If the USA would simply enforce current immigration laws, there would be no need for a wall.
35
Trump is acting as he always has, a bargainer making outrageous openings, expecting an equally outrageous response, followed by negotiations.
Mexico should say it will look to Russia as a strategic ally and for trade agreements. Russia invaded Crimea to protect its Russian speaking people, Mexico should state it must prepare to protect its people in a hostile land.
Cuban missile crisis replay for Mr. Trump
Mexico should say it will look to Russia as a strategic ally and for trade agreements. Russia invaded Crimea to protect its Russian speaking people, Mexico should state it must prepare to protect its people in a hostile land.
Cuban missile crisis replay for Mr. Trump
7
Not once in his article does Mr. Castaneda called the Mexicans involved in this situation "illegal aliens". Mr. Castaneda is a professor at NYU. Did he get here by swimming the moat, or in the back of a truck entering the country surreptitiously? I'll bet not. He did what we expect everybody else coming here from another country to do. Gain permission to do so, with a visa, green card et al - ie, whatever it takes. Now he's telling us that these illegal aliens have a RIGHT to remain here. They do not! He doesn't address the harsh treatment of Central Americans entering Mexico from the south, far harsher than anything even President Trump recommends on the northern side of the country's border. In other words, what's in it for me?- in this case, Mexico, which spent two decades looking the other way as its citizens left, and welcoming in those billions of dollars in money transfers from the illegal aliens to the people in their own country that they can't support. And if one wants to go far enough back, Mexico has not always been that friendly to the U.S., witness the intercepted communications between it and the Kaiser's forces around World War 1. And it looks like they can't even find decent jobs these days for their intelligentsia, otherwise why would Mr. Castaneda have to come here (legally, remember) to teach at NYU? Hypocrisy, thy name is self-serving political administrations - and I do mean Mr. Nieto's.
37
It is funny to see so many foreign.countries, who have enjoyed the fruits of the US's wealth and lax policies, whine and cry at the dawning of a new nationalist regime. Each country must stand on.its own.
23
Mr. Jorge Castañeda is a part of the 1% of wealthiest Mexicans, a privileged class which does not favor wealth redistribution to help millions of Mexican's poorest citizens.
What a hypocrite he is! Instead of preaching to us from your well-paid liberal perch at NYU, Mr. Castañeda, why don't you return to Mexico and dedicate yourself to helping your struggling country and it's most vulnerable citizens? You don't share your wealth with Mexicans but somehow expect Americans to do so.
Mr. Castañeda warns us that a border wall will "raise the cost and danger of unauthorized crossings" for illegal aliens. Get out your hankies, folks...this is just too sad!
Isn't that precisely the point of a well-secured border?...to deter illegal entries and to keep criminals and drugs out?
Mexico and Mexicans should respect and abide by our current immigration laws.
Widespread amnesty & citizenship for those here illegally only perpetuates the problem. What did the 1986 amnesty of 3 million illegal immigrants bring us? 11-15 million more illegal immigrants (it was estimated there were more than 11 million in early 2012) from multiple countries presently here in our country and an unknown number of future illegal entries unless we enforce our immigration laws. End of story.
And enough with the liberal hand-wringing and accusations of xenophobia...this is first & foremost an economic issue. Fix the broken system of legal immigration...millions have waited patiently in line for years.
What a hypocrite he is! Instead of preaching to us from your well-paid liberal perch at NYU, Mr. Castañeda, why don't you return to Mexico and dedicate yourself to helping your struggling country and it's most vulnerable citizens? You don't share your wealth with Mexicans but somehow expect Americans to do so.
Mr. Castañeda warns us that a border wall will "raise the cost and danger of unauthorized crossings" for illegal aliens. Get out your hankies, folks...this is just too sad!
Isn't that precisely the point of a well-secured border?...to deter illegal entries and to keep criminals and drugs out?
Mexico and Mexicans should respect and abide by our current immigration laws.
Widespread amnesty & citizenship for those here illegally only perpetuates the problem. What did the 1986 amnesty of 3 million illegal immigrants bring us? 11-15 million more illegal immigrants (it was estimated there were more than 11 million in early 2012) from multiple countries presently here in our country and an unknown number of future illegal entries unless we enforce our immigration laws. End of story.
And enough with the liberal hand-wringing and accusations of xenophobia...this is first & foremost an economic issue. Fix the broken system of legal immigration...millions have waited patiently in line for years.
38
The well-reasoned argument by Prof. Castaneda should be seriously considered. One disappointment is the denigration of history and deep seated resentment. "Blah, Blah, Blah", is revisionism at its worse.
7
Mexico is at war with the US and has been for decades. The US has finally elected a President who will fight back.
24
While Donald is offending our friends, he is cozying up to nations where he owns property and those where he hopes to expand his real estate empire -- including Russia.
How long do we wait before someone calls him out for self-dealing?
How long do we wait before someone calls him out for self-dealing?
23
California agriculture can sustain most of America with produce and our avocado farmers will certainly be happier. Also- we import more produce from Peru and Chile than Mexico- so the effects on California and the nation will be minimal. As for the 5 million illegals living in California- you can't be serious for me to think everyone of them is working a full time [underpaid] job as a day laborer, nanny, pool cleaner, car and dish washer? Round them up and deport all of them. Maybe the wealthy oligarchs of Mexico will start investing in their country and people for a change and provide some incentive for them to stay.
26
Fanatic.
A fanatic is someone who, having lost his path, redoubles his efforts. Our President's inane campaign promises were fanatical and unworkable. Now he is trapped; trying to forge ahead while being dragged back into unreality. His disputed remarks, and those of his staff, are now commonly disputed, even in this cautious paper. Trump is still talking to the Twitter followers who read his tweets. The millions of others are growing ever more vocal.
The wall was a mistake from the beginning. It may signal DJT's end.
A fanatic is someone who, having lost his path, redoubles his efforts. Our President's inane campaign promises were fanatical and unworkable. Now he is trapped; trying to forge ahead while being dragged back into unreality. His disputed remarks, and those of his staff, are now commonly disputed, even in this cautious paper. Trump is still talking to the Twitter followers who read his tweets. The millions of others are growing ever more vocal.
The wall was a mistake from the beginning. It may signal DJT's end.
27
What nobody seems to mention in regard to the wall and the drugs that come across the border from Mexico, is the reverse side of the traffic: the arms, guns, weapons that go from the USA to Mexico. It's a complete industry along the border states. US citizens and US firms sell and take guns across the border which are used by the cartels to enforce their bloody business.
45
You really don't get who Trump is, do you? Everything to him is a transaction and if you're serious about winning you first put pressure on the other side to let them know your serious. This "mini crisis" is merely the opening round of an intense negotiation that Trump will lead. He isn't concerned about what the press thinks or the effect that the negotiations might have on his public persona, he only cares about winning. The real question is, do we want to win this one? Both Parties say they want to secure the border but are they willing now to step to the line and do so? This, more than anything else, exemplifies Trump's focus on action rather than words and the difference between a man of action and a politician.
9
Quid pro quo - something given or received for something else. (Merriam Webster dictionary)
"Mexico’s most effective leverage in this unfortunate and needless conflict lies in its stability on the United States’s southern flank. Washington should count its blessings. For a century, the United States has been an accomplice to Mexican corruption, human rights violations and authoritarian rule. But it has also supported Mexico economically, abstained from seeking regime change, tolerated mass migration from the south and generally treated Mexico with respect. The quid pro quo was immensely and mutually beneficial."
So what is the U.S.'s side of the quid pro quo the professor is calling to be maintained? Economic support, abstention from seeking to overturn Mexican government corruption and human rights abuses, treat Mexico with respect and tolerance for legal, AND illegal mass migration across the southern border. And what is Mexico's contribution? They will accept that from us and not do anything to make it worse. Seriously, that's the former foreign minister's view of what should be maintained??? What arrogance. That's like my 28 year old unemployed kid sitting on my couch demanding I not cut them off financially or else they'll start breaking stuff in my house. And the NYT wonder's why so many American voters are fed up with illegal immigration and Mexican demands.
"Mexico’s most effective leverage in this unfortunate and needless conflict lies in its stability on the United States’s southern flank. Washington should count its blessings. For a century, the United States has been an accomplice to Mexican corruption, human rights violations and authoritarian rule. But it has also supported Mexico economically, abstained from seeking regime change, tolerated mass migration from the south and generally treated Mexico with respect. The quid pro quo was immensely and mutually beneficial."
So what is the U.S.'s side of the quid pro quo the professor is calling to be maintained? Economic support, abstention from seeking to overturn Mexican government corruption and human rights abuses, treat Mexico with respect and tolerance for legal, AND illegal mass migration across the southern border. And what is Mexico's contribution? They will accept that from us and not do anything to make it worse. Seriously, that's the former foreign minister's view of what should be maintained??? What arrogance. That's like my 28 year old unemployed kid sitting on my couch demanding I not cut them off financially or else they'll start breaking stuff in my house. And the NYT wonder's why so many American voters are fed up with illegal immigration and Mexican demands.
15
We've been brought to this point by successive Administrations (not just Obama) ignoring and choosing not to enforce our immigration laws and borders.
Now, enough people (despite your opinions of them) have voted for a candidate who has pledged among other things, to stop the waves of illegal immigrants. We're at the point in time where action is being taken and because that action will place a great deal of additional stress on the Mexican Government, they are against it. No surprise there, right?
It would seem that an alternative path to coexisting would be to offer to assist the United States in policing the border and handling illegal immigrants who are deported. But, that won't happen. Instead we see the protests and angry reactions from the President of Mexico.
Maybe an appropriate answer to his protests would be to put a reciprocity in place for immigration laws and violations. I believe that you'll find Mexico's laws and penalties to be much more severe than those of the US, as it stands today.
It is our country. We get to decide who immigrates here. You do so under our laws, not in spite of those laws.
Now, enough people (despite your opinions of them) have voted for a candidate who has pledged among other things, to stop the waves of illegal immigrants. We're at the point in time where action is being taken and because that action will place a great deal of additional stress on the Mexican Government, they are against it. No surprise there, right?
It would seem that an alternative path to coexisting would be to offer to assist the United States in policing the border and handling illegal immigrants who are deported. But, that won't happen. Instead we see the protests and angry reactions from the President of Mexico.
Maybe an appropriate answer to his protests would be to put a reciprocity in place for immigration laws and violations. I believe that you'll find Mexico's laws and penalties to be much more severe than those of the US, as it stands today.
It is our country. We get to decide who immigrates here. You do so under our laws, not in spite of those laws.
13
In protest, all Mexicans should return to Mexico.
16
Mr Tump planted the seed of hatred towards mexicans among the electorate that got him in office. He could reverse that, it isn't too late.
What he will accomplish instead, I'm afraid, is that our country and the rest of the world will build a wall of dignity, reason, prudence around him. It will be a wonderful, fantastic, beautiful wall.
What he will accomplish instead, I'm afraid, is that our country and the rest of the world will build a wall of dignity, reason, prudence around him. It will be a wonderful, fantastic, beautiful wall.
10
And of course the primary thing that Mexico and the U. S. still have in common are two individuals who are completely unsuited to hold the office of their country's presidency. Until that is rectified, both north and south of the border, you're going to have a lot of confusion, misunderstandings and some problems with detrimental consequences for citizens and businesses of both countries.
8
"expanded drug enforcement and security cooperation..."
Are you kidding me? Meth and heroin are flowing North across the border at record rates. Over 50,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2015. And it's not about demand-- it's about an oversupply that has made heroin cheaper than beer in the Ohio Valley. The president has a duty to end this scourge.
Are you kidding me? Meth and heroin are flowing North across the border at record rates. Over 50,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2015. And it's not about demand-- it's about an oversupply that has made heroin cheaper than beer in the Ohio Valley. The president has a duty to end this scourge.
13
Personally I am very glad Mexico's President, canceled his trip to US to visit Trump. Thinking yesterday of the produce I buy in San Diego that comes from Mexico, my raspberries and blackberries, as an example, which are very good, will probably cost more as will so many other items. Americans need to think about that. Especially since our new president doesn't do much if any rational thinking or practical thinking. When you are living only on Social Security you do not need rising costs in food or other items.
58
Mexico should first practice what it preaches. It's brutal treatment of 'illegal aliens' or undocumented people trying to enter the country from its Southern Border is a human rights crisis. In the past its deployed it military inhumanely expelled Guatamleans and others and basically gone beyond the President's proposals.
Moreover, regardless of who was in power---and dating back in fact to Jimmy Carter's presidency and beyond, Mexico has been a klepotocracy only rivaled by Putin's Russia. They have squandered natural resources created their own problems in the Chiappas region and generally mistreated their poor beyond anything else we see in our hemisphere North or South of Mexico. Maybe Venezuela is worse at the moment. Why should we pay for their human rights violations as they drive decent people out of their own country? Unless you are an oligarch, Mexico isn't for you. At the same time, we have our own problems and cannot afford to take care of our own because other countries refuse to take care of their own. Castaneda is a hypocrite of the worst order as is the (as are) the President (Presidents) of Mexico.
Moreover, regardless of who was in power---and dating back in fact to Jimmy Carter's presidency and beyond, Mexico has been a klepotocracy only rivaled by Putin's Russia. They have squandered natural resources created their own problems in the Chiappas region and generally mistreated their poor beyond anything else we see in our hemisphere North or South of Mexico. Maybe Venezuela is worse at the moment. Why should we pay for their human rights violations as they drive decent people out of their own country? Unless you are an oligarch, Mexico isn't for you. At the same time, we have our own problems and cannot afford to take care of our own because other countries refuse to take care of their own. Castaneda is a hypocrite of the worst order as is the (as are) the President (Presidents) of Mexico.
18
Blame the immigration mess where it belongs with Reagan's repeal of the Bracero program. Since then migrants have stayed in the US. And of course big business wants cheap labor so they were not going to stop hiring them.
I loved the Mexican response to Trump's wall. Why would America spend so much money on a needless wall, For the amount of money this will cost we could build schools, hospitals, and improve out country. Mexico is not going to pay for it and the only winners will be the contractors who win the bids.
What a colossally stupid idea but then again look at the source.
I loved the Mexican response to Trump's wall. Why would America spend so much money on a needless wall, For the amount of money this will cost we could build schools, hospitals, and improve out country. Mexico is not going to pay for it and the only winners will be the contractors who win the bids.
What a colossally stupid idea but then again look at the source.
44
The Bracero Program was repealed by Congress in 1964. In case you didn't know, Johnson was President, not Reagan.
4
I agree with a lot of what is said in this op-ed (and I loathe Trump). The part that irks me though (to put it mildly) is the author's assertion that millions of Mexicans have a RIGHT to stay in the United States. No. They don't. Any more than I have a right to stay in Mexico without the permission of the Mexican government. It would be a whole lot easier to convince our (US) right wing to accept a reasonable immigration solution if people like the author didn't blatantly call for the complete disrespect of our nation's immigration laws. In short: the author's rhetoric on this issue just helps to ensure that Trump will continue to have a base of support for his stupid wall.
20
Your argument would be more credible if you didn't ignore the central offence: that is, the exclusion from America of certain ethnicities and the insult of building a wall against Mexico. That's fascism, and your strange concern that you might be excluded from Mexico by that government is propaganda on its behalf.
7
Will you please tell where Mr. Castaneda wrote that Mexicans have a right to stay in the United States? I just cannot find it.
15
Nobody cares what Mexico's "bottom line" is on anything. Mexico can do whatever likes; its actions will have barely a ripple north of the border. Mexico has zero real leverage with the United States.
12
Clearly you base your opinion on something other than facts or finance.
13
Really?
All we need is for Mexico to open border on their side with no cooperation with the DEA and the FBI. Oh - and where will they deport the criminal south Americans (Not Mexican Nationals) if Mexico refuses passage? We cannot stop the drugs now but at least we seem to stop terrorists with which Mexico does not want any part. What if THAT changes? We are not beloved in South America generally so do you want more "Yanqui go Home riots all over the place? Are we going to Drone targets in a Sovereign Country?
Good luck with this Stupidity
All we need is for Mexico to open border on their side with no cooperation with the DEA and the FBI. Oh - and where will they deport the criminal south Americans (Not Mexican Nationals) if Mexico refuses passage? We cannot stop the drugs now but at least we seem to stop terrorists with which Mexico does not want any part. What if THAT changes? We are not beloved in South America generally so do you want more "Yanqui go Home riots all over the place? Are we going to Drone targets in a Sovereign Country?
Good luck with this Stupidity
13
Ignorance of how Mexico will impact the US economybis our best weapon. Trump had to eat his words and agree there will be no public discussion of the wall issue. Ifnyou have half a brain, you will understand Trump and the US got realkybscared and had tonback up.
If you don not know basic geopolotics and basic economics, replying like you did will only prove the average Trump supporter lacks the brainpower to even make the simplest analysis.
If you don not know basic geopolotics and basic economics, replying like you did will only prove the average Trump supporter lacks the brainpower to even make the simplest analysis.
4
I wondered what planet the author was from until the end of the article that pointed out he was the Mexico foreign minister from 2000 to 2003 and is now a professor at New York University. Build the wall and enforce existing laws. There is nothing wrong with enforcing laws. For all the money that gets pored into Mexico why does half their population live in poverty?????
12
The wall, "and Mexico will pay for it." Please, oh please, use the accurate word for what is going on here: extortion. The local crime boss walks into a store and says to the owner, "I need money for a new car, and you are going to give it to me -- or else." Donald Trump has been saying to Mexico, "I want a new wall between us, and you are going to pay for it -- or else."
25
Mexico -1, president numbnuts - 0. What an exceptional negotiator.
12
Per my sources, architectural and structural renderings for the Border wall are descretly in the works – awaiting a grandiose Trump unveiling
In addition to making the Mexico border wall more palatable to tax payers by having the Mexico Régime pay for the wall, Trump has a plan to have illegals, already here, work on the wall "before I send ‘em back to Mexico, or wherever.”
And to placate American liberals, Trump plans to have architectural reproductions of many of the world’s most famous historical ramparts replicated into our border wall.
Likenesses of the following walls would be precisely placed into the architectural facades of our border wall at the more charming locations:
Anastasian Wall: 31.7 miles Antonine Wall: 39 miles Aurelian Walls: 12 miles Ávila Walls: 1.9 miles Belfast Peace Lines: 21 miles
Berlin Wall: 87 miles Chester City Walls: 2 miles Fossatum Africae: 466 miles Great Wall of Gorgon: 73 miles Hadrian's Wall: 73 miles King’s Wall: 1 Royal mile Roman Walls of Lugo: 1.2 miles Wailing Wall: 157 feet Wall of Babylon (& Ishtar Gate): 56 miles Walls of Jericho: unknown Walls of Ston: 4.3 miles West Bank Barrier: 272.1 miles
Then Trump will proclaim: “And when that’s fnished, I plan to build a ‘Ginormous Riefenstahl-Style’ monument to GOD on the National Mall in Washington D.C. And I’ll force the atheists to pay for it!”
In addition to making the Mexico border wall more palatable to tax payers by having the Mexico Régime pay for the wall, Trump has a plan to have illegals, already here, work on the wall "before I send ‘em back to Mexico, or wherever.”
And to placate American liberals, Trump plans to have architectural reproductions of many of the world’s most famous historical ramparts replicated into our border wall.
Likenesses of the following walls would be precisely placed into the architectural facades of our border wall at the more charming locations:
Anastasian Wall: 31.7 miles Antonine Wall: 39 miles Aurelian Walls: 12 miles Ávila Walls: 1.9 miles Belfast Peace Lines: 21 miles
Berlin Wall: 87 miles Chester City Walls: 2 miles Fossatum Africae: 466 miles Great Wall of Gorgon: 73 miles Hadrian's Wall: 73 miles King’s Wall: 1 Royal mile Roman Walls of Lugo: 1.2 miles Wailing Wall: 157 feet Wall of Babylon (& Ishtar Gate): 56 miles Walls of Jericho: unknown Walls of Ston: 4.3 miles West Bank Barrier: 272.1 miles
Then Trump will proclaim: “And when that’s fnished, I plan to build a ‘Ginormous Riefenstahl-Style’ monument to GOD on the National Mall in Washington D.C. And I’ll force the atheists to pay for it!”
8
To words: Fixed Fortifications
To words?
5
Two words: medieval mindset.
5
Take a close look. Ryan. tom d is posting from "mew" york. Cats are not always great grammarians...
4
Mr. Castañeda is absolutely right to say that the Mexican president should have called into question the very existence of the wall. Using Trump's own words, this is a disgrace. Whoever is old enough to remember the fall of the Berlin wall, or at least has watched/read witnesses' accounts thereof, will be appalled with the anti-diplomatic, anti-humanitarian, unfriendly, disgusting gesture of the American president.
18
Thank you, President Enrique Peña Nieto.
8
Don Jorge:
Your knowledge regarding the USA & Mexico´s relations is amazing as we all know. I fully agree in what you say. I support most your ideas and analysis
President Peña clearly understands that he has to be prudent because of the great disparity in REAL STRENGTH between both countries. He has been taking step by step decissions in order not to have a great confrontation. Usually The President is extremely well informed so maybe he is doing the right approach as for today.
Mr President Peña, I would strongly encourage you to add Jorge Castañeda to your list of advisors . He may not agree with you in many issues, but he is very well prepared and could wel be an additiona support to you and your team
VL
Your knowledge regarding the USA & Mexico´s relations is amazing as we all know. I fully agree in what you say. I support most your ideas and analysis
President Peña clearly understands that he has to be prudent because of the great disparity in REAL STRENGTH between both countries. He has been taking step by step decissions in order not to have a great confrontation. Usually The President is extremely well informed so maybe he is doing the right approach as for today.
Mr President Peña, I would strongly encourage you to add Jorge Castañeda to your list of advisors . He may not agree with you in many issues, but he is very well prepared and could wel be an additiona support to you and your team
VL
6
Trump needs advisors.
9
If the New York Times thinks Trump is whacky and a liar, they should read some of some the op-ed pieces they publish. The author clearly calls for the United States to:
1. Be an accomplice to Mexican corruption, human rights violations and authoritarian rule.
2. Support Mexico economically.
3. Abstain from seeking a regime change (see 1, above).
4. Tolerate mass ILLEGAL immigration from the south.
5. Treat Mexico with respect (see 1-4, above).
NAFTA, as written, allows the ruling families to continue to exploit the Mexican worker (low wages and long hours--why do you think it is cheaper to move production south of the border), while the families reap the economic benefits, not the people. The open border is nothing a relief valve to prevent social unrest due to the exploitation and human rights violations of the families to control Mexico's power and wealth. If you want to help the Mexican people, change NAFTA to include pay and social reform, and close the border to ILLEGAL immigration. That might finally force the ruling families into meaningful reform and justice for the Mexican people. Ultimately, Nieto and the ruling families of Mexico are terrified the United States might be able to cut-off ILLEGAL immigration (the "wall"), and then they (the ruling families) would have to deal with Mexican people they have abused and exploited for the last century.
1. Be an accomplice to Mexican corruption, human rights violations and authoritarian rule.
2. Support Mexico economically.
3. Abstain from seeking a regime change (see 1, above).
4. Tolerate mass ILLEGAL immigration from the south.
5. Treat Mexico with respect (see 1-4, above).
NAFTA, as written, allows the ruling families to continue to exploit the Mexican worker (low wages and long hours--why do you think it is cheaper to move production south of the border), while the families reap the economic benefits, not the people. The open border is nothing a relief valve to prevent social unrest due to the exploitation and human rights violations of the families to control Mexico's power and wealth. If you want to help the Mexican people, change NAFTA to include pay and social reform, and close the border to ILLEGAL immigration. That might finally force the ruling families into meaningful reform and justice for the Mexican people. Ultimately, Nieto and the ruling families of Mexico are terrified the United States might be able to cut-off ILLEGAL immigration (the "wall"), and then they (the ruling families) would have to deal with Mexican people they have abused and exploited for the last century.
