Category Archives: Politics
Celebrating cross-border unity in the age of Trump
The United States and Mexico are more culturally and economically intertwined now than at any point in their histories – even with President Donald Trump clinging to his promise to build an “impenetrable” border wall and make Mexico pay for … Continue reading
The women at the frontline of Mexico’s battle for press freedom
A quick glance through the magazine stands or a minute watching the most popular channel, Televisa, should be enough to convince anyone that sexism still abounds in Mexican media. Women are almost exclusively dressed in tight clothes and heels. … Continue reading
Jalisco’s ‘conservative’ image in question after unforeseen Citizen’s Movement landslide
The adjective “conservative” is commonly applied to Jalisco by journalists looking for a quick way to summarize its culture. Few can deny that the description is apt, especially when compared to “liberal” Mexico City, which has legalized abortion and gay … Continue reading
Mexico’s post-political elections
With the doorstep conversations, leaflet distribution, banner hanging, umbrella gifting, TV coverage and endless photos of raised thumbs, election season in Mexico is an all-consuming affair. Yet what is most striking about the fervent, impassioned campaigning is the sheer lack of … Continue reading
Green Party’s tactics expose fragile state of Mexican democracy
When Josefina M. was cold-called by the Green Party of Mexico (PVEM), she politely responded to their telephone survey, answering questions on crime, education, jobs and other issues. She was careful not to give out her address or any other … Continue reading
Johann Hari: The failed war on drugs demands a “return to sanity” for Mexico
Former Independent columnist Johann Hari is back in the limelight with an explosive New York Times bestseller, “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs.” Its release coincides with the centenary of U.S. prohibition and is … Continue reading
Mexican president visits White House but fails to get noticed
If President Enrique Peña Nieto envisioned his visit to Washington to meet President Barack Obama as sparking favorable coverage abroad and revitalizing his tarnished international image, the reality fell badly short. Protestors gathered in the snow outside the White House … Continue reading
Mexico welcomes Obama’s move to embrace Cuba
Political analysts have signaled that the agreement to restore diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba could have positive economic consequences for Mexico. President Enrique Peña Nieto spoke with Cuban President Raul Castro on the phone and congratulated him … Continue reading
Visiting president provides sharp contrast to Mexico’s leader
“Peña should go! Pepe should stay!” was the chant rising from the crowd of about 500 students clustered outside the University of Guadalajara’s Salvador Allende assembly hall. The mostly young audience had gathered on a cool Saturday evening to await … Continue reading
Mexico’s most astonishing interviews
Impunity is a persistent theme in Mexican society. It has been manifest everywhere from the courts and elections, to the recent massacre in Guerrero. Many Mexicans are suspicious of the two major TV networks, Televisa and Azteca, whose bland and … Continue reading
The Mexican Labyrinth 