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Re: Has Mexico Turned the Corner?


Three Cheers for Victor O.Story!

        As a fellow historian I couldn't have said it better, my friend.
Despite the economic difficulties you are absolutely correct.  Many
Mexicans although distressed about the current situation do see a light at
the end of the tunnel.  The light is the most certain and inevitable
integration of the hemisphere beggining with Mexico, the US and Canada.
Yes, many Mexicans are afraid they will be left behind, expendable in the
wake of technology and the ever changing market very few will be able to
keep up with.  At the same time however many mexicans are rising to the
challenge and eager to go forward.  There is no turning back no matter what
may happen(revolution included).  Growing pains are to be expected and no
one said it would be easy (Well OK, so it appeared during the pre-NAFTA
hype).
        Your commentary on Chiapas was one I have been thirsting for for a
long time.  I my mind the fight of the EZLN is directly aimed at the access
to power on the local level, ie. boss system, land disputes, access to
credits for farming etc.  The national and international aspects are
secondary and tertiary at best.  Your observation that NAFTA is an
"evolving" means to an already certain end is commendable as well.  This
aggreement is only a stepping stone and will most certainly change as the
pace of integration quickens(or perhaps slows?). NAFTA is here to stay
since a solid majority of Mexicans, Americans and Canadians want it.  It
will never go away.
        I would like to know what you propose as far as "better management"
by the US of NAFTA?  This is perhaps the most crucial portion of your
commentary.
        Before I go I just thought of one last comment.  As for Mexico I
would like to say this.  When Lazaro Cardenas expropriated the Oil
interests in Mexico and made his land reforms he invigorated the Nation.
The problem I see with NAFTA, and I think many mexicans would agree with
me, which incidently touches upon the issue of national soveriegnty and
self determination among other things, is that Mexicans feel they have less
of a stake in the outcome and therefore feel powerless in their abilities
to really affect a "policy," if you will, folding before their eyes.  My
impression is that many mexicans feel that the initiative has been taken
away from them and a sort of American economic "Manifest destiny" has taken
over, regradless of how mouth watering NAFTA appeared to be.  (That ought
to save me from getting flamed by our leftist friends out there)
        Mexico must retake the initiative, the spirit, that Cardenas
ignited!(excuse the impossibility or impracticalty this argument may
propose at this time but keep reading anyway)  If I follow Victor's
argument correctly and isolationism is old hat then logic would suggest
that expropriation is out of the question as well.  Whew.. Chevron can
sleep better now.  What then?
         Mexico must go forward and change the whole rules of the game and
how it is being played.  One way forward in this direction would be to
switch fuels being used in Mexico.  One answer is for Mexico to switch to
subsidizing ethanol fuels(made from Corn/maze) for industrial and
transportation purposes.  Just think of the possibilities.  In one full
swoop we could kiss this petroleum crisis goodbye(including the PEMEX
unions and retire Velasquez), Save Ruta 100, cut the smog in Mexico City in
half in 10 years, teach the USA and good lesson in sound environmental
decisions, give the EZLN, and farmers in general, back their way of life,
keep the capitalists in check but content, pacify the populists, excite the
ECO party, give Zedillo something substantial to talk about when discussing
Mexican exports to the US, and be home just in time for evening tea.
        In short, Mexico needs a bigger stake in the outcome and more
leverage to bargin with. Most importantly, under my suggestion a boost of
Mexican confidence in national pride and entrepreneurship wouldn't hurt
either.

Although my response may be found comical at best, if not ethnocentric by
someone out there at worst, I would hope it could provide the needed
illustration to continue this debate as to what Mexico's next "corner" will
be.

Daniel Nirdlinger

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniil Nirdlinger (xcambio@silcom.com)    "synergy is the combined action of 2
                                           or more substances or agencies to
                                           achieve an effect greater than that
                                           of which each is individually
capable."
                                                      -Webster's Dictionary