Go ahead, Build that wall

President Fox calls it "the wall of shame". He should be ashamed of himself for promoting the exportation of Mexico's best and brightest to help build the economy of a foreign country. I say build the wall and keep young and bright Mexicans here to help build the Mexican economy. We have everything we need to build a very economically sound nation right here.


Mexicans react with anger to U.S. proposal for wall along border


By Mark Stevenson
ASSOCIATED PRESS

1:18 p.m. December 20, 2005

MEXICO CITY ? The Mexican government, angered by a U.S. proposal to extend a wall along the border to keep out migrants, has struck back with radio ads urging Mexican workers to denounce rights violations in the United States.
Facing a growing tide of anti-immigrant sentiment north of the border, the Mexican government is also hiring an American public relations firm to improve its image.

Mexican President Vicente Fox denounced the U.S. measures, passed by the House of Representatives on Friday, as shameful and his foreign secretary, Luis Ernesto Derbez, said Monday the wall was stupid.

It's hard to underestimate the ill-feeling the proposal has generated in Mexico, where editorial pages are dominated by cartoons of Uncle Sam putting up walls bearing anti-Mexican messages.

Many Mexicans, especially those who have spent time working in the United States, feel the proposal is a slap in the face to those who work hard and contribute to the U.S. economy.

Fernando Robledo, 42, of the western state of Zacatecas, says the proposals could stem migration and disrupt families by breaking cross-border ties.

"When people heard this, it worried everybody, because this will affect everybody in some way, and their families," Robledo said. "They were incredulous. How could they do this, propose something like this?"

Robledo, whose son and mother are U.S. citizens, predicted the measure "would unleash conflict within the United States" as small businesses fail for lack of workers.

He said many Mexicans felt betrayed by the anti-immigrant sentiment.

"We learned to believe in the United States. We have a binational life," he said of Zacatecas, a state that has been sending migrants north for more than a century. "It isn't just a feeling of rejection. It's against what we see as part of our life, our culture, our territory."

The government is scrambling to fight on two fronts. On Monday, it announced it had hired Allyn & Co., a Dallas-based public relations firm, to help improve Mexico's image and stem the immigration backlash.

"If people in the U.S. and Canada had an accurate view of the success of democracy, political stability and economic prosperity in Mexico, it would improve their views on specific bilateral issues like immigration and border security," Rob Allyn, president of the PR firm, told The Associated Press Tuesday.

Jose Luis Soberanes, head of the government's National Human Rights Commission, suggested Mexico go further.

"I would expect more energetic reactions from our authorities," Soberanes told local media. "It's preferable to have a more demanding government, more confrontation with the United States."

Mexico has also said it is recruiting U.S. church, community and business groups to oppose the proposal.

And the government has stepped up its defense of migrants, airing a series of radio spots here aimed at migrants returning home for the holidays.

"Had a labor accident in the United State? You have rights. ... Call," reads the ad, sponsored by Mexico's Foreign Relations Department, which has helped migrants bring compensation suits in the United States.

The sense of dread connected with the measures is hardly restricted to Mexico. Immigrant advocacy and aid groups in the United States are worried about provisions of the House bill that upgrade unlawful presence in the United States from a civil offense to a felony.

"This is a sad foreshadowing," said immigrants rights activist Kathryn Rodriguez of the Derechos Humanos coalition in Tucson, Ariz. She fears the bill could expose those who help sick or dying migrants to criminal prosecution.

The House bill, passed on a 239-182 vote, would also enlist military and local law enforcement to help stop illegal entrants and require employers to verify the legal status of their workers.

Mexicans are outraged by the proposed measures, especially the extension of the border wall, which many liken to the Berlin Wall. Some are urging their government to fight it fiercely.

"Our president should oppose that wall and make them stop it, at all costs," said Martin Vazquez, 26, at the Mexico City airport as he returned from his job as a hotel worker in Las Vegas. "More than just insulting, it's terrible."

Quote:

Originally posted by flyfishinPam President Fox calls it "the wall of shame". He should be ashamed of himself for promoting the exportation of Mexico's best and brightest to help build the economy of a foreign country. I say build the wall and keep young and bright Mexicans here to help build the Mexican economy. We have everything we need to build a very economically sound nation right here. Mexicans react with anger to U.S. proposal for wall along border By Mark Stevenson ASSOCIATED PRESS 1:18 p.m. December 20, 2005 MEXICO CITY ? The Mexican government, angered by a U.S. proposal to extend a wall along the border to keep out migrants, has struck back with radio ads urging Mexican workers to denounce rights violations in the United States. Facing a growing tide of anti-immigrant sentiment north of the border, the Mexican government is also hiring an American public relations firm to improve its image. Mexican President Vicente Fox denounced the U.S. measures, passed by the House of Representatives on Friday, as shameful and his foreign secretary, Luis Ernesto Derbez, said Monday the wall was stupid. It's hard to underestimate the ill-feeling the proposal has generated in Mexico, where editorial pages are dominated by cartoons of Uncle Sam putting up walls bearing anti-Mexican messages. Many Mexicans, especially those who have spent time working in the United States, feel the proposal is a slap in the face to those who work hard and contribute to the U.S. economy. Fernando Robledo, 42, of the western state of Zacatecas, says the proposals could stem migration and disrupt families by breaking cross-border ties. "When people heard this, it worried everybody, because this will affect everybody in some way, and their families," Robledo said. "They were incredulous. How could they do this, propose something like this?" Robledo, whose son and mother are U.S. citizens, predicted the measure "would unleash conflict within the United States" as small businesses fail for lack of workers. He said many Mexicans felt betrayed by the anti-immigrant sentiment. "We learned to believe in the United States. We have a binational life," he said of Zacatecas, a state that has been sending migrants north for more than a century. "It isn't just a feeling of rejection. It's against what we see as part of our life, our culture, our territory." The government is scrambling to fight on two fronts. On Monday, it announced it had hired Allyn & Co., a Dallas-based public relations firm, to help improve Mexico's image and stem the immigration backlash. "If people in the U.S. and Canada had an accurate view of the success of democracy, political stability and economic prosperity in Mexico, it would improve their views on specific bilateral issues like immigration and border security," Rob Allyn, president of the PR firm, told The Associated Press Tuesday. Jose Luis Soberanes, head of the government's National Human Rights Commission, suggested Mexico go further. "I would expect more energetic reactions from our authorities," Soberanes told local media. "It's preferable to have a more demanding government, more confrontation with the United States." Mexico has also said it is recruiting U.S. church, community and business groups to oppose the proposal. And the government has stepped up its defense of migrants, airing a series of radio spots here aimed at migrants returning home for the holidays. "Had a labor accident in the United State? You have rights. ... Call," reads the ad, sponsored by Mexico's Foreign Relations Department, which has helped migrants bring compensation suits in the United States. The sense of dread connected with the measures is hardly restricted to Mexico. Immigrant advocacy and aid groups in the United States are worried about provisions of the House bill that upgrade unlawful presence in the United States from a civil offense to a felony. "This is a sad foreshadowing," said immigrants rights activist Kathryn Rodriguez of the Derechos Humanos coalition in Tucson, Ariz. She fears the bill could expose those who help sick or dying migrants to criminal prosecution. The House bill, passed on a 239-182 vote, would also enlist military and local law enforcement to help stop illegal entrants and require employers to verify the legal status of their workers. Mexicans are outraged by the proposed measures, especially the extension of the border wall, which many liken to the Berlin Wall. Some are urging their government to fight it fiercely. "Our president should oppose that wall and make them stop it, at all costs," said Martin Vazquez, 26, at the Mexico City airport as he returned from his job as a hotel worker in Las Vegas. "More than just insulting, it's terrible."

Right on bajacaribe

I am in agreement with everything you've said. Especially with the new transparency laws in place its time for Mexicans to stay home and build up their own country. As a US citizen who came to Mexico legally, I am in agreement with the restrictions here. When I lived in the US I had grown tired of illegals getting away with what they did. I was in the restaurant business and there were more illegals working in many of the places than US citizens. Also when I first attended the California State University system in 1990 as an out of state resident (from Connecticut) I had to first become a resident of California as I couldn't afford the out of state tuition...but guess what? illegal aliens could attend CSU for FREE!!!

Good points Caribe

I like the concern for patriotism and all but I take exception on a few issues. Skeet is right about whos' to blame. If you did yer homework you would soon learn all about how California and the policy that bagan with ag pickers over 40 yrs ago set the stage.
It wasn't such a bad idea except when the state turned a blind eye to enforcing the program it opened the floodgates. Nobody said chite. What a shame. I know some very "patriotic" Chicanos who, through hard work, assimilation, education and legitimacy became pillars of their community with more appreciation for this country than most young Americans I have met.
Furthermore, Californias' HUGE economy although f_cked up by politicians lately has a bigger gross national product than most countries including Mexico. Gee, I wonder how that happened? Californias' agriculture is considered to be the breadbasket of America. Get the picture?
Some call it explotation. I have mixed feelings. I think EVERYONE should be in this country legally tho. They should also learn the language To bad our wonderful politicians couldn't seriously address this problem 25 yrs ago.
Sending em all home? Gimme a break. Build a wall,? Gimme a break. Did you ever notice how many products or instruction sheets are printed in both English & Spanish? My guess is that it's audience(s) are 90% illegal consumers. What say you?

Look how lucky we are to not be neighbors with China.


THere is plenty of discrimination around . It is so pathetic that since this big push to control the border all these freakin' vigilante types are having an orgasm just at the thought of a capture.
Mexicans are not our enemies. Some of these people think they are. Do you make that equation also? How far do you go? How do you sort em all out?

Set up and knock em down. Hmmmm, not very American methinks.Realize this:
How would you feel if a MILLION rich (legal)Americans moved into your Baja neighborhood and your Mexican family lived there for a hundred years or so? No allegre! Why? Because Mexicans surely don't want to be crowded out by gringos. The politicos on the other hand could care less.

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja Look how lucky we are to not be neighbors with China. .

You know how much stuff we own that's made in China?

They better never get mad at us...

Asian-American perspective

Borders, language and culture

There is a conservative talk radio guy named Michael Savage who says that societies are built on these 3 pillars. Now, don't get me wrong - I think the guy went AWOL mentally a while ago. But on this point, I think he's right.

[Edited on 12-31-2005 by movinguy]

Don't worry Virginia, there won't be a wall

Do you ever raise this issue with your "friends" in TJ?

I believe the key to Mexico's political and economic future is in addressing personal and professional deportment. My experience here tells me it's possible. As a country, 2000 showed me that they know the way. Next year's elections will show if they still have the will.