17
Does Castaneda realize just how ridiculous he and his gassy anti-American threats are when they are being issued from his well paid perch at an American university? What a joke.
16
Really, mpound, do you fail to recognize that it is because of his merits that Castaneda has been chosen to be at a prestigious US university? Methinks you comment is inspired by sour grapes.
7
So, the fact that Catañeda knows more than you do and has a job at a major university disqualifies him from speaking?
12
Ain't that the truth. #Hypocrite !
Trump has succeeded in doing what few can do Getting the citizens of Mexico to unite and agree on a political matter. They are ready to draw that line in the sand.
As President Zedillo wrote in the Washington Post yesterday , it will hurt but Mexico will survive and can prosper without NAFTA.
And, Trump and the big multinational American conglomerates can live with consequences.
As President Zedillo wrote in the Washington Post yesterday , it will hurt but Mexico will survive and can prosper without NAFTA.
And, Trump and the big multinational American conglomerates can live with consequences.
13
As a Neighbour to both the US and Mexico I am appalled by Trump's policies and support Mexico 100%.
19
Well-educated people would say "You're not...."
8
Here we go. We are already becoming an international pariah state. Add this to the greater world's revulsion to our immigration prohibition against Muslims (only) from several nations. In one week we have alienated the entire Latin American *and* Muslim worlds. Across the rest of the globe, we will be seen and treated as Israel is or as South Africa was. If we don't fight back against Trump's injustices, we will deserve it.
21
No, keep Trump guessing, just as he's done to others. I appreciate what we had, but never thought it would last forever.
1
"An unfriendly act toward a friendly country"... I am a Texan who completely agrees with you! This president will ruin our relationship with Mexico. Our trade relationship is extensive and includes oil, education and tourism. Forget this idiotic wall business!
22
Mexico should seriously consider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. So should Canada.
6
Mexico needs to look elsewhere for reliable partners in trade and politics. It appears we've disqualified America as a reliable partner for anything, for at least four years.
20
A wall between two democracies? Call it The Adobe Curtain.
7
I believe Adobe, Inc. already copyrighted that.
1
Luckily Trump has the attention span of a flea, doesn't care about anything more than the bounce he get's from his base of far right supporters, and will continue to harp on the same "themes" that got him elected over the next few years. But, without result. In the end, the Wall will become a 2000 mile line, produced by a 50 gallon can of paint, that both the US and Mexico agree to apply with rollers made in China.....
8
Could Mexico decide to not to enforce US patents and copyrights- effectively rendering brand name drugs from our US pharmaceutical companies generic? This would be an enormous economic hit to US.
8
A 30 billion dollar wall that we don't need, divided by 64 million Trump voters, whom we also don't need, equals $468.75 each. But I think they already spent it on maga caps, guns, and opioids.
6
Free trade agreement are always a disaster for the economical weaker of the parties. When we and Mexico traded emigrants for fresh inexpensive fruit in the winter. In order to grow the crops, huge farms had to be cobbled together which razed the small independent Mexican serf and sent him as an unskilled laborer to the cities. The money it took to develop the huge orchards and row crops came largely from American investors (Dole, Chiquita et al) Earlier in the century, the Navy and Marines stole the land throughout Central America for American investors. This pattern began with Henry XIII's enclosure laws which resulted in populating America and Australia.
3
Mexico will lose no matter how they resist. Their economy is simply to shaky and still to dependent on declining oil revenues and they desperately need the trade surplus with the US along with the remittances sent back to Mexico from the US. In other words the US holds all the cards and can ignore most of Mexico's demands, all it takes it a strong President.
5
I have no advice for Mexico on what should be its next move. However, I hope that President Pena-Nieto would accept my invitation to relocate (legally of course) to the United States and run for Senator. We desperately need one with spine.
5
Wow... and leadership in Mexico, the Democrat Party and at the NYT can't understand why average Americans have had it with illegal immigration and demands from Mexico and how that led to the rise of Donald Trump. Here, let me help.
"And serious, because in tying itself to the United States, Mexico has placed all its eggs in one basket: North America, free trade, democracy and respect for human rights." What the heck is wrong with a basket of free trade, democracy and human rights and why isn't that the backbone of Mexican policy regardless of its ties to the U.S.? The fact that a commitment to those is only adhered to if they get what they want from the U.S. is telling.
"We will provide legal support, on our dime, for all arrested undocumented Mexicans; and that we will deny entry to anyone whom American authorities cannot prove is a Mexican citizen." So we should keep undocumented Mexicans while Mexico fights taking undocumented Mexicans back?
"For a century, the United States has been an accomplice to Mexican corruption, human rights violations and authoritarian rule. But it has also supported Mexico economically, abstained from seeking regime change, tolerated mass migration from the south and generally treated Mexico with respect. The quid pro quo was immensely and mutually beneficial." So we should tolerate corruption and criminality in Mexico and unrestrained flow of such into our country or Mexico will just let things get worse for both countries??? Wow!!!
"And serious, because in tying itself to the United States, Mexico has placed all its eggs in one basket: North America, free trade, democracy and respect for human rights." What the heck is wrong with a basket of free trade, democracy and human rights and why isn't that the backbone of Mexican policy regardless of its ties to the U.S.? The fact that a commitment to those is only adhered to if they get what they want from the U.S. is telling.
"We will provide legal support, on our dime, for all arrested undocumented Mexicans; and that we will deny entry to anyone whom American authorities cannot prove is a Mexican citizen." So we should keep undocumented Mexicans while Mexico fights taking undocumented Mexicans back?
"For a century, the United States has been an accomplice to Mexican corruption, human rights violations and authoritarian rule. But it has also supported Mexico economically, abstained from seeking regime change, tolerated mass migration from the south and generally treated Mexico with respect. The quid pro quo was immensely and mutually beneficial." So we should tolerate corruption and criminality in Mexico and unrestrained flow of such into our country or Mexico will just let things get worse for both countries??? Wow!!!
9
Incoherent rage.
5
So why doesnt this paper move to Mexico, it seems to only write about Mexicos needs and Mexicos stake in immigration. We never hear the story of a legal immigrant. We are expected to support the Hillary vision of open borders. Anytime we bring up any evidence that open borders with a third world country is bad, we are branded as racists.
Its the liberals who are racists on this issue, or at the very least they are ignorant. They dont seem to realize that they are supporting a system where there are jobs "Americans dont want to do" and that there should be a group of second class citizens without worker protections or good pay that can do those jobs. By supporting illegal immigration, they are supporting a system that abuses immigrants. I think thats just wrong. When I hear comments saying things like, "who is going to pick crops if illegal immigration is stopped" what Im actually hearing is, "Im willing to pay 200% more for organic lettuce, but Im not willing to pay 20% more to make sure the person picking that lettuce has workers comp and is getting paid fairly."
Its the liberals who are racists on this issue, or at the very least they are ignorant. They dont seem to realize that they are supporting a system where there are jobs "Americans dont want to do" and that there should be a group of second class citizens without worker protections or good pay that can do those jobs. By supporting illegal immigration, they are supporting a system that abuses immigrants. I think thats just wrong. When I hear comments saying things like, "who is going to pick crops if illegal immigration is stopped" what Im actually hearing is, "Im willing to pay 200% more for organic lettuce, but Im not willing to pay 20% more to make sure the person picking that lettuce has workers comp and is getting paid fairly."
10
An impoverished Mexico with rising unemployment will drive up the numbers of illegal immigrants, wall or no wall. Meanwhile, statistics show the inflow of illegal immigrants on the southern border has been dropping since about 2000. Why is a radically new approach justified? Business people are supposed to be smart about return on investment, but apparently Trump skipped that course.
8
In the universe of alternative facts, think of President Doomkopf's 2000 mile wall as a word wall where Mexican graffiti artists can express their "alternative" feelings about this outrage. In the universe of alternative facts, it's giving and not taking away. It's his replacement for the National Endowment for the Arts.
8
A trade war with Mexico could be a win-win: We would cut back Mexican imports, while Mexico would be free to copy our patent- and trademark-protected products (drugs, software, technology). Any unilateral imposition of a new tariff on our part allows them under WTO rules to retaliate that way. Read about it at http://cepr.net/blogs/beat-the-press/a-trade-war-everyone-can-win
2
I live on a island with million dollar plus condos & homes with BMWs, Maseratis and Bentleys in the garage. Most all of the yard work & house cleaning is done by illegals from Mexico. I speak fluent Spanish and often engage them in conversation. They are all worried about deportation.
I am white, born in the USA and clean houses and do yard work for a living. Ive discussed the "illegal issue" with some of the people that employ me and everyone of them thinks that all the "small brown people" are here legally. All these rich white people are against illegal immigration and refuse to acknowledge the fact that they are supporting illegal immigration by employing the Mexicans.
I like to tell them that when the illegals are deported, I'll be charging them twice as much.
I am white, born in the USA and clean houses and do yard work for a living. Ive discussed the "illegal issue" with some of the people that employ me and everyone of them thinks that all the "small brown people" are here legally. All these rich white people are against illegal immigration and refuse to acknowledge the fact that they are supporting illegal immigration by employing the Mexicans.
I like to tell them that when the illegals are deported, I'll be charging them twice as much.
25
It is always reach to hear current and former leaders of the failed narco state Mexico lecture the U.S. about how to deal with this problem. If they had been effective leaders Mexicans wouldn't be risking their lives to come to the U.S. for work. They would be living in prosperous communities throughout Mexico. There would be no need for a wall. Mr. Castaneda was a card-carrying member of a kleptocracy that robbed its poor people, did nothing to maintain law and order and depended on the U.S. to pick up the pieces.
9
The Dealmaker-in-Chief has had an exemplary week, displaying his great negotiating skills for all to see. Obviously negotiating with a foreign power isnt much different than dealing with building contractors, property owners or other rivals.
Except it isn't. In a business negotiation, it's not uncommon to initially stake out an untenable position, then negotiate your way to a reasonable compromise. There's always a risk that the other party won't bend but the potential loss is that the other guy takes his marbles and refuses to play.
In the foreign policy area, there is such a thing as an insult to national honor, regardless of how ridiculous that sounds. Wars have been started over this and the bumps and bruises that brass-knuckles type negotiating incurs have been know to cause rifts between nations that have unpleasant consequences and take years to heal.
When Trump is back to peddling steaks, ties, cologne and bogus real estate courses, the U.S. will still be unwinding the mess he is creating with Mexico and others to come.
Except it isn't. In a business negotiation, it's not uncommon to initially stake out an untenable position, then negotiate your way to a reasonable compromise. There's always a risk that the other party won't bend but the potential loss is that the other guy takes his marbles and refuses to play.
In the foreign policy area, there is such a thing as an insult to national honor, regardless of how ridiculous that sounds. Wars have been started over this and the bumps and bruises that brass-knuckles type negotiating incurs have been know to cause rifts between nations that have unpleasant consequences and take years to heal.
When Trump is back to peddling steaks, ties, cologne and bogus real estate courses, the U.S. will still be unwinding the mess he is creating with Mexico and others to come.
16
Wait until the negotiation is complete to form your opinions.
1
I was surprised to read Mr. Castaneda, with 80,000 immigrants a month crossing just the Texas border last year, actually thinks Mexico has been cooperating with 'drugs, migrants, terrorists and "bad hombres."'
We spent $67,000 per 'dreamer' in administration and legal fees. If that's cooperating, then it appears inarguable that their cooperation can be considered a failure and something different has to be done.
If I go 15 miles into Mexico without a passport or filing out visitor information with their government, I will be put in jail. Yet going north across the border is supposed to be free and without limitations?
We spent $67,000 per 'dreamer' in administration and legal fees. If that's cooperating, then it appears inarguable that their cooperation can be considered a failure and something different has to be done.
If I go 15 miles into Mexico without a passport or filing out visitor information with their government, I will be put in jail. Yet going north across the border is supposed to be free and without limitations?
16
Mexico desperately needs the US as a trade partner and employer. Let me be clear: without the US and against the drug cartels Mexico could become a real failed state in a few years. At that point Mexico could turn his back to the US and hear what China and Russia have to offer as trade partners and new allies.
Do the US as a country really want this?
Do the US as a country really want this?
17
What the ignorant "president" doesn't seem to understand is that an unstable Mexico would be one of the greatest national security threats for the US.
No more cooperation in trying to curtail drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and potential terrorists trying to make it to the US via Mexico. Not to mention the 6 million jobs in the US that depend on Nafta which would also be in peril if the trade agreement is scrapped (and yes, Mexico would suffer even more if that happens).
Under these circumstances, Mexico may feel compelled to open the floodgates, shut itself off to the US, and seek replacement trading partners such as China and the EU.
What would Trump do then, invade Mexico? I'm sure his supporters would love that.
No more cooperation in trying to curtail drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and potential terrorists trying to make it to the US via Mexico. Not to mention the 6 million jobs in the US that depend on Nafta which would also be in peril if the trade agreement is scrapped (and yes, Mexico would suffer even more if that happens).
Under these circumstances, Mexico may feel compelled to open the floodgates, shut itself off to the US, and seek replacement trading partners such as China and the EU.
What would Trump do then, invade Mexico? I'm sure his supporters would love that.
14
Here I see a fundamental question to America, is it a democratic action to require payment to a foreign country for public works and policies? Then why we are asking who to pay or whom to bully? Trump is creating a snowball of hatred and nonsense, even liberals are not realizing, there's multiple opposition on the media, but no unified voice of rejection, even on threats to the press the press themselves cannot unite. This is a bad omen
5
Well spoken. I expect that China will soon be knocking on your door. Trump actions are those of a man who is uneducated, rash and ill informed. The latest edict closing the borders to Muslims shows the Trump is irrational and willing to harm the economy to satisfy his paranoia. His misconceptions of the world will be his undoing. The Russians arrested two people for treason - they provided information to the US on the election hacking. Trumps alternative facts are bogus and I am beyond horrified. It's been a traumatic week and will only get worse. Hunker down, save your money and write Congress.
17
Because working with China always is good.
1
The column certainly generated a host of angry responses from many readers who are in agreement w/Trump's plan to build a wall and use as he does any specious arguments to sustain the belief that the problems that arise from drug-related crimes, drugs themselves, and illegals are due to Mexico's irresponsibility or inability to control these problems. None are due to those who use and buy drugs in the USA, hire immigrants w/o papers to work on construction projects (some for cities/states), in hotels, work for private citizens as nannies or lawn maintenance, in the fields during harvest time, or the myriad other places where surely all in this country have seen workers they might assume are immigrants. Regardless of whether these jobs do not appeal to workers who are from the USA, or the immigrants may come from Central America or other countries, even further away, these who try to enter this country, successfully and unsuccessfully, are simply not only Mexico's problem. The prohibitive cost and the feeble argument that said wall would accomplish all Trump proclaims would be the result of a wall (2000 miles/tunnels) is not the solution to this neighbor of ours and the mutual problems and benefits both countries share.
31
Why is it that the fact that immigration is at net zero has been completely dropped from the discussion? I don't understand. Well I do if you take into account that our president doesn't believe in facts.
11
How's this for a "fact" - US Border Patrol reported 415,816 apprehensions in 2016, up from 337,177 in fiscal year 2015 with total nationwide arrests up 23% in 2016 from 2015.
That is on top of the one million plus immigrants legally allowed to enter and remain in the United States each and every year as permanent residents.
That is on top of the one million plus immigrants legally allowed to enter and remain in the United States each and every year as permanent residents.
5
Let's see. Mexico imports our factories and manufacturuing jobs and and exports illegal immigrants, mainly from Central America, and drugs. According to the NYT and its liberal adherents, a wall which would lower drug traffic is a bad thing as it offends progressives because it will also reduce the flow of ILLEGAL entry into America. Since the liberal "elite" want a bordrerless America, why be a country at all? If anyone or everyone can live here, let's think of a new name.
When the article cites a problem in that a wall will "raise the cost and danger of unauthorized crossings", it shows the author's true agenda. No Borders!
When the article cites a problem in that a wall will "raise the cost and danger of unauthorized crossings", it shows the author's true agenda. No Borders!
13
All in all he's just a......
Nother jerk with a wall.
Nother jerk with a wall.
7
Mexico's "forceful resistant" to a country wanting control of its border ( such hypocritical nonsense )no mention the immigration polices of Mexico and its treatment of folks crossing its southern border.
9
Mr. Castaneda is often the smartest guy in the room by his own admission,however he is falling into the same trap he advises Mr PN to avoid. The "wall,fence,barrier,obstacle,etc" is a red herring to buy Mr Trump time and headlines until something else occurs to occupy his kindergarten attention span. In addition, much of the imbedded bilateral problem was sewn by Mr Castaneda's former boss, Mr. Fox, who fumbled Mr Castaneda's " Whole Enchilada " stategy with a tepid, dilatory response to G Bush in the aftermath of 09/11.
2
When Shrub was President of the U.S., I read of an American in Paris who wore a tee-shirt emblazoned with the French for "My President is worse than yours." Wonder If I could find one in Spanish today.
4
This guy needs a lesson on how to persuade. He basically agrees that the people DJT and his ilk want to deport are criminals and that Mexico should refuse to take them back. Sad.
7
For less money the US could build a wall between Mexico and Guatemala-Belize. Likely more effective for both countries.
4
Who's kidding whom. Peña Nieto enjoyed the lowest possible polls before cancelling with Trump. In the end there will be a wall (if Trump can get congress to pay for it) and NAFTA with Mexico will be modified or terminated.
Millions of American workers want the end of NAFTA and those on the bottom of the economic scale want competition from illegal immigrants stopped. This is an unequal match and in the end the USDA will get what it wants. If Peña Nieto or h is successor, proves a statesman it will be with as little pain as possible, but it will still hurt.
Millions of American workers want the end of NAFTA and those on the bottom of the economic scale want competition from illegal immigrants stopped. This is an unequal match and in the end the USDA will get what it wants. If Peña Nieto or h is successor, proves a statesman it will be with as little pain as possible, but it will still hurt.
3
Trump is a billionaire. Why can't he finance the wall with his own money? And maybe, Mexico will "reimburse" him. I mean, he wants this wall so bad!
5
Mr. Peña Nieto has the same, if not worse, problem with illegal immigrants. Worse, because he doesn't have the infrastructure to deal with them. If he were smart he would negotiate with Trump to get that wall moved to the southern Mexo border and engage Trump in keeping illegal immigrants out of his country too.
5
Defy the USA, Mexico and forbid your people from coming to this country illegally: That'll show us!!!
8
Trump is a bully---he picks on the little guy---let's see how this act works with China..
10
What's the gripe. The American election process elected this guy. We all new this was coming.
His election has benefited only the media. Controversy. Always something to write about. And always something for the readers of this paper to comment about.
Thumb your nose at Mr. Trump and go on with your lives.
His election has benefited only the media. Controversy. Always something to write about. And always something for the readers of this paper to comment about.
Thumb your nose at Mr. Trump and go on with your lives.
2
Right on! It's sad to see a sovereign nation kow-tow to a fascist American president who has a lot more in common with Benito Mussolini then he does with George Washington. His only connection to Washington is they occuped the same real estate.
6
A wake up call for Mexico.... Time to look to China, Europe, or anywhere else but the US for new trade links and investment. Watch Trump protest when China is invited to have closer links with Mexico. You don't deserve any of this nonsense, Mexico. Your president has gravitas and statesmanlike qualities that Trump is devoid of.
8
If Mexico does not stand up to this new American administration, the demands will never stop coming. After NAFTA it will be some other issue for which Trump demands concessions, then another and another.
And BTW, Trump recently floated the idea that we should invade Iraq and take the country's oil. Doesn't Mexico have oil too?
And BTW, Trump recently floated the idea that we should invade Iraq and take the country's oil. Doesn't Mexico have oil too?
4
If DJT wants a wall, irrespective of the political and financial implications, foreign and domestic, AND he can convince "his" lap dog congress to appropriate funds for it, AND he can convince that same congress to authorize the countless eminent domain lawsuits inherent in such an effort, have at it. He is, once again, clueless to bigger picture geo-political affairs. He just wants to appease the red hat gangs that he will build "that" wall. Stupidity 101. Mexico has been a pretty good friend; the country does NOT represent any kind of military threat, and if we cannot police our borders properly with personnel and technology, shame on us. Once again, for the zillionth time, the man in the White House has demonstrated gross ignorance for America's place in the world. Sad.
8
Mexico has an opportunity to step up and be our older brother. Keep patiently talking to the brat. Don't give in, but don't give up on us. Most of us didn't vote for this rolling dumpster fire....
7
At this time I believe Donald J. Trump will realize the negative ...backlash to
his absurd declaration about a "wall"....and will soon ...back peddle this
ridiculous idea...that he has built the wall...the wall exists only in this child mind
of Trump who is like a kid with legos......and building his castle in the middle on
the floor of the playroom.....so....get used to this childlike wishful thinking
"King of The Hill" in his crib....he is already being discounted by leaders around
the world...and the sooner you realize that he is in the same category as
the child man leader of North Korea the better....I think his generals will keep
him in his playbox...while they calm our fears...and hopefully the Congress
will finally ...pull itself together an actually act. .....and stop doing NOTHING
as they have done during Obama's administration....and McConnell will leave
and others like him...too...do nothings do not belong in Congress as our representatives.
his absurd declaration about a "wall"....and will soon ...back peddle this
ridiculous idea...that he has built the wall...the wall exists only in this child mind
of Trump who is like a kid with legos......and building his castle in the middle on
the floor of the playroom.....so....get used to this childlike wishful thinking
"King of The Hill" in his crib....he is already being discounted by leaders around
the world...and the sooner you realize that he is in the same category as
the child man leader of North Korea the better....I think his generals will keep
him in his playbox...while they calm our fears...and hopefully the Congress
will finally ...pull itself together an actually act. .....and stop doing NOTHING
as they have done during Obama's administration....and McConnell will leave
and others like him...too...do nothings do not belong in Congress as our representatives.
5
The wall is really embarrassing. Mexico, a lot of Americans are sorry that this is happening. We do not wish to insult our neighbor to the south.
9
Each and every one of us should have a similar list of what we need to do to help defend sanity and decency in the US. Minister Castañeda lays out a clear path and I would ask the Democratic Party help us develop a similar well thought out plan for thwarting the more dangerous acts of this White House.
6
The cancellation was a sign of strength long overdue. When the White House switchboard phoned him and told his staff the Great Slob was on the phone, he should have declined and had his Ambassador in Washington deliver the following note:
Dear Mr. President: Since I believe you do not read Spanish or any other foreign language, I am pleased to write you in English. Please be advised that our Ambassador in Washington is always available to receive and transmit immediately any written communications from your Government or yourself. I think it best for the moment to proceed in that fashion.
Sincerely, Quique
Dear Mr. President: Since I believe you do not read Spanish or any other foreign language, I am pleased to write you in English. Please be advised that our Ambassador in Washington is always available to receive and transmit immediately any written communications from your Government or yourself. I think it best for the moment to proceed in that fashion.
Sincerely, Quique
8
"Poor Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States."
-- quotation attributed to Porfirio Díaz
-- quotation attributed to Porfirio Díaz
4
Mexicans have been taking on drug lords and the like since forever.
Taking on another narcissistic kingpin is just another day in the park.
Taking on another narcissistic kingpin is just another day in the park.
6
Unbelievable, sad and irresponsible of Trump to pick on our close and friendly neighbor. I am thinking something must've happened in the past where maybe Trump was denied building some towers or golf courses in Mexico and he is trying to get back at them. Who knows... Right folks?
9
I was on the fence, so to speak, until I read this article. Castaneda is a Mexican citizen, WORKING in the US, suggesting his country actually promote illegal activity. I'm sorry, this now changes my mind. There will never be immigration reform. Why, because somehow MX thinks it is a given right to have unfettered, uncontrolled access to America.
Now I'm sure. Build the wall. Create the necessary jobs in border protection to staff it. Tear down NAFTA. It will cost a lot. However the foreign minister's words have changed my opinion. 10/15 years from now, we'll be better.
Now I'm sure. Build the wall. Create the necessary jobs in border protection to staff it. Tear down NAFTA. It will cost a lot. However the foreign minister's words have changed my opinion. 10/15 years from now, we'll be better.
10
if the border wall is important for USA security, sovereignty and immigration policy, then the USA should not fear paying for the wall.
progressive liberal Marxist Democrats are only concerned about losing their flow of undocumented democrats. news flash to those folks...elections have consequences. you lost! Democratism is the new Communism and Americans are disgusted with it.
progressive liberal Marxist Democrats are only concerned about losing their flow of undocumented democrats. news flash to those folks...elections have consequences. you lost! Democratism is the new Communism and Americans are disgusted with it.
2
A 20% tariff on Mexican goods will be passed on to American consumers. If you shop at places like Walmart or Target you are in for sticker shock. Yes we lost the election, but we are still citizens dear. As far as your comment on Communism - you do understand that Trumps BFF Putin is a Communist, ex- KGB. Lastly I respectfully disagree with your assumption tht the wall is necessary, just as I reject the assumption that Mexicans are responsible for the problems you think they are. Trumps claim that illegal aliens voted and cost him the popular vote is a complete falsehood perpetrated by some guy on Twitter literally who for all I know weighs 400 lbs and runs his Twitter acct from his mom's basement.
6
If Mexico DOES get 'Trumpled' on, perhaps it might be interested in seeing if China needs a naval base? Fences make good neighbors. Walls? Not so much. 20% tariffs? Even less.
7
President Trump has awakened a critical minority in Mexico: Chinese Mexicans. Reckon by now they are negotiating alternatives to NAFTA. If Mexico fully embraces China, the US will take a huge loss. President Trump's attempts at humiliating Mexico will backfire. China will step in. Mr. Trump, you cannot push China around. And your policies may place China right at our borders. A Mexico-China alliance is coming.
5
The so called wall is to put it simply----Idiotic, Forty % of the illegals in America fly into the country,So would someone explain to me one basic fact,The fact that The Donald in his childish brain can not recognize,Just how high would this wall be---thirty thousand feet! In Canada we are thinking of erecting a wall to keep this kind of convoluted thinking from infecting our national discourse,Actually I would propose building a wall around the White House and allowing The Donald to spend his days looking in the mirror and ranting and raving about how great he is,That way the rest of the civilized world would be spared what is to follow in the next four years,Just maybe we could add Putin to the confinement and that way the world would be spared two abominations! And lets face it---that would cost a lot less than The Donalds fifteen billion dollar fiasco,As Pink Floyd says in The Wall---We dont need no education---its just another brick in the wall! The Donalds egomania knows no bounds---but just maybe the wall can contain it!For the good of the world,
14
Well said! It is a relief to me to see so many people with the same or similar opinion as myself. Gives me hope. Anyway, if you guys do build a wall along our common border, we will understand. So sorry. Keep the faith!
1
Mr. Castañeda red lines are not only good strategic proposals but also unavoidable premises for Mexico to follow in these difficult times. We are all Mexicans now. "We" are not only the majority of American citizens,but all of us outside Mexico or the USA who believe In the importance of Latin America to uphold, together with the USA ,all the basic freedoms and moral principles of coexistence which inspired the American Constitution, as well as the Constitutions of Mexico and of other American countries. If "USA first" means to bully and humiliate Mexico into submission to mendacity then the whole world must show solidarity towards Mexico. It is encouraging that USA citizens are mobilizing against a fantasist who feels like treating Americans and foreigners as he did with his apprentices. We are all Mexicans...and we are not apprentices of any despotic leader. In this last sense we are all Americans too.
10
January 20, 2017 will join "Pear Harbor" - "9-11" as days of infamy - we now have a Wacko in the White House, a Tweeter who believes that traditional correspondence is 'old fashioned'. The Tweeter Troll. And most important of all this man is a danger to the free world.
13
President Donald John Trump should clearly indicate what Nieto actions he won’t tolerate.
2
America cannot live without a n enemy, the weaker the better , and Trump is the man to give it that.
When communism collapsed America and affiliates were quick to replace it with Islam, but that is mostly abroad.A nearer enemy is better fitted and more vulnerable , Mexico for now will do!
What next Canada ?
When communism collapsed America and affiliates were quick to replace it with Islam, but that is mostly abroad.A nearer enemy is better fitted and more vulnerable , Mexico for now will do!
What next Canada ?
2
You say the real issue is the wall will generate countless social, cultural& environmental problems; raise the cost and danger of unauthorized crossings & attract even more organized crime. Really?The facts would indicate that the Mexican Government has done very little to stem the tide of illegal immigration, guns, & drugs. The drug cartels own the police, the politicians & the army. They can do whatever they want, whenever they want, however they want and get away with it. How else would you explain drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman escaping from your maximum security prison for a second time through an elaborate one-mile ventilated underground tunnel. Come on! Government officials at the highest levels had to be involved. We had to bring him to America so he wouldn't bribe his way out of another of your maximum security prisons. The cartels control everything, admit that much.
Every country needs secure borders. Maybe the wall is a bad idea we'll see. But if we decide to build it you are threatening to refuse to cooperate when it comes to drugs, migrants, terrorists ...who's interests does that serve...yours or the drug cartels??? So you are going to throw your lot in with most brutal criminal organization in the world if we don't play ball? Wow! Incredibly you also say you will not allow potential deportees (illegal immigrants?) to return. Are you committed to helping us solve this problem? I don't think so.
Every country needs secure borders. Maybe the wall is a bad idea we'll see. But if we decide to build it you are threatening to refuse to cooperate when it comes to drugs, migrants, terrorists ...who's interests does that serve...yours or the drug cartels??? So you are going to throw your lot in with most brutal criminal organization in the world if we don't play ball? Wow! Incredibly you also say you will not allow potential deportees (illegal immigrants?) to return. Are you committed to helping us solve this problem? I don't think so.
10
some of what you say is true, but the wall will just cost us a LOT of money (which conservatives always whine about, as if govt. should run for free) and *increase* the flow of income to the coyotes who bring people across, the operators of the tunnels (you better believe they are the cartels). so, apart from some kind of xenophobic, racist, warm and fuzzy, what will the wall do besides further place my descendants in debt?
1
Mexico should have built a wall a long time ago to keep us out. If Mexico and Latin America have any sense they'll use this opportunity to cut ties with the US, kick the MNCs out and band together to finally develop stable prosperous economies. They don't need us. We, the rest of the developed world and now China just want to hold onto Lain America as a source of cheap resources and cheap labor. The same corrupt politicians and patricians keep taking money from their people, and the MNCs, and selling off the future. If Trump makes this happen then good for them.
Maybe when we see the outcome we'll wake up and stop thinking white business men know what is good for us, or care. We deserve this. We have been manipulating elections around the world for decades and now we have been manipulated into the hands of crazy fascists just like we have been doing to others. Payback's a ...
Maybe when we see the outcome we'll wake up and stop thinking white business men know what is good for us, or care. We deserve this. We have been manipulating elections around the world for decades and now we have been manipulated into the hands of crazy fascists just like we have been doing to others. Payback's a ...
8
It seems you are forgetting which nation is 1st world and the rushers in the world, and which nation is 3rd world and has to have 20% of their population live in the rich nation so they can try and feed/clothe/educate the remaining 80%.
Mexico doesn't like to discuss this (the culture is too macho) but it must be a part of what we discuss.
Mexico doesn't like to discuss this (the culture is too macho) but it must be a part of what we discuss.
4
Nieto should offer China unfettered access to its markets and perhaps even land to build military bases. What would Trump do then? Bomb Cancun?
5
China already has it...excepting land within 50 miles of the coast. To change this idiotic idea requires a constitutional amendment.
Señor Frog, countless spring breakers and old American sex tourists will defend Cancun.
2
I think that Congress will actually have to vote an appropriation to build the "Great Wall of Trump". Now is the time to call your House and Senate Reps to say vote no on this stupid wall.
2
Dear Mexico,
As a long-time neighbor and great admirer of your country, I am writing to express my deep regret for the insulting manner in which you are currently being treated by our recently elected President. You have been a great friend and close ally of the U.S. for many years; and speaking not just for myself but also for the millions of Americans who greatly value Mexico’s proud history and magnificent culture, I want you to know that -- whatever happens regarding that wall -- you will always have many close friends in America.
Knowing that you may not have had the opportunity to observe President Trump and his supporters as closely as I have in the past year, I would like to make two suggestions to you which I hope will ease the political burdens on your country in coming days.
1. President Trump is immensely proud of Trump Tower, his office and residential building in New York. When he asks you to pay for a border wall between the U.S. and
Mexico, attempt to compromise with him by agreeing to pay for a wall around Trump Tower.
2. I worry that the millions of your law-abiding citizens who regularly enter the U.S. may be bombarded with questions from Americans curious to know when you will pay for the wall. To satisfy that curiosity and overcome any possible language barriers, please consider writing the word "NEVER" on your forehead whenever you enter this country.
Hoping these suggestions will prove useful, I remain your good amigo,
Stanton-In-Dallas
As a long-time neighbor and great admirer of your country, I am writing to express my deep regret for the insulting manner in which you are currently being treated by our recently elected President. You have been a great friend and close ally of the U.S. for many years; and speaking not just for myself but also for the millions of Americans who greatly value Mexico’s proud history and magnificent culture, I want you to know that -- whatever happens regarding that wall -- you will always have many close friends in America.
Knowing that you may not have had the opportunity to observe President Trump and his supporters as closely as I have in the past year, I would like to make two suggestions to you which I hope will ease the political burdens on your country in coming days.
1. President Trump is immensely proud of Trump Tower, his office and residential building in New York. When he asks you to pay for a border wall between the U.S. and
Mexico, attempt to compromise with him by agreeing to pay for a wall around Trump Tower.
2. I worry that the millions of your law-abiding citizens who regularly enter the U.S. may be bombarded with questions from Americans curious to know when you will pay for the wall. To satisfy that curiosity and overcome any possible language barriers, please consider writing the word "NEVER" on your forehead whenever you enter this country.
Hoping these suggestions will prove useful, I remain your good amigo,
Stanton-In-Dallas
9
Somehow the notion of border control upsets Mexicans. That fact alone indicates nefarious intention. A wall is not enough, frankly, and we hope that designs we've proposed, which include water barriers, are chosen. Work on making your country livable amigo; perhaps then you will have solved both your problems and ours.
6
Trump's behavior is so destructive, embarrassing, and just plain stupid that it takes my breath away.
3
Were I Peña Nieto I'd quickly inform Trump that on the negotiating table are also Mexican interdiction of refugees from South and Central America trying to get to the US and Mexican-US cooperation with drug enforcement issues. Further, as Trump is so much in favor of bilateral agreements (where he can demonstrate his "art of the deal"), I, as Peña Nieto, would very publicly make overtures to China and Russia and maybe even some Middle Eastern countries, informing them that Mexico is interested in trade and investments with them. You think Cuba's siding with the Russians was a problem, just wait for a growing Chinese relationship with Mexico.
Trump is risking a lot (no longer just his personal brand and wealth) on blowing up every relationship we have around the world and trusting his "big brain" to be able to rebuild all treaties to favor the US. One thing he has failed to appreciate is this, the fact (a true fact) that the US has a dominant position in nearly all trade deals is based upon a history of US growth, stability, and its unwavering adherence to international norms. If Trump destroys that stability and confidence, then he weakens our position vis a vis all other developed countries, and his "deals" will highlight decline. Historians, the American people, and the world will treat Trump and the next couple of years with disdain.
Trump is risking a lot (no longer just his personal brand and wealth) on blowing up every relationship we have around the world and trusting his "big brain" to be able to rebuild all treaties to favor the US. One thing he has failed to appreciate is this, the fact (a true fact) that the US has a dominant position in nearly all trade deals is based upon a history of US growth, stability, and its unwavering adherence to international norms. If Trump destroys that stability and confidence, then he weakens our position vis a vis all other developed countries, and his "deals" will highlight decline. Historians, the American people, and the world will treat Trump and the next couple of years with disdain.
8
Trump is in way over his head.
Mexico can start negotiating with other countries to sell Mexican goods. It will take a while but it will not be disastrous.
But we are in for an extremely rough economic ride if we find ourselves sitting out the rising wave of globalization. We can build all kinds of walls and wind up dying behind them.
We need a "Backbone" wing of the GOP to call out this nonsense and instill some reality into their governance...and soon.
Mexico can start negotiating with other countries to sell Mexican goods. It will take a while but it will not be disastrous.
But we are in for an extremely rough economic ride if we find ourselves sitting out the rising wave of globalization. We can build all kinds of walls and wind up dying behind them.
We need a "Backbone" wing of the GOP to call out this nonsense and instill some reality into their governance...and soon.
3
I do hope that Mexico announces without another day´s delay that all American retirees leave their country immediately. Deny them even one day to pack their belongings, sell their lovely, inexpensive homes, stock up on beautiful fruits and vegetable.
Please, amigos mios, send them back right now. With a note to Mr. Trump saying something like, "Para tierra y libertad, asno."
Please, amigos mios, send them back right now. With a note to Mr. Trump saying something like, "Para tierra y libertad, asno."
3
Oh please. Mexico only takes in self supporting migrants. Why shouldn't we demand the same of them?
3
You get that they are there legally? And as retirees bring large amounts of American money into Mexico without taking jobs from Mexicans? Not in a million years would Mexico kick them out.
There are millions of *legal* Mexican immigrants in this country who are not affected by anything Trump does. But glad to see you are so anxious for a foreign country to act vindictively against your own countrymen. Maybe you get a kick out of those ISIS videos of beheading innocent people as well?
There are millions of *legal* Mexican immigrants in this country who are not affected by anything Trump does. But glad to see you are so anxious for a foreign country to act vindictively against your own countrymen. Maybe you get a kick out of those ISIS videos of beheading innocent people as well?
2
It puzzles me why the esteemed (if you say so) writer is such a supporter of criminal gangs and murderers. He is probably one of those who secretly rejoiced whenever El Chapo escaped from prison. He's like another Robin Hood. Selling billions of dollars worth of drugs to the stupid gringos and cutting the heads off of the competition.
Don't you get it? Mexico's failure to contain the murderous cartels is what is jeopardizing bilateral relations. Didn't you listen to El Presidente Trump when he recently addressed the American Dept of Homeland Security? He's putting up that wall because Mexico won't do anything. Your criminals are murdering American citizens. Your drugs are killing American citizens. Your drugs are fueling the murder and mayhem in American cities, like Chicago, Illinois.
The wall is a last resort.
Surely you are familiar with the Jade Helm military exercises conducted in the states bordering Mexico in 2015, during the Obama administration? There were lots of conspiracy theories about those exercises but the fact is that they were organized by the United States Special Operations Command, during the Obama administration, you know, when Barack Obama was president. Why do you suppose they had those military exercises?
Don't you get it? Mexico's failure to contain the murderous cartels is what is jeopardizing bilateral relations. Didn't you listen to El Presidente Trump when he recently addressed the American Dept of Homeland Security? He's putting up that wall because Mexico won't do anything. Your criminals are murdering American citizens. Your drugs are killing American citizens. Your drugs are fueling the murder and mayhem in American cities, like Chicago, Illinois.
The wall is a last resort.
Surely you are familiar with the Jade Helm military exercises conducted in the states bordering Mexico in 2015, during the Obama administration? There were lots of conspiracy theories about those exercises but the fact is that they were organized by the United States Special Operations Command, during the Obama administration, you know, when Barack Obama was president. Why do you suppose they had those military exercises?
5
Will there ever be a day where Mexico has a non-corrupt President? Bottom line is we are not going to allow Mexico's problems to become our problems.
12
now we have a corrupt president too. we've had a corrupt political system for a long time. in america lobbying and dark money, in mexico it is corruption, right? ha ha. wake up dude.
3
With 8 million refugees from Mexico illegally present in the US it is hard to see Mexico as a benign actor in this tussle. This exercise of expanding the list of victims of the evil Trump is fun but Mexico has this one coming. American companies have invested hundreds of billions of dollars in Mexican factories and they need armed guards to visit them in many places. Mexico is a country ruled by a corrupt one tenth of one percent. The NYT is perfectly aware of this as Señor. un décimo de uno por ciento, Carlos Slim is a major stake holder in this paper,
14
Mexico can resist all it wants. They are a paper tiger that needs the United States a hell of lot more than the U.S. needs them. We are sick of accepting your overflow population which cannot find work in your own country. We are sick of the export of illegal drugs which addicts and enslaves our youth. And we are sick of good American manufacturing jobs being exported to Mexico because you are willing to pay substandard wages. Mexico's "forceful resistance" has no relevance any longer.
12
The US is driving the ship, and whatever Trump decides will be the way it goes. Fact is that the US is 82.1% of Mexico's exports. The US comes in at $310 billion and the next largest, Canada, is a mere $10.5 billion. Point being, Mexico will fall in line, or fall apart.
It's like Christmas every day.
It's like Christmas every day.
4
Why does Mexico care if we build a wall?
Because Mexican illegal immigration into the U.S. (and that of Central America migrants in Mexico) is good for Mexico.
If Mexican policies affirmatively harm the U.S. then we have a right to take action in response.
Because Mexican illegal immigration into the U.S. (and that of Central America migrants in Mexico) is good for Mexico.
If Mexican policies affirmatively harm the U.S. then we have a right to take action in response.
8
E-Verify, employer penalties, government enforcement. These are tools America already has to reduce illegal immigration, but we are very weak on enforcement because American business owners like their cheap labor very, very, much. It's just hypocrisy. Easier to blame it on the Mexicans.
I hope American contractors building this ridiculous wall do it with illegal labor. What poetic justice that would be.
I hope American contractors building this ridiculous wall do it with illegal labor. What poetic justice that would be.
3
yeah, that will show them. except they will find a way around the wall (you think people who risk death going through the desert will be stopped by a wall). also, we have long standing treaties re rivers that go through both countries, so you'd have to have holes in the wall for them. also, there's a Native American reservation that apparently won't play ball. but sure, spend your grandkids money on a wall so you can stick it to people who work like slaves to get your produce to the table.
6
Most commentary on the Wall ignores Mexico's own illegal immigration crisis. Mr. Casteneda accidentally alludes to it when he insists that Mexico will not accept anyone deported from the US who cannot be proved to be a citizen of Mexico. So why were they in Mexico?
Our own porous southern border has served as an "escape valve" for Mexico's problem with those leaving Central and South America and the Caribbean, or coming from other parts of the world to get into the US, transitting through Mexico. Or remaining there if they are unable to get into the US or repeatedly ejected. Weak US immigration enforcement benefits Mexico.
Mexico has its own ineffective Wall on its southern border with Honduras but obviously sees the need to deal with the social, cultural, and economic strains of illegal immigrants within its own country. Moving them right on along to the US has been an easy solution.
Our own porous southern border has served as an "escape valve" for Mexico's problem with those leaving Central and South America and the Caribbean, or coming from other parts of the world to get into the US, transitting through Mexico. Or remaining there if they are unable to get into the US or repeatedly ejected. Weak US immigration enforcement benefits Mexico.
Mexico has its own ineffective Wall on its southern border with Honduras but obviously sees the need to deal with the social, cultural, and economic strains of illegal immigrants within its own country. Moving them right on along to the US has been an easy solution.
9
Our immigration policies don't benefit Mexico so much as they benefit the 100 families that actually rule Mexico and prevent it from becoming more developed.
Closing this pressure relief valve will force the ruling elite oligarchy of Mexico to change (or another revolution might happen! )
Closing this pressure relief valve will force the ruling elite oligarchy of Mexico to change (or another revolution might happen! )
3
This is by no means a friendly neighbor. That distinction belongs to Canada. These Mexicans, much like Muslims, are simply invaders. Why do we not need a wall for Canada?? It is clear that there is a problem in Mexico or they would not come here in droves. That is their problem and not ours. We don't owe them anything and as such no one cares whether or not President Nieto comes to Washington. Now Mr. Trump go ahead build the greatest wall ever.
8
Did you ever hear about the Maginot Line? It was a a line of defensive fortifications built before World War II to protect the eastern border of France but easily outflanked by German invaders. If such a wall is built and does stop illegal entry into the US, Canada will become the entry point to the US by illegals, in fact, it is already for many. It just doesn’t get the publicity that Mexico does. Racism, any body?
2
Muslims invaded? Where. Are you referring to the Moors or the Ottomans. Pretty sure all of that happened in Europe and Asia Minor, but maybe I missed the part where they invaded America. Which Caliph led the Muslim cavalry across the great plains?
2
I should also like to apologize to Mexicans (and Moslems and people of good will the world over...) for my country's execrable behavior and disrespect. He is not the President for a plurality of Americans. He is the worst President in modern history. He has assembled the worst cabinet (with 1-2 exceptions). He has surrounded himself with ignorant and flawed family and other advisors. What he is doing would likely be repudiated by a majority of Americans including those who voted for him.
As Churchill so aptly observed, "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all of the others". And for now we need to form a common front to contain the harm to the US and to the world.
Please bear with us. Please understand that Trump is an aberration empowered by a dishonest appeal to a frustrated, imperfect electorate that should have known better. We have narrow-minded, misogynist, racist, bigoted, greedy citizens in abundance here like the rest of the world. We have politicians who for now can only see their vested interests are assuaged. But this will not, cannot last long before the onslaught on human decency, science and good sense.
For now please accept our sincerest apologies and please stand up to Trump's bullying. He has empowered hate and ignorance and fear. He does not warrant your respect. He is dangerous and what he stands for is dangerous. But what he stands for is not America. Please understand and let's do this together.
As Churchill so aptly observed, "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all of the others". And for now we need to form a common front to contain the harm to the US and to the world.
Please bear with us. Please understand that Trump is an aberration empowered by a dishonest appeal to a frustrated, imperfect electorate that should have known better. We have narrow-minded, misogynist, racist, bigoted, greedy citizens in abundance here like the rest of the world. We have politicians who for now can only see their vested interests are assuaged. But this will not, cannot last long before the onslaught on human decency, science and good sense.
For now please accept our sincerest apologies and please stand up to Trump's bullying. He has empowered hate and ignorance and fear. He does not warrant your respect. He is dangerous and what he stands for is dangerous. But what he stands for is not America. Please understand and let's do this together.
42
This is to be expected from Democrats, it reminds me of the Congressional Democrats writing similar letter of apology and embarrassment to the Marxist Dictators in Latin America in the 80's.
Within a few years communism was shown to be a death cult that killed 100 million people in the 20th century...still waiting for the letters of apology from those Democrats
Within a few years communism was shown to be a death cult that killed 100 million people in the 20th century...still waiting for the letters of apology from those Democrats
2
Mexico is a failed state that cannot control its economy, its people, its own borders or its government. Violence, corruption and criminal activity Are featured of everyday life. Do a better job at home and you won't hear much from us.
