Here's something to think about

"i, too, enjoyed the interview. thanks.

1)re: Maquiladoras. I agree NAFTA and the Maquiladoras did terrible harm. Just to add, as the author of the excellent book, Amexica, pointed out, not only did the Maquiladora system lure people from really poor areas to the border regions, disrupting families and traditional ways of life, many of these Maquiladoras were closed because the Capitalist owners could find even cheaper labour in Asian countries! Leaving these poor Mexican people with NO job, not even low-paying ones.

2) I think that while Mexicans are strongly family-oriented, they are mostly pretty cynical about civic collective political action (and rightly so). At least in my part of Canada, people are strongly family-oriented (Our nuclear family is 8 kids, 13 grandchildren and a large wider clan), but also, many of us--liberals and social democrats, even moderate conservatives-- believe it is possible to unite around a larger cause and achieve results, even small results. I think most Mexicans pretty much think political action is futile in principle.

Liked his positive recommendations at the end of the interview."


The factories in ALL areas of Mexico did displace many peasant farmers by drawing them there but since the 50's these rural dwellers have been migrating to cities looking for work[huge ghettos -that now are disappearing]. The main thing is you and Bowden don't seem to understand is that in ALL nations going from a rural FARMING ECONOMY TO BECOME INDUSTRIALIZED TO SUPPORT A MUCH LARGER AND EDUCATED/TRAINED POPULATION IN every country the same exact phenomenon happens. It is a transition necessary to actually become more advanced to be able to support the population and yes there is fallout and will be for some time. This does not mean Mexico is unique or responsible for doing anything else except finishing the infrastructure of ALL the country and educate ALL the children with gains from industrializing. To point the finger in the way you and Bowden do is petty pickings and shows a lack of historical knowledge of the industrialization of the western world.

You know it is a genuine pleasure having an intelligent discourse with people who know what they are talking about and see the good things, as well as the bad things, which are happening in Mexico. So many of these conversations, at least in English, are very one sided, based on fear and ignorance. I think La Isla, the teacher, should give you all a gold star!

You will love this story, just in from Ajijic. I am sure Juan Rey would not have problem posting it here. It is on a private area on a forum that must be logged in - a link would not work.

"I received a copy of this email today. Sounds related to the OP. Hope it was true
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this morning at the plaza where is the crossroads of Colon and the Carretera three guys stopped their car to abduct 2 young boys. The kids started to scream for help and out of nowhere over 35 guys came running to help..little old ladies pulled rocks from the streets and broke all the windows of the car and smashed the vehicle from all sides..even little kids got in the action throwing rocks at the terrorists. Someone had called the cops and had they not arrived the three would have been dead as the crowd had them down on the ground (more than 10 to 1) having a field-day kicking the shit out of these guys. A friend who is a contractor arrived smiling from ear to ear as he said for once it was not rumor..he saw it with his own eyes and was practically in tears of joy. He has 2 small boys and has been living in such fear for his family but somehow today he felt empowered by the sight of the community which is fighting back united for their way of life and place of peace. BRAVO AJIJIC!