September 16 is the day celebrated as Mexico’s Independence Day. On Mexican Freedom Day 2010, Mexico celebrates two centuries of independence. A common misconception in the U.S. is that Mexico’s Independence Day is May 5: Cinco de Mayo. On May 5, stories in the media abound, ranging from tequila recipes to the Battle of Puebla — the real reason Cinco de Mayo is recognized. Sept 16 is the day known to commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day since the 10 year war for independence by Mexico from Spain began in Sept 16, 1810. Mexico has come a long way in two centuries. Yet this year, the country has little to celebrate as it battles corruption, human rights issues and drug violence.
Celebration doesn’t help with drug violence
Mexican Independence Day Sept. 16 is being celebrated by President Felipe Calderon in his own way. He decided he wanted to have a celebration in Mexico city that cost about $40 million. The party that will last two days is reported by USA Today to have fireworks, music and laser shows all in it. The reason the government is giving for the party is to help more people cheer up throughout the war against narcoterrorists and the economic recession. Although there is security within the festivities, many worry that drug cartels might attack. Two years ago, narcoterrorists threw grenades to the crowd during a Mexico’s Independence Day festival within the city of Morelia. There were seven deaths from it. Not only that, but one more 132 individuals were injured. Reforma newspaper reports that drug violence has killed over 22,000 people since December 2006 when a military campaign on Mexican drug cartels began.
Mexicans decide to resign with bicentennial
As Mexico prepares for the traditional “grito,” or shout-out of “Viva Mexico!” on Wednesday night, the country’s historians, politicians and artists agree the country may be in deep trouble. The Washington Post reports that Mexicans are still reeling from the massacre of 72 illegal migrants from Central and South America in northern Mexico last month. The killings caused a job to be lost. Mexico’s top immigration official resigned because of what happened. Reforma published a poll stating that 67 percent of residents in Mexico City don’t even care about the bicentennial. A great many think the money is being wasted on the celebration. 6 in 10 asked said this. Anonymous e-mails are urging Mexicans not to participate in the government-sponsored celebrations. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, defeated by Calderon in a disputed 2006 election, will host his own celebration a few blocks from Calderon’s. The majority are so worried ab! out narcoterrorism that they have scaled back public events.
There’s always good news also
Not all the news is bad, although Mexico supposedly resembles the drug-racked Colombia of 20 years ago if you ask U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. According to the Associated Press, Mexico has a murder rate of 14 per 100,000 individuals. This is good news if you know how bad it typically is in Latin America. It is not uncommon to view things like iPhones among upper-middle class Mexicans, making them much like Americans. They also have things like modern apartments, smaller families and education. It appears like things have changed a lot in the last 25 years. Strong grass-roots movements have worked with the things that would never have been expected before for instance crime, human rights and environment issues. Mexico’s government finances are really stable throughout the worst recession since the 1930s. There is also one more thing they have accomplished. A Supreme Court system is set up.
USA Today
usatoday.com/news/world/2010-09-15-mexicobicentennial15_ST_N.htm
Washington Post
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/14/AR2010091406672_2.html?wpisrc=nl_headline and sid=ST2010091406720
Associated Press
google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iyrGq2t_rHNPZAyOKqFdMrAad0yQD9I6Q4200
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