7
Well said. Twenty five years ago I lived and worked in Toluca and Ensenada. I was able to drive myself and live like a local. When I visit these cities today, I travel in armored vehicles and my driver carries a gun.
Mexico is a failed 3rd workd state!
Mexico is a failed 3rd workd state!
1
Coming from a country that gave us the last world wide financial crisis in 2008, wall street excesses, Americans declaring bankruptcy because of health issues, WMD etc etc.
And now you leash an ignorant, unread, questionable successful businessman who doesn't have an original thought, on the world.
Don't be so quick to call Mexico failed. I met a lot of American gringos in Mexico, getting health care and dental care work done.
And now you leash an ignorant, unread, questionable successful businessman who doesn't have an original thought, on the world.
Don't be so quick to call Mexico failed. I met a lot of American gringos in Mexico, getting health care and dental care work done.
3
Well, it shouldn't take Trump and his minions much more than a few weeks to turn the US into a failed state.
2
Mexico is a great nation with great people and a great history. Mexico is an American ally.
Mexico is a nation of 120 million people (10th) and $2.24 trillion GDP (11th). Mexico is the #2 export market for American goods and America's #3 trading partner and source of imported crude oil. About 11 % of Americans have some Mexican ancestry. More Americans live in Mexico than any other nation. Mexico is the most populous Spanish speaking country on Earth. Mexico has the second most Catholics. Mexico is the ancient home of one of the world's six cradles of civilization. Most Mexicans are colored mestizo, mulatto, Garifuna, Native or African.
Since the Mexican American war Mexico has been a key ally of America. Mexican immigrants do our cheap unskilled agricultural, construction, lawn and domestic work. Mexican immigration into America is at a 40 year low. While Central American immigration to America is still peaking and growing. No military nor wall is needed along the American border with Mexico. The Mexican illegal drug gang dealer criminal problem rests in the insatiable demand of Americans for drugs coupled with a unique American gun fetish.
In the play "Day of Absence" Douglas Turner Ward satirized a town where all of the blacks disappeared for a day. Imagining a day without Mexico and Mexicans would be devastating to American values and interests. Mexico did not interfere in our election nor invade and occupy any of it's neighbors.
Mexico is a nation of 120 million people (10th) and $2.24 trillion GDP (11th). Mexico is the #2 export market for American goods and America's #3 trading partner and source of imported crude oil. About 11 % of Americans have some Mexican ancestry. More Americans live in Mexico than any other nation. Mexico is the most populous Spanish speaking country on Earth. Mexico has the second most Catholics. Mexico is the ancient home of one of the world's six cradles of civilization. Most Mexicans are colored mestizo, mulatto, Garifuna, Native or African.
Since the Mexican American war Mexico has been a key ally of America. Mexican immigrants do our cheap unskilled agricultural, construction, lawn and domestic work. Mexican immigration into America is at a 40 year low. While Central American immigration to America is still peaking and growing. No military nor wall is needed along the American border with Mexico. The Mexican illegal drug gang dealer criminal problem rests in the insatiable demand of Americans for drugs coupled with a unique American gun fetish.
In the play "Day of Absence" Douglas Turner Ward satirized a town where all of the blacks disappeared for a day. Imagining a day without Mexico and Mexicans would be devastating to American values and interests. Mexico did not interfere in our election nor invade and occupy any of it's neighbors.
20
20% of Mexicans live in the US, how much is enough? It's time for an immigration pause, just like in 1920 at the end of that wave, to give our nation time to assimilate immigrants.
4
@ND
My white roots began in Lancaster County the Virginia colony in 1640.
My free-person of color roots began before there was an America in the South Carolina and Virginia colonies.
My black enslaved roots began in Georgia in 1830/35 intertwined with my white ancestors who owned and bred with them.
My brown native roots began in South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia in 1830/35 breeding with blacks and whites and browns.
This heritage makes me all and only black by American socioeconomic political historical convention.
What happened in 1920 until 1965 was favoritism for immigration to America by white European Protestants from North and West Europe to the exclusion of every one else.
When, where and how did your ancestors and you come to my America?
My white roots began in Lancaster County the Virginia colony in 1640.
My free-person of color roots began before there was an America in the South Carolina and Virginia colonies.
My black enslaved roots began in Georgia in 1830/35 intertwined with my white ancestors who owned and bred with them.
My brown native roots began in South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia in 1830/35 breeding with blacks and whites and browns.
This heritage makes me all and only black by American socioeconomic political historical convention.
What happened in 1920 until 1965 was favoritism for immigration to America by white European Protestants from North and West Europe to the exclusion of every one else.
When, where and how did your ancestors and you come to my America?
1
We ought to be talking about the con job being run on the American people. The Grand Obstructionist Party says Congress will appropriate the money to pay for the wall. This means American tax-payers will pay for the wall. Then they tell us that Mexico will reimburse the US for the wall through tariffs, but this means that Americans will pay more for goods from Mexico thus paying for the wall twice.
Call your congress members and tell them we are not having this nonsense: (202) 224-3121
#Resistance
Call your congress members and tell them we are not having this nonsense: (202) 224-3121
#Resistance
15
I lived in post-war Germany, an Army Brat my father was sent back to Germany after being in a Nazi POW camp. The Soviets were a threat and the cold war went on. We left but the Wall a defeat of American efforts in 1961 went up. It only divided families. I went back as an Army specialist in the family business after all as an east German military affairs analyst in the US ARMY to work toward bring down that wall in the late 1970's. My Dad died in April 1989 and the Wall fell in Nov 1989. Walls do not work. There is only heartbreak and death in walls. We are not Soviets. This is the land of the free. No safety can be found in a wall. There is blood, look at the stars on the CIA wall some are from the cold war Berlin Wall era. No Wall. No List based on religion or nationality. We discriminated against Germans in War World 1 and Japanese Americans in World War 2. It only darkened our own national soul. Those were not our proud moments. This will be more than folly this is a human rights violation against our ally a neighbour. Have we lost our minds?
72
"We" have discriminated against black Africans in America and brown Natives in America before, during and since the birth of the American nation.
If only there had been someone to bar and block the inhumane infection of America by the immigration of Donald Trump's German grandfather and Mike Pence's Irish grandfather this would be a much better nation. And Trump's gold digger Scottish mother could have also stayed put to America's advantage.
America can also do without another gold digger Slavic communist atheist wife model like Ivana and Melania Trump and their spawn.
If only there had been someone to bar and block the inhumane infection of America by the immigration of Donald Trump's German grandfather and Mike Pence's Irish grandfather this would be a much better nation. And Trump's gold digger Scottish mother could have also stayed put to America's advantage.
America can also do without another gold digger Slavic communist atheist wife model like Ivana and Melania Trump and their spawn.
1
I stand with Mexico on this one. Just because a puffed up blowhard decides to talk tough, Mexico cannot fold under. I hope the majority of Americans are bright enough to realize what damage Trump's plans will do to our own country. I like having fruits and vegetables in the winter without going into debt to buy them. I am afraid our 'president' doesnt have the foggiest idea of how trade works for all partners and he is way too stubborn to listen to anyone or do research.
12
If it is a felony to illegally enter Mexico, punishable by three to five years in prison and a fine, why should its government be surprised when another country considers taking less harsh actions to stem the tide of illegal immigrants from within its borders? Would Mexico open itself to unrestricted immigration from Central America?
13
There are some of us who do not like the Wall, but we would like illegal immigration to stop, We are the people who do not believe in inhumane treatment of the Dreamers, but we also do not believe in the left's slogans such as ``no human being is illegal''. We, the people in the middle, could be even the majority. Our voices are not being heard.
15
E-Verify, employer penalties, government enforcement. These are tools already available in America, but American businesses like their cheap labor. The poorer Mexicans are simply taking advantage of our own hypocrisy. Go ask some of your local businesses to produce the required employment verification forms for all their employees.
2
true....i have no use for those who rob, kill, attack, abuse, or sexually assault others and am glad to see any of them who can be hurled across a border, but I don't support trump's ridiculous plans. I have no connection to mexico, but the president of that country should absolutely refuse (and laugh at) trump's stupid insistence that mexico will pay for the wall. trump's wall will be built by middle class tax payers for the benefit of companies who trump favors. he is NO better than mussolini.
5
Resistance is futile. Let's all be assimilated into the Trump collective.
2
Mr. Castaneda acknowledges illegal immigration and says that the US should accept this condition as a cost of stability on its southern border. Further, he says that the US should keep sanctuary cities and NOT send criminals back to Mexico. This logic will not help his case. Instead, Mexico should immediately announce steps to reduce illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Further, acknowledge that all sovereign states have the right and obligation to protect their citizens and territory. It would also be helpful for Mexico to disclose how much it spends annually to honor and respect the Mexican/US border.
12
"Mexico’s most effective leverage" are the majority of Americans who did not vote for the piñata-in-chief. Mexico should be patient and let him take enough rope to hang himself with so that the American people can bash his ability to rule in the 2018 elections - if he lasts that long or tweets the nuclear destruction code and we are all out of luck.
13
I don't care for threats even absurd empty ones. If you believe this kind of bluster will work you are sadly wrong. These criminals who have violated our immigration laws will be sent back. There is nothing the eternally corrupt Mexican government can do to prevent it. Don't test the resolve of the United States to protect its borders and citizens. Mexico has no leverage and they no it.
5
"... It could then attempt to wait Mr. Trump out, hoping that he will open too many fronts simultaneously, that domestic opposition to his excesses will grow, ..."
Yes, the dumpster fire that is trump is starting to get out of control. Nieto could wait it out a day or two. That is about how long it will be before trump's next completely impulsive idiotic move.
Like a wall is going to stop the flow of people and drugs. But look at the bright side. China wasted a boatload of cash on a great wall a few centuries back. Today this same wall generates a boatload of cash from tourists.
Yes, the dumpster fire that is trump is starting to get out of control. Nieto could wait it out a day or two. That is about how long it will be before trump's next completely impulsive idiotic move.
Like a wall is going to stop the flow of people and drugs. But look at the bright side. China wasted a boatload of cash on a great wall a few centuries back. Today this same wall generates a boatload of cash from tourists.
1
Does anyone find it ironic that the Berlin wall came down in 1989, and we all (at least those of us born then) celebrated like mad? It was a joyous time, after so many years of people being shot trying to get over the wall to freedom in post-Nazi Germany.
Now, we (not me) are considering a new wall for people who simply want a better life? I like Mexicans. I like their culture. They are our allies. I have met many Mexicans in California, illegal and not. What jobs are they taking--oh right, landscaping and housekeeping.
It's an insult to our allies in North America to treat them so shabbily. I will go down there myself to protest a stupid, over-priced wall if I have to, and I am 57 years old and am not really psyched about being arrested, but I will do it.
Now, we (not me) are considering a new wall for people who simply want a better life? I like Mexicans. I like their culture. They are our allies. I have met many Mexicans in California, illegal and not. What jobs are they taking--oh right, landscaping and housekeeping.
It's an insult to our allies in North America to treat them so shabbily. I will go down there myself to protest a stupid, over-priced wall if I have to, and I am 57 years old and am not really psyched about being arrested, but I will do it.
10
If I supplemented my income by going to Mexico and taking an acedemic job away from someone I don't think I would be welcomed.
If I had children with a marriage while I was there I would carry cyanide capsules in frear of what could happen to me.
I know I am being extreme, but so are a lot of you.
If I had children with a marriage while I was there I would carry cyanide capsules in frear of what could happen to me.
I know I am being extreme, but so are a lot of you.
4
In less than a week Donald Trump has raised havoc with Mexico, made England look like a fool over NATO, all but required Mideastern countries to tattoo their citizens with a big C or a big M, but he still loves, loves, loves Vladimir.
Go figure.
I have never been so embarrassed or outraged with my country. Some people might say Trump is not their president. I say this is not my country.
Go figure.
I have never been so embarrassed or outraged with my country. Some people might say Trump is not their president. I say this is not my country.
20
"For a century, the United States has been an accomplice to Mexican corruption, human rights violations and authoritarian rule." How so? That's a pretty explosive charge. I wish you had offered some explanation stated spme facts to back it up.
Might Mr. Nieto be on the take? I hear he's not popular at home. Maybe he'd like to cozy up to Trump, but Trump keeps making that impossible by insulting Mexico.
Might Mr. Nieto be on the take? I hear he's not popular at home. Maybe he'd like to cozy up to Trump, but Trump keeps making that impossible by insulting Mexico.
4
To President Trump. Learn how to get along with our Mexican neighbors. Treating them with diplomacy and dignity will get you much further along than any wall, of any size, ever will. Walls are a thing of the past that just don't work.
8
Mexico illicitly exports billions of dollars of heroine, cocaine and marijuana to this country. Their government can't or won't do much about it. This should be our beef with them and they should be punished financially by us until they take serious action to eradicate this lucrative "industry".
10
Demand creates the supply, now do u really believe with all the technology that the US agencies have in the border, like DEA, Customs and BP the are still being cheated by smugglers from the cartels?guys with no technology no education, hidding drug on the gas thank or spare tire, then moving tons of the drug accross US cities, all this done by street gangs vs all the intelligence and counterintelligence the CIA, FBI and the rest of agencies have? No my friend, there has to be US law enforcement agencies involved, al three levels, city, state, federal, otherwise sounds impossible that a bunch of ghetto Gangsters can control a billions of dollars operation inside the United States, so its nos only México authorities nos doing their job it also an big issue on the american side, why the adicted and new users numbers keep increasing? its a Health issue, theres a need for more patologías, psychiatrists, therapists, rehab centers and clinics, support groups, we need to stop seeing consumers as criminals and start seeing them as sick people and start helping them as that
2
Mexico should make it clear to trump that they will not pay for the wall and he now owns the border. If he puts a tax on product entering the US all he will do is raise the price of things here in the US.
8
Old news, I doubt anyone's life here in the states will change much either way. Perhaps food and some goods get more expensive.
Too much time wasted on this story
Too much time wasted on this story
It's called inflation and once the cycle gets started, only a deliberate recession ends it.
3
Trump wants a fair and balanced trade agreement for both parties. He also wants Mexico to stop exporting its problems to the US. Why are these demands unreasonable?
9
Mexico should consider offering preferred trading partner status to Trump's good friends in Russia & China thus isolating the U.S. That would help complete the isolation that Americans seem to so enthusiastically desire.
3
Why is it that Mexico's citizens illegally cross our borders in search of a better life? Mexico is not a poor country, it's just that the elite 1% control the government and jobs, where they keep wages low, have a corrupt government, and lack of proper education and healthcare for their citizens. Why should we take in your citizens when you should be providing them with everything they seek from us? It's time to look in the Mirror and see what a failed government looks like. Don't criticize our country, or our president, who is following and fulfilling the demands of many Americans who want to put a halt to illegal immigration From Mexico and Central America in particular.
7
Are you describing us or them?
1
If Mexico wants to resist forcefully before this second Iron Curtain goes up, it can simply reoccupy the land stolen from it in the mid-1800s (aka California, Arizona, Nevada, etc).
2
Also, please, make them take back Texas.
3
Trump knows full well that Mexico won't pay for the wall. Therefore, most likely this is a run-up to aggression by Trump, who will use their refusal to pay as a pretext to seize their off-shore oil fields, or some other overt incursion. Even if that doesn't happen, it's now likely that Mexico and all Latin America (and likely Canada) will pivot toward Asia, especially China.
6
No one seems to talk about the environmental horror of the wall, which would split habitats and threaten species. Shouldn't environmental impact also be communicated in the many legitimate reasons against the wall?
10
I have a hunch that the rest of the world's leadership, including those who have had traditional reservations about our past actions, are a whole lot smarter than trump. The crazier he gets, the more they will address their issues through other channels with the American government and he will become irrelevant.
5
Who cares if Mexico pays for the wall? I'll gladly have my tax dollars fund the construction costs. Matter of fact, I would prefer it.
3
And I'm hoping American contractors, as they are already very fond of doing, will employ illegal people to build it to keep costs down. That way, we can go even further toward helping those less fortunate than ourselves, and America can save some money on the construction costs. Win-win!!!
2
I guess we now have a race, religion and national origin based discriminatory visa and immigration policy. No middle easterners, no Mexicans, no Muslims. So much for the melting pot of American. And it won't be long before these discriminatory criteria are applied internally, as Steve Bannon, Mike Pence, the Republicans in general and their Trumpette turn us into a white male racist country. Not my president, not my congress, without help soon not my country.
8
Mr Castaneda, his former President and Administration are one of the reasons that Mexico has fallen into the spiral of drugs, violence and political corruption. Until Mexico itself embraces reforms that define a civilized nation such as; primacy of individual rights, government with limited powers, the primacy of the rule of law, institutions that function and serve its citizens, separation of government powers with an independent judiciary, respect for private property, a meritocracy and a climate in which wealth is generated and preserved... until then Mexico, will be what it is, a backward nation that forces its most vulnerable to flee to another nation.
4
The U.S. consistently defends Ukraine against Russian bullying while it bullies Mexico.
NAFTA was Reagans idea, negotiated by Bush and signed by Clinton. The idea was to create a union to compete with China and give North American manufacturing a chance to survive. I has largely been successful in doing so.
Mexican leaders have been tasked with breaking its previously protectionist system. Most of the banking system is foreign owned, the largest employer is now Walmart, the beer producers are under foreign ownership, and now the oil reserves are being auctioned off after decades of national ownership.
In addition Mexico has been forced to conduct a real military war against the drug trade, while in the US nothing of substance is done to combat addiction.
The imposition of many of these policies by the Mexican politicians have come at the cost of high unpopularity, and now the rug is pulled out from under them for doing what they have been told.
NAFTA was Reagans idea, negotiated by Bush and signed by Clinton. The idea was to create a union to compete with China and give North American manufacturing a chance to survive. I has largely been successful in doing so.
Mexican leaders have been tasked with breaking its previously protectionist system. Most of the banking system is foreign owned, the largest employer is now Walmart, the beer producers are under foreign ownership, and now the oil reserves are being auctioned off after decades of national ownership.
In addition Mexico has been forced to conduct a real military war against the drug trade, while in the US nothing of substance is done to combat addiction.
The imposition of many of these policies by the Mexican politicians have come at the cost of high unpopularity, and now the rug is pulled out from under them for doing what they have been told.
4
Trump's insistence on an expensive wall, that Mexico pay for it, and the levy of a 20% tariff to pay for it, is despicable. It is cruel, after a half century of careful repair of a historically damaged relationship. After 20 years of stability, the peso is falling, on the words of this institutional arsonist. Are we ready to wreck the trade with our third-largest trading partner? Could these actions spark a round of inflation in our economy? The Republican senators in Texas and Arizona better give this careful consideration before a vote .
7
I live half time in Mexico, along with tens of thousands of other retired American. The ugliness and hate coming out of the US administration towards my adopted country is offensive and ignorant. The USA is a better place because of our ties with Mexico- think winter foods, willing helpers in our agricultural and construction sectors, art, music, literature- a genuine, distinct and beautiful culture, far older than our own, just south of the border. Those of us who know from direct experience how wonderful, welcoming and open-hearted are the Mexican people stand with them against the opportunistic and foul attacks by Trump & company.
10
The sense of entitlement underlying this editorial is the very reason Trump must be firm in his dealings with Mexico. For years now, the Mexican government has facilitated illegal immigration between Mexico and the US, while profiting handsomely from the passage of other Latin Americans into the United States through Mexico. That point was driven home in an article in yesterday's paper indicating panic in Mexico over the prospect that tougher US border policies might leave problematic Latin American immigrants stranded in Mexico -- i.e., their problem not ours.
We have a border and immigration laws for a reason, and a true partner nation would help us to enforce them. This editorialist, however, views it as an act of aggression for the US to enforce longstanding and well understood policy regarding immigration. Mexico takes the same position with respect to Trump's desire to stem the flow of manufacturing jobs to Mexico.
These reactions reflect the popular view in Mexico, and in many other countries around the world, that a partnership with the US should be a one-way street. Trump is moving swiftly, and some would say without the appropriate diplomacy. But the point he is making through all of this must be made. The US cannot be a global patriarch whose sole role is to do all of the work, make all of the sacrifices, while doling out support and benefits to other nations who regard themselves as privileged children. Strong Borders! Beneficial Trade! Better Deals!
We have a border and immigration laws for a reason, and a true partner nation would help us to enforce them. This editorialist, however, views it as an act of aggression for the US to enforce longstanding and well understood policy regarding immigration. Mexico takes the same position with respect to Trump's desire to stem the flow of manufacturing jobs to Mexico.
These reactions reflect the popular view in Mexico, and in many other countries around the world, that a partnership with the US should be a one-way street. Trump is moving swiftly, and some would say without the appropriate diplomacy. But the point he is making through all of this must be made. The US cannot be a global patriarch whose sole role is to do all of the work, make all of the sacrifices, while doling out support and benefits to other nations who regard themselves as privileged children. Strong Borders! Beneficial Trade! Better Deals!
5
I for one applaud Nieto for standing up to the bully Trump.
I am sure things could have been negotiated less aggressively
behind the scenes without all the drama but we all know
how important it is for the President's ego to get stroked.
As I have always said Trump is unfit to be President because
he has no concept of public service and cares only about Trump.
I am sure things could have been negotiated less aggressively
behind the scenes without all the drama but we all know
how important it is for the President's ego to get stroked.
As I have always said Trump is unfit to be President because
he has no concept of public service and cares only about Trump.
11
The author's point about organized crime and Trump's wall is important:
When people are treated like contraband, professional smugglers see a market opportunity. The immigrants who pay those smugglers become the real victims, and this is already happening in Texas and Arizona, where immigrants are dying from heat exhaustion and dehydration in our deserts.
But to the coyotes and gangsters, it's money in the bank. They'd be happy to see a border wall. It would be a gift.
When people are treated like contraband, professional smugglers see a market opportunity. The immigrants who pay those smugglers become the real victims, and this is already happening in Texas and Arizona, where immigrants are dying from heat exhaustion and dehydration in our deserts.
But to the coyotes and gangsters, it's money in the bank. They'd be happy to see a border wall. It would be a gift.
4
Since Mexico cannot trust the United States for a while, it should seek reliable partners elsewhere and take this opportunity to teach the Buffoon in Chief (you might have guessed I am referring to Trump) a lesson. Along with other US allies, Mexico should ignore him/the US as much as is possible. Perhaps Mexico has a beautiful beautiful opportunity to take the lead in the Americas. It could form an Americas trade area minus the United States. After all, we already have the Trans-Pacific Partnership (Mexico is a signatory) minus the United States. The Buffoon in Chief of the USA has to eventually realize that isolating a country from the global trade system is a losing proposition. It will surely cost many American Trump voters their jobs. It’s a disaster, believe me! So as to avoid having losers for president, the American people should demand to see its presidential candidates report cards. This could avoid the beautiful beautiful presidencies like W. Bush’s and this one. Finally, Viva Mexico!!
7
This entire illusory exercise from the bully in the bully pulpit is an orchestrated plan to incite a hot, brief war with a vulnerable southern neighbor. It's transparently a "yellowed page" from Reagan's playbook. Create political chaos in a small defenseless country and then surprise the world with an overnight military raid to help establish order in a couple of days. Bingo, score one for the authoritarian-in-chief, flexing military might, and showing Americans just who's in charge.
