05.01.06
Posted in Mexico, immigration, language at 21:47 by Toby Petzold
I just heard Antonio Villaraigosa, the mayor of Los Angeles, say that he is offended by the reconception of our national anthem (into something called “Nuestro Himno”) and that those seeking to become American citizens should speak English.
I haven’t much followed Angeleno politics since living there six years ago, but Villaraigosa’s opinions are somewhat surprising to me. I don’t recall him being that close to the center back then.
I’m pleased to know there’s a major Latino politician willing to stand up for English as America’s primary language.
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04.28.06
Posted in Bush Administration, Mexico, marihuana at 23:40 by Toby Petzold
A relative of mine left a voicemail for me a while ago, asking if I had heard what he had just heard some part of on the radio —and could not quite believe.
Yes, I had heard it. And it’s true:
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Owning marijuana, cocaine and even heroin will no longer be a crime in Mexico if the drugs are carried in small amounts for personal use, under legislation passed by the Congress.
Police will not penalize people for possessing up to 5 grams of marijuana, 5 grams of opium, 25 milligrams of heroin or 500 milligrams of cocaine, under a bill passed by senators late on Thursday and earlier approved by the lower house.
People caught with larger quantities of drugs will be treated as narcotics dealers and face increased jail terms under the plan.
The government says the measure allows police to focus on major drug dealers, and President Fox is expected to sign it into law.
Tell me now that President Bush has any stroke at all with the Mexican government or its political culture.
If When this measure goes through, it will be one of the most perfectly-delivered kicks to the groin of US-Mexican relations ever.
You can walk around Mexico with five grams of kind bud and los federales won’t touch you?
The War on Drugs is over, friends.
Mexico won.
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