*Updated May 24*
Guadalajara -
In a mid-morning speech before young people at Mexico City's Museum of Anthropology, president Barack Obama again bluntly acknowledged U.S. responsibility for this country's domestic security challenges. He ruled out drug legalization as the solution:
"We understand that the root cause of much of the violence here — and so much suffering for many Mexicans — is the demand for illegal drugs, including in the United States. Now, I do not believe that legalizing drugs is the answer; instead, I believe in a comprehensive approach — not just law enforcement, but education, prevention and treatment. And we’re going to keep at it — because the lives of our children and the future of our nations depend on it.
"We recognize that most of the guns used to commit violence here in Mexico come from the United States. In America, our Constitution guarantees our individual right to bear arms, and as President I swore an oath to uphold that right — and I always will. At the same time, as I’ve said back home, I will continue to do everything in my power to pass common sense gun reforms that keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people — reforms that will save lives in both our countries. Meanwhile, we’ll keep increasing the pressure on the gun traffickers who bring illegal guns into Mexico, and we’ll keep putting these criminals where they belong — behind bars."
But there was much more to the president's speech, which was heavily focused upon the importance of education, economic growth, cross-border trade and commerce and U.S. immigration reform. After testing out what Mr. Obama acknowledged was his limited Spanish - "es placer estar entre amigos, it's a pleasure to be among friends" - he covered a wide range of topics:
Mexico on the move
"Some Americans only see the Mexico depicted in sensational headlines of violence and border crossings. Some Mexicans may think America disrespects Mexico, that we seek to impose ourselves on Mexican sovereignty, or, alternatively, wish to wall ourselves off. And in both countries, such distortions can breed myths and misunderstanding that only make it harder to make progress together.
"I have come to Mexico because it is time to put old mindsets aside. It’s time to recognize new realities, including the impressive progress in today’s Mexico. For even as Mexicans continue to make courageous sacrifices for the security of your country; even as Mexicans in the countryside and in neighborhoods not far from here struggle to give their children a better life, it’s also clear that a new Mexico is emerging.
"I see a Mexico that is deepening your democracy. Citizens who are standing up and saying that violence and impunity is not acceptable. A courageous press working to hold leaders accountable. A robust civil society, including brave defenders of human rights who demand dignity and rule of law. Political parties that compete vigorously, transfer power peacefully, and forge the compromise on which progress depends. And even as the work of perfecting democracy is never done — as we know in both our countries — you go forward knowing the truth that Benito Juarez once spoke: 'democracy is the destiny of humanity.' "
The scourge of Mexico's "derecho de piso"
"Here in Mexico, you’ve embarked on ambitious reforms — to make your economy more competitive and your institutions more accountable to you, the people. As you pursue these reforms, know that you have the strong support of the United States. Because whether you’re looking for basic services, or trying to start a new business, we share your belief that you should be able to make it through the day without paying a bribe. And when talented Mexicans like you imagine your future, you should have every opportunity to succeed right here in the country you love."
Immigration reform
"Our shared future is one of the reasons that we in the United States also recognize the need to reform our immigration system. We are a nation of laws, and like every nation we have the responsibility to ensure that our laws are upheld.
"But we also know that, as a nation of immigrants, the immigration system we have in the United States now doesn’t reflect our values. It separates families when we should be reuniting them. It’s led to millions of people living in the shadows. It deprives us of the talents of so many young people — even though we know that immigrants have always been an engine of our economy; starting some of our greatest companies, pioneering new industries.
"Obviously, we seek to work with the Mexican government on all issues related to a well-regulated border. But I also believe that the long-term solution to the challenge of illegal immigration — so we’re not dealing with this, decade after decade — is a growing, prosperous Mexico that creates more jobs and opportunity right here.
"I agree with the Mexican student who said, "I feel like we can reach the same level as anyone in the world." And so I firmly believe - juntos, podemos lograr más. Together, we can achieve more."
