Osprey - 7-23-2008 at 09:01 AM
Book of Mexican Traditions
An article in the latest Southern Gringo Gazette makes me want to find out more about a certain set of traditions in Mexico. I’m wondering if there’s
a book or report somewhere on what disappears when political regimes change in Mexico. Perhaps some one on the board knows where I can look. Let me
explain why it’s so interesting to me.
We know what happens at the Whitehouse in the U.S.A. They steal everything but the air, vandalize the place right down to the wallpaper. Not in
Mexico. I have a feeling they leave the seat of Government intact, clean and neat like they found it – but I have heard of exceptions.
I learned from the local grapevine that when some people in higher political position lose their place in the structure to whomever was elected or
appointed to the same position, they are often accused of taking money or things of value with them when they leave. They see it as a retirement
benefit and until recently I understand most, if not all, high officials have been immune from prosecution for the act or acts.
I get the feeling it is not unusual, causes some light but little heat and is often expected. Some of it makes the news, some of it is bold and
hilarious – the stuff movies are made from.
Several years ago our outgoing state Governor was accused of taking with him, as a retirement bonus, about $350,000 dollars which had been accumulated
or requisitioned, set aside for the purchase of vehicle license plates. The plates are made in China and Mexico must be on a “cash basis” with China
for such purchases. Consequently we vehicle owners were forced to wait over two years for other arrangements to be made and we finally got our plates.
A current Gringo Gazette article uncovers the fact that the incoming Governor of the southern state has discovered there are 261 official vehicles
missing. Quote “The council agreed to form an investigative committee. Whenever irregularities are brought up, we have to be specific and precise
regarding the information that is in question and then we can look into those matters.” End quote.
I think if the cars were stolen they would have learned about it from employees reports to their bosses or police reports. So I’m just guessing that
the outgoing drivers have simply not turned in their company cars. I’m at a loss to explain why the current administration would not have known about
it from the very first day; wouldn’t new employees expect a car, the keys? Wouldn’t there have been at least 261 irate new employees asking about “the
company car?”
This could be a lot stickier than the license plate debacle. The police probably will not accept stolen vehicle reports on these cars and trucks from
any one. How would an erstwhile employee go about renewing the plates at their next renewal date? Will they try to reregister them in their own name?
Will they be sold? How would that sale go?
Movieland scenarios for sure. If any one knows where I can learn more about the tricks of these clever retirees let me know.
Oso - 7-24-2008 at 07:32 AM
The tradition is called "The Year of Hidalgo" as in "En el ańo de Hidalgo, chingue su madre el que deje algo."
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=31568
(scroll down for Fulano's translation)
[Edited on 7-24-2008 by Oso]