Viva Mexico!

Last week, Mexico began celebrations commemorating the 200th anniversary of their independence. On Sept. 16, 1810, a Roman Catholic priest from a small town in central Mexico called on his congregation in the early morning hours. There, he called unto the crowd as only a true revolutionary could:    

“My Children! A new dispensation comes to us today. Will you receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen by three hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once ... Will you defend your religion and your rights as true patriots? Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad government! Death to Gachupines!”

Jaded by years of colonial rule by the wealthy native Spanish (Gachupines), the majority of Mexicans sought a new form of government. In many ways, this dramatic scene in history can be reflective of the American Revolution; the call for freedom, desire for a republic, and an end to slavery were all involved in both the Mexican and American revolutions. But despite the similarities, there remain key differences, including the instability of subsequent Mexican governments.

This instability came to a head in 1910, one hundred years ago, when a president-turned-dictator, Porfirio Diaz, jailed his only challenger, Francisco Madero. From exile, Madero issued a letter to the people of Mexico promising free and open elections should they revolt. What ensued was decades of political and social upheaval that only belabored the call for democracy, freedom, and security.

But finally, in the 1940s with the outbreak of World War II, past presidential rivals came together in solidarity to prove that Mexico was united. From this point on, Mexican democracy truly began to foster and develop. Mexico has now become a model for Latin American democracy — arguably a democratic icon for the world.     

It seems too often that Americans forget the nature of our southern neighbor. Nasty stereotypes, sweeping generalizations and condescending impressions too often plague the political opinions of a few unknowing Americans.

The object of this article is not a history lesson, but a request for appreciation, respect and mutual compassion. Basing political decisions on poorly-placed ideas only propagates ignorance. I believe if we keep this in mind during the continuing debate on immigration, we can reach a well informed decision.  If we base the argument on sound economic principles, fair and equal opportunity and practical expectations, then our policy can be sustainable.

In my opinion, a comprehensive immigration reform that would allow a clear path to citizenship would also allow the naturalization of many illegal workers, which would bring in tax revenue to the government, encourage stable immigrant communities and support American agricultural and manufacturing endeavors. Border patrols can focus more on drug smugglers and traders rather than those who simply want to work.

Assimilation into American culture would be much easier if citizenship was easier to attain. This short blurb on immigration is an echo of founded facts, not fantastic fiction.

No matter your opinion on immigration, Mexico’s bicentennial should be a day of appreciation and respect for the nation. They have founded a society based on individual liberties, common equality and the free market, despite a much different history.

Long live her people, long live her ideals. Viva Mexico!

E-mail: mdshowal@indiana.edu