If Vicente Fox Had Real Courage
By Randall Nunn (02/01/06)
Last week the press reported that law enforcement discovered one of the longest and most sophisticated drug smuggling tunnels yet from Mexico into the United States (with over 2 tons of marijuana inside). The same week the Sheriff of Hudspeth County, Texas reported that drug smugglers who had crossed the border into United States territory were accompanied by Mexican military vehicles and individuals with Mexican military weapons and wearing Mexican military uniforms. These incidents continue to occur and there is no effective action being taken by either the U.S. or Mexican governments to stop such activities – at least not that the average citizen can discern.
It is obvious that the problem of illegal immigration from Mexico is getting worse and little is being done to address it. As the public perception grows that not enough is being done to address a serious problem, it is only a matter of time before an incident occurs that galvanizes public opinion and creates serious political difficulties for both the United States and Mexico. If Mexican President Vicente Fox had real courage, he might be able to defuse somewhat the tension caused by this immigration crisis by speaking honestly and frankly to his county. He might say something like the following:
“My fellow Mexicans, it is time to face the reality that illegal immigration from our country into the United States is creating friction between our two countries and, if something is not done to address this issue, the good relations between our countries and economic benefits we each bring to each other will be lost amid growing friction. Let us be honest. If we could improve economic opportunities for our citizens, rid our country of corruption and make our country a desirable place to live with economic and political opportunity for our people, there would be less interest in illegally crossing the border into the United States. Lawful immigration would be available but the massive illegal exodus of our citizens to the north would slow. I intend to give priority to developing Mexico’s natural resources, combating corruption in government, destroying the power of the drug cartels and creating economic opportunity for all citizens in every way possible. We must make living in our country more desirable than leaving to illegally enter the United States. If we can do this, our citizens can make a good life for themselves here. There will be no need to flee a depressed economy and corruption for a better opportunity to the north. We must make our country a desirable place again. No people ever made their country great and prosperous by fleeing to other countries to seek better opportunities and a higher standard of living. All patriotic Mexicans should work to improve their country and make it a desirable place to live and work. If we do not undertake this change, we risk destroying the economic benefits of our relationship with the United States, which are considerable, and we will do great damage to our fellow Mexicans lawfully in the United States. We must do this and we can do this. And the result will be the development of a strong and vibrant Mexico and the realization of our country’s full potential.”
Of course, this is probably just a dream, since President Fox is unlikely to do this, based on his actions and statements to date. He would be accused in his country of being subservient to the United States and berated for suggesting a course of action that would take time to effect and would be difficult at best. On the other hand, maintaining the “status quo” on illegal immigration will most assuredly lead to further friction and an increase in hostility between Mexico and the United States. By doing nothing differently, President Fox will insure a worsening of the current situation. By taking courageous action, he may be able to initiate a long-needed reform of economic, political and cultural institutions that will benefit all Mexicans for many years to come.
If President Fox continues to rail against the United States’ proposal to build a fence along the border while doing nothing to police the Mexican side of the border, American anger and frustration will only grow. President Fox’s lack of effective response to illegal immigration in the face of growing U.S. discontent will serve only to inflame an already serious situation. Of course, the United States must take action to secure our borders and shut down the illegal immigration, with or without assistance and cooperation of President Fox. But if President Fox shuns the easy way of political expediency he has an opportunity to have a profound effect on his country and to strengthen the relationship with the United States. But if, as seems more likely, he continues his timid course, his place in history, both here and in Mexico, will be just another name on a page.
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