4
That Mexican public opinion has shifted enough to allow their unpopular President Nieto to cancel his Washington trip is part of a larger, and encouraging, trend playing out in Mr. Trump's first week. Rather than cower, many people Mr. Trump has antagonized are standing up to resist him. Hell hath no fury like a people scorned.
Trump obviously expected the world to cave in to his demands. He is in for a rude surprise and, obviously, is unprepared with an effective response.
Trump obviously expected the world to cave in to his demands. He is in for a rude surprise and, obviously, is unprepared with an effective response.
4
It would be helpful for Mexico to undertake, even at this late date, a public relations campaign on the absurdity of blaming US illegal immigration and border insecurity on Mexico.
In the last 8 years, did the Republican in Congress propose legislation to increase the number of Border Patrol agents? Did President Obama veto that legislation? Did Mexico lobby in Congress against efforts to protect the US border?
Can the Trump administration point to anything the government of Mexico did to promote or facilitate illegal immigration?
It is time for Mexico to reject the unfair effort of Trump to scapegoat Mexico with facts and information. Many Americans still have an appetite for facts and truth.
In the last 8 years, did the Republican in Congress propose legislation to increase the number of Border Patrol agents? Did President Obama veto that legislation? Did Mexico lobby in Congress against efforts to protect the US border?
Can the Trump administration point to anything the government of Mexico did to promote or facilitate illegal immigration?
It is time for Mexico to reject the unfair effort of Trump to scapegoat Mexico with facts and information. Many Americans still have an appetite for facts and truth.
4
Mexico should pay at least partially for the wall because their inept government can't provide an environment for their citizens to thrive and grow. That's why many good people from Mexico are looking for safety and income opportunities in USA.
6
So sad to see the day that I am so much more proud of our southern neighbor than I am of my own country.
In less than two weeks time we as a nation have become as small as the man we elected president.
What's next? Are we shipping the Statue of Liberty back to France? With a note that says "not needed here anymore".
In less than two weeks time we as a nation have become as small as the man we elected president.
What's next? Are we shipping the Statue of Liberty back to France? With a note that says "not needed here anymore".
9
Trump's attempt to humiliate Mexico just brings more shame to his administration and to the United States.Our two neighbors - Canada and Mexico - are a profound blessing and should be treated as such. Such fair and honorable and respectful treatment will bring much greater reward than a useless and stupid wall.
5
Mexico's problem here is that if Trump drives it into collapse and makes it a failed state, that would be a positive for him politically. He'd present the US as under siege from a chaotic, brown-skinned world... he'd gather more presidential powers, blame his own economic failures on the chaos, etc etc.
It's really, besides a terrorist attack, what he most needs politically.
It's really, besides a terrorist attack, what he most needs politically.
1
Lefties love illegals because the illegals (or their children) will vote for Democrats in return for citizenship/welfare. Mexico likes having a safety valve for its excess population and its own Central American invaders from its southern border, so is perfectly happy allowing drugs, criminals and illegals to cross the border. Trump threatens this anti-American Democrat/Mexican conspiracy. That's why the Left and the Mexicans are squealling. It's really not very complicated.
7
From simple minds, simple and wrong ideas.
4
Trump apparently believes that signing a piece of paper will make fantastic things a reality. The wall he envisions is a task not unlike the building of the Panama Canal. We certainly have the technology and expertise, but we do not have the money without gutting the national treasury and diverting funds from needed infrastructure repairs and improvements.
6
Since Trump only does for Trump, this treatment of Mexico may also be personal. He tried and failed miserably about five years ago to develop an environmentally sensitive area in Cozumel. People there hate him and once he was turned down, he retaliated against Mexico on social media. I'd love to see more digging into this.
11
Messing with Mexico is just one of the colossal errors being made by the President that we the people did not want, did not vote for and wish would go off quietly into the sunset with his horribly unqualified Cabinet nominees. Picking a fight over building a southern wall between Mexico and our southwestern states is demented, and hopefully, President Enrique Pena Nieto should walk away from before Trump gets his country's economy between a rock and a hard place. Mexico is not treated with respect by our 45th President. One wonders when Trump's crazy chickens will come home to roost on our side of the wall?
6
But what if President Trump is actually more of a mad King George III, or a lunatic King Ludwig?
As a deranged figurehead president, he will be free to spout nasty and mutually-exclusive things day and night. His staff, cabinet agencies, and even the Republican Congress will go ahead with business as usual, insisting that they are carrying out the president's agenda while they are in fact doing whatever keeps them in office and out of prison.
A few trucks will start dumping cement into the Rio Grande, achieving nothing, and lawyers will start fighting over symbolic stand-offs with a few benighted government officials who think they are obligated to violate the Constitution just because the president told them to.
The President of Mexico should preserve the dignity of his office, and not create a whole new foreign policy in response to a possibly powerless POTUS.
As a deranged figurehead president, he will be free to spout nasty and mutually-exclusive things day and night. His staff, cabinet agencies, and even the Republican Congress will go ahead with business as usual, insisting that they are carrying out the president's agenda while they are in fact doing whatever keeps them in office and out of prison.
A few trucks will start dumping cement into the Rio Grande, achieving nothing, and lawyers will start fighting over symbolic stand-offs with a few benighted government officials who think they are obligated to violate the Constitution just because the president told them to.
The President of Mexico should preserve the dignity of his office, and not create a whole new foreign policy in response to a possibly powerless POTUS.
3
The majority of American's wanted the election to go another way, and do not support the "wall" or any economic aggression against Mexico. Honorable American's cringe at Trumps low class comments and poor knowledge of economics. Mexico might negotiate a new treaty, a partnership with other great nations along the Pacific rim, and leave the US out. That might hurt many American companies. Congress is beyond feckless. The question is, what is the agenda behind these illogical actions? Rather than gasping in disbelief, the press should ask for a detailed legal/ financial analysis of the expected effects on the economy. Congress should do this, too, before irate constituents storm their doors for answers when the economy tanks again. I fear this may be sooner, not later.
6
Mexico has consistently been a strong ally of ours and this Trump treatment is deplorable. I worry that Mexico may capitulate to our despot. I know it would be economically difficult to stand up to our bully, but it will hasten his demise. Tariffs can be undone. Walls not yet built can be scrapped.
.
.
6
Mexico has very few options, irrespective of the pipe dreams suggested by some of today's commenters. Trump does crazy things, and I did not vote for him. But Mexico has been extremely lax in protecting its side of the border. The boundary has been and remains porous. A wall is incredibly stupid, but Nieto must recognize that only Trump holds the trump cards. Nieto has zero leverage. The USA cannot indefinitely assimilate the sheer numbers of illegal immigrants (falsely termed undocumented by the liberal media) that continue to arrive annually.
Trump is a negotiator, and Nieto must identify what steps he is willing to take. Being resistant alone is not a viable position. Nieto is coming across as extremely weak and indecisive.
Trump is a negotiator, and Nieto must identify what steps he is willing to take. Being resistant alone is not a viable position. Nieto is coming across as extremely weak and indecisive.
7
"Five successive presidents have pursued a new course with our northern neighbor, putting behind us the apprehensions and resentment of the past."
Sorry, for decades Mexico has deliberately encouraged and facilitated the flow of migrants north into the US. Trump's rhetoric is designed to "persuade" Mexico to swallow a bitter pill, that is, adopt unpopular measures that would make a wall unnecessary. He is going to succeed.
I lived for 3 years in northern Mexico and know exactly what I am talking about.
Sorry, for decades Mexico has deliberately encouraged and facilitated the flow of migrants north into the US. Trump's rhetoric is designed to "persuade" Mexico to swallow a bitter pill, that is, adopt unpopular measures that would make a wall unnecessary. He is going to succeed.
I lived for 3 years in northern Mexico and know exactly what I am talking about.
9
Picking an unnecessary trade war with a friendly neighbor to prove his racist rhetoric is of course in line with POTUS's way of being in the world. Texas who has the biggest border and most to loose from this action elected him resoundingly. If the GOP would only have allowed some sort of rational immigration reform, instituted rational work visas for laborers during Obamas tenure, we would not be in this mess. The bigger issue is how our economy is immeshed in the global economy, and that Americans simply do not want to pay laborers fair wages. Universal health care would relieve the economic burden of employing people legally here in the United States. Big and small business uses the undocumented to avoid taxes and health care expenditures, period. Agriculture and construction will suffer "tremendously" under POTUS's decrees, our food prices will soar, the costs of imports will soar all to build a wall that will require confiscating private land from mostly Texans and Arizonans to build. I support the President of Mexico and his cancelling of the meeting. I hope the people of Mexico do not think all Americans are as stupid, racist and rude as our president represents our nation. He was selected by a minority of the electorate and put into office by electors who obviously wanted power over the good of the nation and the world. Week one, what is next?
20
If you want to see what racism looks like look at the one tenth of one percent that owns and rules Mexico. They make Trump look like Martin Luther King Jr.
3
For such an insult who wouldn't resist forcefully? It's provocative to see all Mexican people reduced to its country's political, economic and social problems by a man from a golden tower. A man who affords himself so much dignity, but begrudges it to others. A man who plays with a future he will not be part of. It provokes all around the world, to all nationalities, all genders, all races and all religions, and the price will be all possible futures for my generation.
My step-mother comes from behind a wall. We celebrated throughout a continent when it fell in 1989 and without that I wouldn't have met a person who could undo all the prejudices I held about eastern Europe. I now have access to the abundance and knowledge of two cultures and the possibility to understand humanity on a deeper level. Every wall build is a defeat to progress, dignity, humanity, cooperation and (because it's so important to Americans) christian values. An obstacle for a younger generation anticipating on growing beyond the mistakes of our parents and grandparents.
That wall, if build, will fall down. The coming generations will not stand for it.
My step-mother comes from behind a wall. We celebrated throughout a continent when it fell in 1989 and without that I wouldn't have met a person who could undo all the prejudices I held about eastern Europe. I now have access to the abundance and knowledge of two cultures and the possibility to understand humanity on a deeper level. Every wall build is a defeat to progress, dignity, humanity, cooperation and (because it's so important to Americans) christian values. An obstacle for a younger generation anticipating on growing beyond the mistakes of our parents and grandparents.
That wall, if build, will fall down. The coming generations will not stand for it.
85
Mexico could cease rigorously controlling its border with Guatemala, which would lead more people to try to enter the United States. It could do more to encourage investment from China and Russia, which are eager to strengthen ties with Latin America. And it could end robust cooperation on drug enforcement and intelligence, which would make Americans less secure.
8
Wall will stop Guatemalans too
Goodness me, talk about blaming the Victim, Mr Pena Nieto should not need to be strategising how and why and when to negotiate the wall. Mexico Donita want it built, so they should not have to pay for it! Trump bought it all on himself, its a campaign promise he wants to keep and to save his own pride he is trying to force Mexico to pay for it, I suggest that since the Squirrel haired con man wants to build the wall so badly then perhaps he should pay for it out of the billions he claims to have. I say claims because how would we know because the campaign promise of releasing his taxes has still not been kept, perhaps he should make good on that promise first, after that can of worms is opened I believe the wall would be entirely forgotten about as a host of new controversies would take its place.
7
The wall will never be built. Trump will self-destruct first. Patience is warranted.
Surreptitiously (0r not!) financing local lawsuits on eminent domain, environmental considerations, Native American rights, and the like should keep controversy alive and work delayed forever, wearing down Trumpty Dumpty's welcome among his guacamole-consuming, gun-toting supporters, especially in Texas.
Surreptitiously (0r not!) financing local lawsuits on eminent domain, environmental considerations, Native American rights, and the like should keep controversy alive and work delayed forever, wearing down Trumpty Dumpty's welcome among his guacamole-consuming, gun-toting supporters, especially in Texas.
4
Dream on. Obviously someone doesn't understand that executive action regarding border/immigration security and enforcement is not subject to civil jurisprudence. After paying the hourly to attorneys who are all well aware of that, you may frame the judicial order stamped, "motion dismissed". It would go well next to your signed portratit of Che.
This may bring back the past as when Cuba was left no other choice but to seek help from Russia following the breakdown of relations with the U.S. in the early 60's. History has a way of repeating itself, particularly during times that we either forget it or just do not know it at all, as in President Trump, who does not read and who was a poor student at school.
10
What would happen if Mexico were to deny entry to anyone whom American deportation authorities cannot prove to be a Mexican citizen? What would happen if all deportees were to demand a hearing?
As with most programs involving government threats of force, deportation works most efficiently and inexpensively when the subjects and other parties cooperate.
As with most programs involving government threats of force, deportation works most efficiently and inexpensively when the subjects and other parties cooperate.
1
We'll shoot them over the wall with now defunct Barnum and Baily circus cannons.
Mexico must have trade with the United States.....it will ultimately cut a deal over this demand and pay for the wall and, also, begin to enforce its laws to protect his citizens from the drug cartels that have run wild there. You can be sure that other countries that would like to sell into the US market are already trying to figure out how to get the business Mexico will lose........from a shear competitive posture, Mexico will necessarily crater.
And, I cannot be sympathetic. Mexico's government has further the immigration of Central Americnas through it to the US while simultaneously treating these people in the most severe manner and certainly not allowing them to remain in Mexico. So much of our immigration crisis is a direct result of Mexico's actions or willful inaction.
No, Mexico has long taken advantage of the United States and it is time to stop.
And, I cannot be sympathetic. Mexico's government has further the immigration of Central Americnas through it to the US while simultaneously treating these people in the most severe manner and certainly not allowing them to remain in Mexico. So much of our immigration crisis is a direct result of Mexico's actions or willful inaction.
No, Mexico has long taken advantage of the United States and it is time to stop.
6
Grow up, America. No one is going to "tell" Mexico to pay for this wall. They are a sovereign nation and are not going to let President Trump make them do anything. Plus, who says the wall will even work. And then it has to be maintained. Talk about making enemies. Mexicans are some of the nicest people I know. They are "simpatico" and do not deserve the hostility being inflicted upon them by Trump. I have an idea: Maybe Donald Trump should find a nice Washington therapist who specializes in anger issues. Pay him or her in advance (since he has a reputation for welching on his obligations), and make sure he or she speaks Spanish. That way the therapist will more likely understand what has happened and be able to say, "Esta bien."
8
Maybe you should travel outside of the Silicon Valley bubble and look at the mess you and liberal / progressives have created in the "fly over nation".
Make no mistake Canadians side with Mexico. American values are no longer compatible with Canadian values. Already Canadians are asking how we can cut out the US and trade directly with Mexico and China. Many CDNs do not support the Keystone pipeline. I feel like we are witnessing a nightmare I never thought possible but it calls for solutions that ensure we in no way support this illogical and dangerous regime.
22
Your Progressive Prime Minister supports Keystone and had already approved alternates to get the tar sands to your own coasts. Canadian immigration laws are also significantly stronger, particularly Canada does not have birthright citizenship and it is estimated Canada has about 75,000 illegals.
I doubt that. Do you allow million of illegals? Let us export them to Canada then thanks in advance
Can we send all the Mexicans and South Americans who come here to Canada? You would be happy to have them, I'm sure.
We could use the money now not going to sanctuary cities to build the wall. President Trump and his administration will be practicing the law and not politics. Become familiar with the Constitution as you will need to refer to it continually. Mexico will no longer take advantage of this country and its taxpayers.
7
This is all so sad - and ugly. Trump wants to build walls, blame, and point fingers at our neighbors. Perhaps details of trade agreements and border laws should be "tweeked" or evaluated as any new incoming administration might - but Trump's draconian gestures are quickly turning the U.S. into a bullying big punk. Mexico tied themselves to our country in so many ways after warm hand shakes from our past presidents. After years of trying to build bridges we blindly ban ALL Muslim refugees from certain countries - and we attempt to step on our neighbors - not only will these moves come back to haunt us as our "old friends" are forced to look for new alliances and trading partners - this is not an America I am proud of.
4
The Mexican government does not care about the illegal drugs it exports into the U.S. because they directly and indirectly benefit from the billions generated over many years. They do not care about the U.S. lives lost due to illegal drugs and illegal immigrants. They are wildly corrupt. Yet, the bleeding liberal commentators at the NYT hypocritically support the Mexican government who kills U.S. citizens, while attacking Republicans for doing the same by not supporting the Unaffordable Care Act.
8
You are an ignorant double moral person the drugs go up north because there is a demand for it it doesn't come in a vacuum that the illegal drugs go there for no reason they go because the American people is the world's number one drug consumers , also the double moral in the immigration if you didn't need ilegal immigrants they would not go across the border!!
2
I always thought the initial free trade agreement between Canada and the U.S. (which was barely approved by Canada, btw) was the first step to then have NAFTA and that NAFTA was really about the U.S. attempting to pump up the Mexican economy so that Mexicans would be less likely to sneak into the U.S. looking for work. And having Canada in the agreement made it a little more palatable to the American public.
But now we're seeing President Trump taking steps (quite unnecessarily) to destabilize Mexico. Does the U.S. really think it is in its best interests to have a chaotic, unstable immediately to the south of it?
But now we're seeing President Trump taking steps (quite unnecessarily) to destabilize Mexico. Does the U.S. really think it is in its best interests to have a chaotic, unstable immediately to the south of it?
9
That may have been a hopeful consequence of NAFTA, but the reason was always to make it profitable for businesses to manufacture there. Remember, Ross Perot was very explicit in his 1992 bid for the presidency about that “giant sucking sound” of American jobs moving to Mexico.
2
This is a prescription for reciprocity. If the facile policy solutions proposed by DT were enacted without a forceful response, the US president and his policies would be vindicated. The hardest element of Mexico's resistance is not the tit-for-tat of a diplomatic struggle. Taxes and immigration policies are fungible. It is that the scapegoating of Mexican-Americans, latinos in general, will continue unabated. Here the Mexican government is powerless to fight against US nativism and xenophobia. It is rather up to us the American citizens to stand up for human rights and decency.
10
Now our Bully In Chief has started a fight with our neighbor, Mexico, which began with his hateful campaign rhetoric casting Mexicans as rapists and criminals. Fortuneately, Mr. Castaneda carefully chose his words describing the Wall as an "unfriendly act." Imagine if he or President Pena Nieto were as reckless as our Bully In Chief with their words and called it an "aggressive and provocative" act, which it is. Didn't the West construe the Berlin Wall as a hostile act that lead to decades of Cold War saber rattling? What about the Maginot Line constructed in pre-WWII France? Symbolic it was, but strategically nonsensical, which is precisely what the Wall will be if it is ever constructed. Let's hope that the statutory language in the Secure Fence Act spares us from this lose-lose folly.
10
The East built the Berlin Wall to keep its people in. Like the rest of your comment you have it backwards.
The real shame in here is not the wall, but the socioeconomical precipice that almost 500 years of bad governance has brought to us Mexicans. As the idea of all our eggs being managed by our Mexico City Tlatoanis. The big problem for us in here is that we have lost our refugee of last resort. And having to flee is a strong posibility in our long standing Feigned State.
5
Mexico now says there is an agreement with President Trump to not have public discussion about the payment of the border wall in public. Meaning that, Mexican officials realize that Mexico is indeed going to be paying a healthy chunk of the construction tab, but would prefer to do it in a face saving manner.
3
No, we will pay for the wall in increased taxes on Mexican goods and products. They will boycott our products hurting American workers. The land left for building is all on private land and flood planes, so all those Arizonans and Texans who voted for POTUS will have their land confiscated, paid less than market value to build the wall. The flood plane land requires rebuilding of the wall, portions in Arizona have been build three times because of flood damage, We will pay for the wall in one way or another. Mexico does not need to save face, POTUS does, but he isn't aware of his ignorance and incompetence, he has pictures of the big crowds at his inauguration and a standing ovation of CIA staff who had no chairs to sit on, he is your president, embrace him, because the majority of people in the US do not, and the wall is yet another reason why
2
I think you're wrong. Mexico is just saying they don't want to be constantly humiliated by a bully, when that bully constantly says Mexico is going to pay up. That doesn't mean they are going to agree to pay for a the wall. From the reporting I've seen, it looks like the American consumer will most likely pay.
1
Or: meaning that Mexico has made it clear that it will not pay for that stupid, offensive wall (why, after all, should it?!), and there is no longer any need to belabour the point. What is there to discuss with Trump on this topic? Nada.
1
Mexico has free trade agreements with twenty-six countries. I would respectfully suggest that they look to expand that number and retool their factories to meet that demand. Trump will pass, the wall will flop and the present trend of more Mexicans going home than leaving will continue.
33
With over 700,000 illegal persons entering the US every year and at least 12 million here already, about 4% of our population we have failed to secure our border. A big beautiful wall will prevent many from entering illegally. Legal immigration with and application, DNA, finger prints, education and health requirements are a must. Let's allow the best to enter the US. Chaos is not an option.
9
One point to notice, chris stehling, is that we do NOT have chaos now with those 700,000 "illegal persons" allegedly entering the U.S. every year. Most of them are law-abiding, they work hard in jobs that most Americans avoid or refuse, they pay taxes -- in short, they make a positive contribution to the growth and welfare of American society.
1
The problem is NOT the undocumented who come to find a better life. If the United States is so hell bent on not having them, then FINE the people who employee them! Instead of spending billions on a hateful wall, then use that money to enforce new ways of proving citizenship. That won't be done because too many U.S. Corporations depend on migrant labor. There are NO illegal people, but there ARE illegal employers.
2
Education requirements, Mr. Stehling? How about we demand to see your transcripts? How about we get your DNA on record, just in case? And what about your health? We want to know about that, too.
I, myself, am hoping Canada builds a really big wall to keep some of us out. Red Hook is way too close for comfort, for instance.
I, myself, am hoping Canada builds a really big wall to keep some of us out. Red Hook is way too close for comfort, for instance.
1
Kicking Mexico is buy building walls and tarriffs is early 1900's diplomacy. It didn't work then and won't now. Mexico has meny options with China, south east Asia and Europe.
7
No it doesn't. Do you think Red China or southeast Asia would ever enter into an unequal economic treaty with Mexico, like NAFTA is for the US. Only if it provided (via Mexico) unfettered economic access to the American markets. ( "Law of the Anthill" is practiced on the Western Pacific Rim. Please note China's recent economic dealings with Africa.) Europe isn't going to make a move either. The American military holds the European Union together. We remove our troops from NATO, Europe dissolves into economic chaos. Mexico will compromise. It has absolutely no other choice. Greatest danger is that it doesn't appear to be "capitulation". Long-term consequences are severe for the entire Western Hemisphere.
3
No it did work when we kicked out million shares reviously. Mexico is a giant leech on our backs.
It must be 150 years ago, that el presidente Porfirio Diaz offered, 'Poor Mexico, so far from god and so close to the United States."
Not much has changed.
Some of us feel that same way, from the northern side of the 'border.'
=
The cost of the wall is easily obtained, by intercepting remittances, whose ripple effect, will be very large for those parts of Mexico dependent on US monies, both for labor and for drugs. Drug interception is harder, but we haven't tried very hard, certainly not via weaponizing our financial systems.
=
I've wondered, re deportation, why Mexico does just not build its own wall, and when we show up wit the Big Bus of 10M purported-by-us Mexicans, Mexico refuses to take them back - 'where are their passports?' - which of course we don't have, a passport being a guarantee of repatriation.
=
Mexico is in trade war with the US, by dumping its surplus labor into our saturated labor markets, illegally, and then righteously.
Wars go both ways, of course.
Not much has changed.
Some of us feel that same way, from the northern side of the 'border.'
