Not So Bad

Yes, we all know that the country is not in the best of shape: 14 million Americans without a job; close to 4 million foreclosures this year alone; more than 100 failed banks so far this year; countless small businesses have closed due to lack of customers who can't afford to buy their products; and politicians spend their "valuable" time bickering like turkeys before Thanksgiving. We lack leadership in the White House, in Congress, and in many bankrupt states. The most important news is the latest divorce of Hollywood flesh or the family jewels of some over-the-hill rock star. Did I mention the "reality" show, read comical confrontations, offered every two weeks by would-be Republican contenders who act more like school children than responsible and mature adults?



And yet, when you look at the big picture, this mighty country has retained its appeal for millions of potential immigrants. Why? Because of freedom, the real kind, not just paper-like freedom. Because the American Dream, a little red house with a white picket fence, is still accessible and affordable for newcomers willing to work hard. What about the millions unemployed you will ask? I recently read an article about Alabama where thousands of jobs are suddenly open ever since the new immigration law was passed. The sad part is that farmers could not find enough people to do the work. Many jobless Americans are unwilling to relocate and unwilling to catch any job related to agriculture. That's the reason why so many farmers swear that illegal immigrants are absolutely needed to pick up lettuces and potatoes. Did I mention that the price of produce has gone up due to the scarcity of laborers... from Central America?


In spite of all these negative factors, America is still the Land of the Free, the Land of Opportunities, although perhaps not as attractive as it was 50 years ago. Consider the alternatives: Are any of you willing to move to Russia, where "Ras"Putin holds all the cards, where you may be thrown in jail without bail and without valid reasons? Do any of the South American countries attract you? They don't like Americans and they let you know about it, unless you go there as a rich tourist! Canada is another possibility with its vast, enormous territory and free health care; they take in immigrants every month, but there is a little problem: the bitter cold during 6 months. If you like it, go ahead, move there. Think of ice road truckers and the risks they take.  How about Alaska? Palin can see Russia from her window, together with polar bears and snow bunnies!

Africa has enormous empty spaces, but, again, they don't like us too much. Actually, there are very few countries who really like Americans, and that's because they envy us, they envy our wealth, our low taxes, our way of life, our energy, inventiveness, and unequaled military power. Since 2001, nobody has dared mount another attack on us; they know the response would be pitiless and devastating.

Consider this: There are many jobs available in these United States. Maybe not what you consider ideal jobs, but they'll give you enough to make a decent living. How many unemployed people prefer to continue drawing their monthly check from Uncle Sam instead of taking a job they consider beneath their dignity? Hey, I would sell corn on the cob (roasted) in the local flea market if I had to; or sell insurance door to door or anything that would allow me to survive. Opportunities are there, all you have to do is open your eyes and muster the needed energy.

This country is still the best in the world and if you don't believe that, move to another place.

Take Them In

It seems that, compared to a year ago, there are many more Mexican license plates circulating in this American border town with only 150,000 inhabitants. Some plates are from tourists who like to come shopping, an important source of  revenue for local municipalities and businesses. Others belong to people who have made this town a temporary shelter from the violence in their country; they are wealthy and may often become a prime target of gangs totally unrelated to the cartels. These local Mexican thugs know how scared people are of Zetas and other cruel factions, but like to be confused with those as victims often remain mute for fear of reprisals. There are also a lot of temporary workers who cross the border daily to make a few more dollars unavailable in Mexico where their skills are very poorly paid. They drive beat up trucks and cars from which lawnmowers and other tools can be seen.

This is the unknown reality in Washington where politicians propose laws that seriously affect American citizens living on the border. They cannot understand for example why Governor Perry has authorized in-state tuition for undocumented students at college level.  Perry knows the important relation between the two countries can only grow and improve if we send back to Mexico well-educated young men and women who speak English fluently. We need friends and so far the middle-income Mexicans are not precisely fond of us. They may admire us, but they don't love us.

The rich Mexicans fleeing  their country are grateful to find shelter where they can establish businesses that will employ thousands of Americans. The middle class that sends their children to American schools across the border are enriching our Mexican-American culture; they are here because they want a better and safer life for their young ones. If you had children on the border with the United States, wouldn't you want the best for them? We are still the magnet for millions of desperate people who envy our law enforcement system, who envy our relative peace and multiple opportunities to be successful.

Pyramid square



Mexico is a rich and beautiful country as any seasoned American traveler will attest to; their main problem, dating from the 70 years of dictatorship by one party, is their widespread corruption. It affects many politicians of course (mostly unpunished), but also the backbone of justice and protection: policemen, custom agents, attorneys, traffic cops, government employees, inspectors, auditors, department heads, etc.. One cannot do business in Mexico without greasing the palm of dozens of well-placed individuals. I have friends in Mexico, very good friends since I lived there as a teacher for many years. One of them told me that a tax auditor "discovered" a huge mistake in his declarations of past years. He was told that he owed the federal government 100,000 pesos (approx. $85,000). He was also offered a way out for 20,000 pesos, money that would never find its way to the national treasury.

Stories of sudden and suspicious wealth abound; many years ago a Mexican governor was detained in Houston with one million dollars that he had somewhat forgotten to declare at the airport. This is just a drop in the bucket of corruption. How can a country prosper and pay for its many infrastructure needs if most of the citizens don't pay their fair share? A comparison with the obscene corruption prevalent in Afghanistan, our tax dollars ladies and gentlemen, gives us a good idea of what is taking place in Mexico.

When Mexicans come to work in our country they leave behind (mostly) their bad habits such as "mordidas" (graft) and crazy driving. They know that our cops strictly enforce traffic laws (most of the time) and that offering a bribe will land them in jail. They feel safe from cartels and "bandidos"; they can raise their children without fear, trusting our (mostly) good and free public education. They pay taxes every time they buy merchandise or gasoline. They pay school taxes when they buy a house. Most of them quickly learn English (mandatory in Mexican schools), and while they miss their culture, customs and friends, they know they have a chance at realizing the American Dream.

Taking them in can only help us in the long run, whether documented or not.