Last Monday's bout with stomach flu reminded me of our Mexican vacations, we use to spend our vacation time in Mexico every summer. Without fail, I always managed to pick up food poisoning when we went. It was definitely uncomfortable, but I always managed to loose a solid 6-8 pounds, that's a good thing for the summertime. (The secret to Mexican food poisoning: buy your antibiotics at a hole in the wall pharmacy in the towns, the resort pharmacies charge too much. ;)
We discontinued this tradition because of the Iraq war. After Vincente Fox refused to verbally back the US (and all of his actions since) we no longer frequent the Mexican coast. This has been heartbreaking because we REALLY liked Mexico. We even considered buying our own condo just outside of Puerto Vallarta, not a time-share, our own condo. I miss the people, the atmosphere and the historical sites we enjoyed visiting. But there are times when you must apply principle to your life and this was one of those times. We couldn't bring ourselves to spend our vacation dollars in a place that the United States has done so much for and yet they refuse to acknowledge that, or even show a slight bit of gratitude for it. I am hoping and praying that when Fox finishes out this term that things will change, I need my Mexico fix.
Part Two:
Yesterday, of course, Cinco de Mayo. The town that we are a part of is probably 50/50 - white/Mexican. My husband and I both grew up mostly here and have raised our family here. The Mexican culture and lifestyle are a big part of our lives. (Sidebar-Cinco de Mayo is not a big holiday in Mexico, just here in the States.) Every year many Hispanics drive around with the Mexican flag on their vehicles. There are parts of Denver on this day that are overrun with cars cruising waving that flag. But yesterday I saw quite a few American flags on cars, probably more American than Mexican. I didn't take a close look at any of the drivers of those cars but assumed they were white Americans displaying their patriotism back.
This morning however, something happened that left me teary-eyed. One of my husbands employees, a man here from Mexico on a Work Visa, showed up with a giant American flag on his truck. Many of my husbands employees are from Mexico (don't panic, they're documented). Although Mexico is home for them, they see the greatness of this country and appreciate it more than most natural born citizens.
This is where the illegal immigration thing drives me crazy. I am outraged that my chosen party has done nothing to stop the flow of the illegals; I am as equally outraged that the Democratic Party has chosen the same stance; both for political reasons.
There are easy solutions to this problem. The Guest Worker Program would solve the majority of this deluge. Although I love our President, I am dismayed by his lack of concern or effort in this area. The American citizen sees the potential for terrorist to cross the borders and yet the government that we elected will do nothing about it. It's both frightening and angering.
**Just Because You Have The Right To Do Something Does Not Mean That It's The Right Thing To Do**
Posted by Stacy at May 6, 2005 09:41 AM | TrackBack