Thread: Mexico's love-hate relationship with the U.S.

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/disp/st ... 04584.html

Nov. 2, 2006, 12:42AM
Mexico's love-hate relationship with the U.S.
President Fox's comments reflect disdain for culture of nation many rely on economically

By DANE SCHILLER
San Antonio Express-news


MEXICO CITY — When President Vicente Fox said Mexicans should be glad they weren't born in the United States, it was a reminder of an ugly little truth.

Aside from the U.S. economy, many Mexican citizens — especially those living in Mexico — don't care much for the United States.

"We are already a step ahead, having been born in Mexico. Imagine being born in the United States, oof!" Fox said Tuesday with a chuckle, according to the Associated Press, after a remark that Mexicans should be thankful for their heritage.

The comment, made at a public event while Fox visited the central state of San Luis Potosi, raised some eyebrows in the United States, but went all but unnoticed in Mexico.

That is because although millions of Mexicans risk their lives to sneak into the United States as illegal immigrants each year, many see U.S. society and politics as troubled.

Mexicans often see the U.S. as full of broken families, rampant drug use and unchecked materialism that is run by a government that doesn't hesitate to go to war or meddle in the affairs of others, a standing underscored by events in Iraq.

"It is an incredible schizophrenia we live with. We don't have a good perception of the United States but we do cross the border," said Edna Jaime, a Mexico political analyst.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City declined to comment.

Mexicans still point with anger to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, under which Mexico signed away about half of its territory, including what would become Texas, California and other U.S. states.

They also wonder why the U.S. would want to build a wall along the border to keep out illegal immigrants while it is so reliant on their labor.

When it comes to illegal drugs, Mexicans see the U.S. as very willing to point the finger at Mexican drug cartels, but not willing to do more to reduce drug consumption at home.

"It doesn't surprise me Fox would say that at all," said Henry Dietz, a Latin American expert at the University of Texas at Austin. "Part of it is envy, part disdain, part a need to separate themselves and maintain an identity that is not overwhelmed by the United States."

Among the most popular sayings regarding Mexico's perception of the U.S. is one credited to Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz, removed from power by the 1910 Mexican Revolution: "Poor Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States."

Despite the negative reputation of the U.S., many Mexicans still see it as better than what they have at home.

"If Mexicans were so content here, why would millions of us try and go to the United States?" said Lino Chavez, a Mexico City artist. "If you ask me, what Fox said is stupid."

"If Mexicans were so content here, why would millions of us try and go to the United States?" said Lino Chavez, a Mexico City artist. "If you ask me, what Fox said is stupid."

This is the smartest person in Mexico. I guess if America is so bad, then they won't be crying we we deport their butts. NO AMNESTY. EVER.

Mexicans often see the U.S. as full of broken families, rampant drug use and unchecked materialism that is run by a government that doesn't hesitate to go to war or meddle in the affairs of others, a standing underscored by events in Iraq.

HA HA!
1. There are tons of single Latina moms - not a broken family but a family that NEVER HAPPENED.

2. They are the supplier of our drugs, so that's THEIR fault.

3. Didn't Mexico just go to the UN to stop us from protecting our borders?

UNBELIEVABLE! They just make up facts and say whatever the hell they want!