Our neighbors to the South

Where i live, we hear quite a bit about Mexican and Latin American politics. I will leave Hugo Chavez for a while and tell you about a problem closer to home.

For those of us that watch Spanish language television, the biggest show that we've seen lately is the Mexican presidential elections - held in July and contested ever since. If you think the Bush elections were divisive, you haven't been paying attention to Mexico's recent political fray. Despite the fact that Mexico is a multi party system, the two big contenders this time were Felipe Calderon of PAN and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of PRD. Lopez Obrador had resigned as mayor of Mexico City to run for the presidency.

There was much complaining and grandstanding during and after the whole thing but when Calderon was officially declared the winner (by a very thin margin), then the fun REALLY got started.

Lopez Obrador urged his supporters to shut down industry by blocking major roadways in Mexico City. [On more than one occassion, they were rather successful in bringing traffic to a standstill and business leaders claim that his actions have cost them approximately US$35 million]

Now, in a self-important move reminiscent of fellow Leftists Chavez and Castro; Lopez Obrador has declared himself "Legitimate President" of Mexico and has called for the institution of a parallel government and cabinet.

Can Mexico ever hope to be taken seriously (and leave behind its 3rd world problems) while unhappy political candidates are setting up their own governments? This will only serve to complicate EVERY serious diplomatic matter because Lopez Obrador will insist that the USA meet with his government, as well. Knowing a little of the recent history of Mexican politics, I fear this will not end well for Lopez Obrador.