore, doesn't that make his comments rather official?

So, with Blue Collar Muse's observation in mind, I found Calderon's State of the Nation speech in its entirety. You can read the entire translation here if you are wondering if his quotes are taken out of context (and they aren't).

First, Calderon's speech is required by the Mexican Constitution. It is as official as official gets. Calderon notes this in the first paragraph:

Yesterday, in fulfillment of the provisions of Article 69 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, I appeared before the Congress of the Union and, in a respectful and solemn ceremony appropriate to the new era our nation has entered, I delivered a written report on the overall state of the Public Administration.

Then, Calderon talks about a number of internal matters, including his war against corruption and drug lords.  Additionally, he pointed to economic reform and job creation.  Calderon notes the following:

Today, I am sharing some of its most relevant points with the Mexican people.

So, upfront, he is telling us that he is "sharing" what he considers to be the most important information he has with the Mexican people.

He makes a point of stating the following:

Mexico, Canada and the United States must be capable of using our regional advantages without damaging the sovereignty of each country, while solving the subjects of migration, organized crime and investment.

Which he immediately follows up with what I consider the offending remarks. Why put this part in the speech? Because Mexico needs to export people in order to provide jobs for the growing masses back home. He needs Mexican citizens in the U.S. to know that they are still part of a greater Mexico.

Finally, I have said that Mexico does not end at the border, that wherever there is a Mexican Mexico is there; this is why the actions of the Government in favor of our migrating countrymen is guided by principles, by the defense and protection of their rights, by prevention for detecting measures that may affect our people and by the professionalism we must offer our co-nationals.

For this reason, we are already using all the resources of our consular network for the benefit of Mexicans abroad.

On behalf of the Mexican Government, I again strongly protest the unilateral measures taken by the United States Congress and Government, measures that are making the persecution and humiliating treatment of undocumented Mexican workers worse.

The insensitivity shown toward those who contribute a great deal to the economy and to society in the United States has been incentive to redouble our battle to gain recognition of their enormous contribution to the economies of both nations and to defend their rights.

Therefore, the Government of Mexico will continue to firmly insist to both countries’ societies and Governments on the necessity of comprehensive immigration reform and of categorically rejecting construction of a wall on our common border.

In an official speech, Calderon makes sure to emphasize the fact, that in essence, Mexico exhibits extraterritoriality over its citizens in the United States and as a result, it has a say over their treatment and our laws that affect them.  Additionally, Calderon insists that Mexico has a say over our construction of a border fence. My take on it is that Mexico cannot provide enough jobs for its population of 108 million people and desperately needs a safety valve, in other words open, unfettered immigration into the U.S. 

Also, you cannot ignore the nationalistic undertones of this official speech. Calderon has challenged our ability to pass laws for our own territory. And Mexico still claims as its own, people who have left that country. Are you willing to stake our nation's well-being that the allegiance of 12 million illegals from Mexico is directed to Old Glory?

A challenge to our sovereignty has begun, officially.  The U.S. has done nothing for 35 years to defend its southern border and stop illegal immigration.  Mexico knows this and is exploiting our negligence. What is our response going to be? Will we defend our way of life or will we slowly allow our Southwest to be assimilated back into Mexico?

Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Diary of the Mad Pigeon, Planck's Constant, Dumb Ox Daily News, and High Desert Wanderer, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Author: The Machiavellian
Technorati Tags: Mexico Calderon
Technorati Cosmos:
Technorati Watchlist:
Add this entry to: