http://www.americandaily.com/article/11606

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.â€