Trade and commerce
"Let’s do more to expand the trade and commerce that creates good jobs for our people. We already buy more of your exports than any other country. We sell more of our exports to Mexico than we do to Brazil, Russia, India and China —combined. Mexican companies are investing more in the United States, and we’re the largest foreign investor in Mexico — because we believe in Mexico, and we want to be a partner in your success.
"Let’s not just sell more things to each other, let’s build more things together. With many of our companies operating in both our countries, parts are now being shipped back and forth across the border as they’re assembled. So every day, U.S. and Mexican workers are building things together — cars, aircraft, computers, satellites.
"I believe this is only the beginning. Given the skills of our workers, it makes even more sense for companies from around the world to set up shop in our countries. As Mexico reforms, we’ll be able to do even more business together. And the more that our companies collaborate, the more competitive they’ll be and the more products we’ll sell to the world."
Education
"Just imagine how much the students of our two countries could do together and learn from each other. That’s why President Peña Nieto and I announced a new partnership in higher education — to encourage more collaboration between our universities and students. We’re going to focus on science, technology, engineering and math. It’s part of my broader initiative called 100,000 Strong in the Americas. We want 100,000 students from the United States studying in Latin America, including Mexico. And we want 100,000 Latin American students — including Mexicans like you — to come study in the United States."
The past, the future
"It is true that nothing is inevitable. Progress and success is never guaranteed. The future you dream of, the Mexico you imagine — it must be earned. And no one else can do it for you. It can only be earned by you. You are the future. As Nervo wrote in La Raza de Bronce — 'tu eres el sueño'. You are the dream.
"For just as it was patriots, young and old, who answered the call when Father Miguel Hidalgo rang that church bell two centuries ago, you — your lives, in a free Mexico — are the dream they imagined. And now it falls to you to keep alive those virtues for which so many generations of Mexicans struggled.
"You are the dream — the generation that can stand up for justice and human rights and human dignity, here at home and around the world.
"You are the creators, the builders, the climbers, the strivers who can deliver progress and prosperity that will lift up the Mexican people for generations to come.
"You are the men and women who will push this nation upward as Mexico assumes its rightful place in the world, as you proudly sing: 'in heaven your eternal destiny was written by the finger of God.' "
"You are the dream. This is your moment. And as you reach for the future you know is possible, always remember that your greatest partner — the nation rooting for your success more than anyone else — is your closest neighbor and strongest friend, the United States of America.
"Viva México! Viva los Estados Unidos! Que Dios los bendiga."
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May 24: Enrique Peña Nieto told a Colombian radio station today, "I've always been opposed to the legalization of drugs. It seems to me that it's an easy but false solution to the problem of fighting crime, which is connected to the sale and distribution of narcotics." But the Mexican president said he fully supports discussion and debate of the issue, as some Latin American leaders have urged.
June 6 - At the 43rd annual convention of the Organization of American States in Antigua, Guatemala, Mexico today cast its vote against the legalization of any drug.
President Obama arrives in Mexico
On eve of Obama visit to Mexico, U.S. drug czar releases "new strategy"
The Daily Obscenities of Mexico
Will You Free Yourselves?
© MGRR 2013. All rights reserved. This article may be cited or briefly quoted with proper attribution or a hyperlink, but not reproduced without permission.
I think Obama's forgetting he's not the president of Mexico. Legalization or at the very least decriminalization is the answer to the violence, but what does he care? the problems of this country don't affect him when he's home. Instead he just wants to keep doing the same things that have been done and are being done since this whole charade started, it's already been proven multiple times that "education, prevention, and treatment," or in other words, prohibition DO NOT WORK.
ReplyDeleteI see you wisely choose to not write your name. Tell us should anyone with half a brain comment on a grow out of control problem world wide have the right to speak up or just the chosen few who feel they should by right of birth drink , drug and have a gun . Have you ever heard of Amsterdam ask those people how great the freedom of drug culture is . No your right the President of America should mind his own country's affairs . Let you kill yourself we can use the extra space.
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