Pubdate: Sun, 14 May 2006
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2006 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Leonard Pitts, Knight Ridder
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Mexico (Mexico)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

COULD THIS BE FUTURE DEBATE ON IMMIGRATION?

If Mexico Legalized Drug Possession, This Might Be the Heated
Controversy

The following are translations of future letters to the editor of El
Universal, a newspaper in Mexico City, Mexico. The date of
publication: May 12, 2016.

Legalized Drugs Wake-Up Call

Dear Editor:

Yesterday's massive immigration rights rally in the capital
should be a wake-up call for all Mexicans. I could not believe my eyes: one
million American illegals marching in the streets to protest that bill in
Congress to secure our northern border. We are being overrun by these people
and it's our own fault: We should never have legalized drug possession back
in 2006.

Ignacio Ramirez, Veracruz

Remove the Incentive

Dear Editor:

Yesterday while taking my daughter to school, we had to step over
three Americans, nodding on the sidewalk. I asked them in plain
Spanish to move, but they just gave me glassy-eyed stares. If you want
to solve our immigration problem, forget about amnesty, forget about
hardening the border. Remove the incentive. They're only coming here
for opportunity they can't find in their own country: the opportunity
to do legal drugs.

Carmen Ruelas, Tijuana

Habla Espanol! Gracias

Dear Editor:

Is it too much to ask that they learn to speak the language?

Maria Rodriguez, Zacatecas

Control Mexico's Borders

Dear Editor:

I have nothing against Americans. Some of my best friends are
American. So this is not about racism or nationalism. It's about the
necessity for a sovereign nation to control its borders. Last night on
the news, I saw hidden camera footage of hundreds of Americans
swimming across the Rio Grande, carrying bongs and rolling papers in
watertight bags. One border patrol agent told a reporter it's not
worth it to catch them. They just keep coming back.

Jose Quesada, Acapulco

Fence 'Em Out, for Good

Dear Editor:

Some people want to build a fence along the border. I say, build
an "electric" fence. That would solve everything.

Jorge Cruz, Leon

They Just Want New Lives

Dear Editor:

The current anti-immigration mood in our country is short-sighted and
wrong. It troubles me that we as Mexicans have such a negative
attitude toward people who come here simply because they want to start
new lives. New lives doing drugs, but still...

People keep saying undocumented Americans are taking jobs from
hardworking Mexicans. The truth is, the Americans take menial,
demeaning work most Mexicans are unwilling to do. Do you want to make
your own vanilla soy latte? I know I don't.

Ana Gomez, Guadalajara

Diversity Is Very, Very Good

Dear Editor:

In 2006, I lived in a cardboard box in a mountainside. I
supported myself by collecting rags and bottles. Ten years later, I own a
palatial home, a getaway place on a beach in Acapulco and I'm closing this
week on a spacious condo on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. I feel we
should make it as easy as possible for the Americans to stay in our country.
I believe in diversity. Diversity has been very, very good to me.

Esteban Morales, President

U-Pick Marijuana Farms, Chihuahua

Here's Message: Stay in U.S.

Dear Editor:

Forget about building a fence. We should mine the border. Let a few
wetbacks get blown up trying to cross the Rio Grande! That would send
a message.

Miguel Martinez, Mexico City

Singers Like Me Love Mexico

Dear Editor:

I am an immigrant from the United States; I moved here legally in
2006, right after the law was passed. While I can understand the anger
some native Mexicans feel at seeing so many Americans coming here, I
hope that doesn't lead lawmakers to do anything that would destroy the
one thing I've always cherished most about this country. By which I
mean your live and let live spirit, your willingness to let a girl
alone to enjoy her hobbies. That means a lot to me. Oh, and by the
way, crack is wack.

Whitney Houston, Ensenada
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake