They're finally going to protest about the situation in Mexico? I hope ICE will be there! But then again, this could be a good thing!

http://www.bakersfield.com/619/story/96873.html

Mexican nationals to protest ex-leader
BY LOUIS MEDINA, Californian staff writer
e-mail: lmedina@bakersfield.com | Sunday, Jan 28 2007 10:45 PM

Last Updated: Sunday, Jan 28 2007 10:48 PM

Mexican nationals in California's Central Valley, under the leadership of migrant rights organizations that operate throughout the state, plan to protest a visit by former Mexican President Vicente Fox to Los Angeles Monday night.

Fox will speak at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part as the venue's Music Center Speaker Series. He is expected to discuss the achievements of his presidency, which, according to a Music Center media release, include greater democratization, reduced unemployment, controlled inflation and a stronger Mexican economy.

But not all of his compatriots on this side of the border think the president did such a great job while in office.

Members of organizations such as the Binational Center for the Development of Oaxacan Indigenous Communities, the Popular Assembly of Oaxacan People or APPO, and Union del Barrio (or in English, "the Neighborhood Union"), accuse him of violence, human rights abuses and poor financial policies.

Daniel Montes a member of Union del Barrio, said, "There was an emigration of 4 million Mexicans across the border to the U.S. during Fox's six years in office. So where is the economic stability that he is supposed to have brought to the country?"

Montes said Fox permitted globalization in Mexico which caused the demise of many small and medium-sized companies.

The anti-Fox rally will begin at 6 p.m. -- two hours before Fox is scheduled to speak -- in front of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at 135 N. Grand Ave. in Los Angeles. For information about the rally, call 213-251-8481.