=
The cost of the wall is easily obtained, by intercepting remittances, whose ripple effect, will be very large for those parts of Mexico dependent on US monies, both for labor and for drugs. Drug interception is harder, but we haven't tried very hard, certainly not via weaponizing our financial systems.
=
I've wondered, re deportation, why Mexico does just not build its own wall, and when we show up wit the Big Bus of 10M purported-by-us Mexicans, Mexico refuses to take them back - 'where are their passports?' - which of course we don't have, a passport being a guarantee of repatriation.
=
Mexico is in trade war with the US, by dumping its surplus labor into our saturated labor markets, illegally, and then righteously.
Wars go both ways, of course.
2
Mexico has drastically slid backwards with policies that favor the top 25 families in Mexico who rule the roost and own most anything worth owning there. Not the majority owner of this Newspaper is Carlos Slim, the richest individual in Mexico and # 4 billionaire in the world. What is Mexico today? Its security is run by drug lords who's favorite tactic of fear is to chop off the heads of their enemies and roll them down key streets of Mexican cities to ensure people know who's in charge. Millions of Mexico love Mexico so much they pay enormous sums to be smuggled into the US to live and work illegally. Mexico's peso is so devalued that it's become worthless, a laughingstock currency. Thus Mexicans stream into our nation illegally and thus are considered to be victims here because they thrive in an underground economy that steals labor opportunity from youngsters working in retail or cutting lawns, we pay for their education and health benefits at emergency rooms and pay for fire, police, roads and subways for them through our taxes. Employers and landlords that harbor them avoid paying taxes on income and social security - it's time to pay the piper folks - no more free rides for Mexicans - our economic refugees!
3
I assume Mr. Peña Nieto cannot accommodate Trump; Mexicans would never tolerate that in these circumstances.
And I doubt that laying down a bunch of red lines would influence Trump on this.
Trump has painted himself into a corner with his preposterous statement that Mexico would pay for a wall. He will struggle to find a way out and save face, as the 20% tax idea demonstrated (which would have been paid by US citizens--it took awhile for Trump's people to realize that).
No, it's probably best to keep things simple. Let Trump try to find a way out of his mess. Clearly and unequivocally respond to things like who-pays-for-the-wall as they come up. Don't give Trump anything that he could use as an excuse to widen the confrontation (and take the spotlight off his predicament).
And I doubt that laying down a bunch of red lines would influence Trump on this.
Trump has painted himself into a corner with his preposterous statement that Mexico would pay for a wall. He will struggle to find a way out and save face, as the 20% tax idea demonstrated (which would have been paid by US citizens--it took awhile for Trump's people to realize that).
No, it's probably best to keep things simple. Let Trump try to find a way out of his mess. Clearly and unequivocally respond to things like who-pays-for-the-wall as they come up. Don't give Trump anything that he could use as an excuse to widen the confrontation (and take the spotlight off his predicament).
2
The the idea of the wall as anything resembling a solution to the migration of undocumented migrants is, much like most of President Trump's ideas, delusional and dangerously simple-minded. It will be less a way to keep 'Mexicans' (because that's all Latin America boils down to in his narrow worldview) out but to enclose US citizens and turn us against each other. The border wall is a ruse for a boondoggle jobs program to divert Americans from having to face historical problems of our own making and to enjoy the advantage of having an institutionally and politically weakened neighbor. Just consider the ways that the United States has historically done its Latin American neighbors wrong as well as the ways that US citizens benefit from undocumented labor, drug consumption, and the dealing of destruction by doing little to actually encourage a strong democratic Mexico as a partner. Festung America is no panacea for our ills.
Unless President Peña Nieto somehow becomes canny and grows a spine and unless both Mexican and Mexican politicians begin to find some manner of getting beyond their sclerotic approach to self governance, the way forward will be awful to contemplate.
Unless President Peña Nieto somehow becomes canny and grows a spine and unless both Mexican and Mexican politicians begin to find some manner of getting beyond their sclerotic approach to self governance, the way forward will be awful to contemplate.
2
" Washington should count its blessings. For a century, the United States has been an accomplice to Mexican corruption, human rights violations and authoritarian rule. But it has also supported Mexico economically, abstained from seeking regime change, tolerated mass migration from the south and generally treated Mexico with respect. The quid pro quo was immensely and mutually beneficial. Messing with it is worse than rash: It is reckless. "
The best piece, so far, from a Mexican intellectual/thinker about the wall imbroglio.
Professor Castaneda touches a raw nerve of US/Mexico's relations when he writes in the initial paragraph above " for a century, the US has been an accomplice to Mexican corruption, humans rights violation and authoritarian rule."
Summing up professor Castaneda's analysis and implicit conclusion. Mexico's political system is the weakest link in the bilateral relations with the US.
Donald Trump's actions are already destabilizing a ruling elite which successive American administrations have supported for a century.
As the old saying goes: Be careful what you wish for. The worst outcome for the American people would be a failed state on its longest Southern border.
The best piece, so far, from a Mexican intellectual/thinker about the wall imbroglio.
Professor Castaneda touches a raw nerve of US/Mexico's relations when he writes in the initial paragraph above " for a century, the US has been an accomplice to Mexican corruption, humans rights violation and authoritarian rule."
Summing up professor Castaneda's analysis and implicit conclusion. Mexico's political system is the weakest link in the bilateral relations with the US.
Donald Trump's actions are already destabilizing a ruling elite which successive American administrations have supported for a century.
As the old saying goes: Be careful what you wish for. The worst outcome for the American people would be a failed state on its longest Southern border.
2
The United States and Mexico are, in a sense, conjoined twins from a geographic and historical perspective. It makes absolutely no sense to pursue an adversarial relationship and devise remedies to imaginary problems.
The fact that these policies are hostile to fundamental reasoning seem to make them desirable to president Trump and the right-wing zealots currently in power in the U.S. federal government.
Hopefully, both nations can ride the storm out until some version of sanity returns.
The fact that these policies are hostile to fundamental reasoning seem to make them desirable to president Trump and the right-wing zealots currently in power in the U.S. federal government.
Hopefully, both nations can ride the storm out until some version of sanity returns.
1
Those in the know realize that a national border is not just a bright red line on a map. It is a zone that extends 150 miles in both directions from that bright red line. So even though San Antonio is technically not on the border because it is not on the Rio Grande River it is intimately connected to Laredo, which is.
President "let's make it easier for business" Trump is about to throw a huge monkey wrench into the current situation and thus gum up the works for businesses on both sides of the border. This is definitely going to have a negative effect on the economies of South Texas and Northern Mexico.
Oh well, I guess Donald and the GOP are expecting an oil boom caused by "loosening" of federal regulations. When it is all said and done we will have dirtier air and water in exchange for very few additional oil jobs.
Too bad "The Donald" will never get Saudi Arabia to lower their oil output. Or his friend Russia. Or Mexico. Or Indonesia. Then maybe oil prices will rise to the point where it is profitable to drill for oil in the US.
Also hopefully the idiotic Texas Legislature will not pass an unneeded bathroom law aimed at punishing transgender school kids. If that happens when people start boycotting Texas as a tourist destination the economy is around here is going to be a smoking wreck.
And to think this this whole nightmare scenario could have been avoided had the Gray Lady felt the Bern:
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/056.png
President "let's make it easier for business" Trump is about to throw a huge monkey wrench into the current situation and thus gum up the works for businesses on both sides of the border. This is definitely going to have a negative effect on the economies of South Texas and Northern Mexico.
Oh well, I guess Donald and the GOP are expecting an oil boom caused by "loosening" of federal regulations. When it is all said and done we will have dirtier air and water in exchange for very few additional oil jobs.
Too bad "The Donald" will never get Saudi Arabia to lower their oil output. Or his friend Russia. Or Mexico. Or Indonesia. Then maybe oil prices will rise to the point where it is profitable to drill for oil in the US.
Also hopefully the idiotic Texas Legislature will not pass an unneeded bathroom law aimed at punishing transgender school kids. If that happens when people start boycotting Texas as a tourist destination the economy is around here is going to be a smoking wreck.
And to think this this whole nightmare scenario could have been avoided had the Gray Lady felt the Bern:
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/056.png
2
There are decades of powerful investments in the relationship between Mexico and the US. Texas, and all of our border states are ping pong balls coping with the ebb and flow of refugees when, primarily, Central American and South American nations' torturing blood baths erupt for years at a time. Drugs flow in from every port in America. The drug lords want the wall more than anyone. They traffic in ship containers now. The more dogs and border security for the wall's refugees, the less glare on new U.S. cartels. President Nieto will always be remembered as a hero in Mexico and, is now a world player. Trump, on the other hand, is poker player with a losing hand, in the first week of his Presidency. Thank God.
3
I would add one more suggestion to your action list. Mexico should consider cancelling the citizenship of permanent emigres. Those who have abandoned Mexico for a "better life" in the North are "Americans" now, not Mexicans. This is especially true for youngsters who were taken to the U.S., educated and acculturated there. They are not Mexicans and would suffer greatly if deported to Mexico. Even if Mexico had a more robust economy, absorbing 11 million involuntary and reluctant deportees would be disastrous. WIthout Mexican citizenship, the U.S. can not forcibly resettle them in Mexico.
Maybe Mexico needs to take care of its own citizens with better educational and economic opportunities. Remittances from illegals and those living legally in the United States is around $24B per year according to the most recent stats, which makes it the highest form of revenue for the Mexican government surpassing both it's oil and tourist industries. So it is and always has been in their best interests to urge their people to go North for work and for the government not to institute reforms in Mexico to take care of their own people by uplifting them, wages, jobs, healthcare, education, and to go after the drug cartels and government corruption associated with that with a vengeance. but they will not do that with any zeal. Yet they are fine with illegal immigration costing American taxpayers some $112B per year in having to deal with this problem and of course the loss of jobs to American citizens in some areas! On illegal drugs I would be the first to say that consumption here in America is a huge issue but if the Mexican government did more to stop it in their country from crossing the border then there would be that much less for consumption here. And of course the huge trade imbalance due to NAFTA is enormous in favor of Mexico, that is proven in government stats!! Our two countries should be working hand-in-hand to be the best of friends and neighbors, in a fair way! Plus the citizens of Mexico deserve much more from their own government and business elites!!!
4
Suppose in a thought experiment that Mexico does not fight alone, but organizes a substantial coalition of other countries to oppose the United States. And suppose that this bloc then decides that the way to retaliate is to impose an embargo on specific exports to the US - think cars, appliances, clothing, and iPhones.
In the long run, we could produce these here. In the short run we cannot. The probable result would be a very significant recession here. In addition, if the rest of the world developed alternative supply chains, we could find ourselves effectively frozen out of international trade in the mid-term. A full scale trade war against a united world does not bode well for success.
Yes, we would have a great wall on our southern border, strong tariffs against foreign goods coming in, and extreme immigration control. But nobody would need to sell to us and nobody would want to come here.
In the long run, we could produce these here. In the short run we cannot. The probable result would be a very significant recession here. In addition, if the rest of the world developed alternative supply chains, we could find ourselves effectively frozen out of international trade in the mid-term. A full scale trade war against a united world does not bode well for success.
Yes, we would have a great wall on our southern border, strong tariffs against foreign goods coming in, and extreme immigration control. But nobody would need to sell to us and nobody would want to come here.
1
Trump's impulsiveness is born out of spite for an order established long ago and which he has no idea about, other than wanting to leave his (irresponsible) imprint. Longstanding alliances will suffer, its consequence likely disastrous, making the U.S. a very unfriendly place to survive, let alone thrive. Is that what we want in a country build by immigrants, whether documented or not? And building walls instead of bridges may be due to deeper problems of our own making, not related to a migrant attracted to work for desperate farmers to save their crops.
2
#45's campaign promise to build a wall whether built or not symbolically will create a canyon, not a rift, of social distrust and economic penalties.
Mexico naturally would seek new more amenable trading partners, ; e.g. Pacific Rim, Europe. USA corporations who relocated operations to Mexico most likely follow the same path. Many American will lose jobs, from truck drivers, logistic personnel and USA based company support personnel to name a few.
Americans living in Mexico, mainly retirees, might begin to feel unwelcome in their adopted retirement country. Mexican legal immigrants here in the USA could be targeted as illegals being subjected to similar social injustices, as reported recently at JFK airport when a Massachusetts man kicked and threatened a Delta employee , because she wore a hijab.
Congress and Senate my request develop plan to rein in #45 or be ready with damage control and if not be tied to #45's illogical , irrational and destructive legacy.
Mexico naturally would seek new more amenable trading partners, ; e.g. Pacific Rim, Europe. USA corporations who relocated operations to Mexico most likely follow the same path. Many American will lose jobs, from truck drivers, logistic personnel and USA based company support personnel to name a few.
Americans living in Mexico, mainly retirees, might begin to feel unwelcome in their adopted retirement country. Mexican legal immigrants here in the USA could be targeted as illegals being subjected to similar social injustices, as reported recently at JFK airport when a Massachusetts man kicked and threatened a Delta employee , because she wore a hijab.
Congress and Senate my request develop plan to rein in #45 or be ready with damage control and if not be tied to #45's illogical , irrational and destructive legacy.
2
This article is a very concise summary of why the relationship between the United States and Mexico has been so deleterious to the U.S. and why Trump is right to want the wall and should probably withdraw from NAFTA entirely.
Mexico has never been able to control the border, much of the time it can't even control its own northern states which are run by narco gangs. Mexico has a pitifully bad educational system leaving most of the country mired in poverty even after massive foreign investment in Mexican industry.
Of course, it is Mexican people themselves who bear the brunt of these failures by the Mexican elite. However, of concern to Trump, Americans are also negatively impacted. We suffer from crime and drugs which come over the border. Wages in the U.S. are depressed by mass immigration, both legal and illegal. And millions of Americans lost their jobs or had their salaries cut due to relocation of industry to Mexico via NAFTA, which was always a political bailout of the Mexican elite rather than an economic necessity.
Mexico will refuse to cooperate in solving problems nor respect our sovereignty when we try to solve them via desperate measures such as a wall?
Fine, it then becomes crystal clear what we need to do - leave NAFTA entirely and close the border. A good wall, with all Mexican nationals only on the Mexican side of the wall, will maybe make for good neighbors in a way that Mexico's non-cooperation never has.
Mexico has never been able to control the border, much of the time it can't even control its own northern states which are run by narco gangs. Mexico has a pitifully bad educational system leaving most of the country mired in poverty even after massive foreign investment in Mexican industry.
Of course, it is Mexican people themselves who bear the brunt of these failures by the Mexican elite. However, of concern to Trump, Americans are also negatively impacted. We suffer from crime and drugs which come over the border. Wages in the U.S. are depressed by mass immigration, both legal and illegal. And millions of Americans lost their jobs or had their salaries cut due to relocation of industry to Mexico via NAFTA, which was always a political bailout of the Mexican elite rather than an economic necessity.
Mexico will refuse to cooperate in solving problems nor respect our sovereignty when we try to solve them via desperate measures such as a wall?
Fine, it then becomes crystal clear what we need to do - leave NAFTA entirely and close the border. A good wall, with all Mexican nationals only on the Mexican side of the wall, will maybe make for good neighbors in a way that Mexico's non-cooperation never has.
6
Excellent summary. Mexican leaders don't control their own nation, don't educate their own people and then whine when Americans protest.
As with many other issues, Mr. T has no knowledge or concern for the history or context of the relationships between the US and Mexico. His "decisions" reflect the paranoia and delusions of the minority of the minority of people on the extreme right who drive his behavior.
Another commentator has said that Mexico should seek partners elsewhere. I remember the Cuban Revolution, and how the USA's behavior over the years since the Monroe Doctrine drove Cuba into the arms of the Soviet Union, a relationship that ended badly.
Perhaps Mexico will have to look to Europe and Asia to find less paternalistic trading partners, but it will not be an easy task.
Another commentator has said that Mexico should seek partners elsewhere. I remember the Cuban Revolution, and how the USA's behavior over the years since the Monroe Doctrine drove Cuba into the arms of the Soviet Union, a relationship that ended badly.
Perhaps Mexico will have to look to Europe and Asia to find less paternalistic trading partners, but it will not be an easy task.
4
Mexico can prevent Trump's march off the cliff. Confronting Trump on the ground that Mexico is a sovereign nation and will not permit the wall.
President Trump will destroy the American economy. He has no concept of our interconnections in trade, finance, and economics as well as our National Security.
America will be reduced to pre-world war economics and alliances.
The dangerous reconfiguration of alliances and trade partners will not be easily undone once distrust has turned all nations from America.
It is hard to recognize the fact that Trump is dangerous because the primaries, the press, and the election failed to prevent a crazy dangerous man from winning. Can America remove Trump on the grounds that he is mentally, emotionally, and morally unfit? Republicans have wrapped their arms around Trump. Business leaders have embraced Trump. The religious right has ignored his behavior, his speech, his sexual assault accusers, his lies and tied itself to his Presidency. When will these groups renounce Trump? Will it take a war?, economic collapse? environmental disaster? blood in the streets? Or will they join Trump and march off the cliff?
Mexico may be the agent of our awakening if President Enrique Peña Nieto has the courage to confront this mad man.
President Trump will destroy the American economy. He has no concept of our interconnections in trade, finance, and economics as well as our National Security.
America will be reduced to pre-world war economics and alliances.
The dangerous reconfiguration of alliances and trade partners will not be easily undone once distrust has turned all nations from America.
It is hard to recognize the fact that Trump is dangerous because the primaries, the press, and the election failed to prevent a crazy dangerous man from winning. Can America remove Trump on the grounds that he is mentally, emotionally, and morally unfit? Republicans have wrapped their arms around Trump. Business leaders have embraced Trump. The religious right has ignored his behavior, his speech, his sexual assault accusers, his lies and tied itself to his Presidency. When will these groups renounce Trump? Will it take a war?, economic collapse? environmental disaster? blood in the streets? Or will they join Trump and march off the cliff?
Mexico may be the agent of our awakening if President Enrique Peña Nieto has the courage to confront this mad man.
3
I am very glad that the Times has published Dr. Castaneda's piece. It is important for all of us to hear as many voices from Mexico as possible; the English-speaking press in the U.S. dedicates little space to domestic affairs there. Trump's actions, words and orders have thrown the work and dedication of many on both sides of the border out the window. A wall on the border, whatever form it might take, will not control migration or drugs.
Further, Trump has accomplished something that eluded the left in Mexico for a long time--emerging unification. A dynamic economic relationship with the US has contained and neutralized the left--but no more. Calls for boycotts of American brands (there are a ton of them now in Mexico), and demonstrations could galvanize the left. People are threatening to stop buying at Starbuck's.
I hate to think what comes next.
Further, Trump has accomplished something that eluded the left in Mexico for a long time--emerging unification. A dynamic economic relationship with the US has contained and neutralized the left--but no more. Calls for boycotts of American brands (there are a ton of them now in Mexico), and demonstrations could galvanize the left. People are threatening to stop buying at Starbuck's.
I hate to think what comes next.
2
Mexico has no obligation or need to help Trump build a wall along its border. It will do nothing for Mexico, but it will be a blight on the land on both sides of the border. Why should the Mexican President respect Trump when he visited Mexico to insult the President and citizens, then gave a speech in Arizona insulting Mexico further?
Trump behaves like a spoiled child who has been allowed to lie all his life. Did he think the Mexicans wouldn't hear his Arizona speech? You can choose between pathological liar or stupid, or choose both.
There are, of course, tunnels, ships, airplanes, and drones. The Mexican border will be expensive to monitor, with or without a wall. The hiring freeze on federal employees makes it impossible.
Mexico's President had no option but to cancel the trip to visit Trump. No country's leader can tolerate Trump's insults and continue to lead. Will Trump hold his breath until he turns blue if he doesn't get what he wants?
What will a border wall do to the US economy? It will be expensive to build, but guarding every inch of the wall and maintaining it will destroy the US economy. Mexico will not pay.
Look at what the Berlin Wall did to the East German economy, then count the lives lost trying to cross the Wall anyway. People managed to cross in increasingly inventive ways, costing East Germany more money each year. Finally it ended and all the people of Berlin celebrated.
Trump behaves like a spoiled child who has been allowed to lie all his life. Did he think the Mexicans wouldn't hear his Arizona speech? You can choose between pathological liar or stupid, or choose both.
There are, of course, tunnels, ships, airplanes, and drones. The Mexican border will be expensive to monitor, with or without a wall. The hiring freeze on federal employees makes it impossible.
Mexico's President had no option but to cancel the trip to visit Trump. No country's leader can tolerate Trump's insults and continue to lead. Will Trump hold his breath until he turns blue if he doesn't get what he wants?
What will a border wall do to the US economy? It will be expensive to build, but guarding every inch of the wall and maintaining it will destroy the US economy. Mexico will not pay.
Look at what the Berlin Wall did to the East German economy, then count the lives lost trying to cross the Wall anyway. People managed to cross in increasingly inventive ways, costing East Germany more money each year. Finally it ended and all the people of Berlin celebrated.
12
When Fidel Castro emptied his prisons and sent the people who had been incarcerated to the US, our government protested. When various US law enforcement agencies do the same, some people think it's a great thing.
Some of the people who are pouring out of Central America and asking for asylum are bearing the burden of the US decision to deport criminals. It didn't begin with Trump, but it causes predictable consequences that hurt innocent people.
Some of the people who are pouring out of Central America and asking for asylum are bearing the burden of the US decision to deport criminals. It didn't begin with Trump, but it causes predictable consequences that hurt innocent people.
1
No, what Mexico should have done was begin brokering deals with Europe and China to expand their trade in those parts of the world. Mexico currently exports a million barrels of oil a day to the US. Surely there are other buyers out there. Furthermore, Mexico would do well by itself to end the war on drugs and even take steps to legalize marijuana. I'd even go so far as to legalize the manufacturing and transportation of any drugs while increasing penalties for the sale and distribution in Mexico. Afterall, Mexicans do not have the problems with drug addiction that Americans have. There is so much that Mexico has to bargin with. Let the US go down the economic money pit that is protectionism.
123
Hmmm... so you would go as far to legalize the manufacturing and transportation of any drugs like heroin, crack, and meth...you know the soft stuff. Which means Mexico should join forces with most brutal and violent criminal organizations in the world? You know the one that has murdered, tortured, and injured thousands of Mexican citizens.That sounds like a sound policy...what could go wrong with that? But wait a minute. Do you really think that is necessary. Aren't they already on their payroll? How else would you explain drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman escaping from your maximum security prison for a second time through an elaborate one-mile ventilated underground tunnel. Just saying...I don't think political policy is your strong suit.
China? And have the Chinese exploit all agreed on rules to the point that there is an enormously lopsided trade balance in their favor?? Sounds great. And Europe? The same Europe that has hundreds of millions of disgruntled voters causing a wave of anti globalism to wash across the entire region?? Sure, I bet a NAFTA deal of their own would go over real smooth.
Like so many of President Trump's programs, "The Wall" was a cheap campaign slogan, now turning into a looming nightmare. If it gets built at all it will cost billions and do nothing. It will go down in history as Trumps Folly.
But far worse is the destruction of the excellent relations the United States has enjoyed with Mexico. It will take generations to rebuild what Trump has destroyed in a week with a few tweets.
And now he is building another kind of wall to shut out Muslims from around the world in the form of draconian restrictions on immigration--but only from Islamic nations where he doesn't own hotels and golf courses or investments.
But just wait. These moves are a harbinger of the destruction to come as Trump destroys every shred of American credibility in the world. The wall he is truly building is not one to keep people out--it is the wall that is going to box the United States in from participation in the burgeoning world economy. He is making us into a pariah nation and we seem to be too weak to resist.
