On July 30, several organizations came together to present a letter to the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino CA which demanded an investigation into the recent, illegal presidential election in Mexico, and that a new fair election be held.
Speaking at the rally, Maria Anna Gonzales of the Movement to Regenerate the Nation without Borders explained, “This stealing of the election impacts real lives. Millions upon millions of women, men and children are calling for legitimate elections because their lives and welfare are at stake.” Marta Zarate, coordinator of the Alliance of ex-Laborers of the North, called on Mexicans in the United States “to unite forces in the struggle to defend democracy and the dignity of Mexico.” Emilio Amaya and Homero Labato of the Immediate Response Network of San Bernardino said that holding new elections “could help end the corruption and the poverty in Mexico – the principal causes of the migration to the U.S.” Richard Macias of Los Angeles pointed out, “President Obama has already accepted this fraudulent election and congratulated Enrique Pena Nieto on his victory! Shame on you, Mr. President!”
Everyone agreed that the election would have an enormous impact on Mexican citizens living in the U.S. The effects of that corrupt system reach into the U.S. Many at the rally spoke about the failure of the officials of the Mexican government – including the Consulate in San Bernardino – to assist Mexican citizens living here in the U.S. Mario Lazcano of the Comite Latino of the Coachella Valley said, “We are one people, whether we live here or in Mexico. But those of us who live here are treated as second, or even third class citizens by the government of Mexico. For example, the Consulate charges $27 for an ID which can only be used in the U.S. If we take it to Mexico, it is worthless.”
Wouldn’t it be better to look forward to a future where the people of Mexico are free to enjoy the fruits of their labor in an open democracy? If they are forced to live in poverty under a cruel dictatorship, we might be next. Join them in demanding, No To Dictatorship! Yes to Democracy!
