This column in the San Diego Union Tribune has already created some controversy among liberals, as well as conservatives.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon will be spreading his good word in the United States in the next few days. According to the columnist, Ruben Navarrette, he is getting flak for not being vocal enough in protesting what many Mexicans see as the harsh and unfair treatment of their sons and daughters in the United States.
“It’s as if many Americans are waiting around for Mexico to solve our immigration problem by creating jobs south of the border or physically restraining those intent on crossing into the United States. If so, they’re going to be waiting a long time. Mexico now takes in about $23 billion annually in remittances from Mexicans living in the United States. It has no interest in turning off the golden faucet,” writes Navarrette.
The message that Calderon intends to spread around the United States in the next few days is one of hope. He tries to assure his country’s runaways that Mexico hasn’t forgotten them and remains attentive to their needs.
“It’s a good message,” Navarrette writes. “And one that the poor souls would have, no doubt, appreciated hearing before they packed their bags and headed north.” Harsh.