An Opportunity for Mexico's Poor
The USMEX Director writes an opinion piece for the San Diego U-T
01/15/2009
Alberto Diaz-Cayeros,
"It can be hoped that President-elect Barack Obama's meeting this week with Mexico's head of state, Felipe Calderón, signals a deeper relationship between both countries for the years to come. Beyond the central issues of drug trafficking, public safety, migration, free trade, environmental protection, energy or oil – which remain at the forefront of the bilateral agenda – their climate of good feelings should provide an opportunity to open a discussion regarding the most important issue confronting Mexico, which is all too often kept off the diplomatic agenda; namely, poverty and social policy.
The global financial crisis and the downturn of the U.S. economy have deepened the vulnerability of the poorest Mexican families. Crime and political instability are symptoms of underlying deep-seated malaise brought about by poverty and inequality. Within the pressing policy conundrums both countries face, it is easy to forget..."
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