Fox dazzles compatriots
Civic Plaza speech lifts migrants' hopes
Daniel González The Arizona Republic Nov. 5, 2003 12:00 AM
By the time the two big doors opened and the lanky frame of Mexican President Vicente Fox appeared inside the ballroom, the crowd of mostly Mexican immigrants was already on its feet in a near frenzy, chanting, "Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!"
It was a hero's welcome from the very immigrants this president often refers to as heroes.
"The Mexican nation is one. Always united and you can feel that here with the love you feel for Mexico," Fox said, greeting the crowd of more than 3,000 people who packed the Phoenix Civic Plaza.
The community meeting, which felt at times more like a rock concert, capped Fox's visit Tuesday to Phoenix, the first by a sitting Mexican president. . . . "Each one of you contribute to the enlargement of this country," Fox said. "Not only do we appreciate what you do in this country, but in Mexico. We in Mexico appreciate your support and your solidarity and you can be sure that we will always recognize you."
Fox said he remained committed to creating more economic opportunities in Mexico, acknowledging that is the reason so many Mexicans choose to leave. He also thanked immigrants for the billions of dollars they send home to families each year and said he would work to lower the cost of transmitting money to Mexico.
Fox also extended his sympathies to families of immigrants who have lost their lives crossing the border illegally into the United States and said Mexico would continue to work with the United States to prevent more deaths.
"It concerns us, no, it pains us the increase in the number of immigrants who lose their lives in the deserts of Arizona in spite of the campaigns on both sides of the border" to prevent deaths, Fox said. "It is our commitment to work tirelessly for the dignity of those who are here and the rights of workers and to explore every road possible . . . that we may prevent more deaths." . . . The two students, both originally from Mexico, walked away feeling victorious.
"President Fox showed us that he cares about us," said Lopez, who came to the United States when she was 8. "I feel like tonight was the beginning of a movement."
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Aztlan is forming fast. Here is a MUST-READ primer on
Aztlan and AmalgamationSo far this year, ALREADY - Mexicans here have transferred over
Ten BILLION dollars back to Mexico. You're damn right Fox loves them.
He even created a new cabinet-level position in his gov't to protect them here.
A few years ago, Juan Hernandez, head of President Fox's new
"Office for Mexicans Abroad", began a program to supply 200,000 survival kits for migrants headed illegally to the US. He said
"These migrants are heroes, and we are going to fight for them."So the Mexican Gov't has now
institutionalized illegal immigration - for them it's here to stay.
Guys, we HAVE to fight against this shit! Protect Arizona NowThe Arizona Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act
Initiative Petition # I-03-2004
The citizens' initiative:
1. Requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
2. Requires proof of identity when voting.
3. Requires proof of eligibility for non-federally mandated public benefits.
Petition Locations.Sign it.