But far worse is the destruction of the excellent relations the United States has enjoyed with Mexico. It will take generations to rebuild what Trump has destroyed in a week with a few tweets.
And now he is building another kind of wall to shut out Muslims from around the world in the form of draconian restrictions on immigration--but only from Islamic nations where he doesn't own hotels and golf courses or investments.
But just wait. These moves are a harbinger of the destruction to come as Trump destroys every shred of American credibility in the world. The wall he is truly building is not one to keep people out--it is the wall that is going to box the United States in from participation in the burgeoning world economy. He is making us into a pariah nation and we seem to be too weak to resist.
390
While a border wall would not completely solve the problem of illegal immigration, to suggest that it would do "nothing" is simply foolish talk. Furthermore, the idea of a border wall alone being the only enforcement measure has never even been discussed or mentioned. So you're spreading a bit of self fabricated fake news there. A border wall, with E-Verify, employer penalties, and internal enforcement would absolutely reduce illegal immigration and the illegal population by a large percentage.
3
First, were the claims that he won't get elected and doesn't really want to be president. He is elected. Then that he's all talk. He delivers on his campaign promises. Then that he's ruined our relationship with Mexico and will cause a 20% increase in fruit prices. He has an amicable phone conversation with Mr. Peña Nieto.
Is there anything else you'd like to be wrong about? Seriously, why not stop with the prognosticating. The worst at it are his biggest critics.
Is there anything else you'd like to be wrong about? Seriously, why not stop with the prognosticating. The worst at it are his biggest critics.
Finally, a commenter who mentions E-Verify and employer penalties. It takes two to tango, and plenty of business owners are happy to get cheap illegal labor. That's why we have E-Verify, but how's that enforcement going?
Frankly, we could have done plenty without a wall. If employers seeking cheap labor were rigorously penalized, if there was no work available, they would not come. Easier to just blame the whole mess on the Mexicans.
As stupid as this country is, I wouldn't be surprised if the American contractors winning bids to build this ridiculous wall ended up employing mostly illegal labor to do it.
Frankly, we could have done plenty without a wall. If employers seeking cheap labor were rigorously penalized, if there was no work available, they would not come. Easier to just blame the whole mess on the Mexicans.
As stupid as this country is, I wouldn't be surprised if the American contractors winning bids to build this ridiculous wall ended up employing mostly illegal labor to do it.
3
So I guess this is Trump's idea of regaining the world's respect for America that Obama supposedly squandered ?
Someone should tell Trump the basic rules of diplomacy . STOP telegraphing sensitive conversations with other world leaders through Twitter !!! So unprofessional .
Obama was a true statesmen and all he got was disrespect from his own countrymen , most notably Trump , the big mouth that he is . He had the nerve to criticize his foreign policy while look what happens in one week with this amateur on the world stage .
I truly believe that either Bannon or Trump or both are going to lose it one of these days from the stress and it will be quite at that point obvious the extent of their neurosis .
Someone should tell Trump the basic rules of diplomacy . STOP telegraphing sensitive conversations with other world leaders through Twitter !!! So unprofessional .
Obama was a true statesmen and all he got was disrespect from his own countrymen , most notably Trump , the big mouth that he is . He had the nerve to criticize his foreign policy while look what happens in one week with this amateur on the world stage .
I truly believe that either Bannon or Trump or both are going to lose it one of these days from the stress and it will be quite at that point obvious the extent of their neurosis .
10
A headline during the election concerning one of Trump’s earlier insanities was - Trump’s plan to seize Iraq’s oil: “It’s not stealing, we’re reimbursing ourselves” The word “reimbursing” is now being used in context with Trump’s assertion that he will force Mexico to pay for the wall. Trump reiterated that he would have seized Iraq’s oil recently at a speech at to the CIA.
Some proponents of the Border Adjustment Tax have expressed the view that it is Reaganesque but in fact it is the epitome of everything that Reagan was against. Ronald Reagan believed in the leaky bucket metaphor as originated by the late economist Wilfredo Pareto and then popularized by the late Arthur Okun. It is that administrative costs and inefficiencies cause gains to beneficiaries of government action to be less than the costs to the losers who pay the bill.
Reagan also said in 1983 that as the leader of the western world and as a country that has become great because of economic freedom, America must be an advocate of free trade. And in his 1983 State of the Union address he emphasized that high trade barriers undermine economic growth and destroy jobs. Clearly, to the extent that the Border Adjustment Tax causes goods and services to be produced in other than the most efficient and least costly manner it will lower living standards and productivity. By picking winners and losers, crony capitalism in our view, these are exactly what is accomplished ...."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4039655
Some proponents of the Border Adjustment Tax have expressed the view that it is Reaganesque but in fact it is the epitome of everything that Reagan was against. Ronald Reagan believed in the leaky bucket metaphor as originated by the late economist Wilfredo Pareto and then popularized by the late Arthur Okun. It is that administrative costs and inefficiencies cause gains to beneficiaries of government action to be less than the costs to the losers who pay the bill.
Reagan also said in 1983 that as the leader of the western world and as a country that has become great because of economic freedom, America must be an advocate of free trade. And in his 1983 State of the Union address he emphasized that high trade barriers undermine economic growth and destroy jobs. Clearly, to the extent that the Border Adjustment Tax causes goods and services to be produced in other than the most efficient and least costly manner it will lower living standards and productivity. By picking winners and losers, crony capitalism in our view, these are exactly what is accomplished ...."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4039655
1
What does DJT's handwriting tell us?
4
Small hands!
1
That he could care less about the opinions of others.
The Taliban is growing poppies by the tens of thousands. They've done this for two reasons: 1) it's a source of revenue for them, and 2) to undermine the West by sating its insatiable appetite for drugs. This is the source of the present heroin epidemic. Mexico could do the same. Call off its crackdown on the drug lords and give them free reign to conduct their business, only this time Mexico taxes their profits. Mexico would become a fabulously wealthy nation while the US "drowns in its own drugs." We've forgotten how Reagan was besides himself trying to halt the Columbian narcotics trade and the destruction wrought by the introduction of crack cocaine to American cities. The load on drug enforcement - always a losing proposition, would overwhelm us making illegal immigration seem like a nuisance in camparison. The treasury would be drained trying to stem the tide of illegal narcotics. Meanwhile, Mexico will laugh all the way to the bank while the wall conveniently keeps out intruding US agents. Have we learned nothing from history?
10
So you are advocating that Mexico become officially a "Narco-nation"? How long would its international status as a good neighbor last when its drugs reach Europe in ever increasing quantities? No business believes in a saturated market until it has expanded to every corner where its goods can be sold. The Mexican rug cartels would do the same.
Mr Castaneda makes some thoughtful points. But the bottom line is that Mexico is dealing with a person, the President, who has a false idea of what trade deficits and surpluses mean. His learning is in business and he makes an erroneous transfer of that learning into trade economics. The simple fact is that the trade deficit is due to the strength of the US dollar. Therefore, countries cannot afford to buy American goods, and there is a trade deficit. It has nothing to do with bad trade deals and Mexico must stand firm that trade deals have been fair.
Let the American buffon build a wall-it will be a world heritage site to American folly-and a monument for all time to those who deal in tours to failed cultures icons.
Mexico should now pursue other countries as trading partners and especially China who will not hesitate to give Mexico a fair trade deal.
Additionally, Mexico should further pursue more trade with Canada now that the visa restrictions have been lifter. We need much from Mexico.
Let the American buffon build a wall-it will be a world heritage site to American folly-and a monument for all time to those who deal in tours to failed cultures icons.
Mexico should now pursue other countries as trading partners and especially China who will not hesitate to give Mexico a fair trade deal.
Additionally, Mexico should further pursue more trade with Canada now that the visa restrictions have been lifter. We need much from Mexico.
20
Alongside the Chinese, the Mexicans look Swiss. They will be peeled like grapes in any enhanced proximity. Time invested in restoring the bi- lateral relationship is our best option.
How dependent is the Mexican economy on money from the North American drug trade? How many Billions of dollars is that? Have you listened to president Trump? He is after the drug runners, the criminals, the cartels.
How did El Chapo escape from a Mexican prison twice? When will the perpetrators of the Iguala mass kidnapping be caught and punished? Where are those 43 students?
Your problem is not Donald Trump.
How did El Chapo escape from a Mexican prison twice? When will the perpetrators of the Iguala mass kidnapping be caught and punished? Where are those 43 students?
Your problem is not Donald Trump.
25
Not to mention the deliberate targeting of Catholic priests for the cartels to intimidate the people. Priests were always held in the highest esteem in Mexico until the animals, such as El Chapo, started raping this once beautiful country.
1
Whatever can be going through the minds of people advocating for the free flow of drug runner, coyotes and criminals? Do they even realize for what they are advocating?
It's got to be that oppositional defiant syndrome that affects people who hate Trump.
It's got to be that oppositional defiant syndrome that affects people who hate Trump.
You've spent too much time listening to alternative facts. I suggest you try a little dose of reality.
1
Love the art work accompanying this. The week of DJT waving his decrees for the cameras has been fascinating. That signature -- so recognizable to anyone who has ever had the misfortune to work under an extremely narcissistic boss. If I had a signature like that, I don't think I'd want to be waving it for the cameras.
7
Too much emphasis here on red lines and making things clear. Real power lies in what you can do or not do, not what you say, and the Mexican government has lots of options in this regard. Relaxing cooperation with the DEA would be one of them. Border crossing fees; random investigations of estadounidenses living in Mexico yet another, another. Furthermore, it can put them into practice without a word and let gringos figure out what they are up to.
10
Mexico is not controlling their own border. As a result hundreds of thousands of south and Central Americas are passing through Mexico to illegally ender the United States. Let's start with that
20
Mexican law does not allow the government to force its own citizens to stay, just as American law does not. The flow of undocumented immigrants from Mexico to the United States has reversed itself since 2009. Since that time, there has been a next loss of Mexican immigrants to the US. More are going home than coming in. A large part of those continuing to cross the border, or at least attempting to do so, are from Central America. They are tyring to escape the end results of a century and a half of American meddling in that region, which has resulted in failed states and rampant violence in many of those countries, particularly Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Mexico has neither an obligation nor any interest in keeping those immigrants on their side of the border.
Back to you.
Back to you.
3
You have no idea how many security people in Mexico have been preventing people from crossing our border. By the way, 40% of all illegals are from other countries, they came here by visa and never left. And by the way, I do know some people from Canada and New Zealand who came here illegally and stayed. They passed because they are not "Mexicans".
The leader pronounced, "It's a sin,
That the unwanted can just walk in.
So let's build a wall
Grand, imposing and tall
And protect our beloved...Berlin."
That the unwanted can just walk in.
So let's build a wall
Grand, imposing and tall
And protect our beloved...Berlin."
65
Clever, but inaccurate. The Berlin Wall was built be the government of East Germany, trying to keep citizens IN East Germany, not by West Germany to which people were fleeing for economic opportunity. The correct analogy would be for Mexico to build a wall to keep Mexicans in Mexico, while the US welcomed them to flee here.
Jorge Castañeda, one of Mexico's leading public intellectuals, offers good advice to Pres. Peña-Nieto while also giving fair warning to Trump.
When Mexico joined NAFTA, it threw its lot in with the United States. It went from being a regional leader in Latin America to the weaker link within the North American economy.
As Castaneda says, Mexico "placed all its eggs in one basket: North America, free trade, democracy...human rights. President Trump’s executive orders and his views on these fundamental issues make that decision seem like a mistake."
The US-Mexico relation has always been fraught with anxiety ("So far from God so close to the US") and every Mexican remembers what almost every US citizen forgets: following the US invasion from1846-48, Mexico was forced to cede half of its territory, land that today comprises the states of California, Texas Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.
Should Mexico stand firm and negotiate, as Castañeda recommends, even though it will remain vulnerable to the whims of an unstable and xenophobic US president and his supporters.
Or should it take advantage of the crisis, affirm its dignity and reassert it role as the second largest economy in Latin America.
As costly as it will be in the short run, Mexico now has the opportunity to move closer to the rest of Latin America and take advantage of trade deals with European and Pacific Rim nations.
Mexico should tell Mr. Trump, the ultimate ugly American: Yanqui Go Home.
When Mexico joined NAFTA, it threw its lot in with the United States. It went from being a regional leader in Latin America to the weaker link within the North American economy.
As Castaneda says, Mexico "placed all its eggs in one basket: North America, free trade, democracy...human rights. President Trump’s executive orders and his views on these fundamental issues make that decision seem like a mistake."
The US-Mexico relation has always been fraught with anxiety ("So far from God so close to the US") and every Mexican remembers what almost every US citizen forgets: following the US invasion from1846-48, Mexico was forced to cede half of its territory, land that today comprises the states of California, Texas Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.
Should Mexico stand firm and negotiate, as Castañeda recommends, even though it will remain vulnerable to the whims of an unstable and xenophobic US president and his supporters.
Or should it take advantage of the crisis, affirm its dignity and reassert it role as the second largest economy in Latin America.
As costly as it will be in the short run, Mexico now has the opportunity to move closer to the rest of Latin America and take advantage of trade deals with European and Pacific Rim nations.
Mexico should tell Mr. Trump, the ultimate ugly American: Yanqui Go Home.
56
A little lost here.
Mr. Castaneda is being given space in the New York Times
to tell America it cannot build a wall on its own territory.
And if America does - for Mexico and others to do whatever they
can to make the Wall as expensive as possible.
Immigrants need to be offered the ability to be paid a living wage
and to have all the employment rights of U.S. Citizens.
But Immigration needs to be regulated and well organised - no one
should have to risk their lives trusting and overpaying Coyotes and
having to cross Deserts.
Mr. Castaneda is being given space in the New York Times
to tell America it cannot build a wall on its own territory.
And if America does - for Mexico and others to do whatever they
can to make the Wall as expensive as possible.
Immigrants need to be offered the ability to be paid a living wage
and to have all the employment rights of U.S. Citizens.
But Immigration needs to be regulated and well organised - no one
should have to risk their lives trusting and overpaying Coyotes and
having to cross Deserts.
14
I hope we continue to hear from other voices. I profoundly dread the character Trump is forcefully imposing on us: xenophobic, angry, hostile, a white America run for and by whites. Pictures of the Women's March tell me I'm not at all alone in my dread.
Trump would agree with your comment (except that he doesn't read news). And it isn't only voices from other cultures that he would eliminate. The news today is he's eliminating science from the EPA. He continues to denigrate the press, choosing to give voice only to those who praise him. And he self censors, stating he's too smart to need daily briefings, a practice all other Presidents have, at least, listened to. I fear a no-nothing populace controlled by a maniac dictator. Who would have thought!
Para mi, Professor Caseneda wrote one of the most thoughtful, intellectually profound analysis of the issues Trump has turned into crises. It bears reading over a few times to absorb. That's brain candy.
I'm writing this while studying Spanish in San Miguel de Allende, I find Mexicans are a remarkably happy people who treat me, yet another Americano tourist in this city full of American immigrants and tourists, with respect. Yet, they have kept their culture from fawning over us. Yesterday I happened in on a fiesta with such joyous folk dancers, it made me smile and think something's right in this world. The gathering was for the locals. A table there was promoting the use of earthworms to enrich soils. Whst's not to like?
Trump would agree with your comment (except that he doesn't read news). And it isn't only voices from other cultures that he would eliminate. The news today is he's eliminating science from the EPA. He continues to denigrate the press, choosing to give voice only to those who praise him. And he self censors, stating he's too smart to need daily briefings, a practice all other Presidents have, at least, listened to. I fear a no-nothing populace controlled by a maniac dictator. Who would have thought!
Para mi, Professor Caseneda wrote one of the most thoughtful, intellectually profound analysis of the issues Trump has turned into crises. It bears reading over a few times to absorb. That's brain candy.
I'm writing this while studying Spanish in San Miguel de Allende, I find Mexicans are a remarkably happy people who treat me, yet another Americano tourist in this city full of American immigrants and tourists, with respect. Yet, they have kept their culture from fawning over us. Yesterday I happened in on a fiesta with such joyous folk dancers, it made me smile and think something's right in this world. The gathering was for the locals. A table there was promoting the use of earthworms to enrich soils. Whst's not to like?
1
Just to clarify what I think you are saying: Mexicans and Central Americans risk their lives and their life savings to come to the US and then live in fear of arrest and deportation. That is not their first choice. They would much rather come legally but the archaic and cumbersome US immigration laws make that an impossibility for most.
2
How would we feel if Canada decided to build a multi billion dollar wall and make us pay for it?
2
I commend Sr. Presidente. It's easy to cheer him on for flipping the bird to Trump, and I certainly do. But he also deserves credit for his earlier actions. Knowing that the optics were awful, he invited Trump and hosted the visit, trying to find a way forward so as not to trash the Mexican economy. That was tough sledding. I'm glad that, economics notwithstanding, he ended up with a win, while helping Trump to look idiotic. Again. Since regime change day, there has not been a single day where he hasn't done multiple things that would have crashed the adminstration of any real, credible POTUS. He is the uncredible shrinking unpresident.
And, BTW, Trump supporters, please feel free to weigh in here if you still actually believe that you (sadly, we) aren't paying for your silly wall. Which he'll use as backdrop for his photo ops, so your homespun wisdom can detect all the sincerity behind his bloated leering smirk while you believe him some more, and destroy the country some more.
And, BTW, Trump supporters, please feel free to weigh in here if you still actually believe that you (sadly, we) aren't paying for your silly wall. Which he'll use as backdrop for his photo ops, so your homespun wisdom can detect all the sincerity behind his bloated leering smirk while you believe him some more, and destroy the country some more.
74
Mexico now says there is an agreement to not discuss the payment of the wall in the public arena. It doesn't take much to figure out what that means. This is a save face gesture so Mexican officials can avoid being perceived as weak by the Mexican populace. Their authority and control is already reduced to near irrelevance by corruption and cartels. Admitting to paying even a percentage of the construction cost of building a wall to prevent their citizens from illegally entering the US could very likely incite mass upheaval.
The unfortunate thing about the Wall is that it will be easy to create alternative facts that show those who want to believe that Mexico is paying.
People ought to be asking if the Wall is worth the investment no matter who pays. Will undermining Mexico's economic development benefit the US and bring jobs to those who need them? What would it mean if Mexico becomes a failed state like so many others?
People ought to be asking if the Wall is worth the investment no matter who pays. Will undermining Mexico's economic development benefit the US and bring jobs to those who need them? What would it mean if Mexico becomes a failed state like so many others?
1
What the new Mexico policy represents has to be seen as an example - along with the Muslim immigration ban, the NATO doubts, the Jerusalem capitol move, the Russia/China/Brexit/UN rhetoric and support for dictatorships like Egypt and right wing groups in France and Germany - as having a much larger purpose. That is, to use the weight of the US to purposely destabilize political economies so the new Washington order can leverage its world view. We had better wake up to the fact that a vast right wing cultural and philosophical conspiracy does indeed exist.
51
It would be nice to think that there is a vast right wing conspiracy where there are calculating adults who have a rational strategy. Unfortunately, I think normal human arrogance and ignorance is the cause.
When 8 people in the world have as much as half the world's population, there is something terribly wrong. Money doesn't work as it should when so much of it is locked up in a few hands. It fails to be a true medium of exchange. I think this is the real cause of people's turn to authoritarian regimes. They want a return to the good old days when a person expected rising standards of living, instead of falling.
When 8 people in the world have as much as half the world's population, there is something terribly wrong. Money doesn't work as it should when so much of it is locked up in a few hands. It fails to be a true medium of exchange. I think this is the real cause of people's turn to authoritarian regimes. They want a return to the good old days when a person expected rising standards of living, instead of falling.
1
Yup.
Jorge Casteneda underestimates Mr Trump's capacity to bully Mexico. Mr Enrique Pena Nieto should not cave in otherwise Mr Trump will walk all over him.
Mexico should diversify and forge alliance with other countries and not rely on USA for next 4-8 years.
Mexico should diversify and forge alliance with other countries and not rely on USA for next 4-8 years.
89
Having spent time regularly in Mexico for many decades, Trump's description of Mexico is the same as his description of the US. It is a description of a country I do not recognize. Just as the US is described as a country with vast public lawlessness and crime, Mexico is described as a violent country controlled by drug cartels, where people live in a lawless country in poverty. The reality is that most Mexicans are quite happy living in Mexico and many have visited the US and have no desire of moving or living here. People living in Mexico shop at Walmart and Costco or the many Mexican large box stores and live normal lives. Mexico is both our neighbor and second largest trading partner. However instead of helping further good relations with Mexico, Trump has sought to pander to the ignorant xenophobic prejudices of his base and indulge his own love of bullying. The President of Mexico, who is very unpopular in Mexico, could only he insulted so many times by Trump before having to do something and begin pursuing other options. It is hard to see how this will ultimately benefit either country and more likely will hurt both countries.
172
I'm afraid I do not recognize the description of Mexico that you do. I have been traveling to Mexico since the mid 70's for both business and pleasure. Your description covers most of the country until the late 80's when the cartels did indeed take over the country. Drug wars, murders, bombings, kidnapings, and political corruption are rife in areas where there are not a large military presence. The cartels have even begun killing members of the Catholic Priesthood for effect. I was/am hoping that the current president of Mexico can be proactive with this country.
And living in Texas for 52 years I can tell you without a doubt, there is a huge problem with illegals. They do provide cheap labor but that comes with a level of disrespect for the law and violence. For those who claim that if you rid the state of guns then violence would stop, I can tell you that illegals are more adept with a machete than a firearm any day. All government entitlement programs here are clogged with non citizens. If an American goes to a clinic here they need to find a person to translate since most of the staff can speak little to no English. I, like the vast majority of Texans, irregardless of party, see the values of immigration, but there is a proper way to go about it. Had the liberals and the leaders of the party acknowledged that there is a difference between Legal and Illegal immigration, we most likely would have a Madame President at this point. The problem is bad enough we have DJT
And living in Texas for 52 years I can tell you without a doubt, there is a huge problem with illegals. They do provide cheap labor but that comes with a level of disrespect for the law and violence. For those who claim that if you rid the state of guns then violence would stop, I can tell you that illegals are more adept with a machete than a firearm any day. All government entitlement programs here are clogged with non citizens. If an American goes to a clinic here they need to find a person to translate since most of the staff can speak little to no English. I, like the vast majority of Texans, irregardless of party, see the values of immigration, but there is a proper way to go about it. Had the liberals and the leaders of the party acknowledged that there is a difference between Legal and Illegal immigration, we most likely would have a Madame President at this point. The problem is bad enough we have DJT
1
That is so funny, because it is the complete opposite of the tales some of my Mexican customers tell me of the endemic crime and official corruption that they and their families face on a daily basis when in the parts of Mexico where they come from. I'm not saying that all of Mexico is near a state of anarchy, but large swathes of the country operate under a peculiar form of justice, I am told, through first hand accounts.
5
Mexico should understand that Trump will never attempt to be a bi-lateral negotiator. This relationship is now all about Donald Trump. It's not about the USA, trade deficits, security, or anything else. You are not negotiating with a "partner" who seeks a beneficial outcome. Does the US have issues with non-legal immigration? Of course. But, in this case, the only valid outcome in our current world is one that makes Trump look like a winner. Please don't take the bait and support your own values. That might not be the best economic outcome, but at some point it is about your worth as a nation. It's a pity that the US outcome in that regard is determined by someone whose entire cost/benefit ratio is based on their ego versus that for the average citizen. Make America great? More like Make America dominant. Sad!
90
If we could only see his income tax returns and personal and corporate business holding records then we would no how all of this benefits the Tyrant Trump aka Der Fuhrer.
I am afraid Trump will mess with everybody. The sooner that not just Mexico but many other nations do realize we are not dealing with a statesman, and to not expect the due deliberation, and measured approach of a statesman, the better. The proceedings are coming hard and fast, he is the puppet of increasingly powerful groups and he is the one to make it happen for them, while the world is still in shock.
The Women's March should give much hope and make politicians realize they do have all the support they need to spearhead resistance. Who will lead?
The Women's March should give much hope and make politicians realize they do have all the support they need to spearhead resistance. Who will lead?
129
"Who will lead?"
Who indeed. A good deal of this will be 'leading from behind'. So far the Democrats haven't really found a voice for the (growing) majority of the country to stand behind and support. So it's going to fall to us, we who were the 'majority voters' to continue 'the march' for the saving of our little Ameican experiment in democracy. Whether that's actually creating and supporting marches in the street (a necessary visual), or an increase in our 'cyber activity', that is eMailing, tweeting, Facebooking...whatever form it takes to get out message out about what's happening...and keep it out.
Democracy is a messy form of government. It's not for sissies. That's why we're at risk for a demogogue to come in, cast blame on opponents and non-opponents alike, and tell us that s/he is the answer. We've seen that before - think Rome, fascist Europe of the 20's and 30's, current Russia, North Korea.
I saw a recent Charlie Rose interview with Jon Stewart. Most interesting and (maybe prescient), Stewart mentioned that there has never been a successful and lasting multi-racial, multi-cultural (read: pluralistic) democratic society.
Ours is the 'great American democratic experiment'. The question is, are we up to it? Ultimately, the greatest society/civilization the world had ever known, Rome and then The Roman Empire, was not.! Sadly, I'm not sanguine about our possibilities.
What a country.
Who indeed. A good deal of this will be 'leading from behind'. So far the Democrats haven't really found a voice for the (growing) majority of the country to stand behind and support. So it's going to fall to us, we who were the 'majority voters' to continue 'the march' for the saving of our little Ameican experiment in democracy. Whether that's actually creating and supporting marches in the street (a necessary visual), or an increase in our 'cyber activity', that is eMailing, tweeting, Facebooking...whatever form it takes to get out message out about what's happening...and keep it out.
Democracy is a messy form of government. It's not for sissies. That's why we're at risk for a demogogue to come in, cast blame on opponents and non-opponents alike, and tell us that s/he is the answer. We've seen that before - think Rome, fascist Europe of the 20's and 30's, current Russia, North Korea.
I saw a recent Charlie Rose interview with Jon Stewart. Most interesting and (maybe prescient), Stewart mentioned that there has never been a successful and lasting multi-racial, multi-cultural (read: pluralistic) democratic society.
Ours is the 'great American democratic experiment'. The question is, are we up to it? Ultimately, the greatest society/civilization the world had ever known, Rome and then The Roman Empire, was not.! Sadly, I'm not sanguine about our possibilities.
What a country.
1
The women's march was a disaster. It had great potential until the leaders stopped accepting groups because they did not fit into the radical agenda. Good luck next time and don't let Madonna speak.
1
Excellent piece, Mr Foreign Minister. Mexico should have insisted for years that its citizens be accorded consular protection and due process in immigration and other proceedings. It is never too late to start.
17
"More money and agents for immigration enforcement, punishing sanctuary cities and attempting to send so-called criminals to Mexico is likewise an unfriendly act."
Good point! We should cancel all immigration enforcement to appease Mexico. We should allow unlimited illegal immigration--not just from Mexico, but also from Brazil, El Salvador, Veninzula and all the other failed states.
After all, the Number 1 goal of the American president must be to take care of Mexicans. Anything less is racist white supremacy and must be denounced!! Stronger Together!!!
Good point! We should cancel all immigration enforcement to appease Mexico. We should allow unlimited illegal immigration--not just from Mexico, but also from Brazil, El Salvador, Veninzula and all the other failed states.
After all, the Number 1 goal of the American president must be to take care of Mexicans. Anything less is racist white supremacy and must be denounced!! Stronger Together!!!
22
Luke: More agents? How? Trump instituted a hiring freeze on all federal agencies. He included contractors. That means either "more agents" or "hiring freeze" is a lie.
Of course, he may just want the hiring freeze to cripple the federal government in and around DC, but that's not what he said.
Contrary to what Trump may have heard, federal employees are overwhelmingly white, although I expect Trump was aiming at non-white federal workers.
He needs to remember that the Secret Service agents who protect him are federal employees. (They may look like they're not paying attention, but they are. They probably can tell you what color socks you're wearing.)
Of course, he may just want the hiring freeze to cripple the federal government in and around DC, but that's not what he said.
Contrary to what Trump may have heard, federal employees are overwhelmingly white, although I expect Trump was aiming at non-white federal workers.
He needs to remember that the Secret Service agents who protect him are federal employees. (They may look like they're not paying attention, but they are. They probably can tell you what color socks you're wearing.)
1
Building the wall "was an unfriendly act toward a friendly country, sending a disastrous symbolic message to Latin America."
Bit self-righteous there, especially given the corruption replete Mexican government, but the right message to Latin America--get in line and use America's immigration system like everyone else.
More important, allowing millions to come into the US illegally over the last three decades and transporting drugs north are not "an unfriendly act"? Please. Get real here.
Trump is doing the right thing, but much of his problem is American corporations doing business in Mexico to transport products north to avoid the investment and labor costs in America, where their citizens live.
Clearly enough hypocrisy on both sides, i.e., American corporations v. Mexican government corruption, but the best interests of both countries will be served if Mexico can get control of its northern border and its drug problem, first. Paying for the wall is a minor problem by comparison.
Bit self-righteous there, especially given the corruption replete Mexican government, but the right message to Latin America--get in line and use America's immigration system like everyone else.
More important, allowing millions to come into the US illegally over the last three decades and transporting drugs north are not "an unfriendly act"? Please. Get real here.
Trump is doing the right thing, but much of his problem is American corporations doing business in Mexico to transport products north to avoid the investment and labor costs in America, where their citizens live.
Clearly enough hypocrisy on both sides, i.e., American corporations v. Mexican government corruption, but the best interests of both countries will be served if Mexico can get control of its northern border and its drug problem, first. Paying for the wall is a minor problem by comparison.
18
It's Americas drug problem. Our insatiable need for narcotics is already destroying a large portion of our country. What are we doing to get control of the outrageous overprescribing of pain killers to our own citizen's?
1
It would help if the US would get serious about its drug and gun problems as well. Regardless, the essence of diplomacy is reciprocity and Castaneda is advocating a strong defense of just that.
1
So glad Mexico's president told Trump no.
18
I wish you Americans would wake up and smell the roses.
Do you know what we Australian do to illegal immigrants or as we call them "Boat people".
We put them on a island until we know who they actually are; and soon we will deport illegal immigrants with a ban they they never can come to Australia for any reason.
The USA has become weak under Obama, Trump is your only hope.
Do you know what we Australian do to illegal immigrants or as we call them "Boat people".
We put them on a island until we know who they actually are; and soon we will deport illegal immigrants with a ban they they never can come to Australia for any reason.
The USA has become weak under Obama, Trump is your only hope.
16
You heave lot to answer to for the way you, now called Australian, both British immigrants and unwanted ones shipped off by your home country, have treated your the indigenous Aboriginal people who inhabited the land you entered without papers.
They should have kept you offshore in detention for their own protection.
They should have kept you offshore in detention for their own protection.
17
Obama basically stopped enforcing immigration laws. He even prosecuted those who did. He simply switched the measurement (counting border turn aways) to make it sound like he was deporting more, when, in fact, deportations dropped dramatically while he was president.
Trump has many laws at his disposal, including one that approved the building of the wall, that Obama simply ignored.
Trump has many laws at his disposal, including one that approved the building of the wall, that Obama simply ignored.
2
Australia's different from America. I'm not saying anything bad about Australia. But this country, warts and all, is supposed to stand for something. And if you equate Trump with "hope", it can only be because you're 10000 miles away.
And BTW this country took out terrorists more effectively on Obama's watch than under any Republican president, to a degree that would embarrass them if such a thing were possible.
Our only hope. Says "Louie" in Australia.
And BTW this country took out terrorists more effectively on Obama's watch than under any Republican president, to a degree that would embarrass them if such a thing were possible.
Our only hope. Says "Louie" in Australia.
3
Do not allow Donald Trump to lie his way into control of the narrative.
Trump and Nieto did not "agree" that it was best not to meet under contention. Trump acted contentiously, and Nieto stood up for himself by not coming.
Trump in no way acted magnanimously by speaking with Nieto on Friday. Trump creates rifts and deserves no praise for then acting cordially.
And Trump is just getting started in an act that will span at least four years and use Mexico to distract Americans from the damage he will have wrought here.
Trump and Nieto did not "agree" that it was best not to meet under contention. Trump acted contentiously, and Nieto stood up for himself by not coming.
Trump in no way acted magnanimously by speaking with Nieto on Friday. Trump creates rifts and deserves no praise for then acting cordially.
And Trump is just getting started in an act that will span at least four years and use Mexico to distract Americans from the damage he will have wrought here.
13
"Poor Mexico, so far from God, and so close to the United States;"
Said by a Mexican, not Donald Trump;
=
As a Trump zealot, over the issue of what is called euphemistically, 'immigration,' I submit, that Mexico's "dumping" of its surplus labor into the US saturated labor markets, is an un-neighborly act; perhaps Mexico will address that, early on; the wall is in response
Said by a Mexican, not Donald Trump;
=
As a Trump zealot, over the issue of what is called euphemistically, 'immigration,' I submit, that Mexico's "dumping" of its surplus labor into the US saturated labor markets, is an un-neighborly act; perhaps Mexico will address that, early on; the wall is in response
17
I wish some of their "surplus labor" would come to Arizona, we've had a shortage of construction labor since 2007 when most of them left.
1
While I agree with much of this article, the author misses the crux of the problem. The motivation behind Trump's disrespect of Mexico and insistence on a border wall financed by Mexico is, at its heart, racist. Recall, "Mexicans are rapists" and worse. Trump and his racist supporters are simply using the Mexicans as scapegoats for America's problems - Mexicans are no good criminals who murder Americans, take their jobs and then sell them heroin to soothe their ills. Yes, as Bernie Sanders also acknowledged, our trade agreements need reworking so there is more of a level playing field. But Sanders wanted to grant the undocumented Mexicans living here citizenship and expressed affection for these wonderful people. And this negotiation could easily occur with respect towards all parties and an appreciation of the accomplishments and dignity of all. I hope the Mexicans respond to the hatred, hostility and unreasonableness of Trump and his supporters with a firm resolve to never pay for that wall (much better the way Vicente Fox enunciates it!). As an American citizen, I am firmly behind Mexico on this one. Viva la Mexico!!!
229
Then stay in Mexico !!!!
"Mexican" is not a race.
1
Richard, you forgot to mention that Mexicans spend $1 BILLION in the Tucson area.
http://www.kvoa.com/story/31562226/mexican-shoppers-contributing-to-tucs...
http://www.kvoa.com/story/31562226/mexican-shoppers-contributing-to-tucs...
1
I'd like to apologise to Mexico for my country's behavior.
341
And Mexico can apologize also. !
As do I.
2
A counter apology might be due for those Mexican municipalities that openly encourage illegal entry of its citizens to the US, so that their earnings here can be shipped back home. Earning of illegals here shipped back home does not qualify in my mind as legitimate international trade.
1
Good for Peña Nieto!
Now he should approach China for a good trade deal.
Trump isn't the only leader of a country that can play hardball.
Now he should approach China for a good trade deal.
Trump isn't the only leader of a country that can play hardball.
44
Spot on. And let's not think that China isn't looking at ways to do exactly that.
1
This wall is unnecessary. with the improvement of the Mexican economy, he great majority of them would rather stay there. We lived for over 300 years without a wall, we certainly accepted them during WWII with the Bracero program. They fought with us then and many of them still not citizens have joined our armed forces.
We have been quite happy to vacation in places like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo and Baha California. We have used their labor for the harvests, and as usual several comments here will say something about if we only paid more. The fact is, there is a shortage of them for the harvests, and all the experts just know how little it would increase the price of those crops, their opinions being better than facts.
Chances are many of you reading this live in a home you could not afford if it were not for the developers hiring those immigrants. Then there is the drug problem, they come from all over, we have a sick society that is addicted to those drugs. There are those who can not get through the day without hits on their weed, not counting those who use it for medial reasons. and for the harder drugs the drug dealers did not make them take them, they might have encouraged it, but it an be rejected, it has an appeal to some need, and many Americans seem to have that need. Supplying it is too profitable to resist. It is the users not the supplier who are the problem, just as prohibition made smuggling booze profitable.
History repeats itself.
We have been quite happy to vacation in places like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo and Baha California. We have used their labor for the harvests, and as usual several comments here will say something about if we only paid more. The fact is, there is a shortage of them for the harvests, and all the experts just know how little it would increase the price of those crops, their opinions being better than facts.
Chances are many of you reading this live in a home you could not afford if it were not for the developers hiring those immigrants. Then there is the drug problem, they come from all over, we have a sick society that is addicted to those drugs. There are those who can not get through the day without hits on their weed, not counting those who use it for medial reasons. and for the harder drugs the drug dealers did not make them take them, they might have encouraged it, but it an be rejected, it has an appeal to some need, and many Americans seem to have that need. Supplying it is too profitable to resist. It is the users not the supplier who are the problem, just as prohibition made smuggling booze profitable.
History repeats itself.
59
Yes, all you folks who have bought homes in the last 20 years should rejoice because contractors hired illegals to do the construction at barely profitable wages. Or hired them as employees but showed them as subcontractors. They become aware of their status when the state and federal governments go after them for unpaid taxes and fees. Meanwhile the contractor disappears and returns under another corporate name and does it all over again.
Sleep well.
Sleep well.
2
David underwood, you are so right. Many times I see new roofs going on, and it is Latinos up there sweating or freezing depending on the season. We Americans love our lawns cut, look who is doing that job. And mexican food! Who among us doesn't enjoy a delicious dinner with free chips and salsa at a local restaurant, with servers that are so efficient and always plesant! Where does or beautiful winter produce come from! We Americans benefit so much from our southern neighbors.
3
Dr. Castaneda does not mention two other options proposed in Mexico. One is to seek a close relationship with China. If the United States intends to bully Mexico it is entirely logical that Mexico seek powerful allies. Providing the Chinese Navy with basing rights at Ensenada or Tampico would mock President Trump's assertion he is making the US a power to be feared. The practical benefit of such an alliance would be modest at best but the symbolic significance would be apparent to every country feeling bullied by the US. If the incoming Secretary of State is flummoxed by Chinese bases in the South China Sea how will he respond to the Chinese just south of San Diego?
The second strategy is to reverse Mexico's current war on the drug cartels, a war that has cost 70,000 civilian dead in a decade. The cartels are very aware of which officials on the US side of the border have been corrupted by bribes, which politicians have, (knowingly or not) accepted drug money as campaign contributions, and who are users. The narcotics epidemic in Middle America is not fueled by almost-illiterate farmworkers but by collusion with political figures and law enforcement. How will American voters react to names and accounts of narcotics corruption reaching perhaps to the White House itself? In turn the Mexican government might turn a blind eye toward narcotics shipments heading to the border. Castaneda is diplomatic but some American politicians may be in peril and the Chinese Navy ready to sail.
The second strategy is to reverse Mexico's current war on the drug cartels, a war that has cost 70,000 civilian dead in a decade. The cartels are very aware of which officials on the US side of the border have been corrupted by bribes, which politicians have, (knowingly or not) accepted drug money as campaign contributions, and who are users. The narcotics epidemic in Middle America is not fueled by almost-illiterate farmworkers but by collusion with political figures and law enforcement. How will American voters react to names and accounts of narcotics corruption reaching perhaps to the White House itself? In turn the Mexican government might turn a blind eye toward narcotics shipments heading to the border. Castaneda is diplomatic but some American politicians may be in peril and the Chinese Navy ready to sail.
181
Your drug's related arguments are right on the money. A huge threat for the well being of the US society as a whole. Thanks.
3
A Chinese military base would send a clear message
2
The image of the wall is an apt one: “Mexico’s forceful resistance” strikes me as largely a pyrrhic response to a set of circumstances Mexico can’t materially influence. They can exit NAFTA – we would be seriously inconvenienced but they would be economically and socially destabilized in the ensuing catastrophe to them. They could cooperate less with us on drug and other law enforcement matters, but that would simply empower the murderous cartels to FURTHER dominate their society. They could call Trump specifically and Americans generally icky; but that and about $10 can buy you a Victoriano Huerta Pez dispenser on Amazon.
If domestic opposition to Trump’s posture from our Mexican-American and illegal populations becomes vocal, then that’s not a matter that will further endear those millions of illegals to Trump and could imperil billions in remittances to Mexico on which millions there live.
Mr. Castañeda appears to understand this “asymmetry”, and offers advice on how to frame the inevitable negotiations to come very soon over NAFTA (and some of that advice is very good). But the wall is going up, WHOEVER pays for it in the end, because until Mexico effectively gets its arms around WHY such a large proportion of its population wants to live in another country despite serious risks to do so, and DOES something about those reasons, we can’t trust that anything BUT a wall will allow us to control our southern border.
If domestic opposition to Trump’s posture from our Mexican-American and illegal populations becomes vocal, then that’s not a matter that will further endear those millions of illegals to Trump and could imperil billions in remittances to Mexico on which millions there live.
Mr. Castañeda appears to understand this “asymmetry”, and offers advice on how to frame the inevitable negotiations to come very soon over NAFTA (and some of that advice is very good). But the wall is going up, WHOEVER pays for it in the end, because until Mexico effectively gets its arms around WHY such a large proportion of its population wants to live in another country despite serious risks to do so, and DOES something about those reasons, we can’t trust that anything BUT a wall will allow us to control our southern border.
26
A "large percentage" of Mexicans dont want to come here. More are leaving the US than entering. Please join the rest of us in the real world.
21
It is not as if Mexicans have been invading the USA. Since at least 2007 Mexican illegal immigration to this country is way down from what it used to be. As many Mexicans, or even more Mexicans, go back to Mexico as those who come in. The problem is Mexico has been inundated with Central Americans they can hardly contain, thousands of Haitians, thousands of Cubans and many others, all wanting to come to the USA. If Cubans could, most would come to the US at once. No, Mexico is not the country where most people want to leave. In fact, many foreigners have established themselves in Mexico, including hundreds of thousands of Americans. Just go to Guadalajara or San Miguel de Allende. The problem is that the way Trump is addressing this issue is by threats and insults and treating Mexico as an enemy country that "sends" "criminals" and "rapists" to the US. Therefore, to match his extremist rhetoric, Trump demands that Mexico pay for that wall. Never seen anything like it in my life before. It is truly alarming to all countries, because this behavior comes from the president of the largest military power in the world.
6
I find rather weird that an American should ask why a large proportion of another country's population wants to migrate. I would have thought you would understand better than most people in the world. Anyway, the reasons have hardly changed over the centuries: the desire to make a fresh start, the desire to lead a better life, persecution of one type or the other and so on.
Of course, large-scale migration anywhere in the world leads to upheaval and resentment and that has to be managed. That's nothing new in world history - or for that matter, even American history. But I am not sure any society has prevented migration altogether. All that the wall will do is make the migrants use alternative methods. You have the sea - note carefully what is going on in the Mediterranean Sea. Some will attempt to scale the wall. Or tunnel their way through. Or use the Canadian route...the ways are myriad, the US border large, and human ingenuity aided by desperation limitless.
The wall seems to me rather a futile venture being undertaken at a huge cost. And no matter what President Trump says, at least some part of the cost will be borne by the American taxpayer. But I am not an American - these are just my thoughts as a reader. Apologies for any offense.
Of course, large-scale migration anywhere in the world leads to upheaval and resentment and that has to be managed. That's nothing new in world history - or for that matter, even American history. But I am not sure any society has prevented migration altogether. All that the wall will do is make the migrants use alternative methods. You have the sea - note carefully what is going on in the Mediterranean Sea. Some will attempt to scale the wall. Or tunnel their way through. Or use the Canadian route...the ways are myriad, the US border large, and human ingenuity aided by desperation limitless.
The wall seems to me rather a futile venture being undertaken at a huge cost. And no matter what President Trump says, at least some part of the cost will be borne by the American taxpayer. But I am not an American - these are just my thoughts as a reader. Apologies for any offense.
4
"The crux of the matter should never have been who would pay for it, but rather that it was an unfriendly act toward a friendly country . . . it will generate countless social, cultural and environmental problems along the border; raise the cost and danger of unauthorized crossings"
This writer opposes the Wall because he wants unauthorized crossing to continue. He opposes a Wall because it might work to raise the cost and danger of crossing.
I'm not sympathetic to the idea that Mexicans have some right to cross, and that it is unfriendly to stop them.
This writer opposes the Wall because he wants unauthorized crossing to continue. He opposes a Wall because it might work to raise the cost and danger of crossing.
I'm not sympathetic to the idea that Mexicans have some right to cross, and that it is unfriendly to stop them.
41
Good luck with that friendly wall addressing the illegal immigration problem. According to Pew Research:
"Mexicans made up 52% of all unauthorized immigrants in 2014, though their numbers had been declining in recent years. There were 5.8 million Mexican unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. that year, down from 6.4 million in 2009, according to the latest Pew Research Center estimates. Meanwhile, the number of unauthorized immigrants from nations other than Mexico grew by 325,000 since 2009, to an estimated 5.3 million in 2014. Populations went up most for unauthorized immigrants from Asia and Central America, but the number also ticked up for those from sub-Saharan Africa. Increases in the number of unauthorized immigrants from other countries mostly offset the decline in the number from Mexico."
"Mexicans made up 52% of all unauthorized immigrants in 2014, though their numbers had been declining in recent years. There were 5.8 million Mexican unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. that year, down from 6.4 million in 2009, according to the latest Pew Research Center estimates. Meanwhile, the number of unauthorized immigrants from nations other than Mexico grew by 325,000 since 2009, to an estimated 5.3 million in 2014. Populations went up most for unauthorized immigrants from Asia and Central America, but the number also ticked up for those from sub-Saharan Africa. Increases in the number of unauthorized immigrants from other countries mostly offset the decline in the number from Mexico."
2
What nonsense Mark. Just go look at numbers. The number of people stopped illegally at the border has plummeted in the last decade. The fact that people are stopped at all means that there is no liberal conspiracy to give people the right to cross at-will. About 450K were sent back last year. I haven't heard that our border patrol has been reduced. Where do you get these notions? 40% of those in the country illegally are here by overstaying their visas and didn't even cross the border.
The bottom line is most people know that the wall is infeasible and is merely a symbolic, PR stunt by conservatives to look good to their constituency. I will start believing that the U.S. is serious about illegal immigration when people who hire the undocumented find themselves in prison, behind another kind of wall.
The bottom line is most people know that the wall is infeasible and is merely a symbolic, PR stunt by conservatives to look good to their constituency. I will start believing that the U.S. is serious about illegal immigration when people who hire the undocumented find themselves in prison, behind another kind of wall.
3
No, it is not because Mexicans have a right to cross; Mexicans are not our enemies. Building a wall is simply stupid, not a solution to our immigration problem. The enemies are within.. Ah, the master of chaos and republicans majority will destroy this country yet. They will "sow the wind and reap the whirlwind"
2