Mexico’s sly Fox may have saved his best for last
In what was supposed to be the reenactment of an annual ritual held over from autocratic presidential days, Mexican President Vicente Fox delivered his State of the Nation address on September 1 in an atmosphere of partisan adversity that has marked his first five years in a six year term.
In breaking with tradition, Fox however abandoned what he called the “ritual” of a conventional address, in which the presidential figure was central to Mexico’s political universe. Although Fox met his constitutional obligation to inform Congress of his administration’s activities, he did so with a relatively short speech and by presenting a full written document, a report that legislators will review and in time make applicable inquiries to respective government officials.
Gone are the days of a national holiday during which government, financial and private sector activities close down for the day.
Missing was the exclusive TV and radio coverage, and perhaps more importantly — gone was the pomp and ceremony surrounding a four to five hour address which highlighted feats, figures, plans and broken promises, as well as presidential omnipotence over the Congress, political establishment and judiciary.
What Fox did deliver in his speech was a rendering of his administration’s commendable democratic and economic advances, that his advisers believe have been belittled by vitriolic opposition party campaigns, blisteringly biased media reports and an impatient electorate.
More: mexidata.info
CONCACAF Recap: Costa Rica Clinch; Mexico, T&T Win
Costa Rica 3, USA 0
Costa Rica throttled the United States to clinch World Cup qualification at Saprissa Stadium. Paolo Wanchope cleaned up a saved shot from Tim Howard to send the Ticos into the break one goal ahead. Taylor Twellman had a first half equalizer called back for offside and later had a header saved off the line. But Ticos reserve Carlos Hernandez came off the bench to deliver two scinitillating strikes past Howard to send the Central American nation into party mode. The Americans looked imcompatible and unprepared, particularly the 3-5-2 formation
Fishermen rescued from Gulf of Mexico after boat goes up in flames
Clearwater, Florida - The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two commercial fishermen Sunday morning. John Garrett and Greg Arcond had been out in the Gulf of Mexico fishing since Tuesday. On Sunday morning, they ran into trouble.
Garrett says he originally called the Coast Guard when he first ran out of gas, but it wasn’t until later when he actually needed them. The men were trying to transfer gas from another tank into the engine, when the fire started.
John Garrett, Fisherman:
“I’m on deck, he’s on the back and flames come out
US to work with Mexicos future president
The United States said on Monday that it will work with the winner in Mexicos presidential race and expressed confidence that a winner will be announced soon.
The Mexican government has announced that they will declare a winner, we think on Wednesday, and at that point, the president will congratulate the winner, White House spokesman Tony Snow said at a briefing.
We are going to work with the government of Mexico. Its an ally and neighbor, and obviously, weve got a great number of shared interests,
Mexicos Calderon marked by struggle for religious freedom
The roots of Felipe Calderons likely ascent to Mexicos presidency lie in one of the darkest periods of the countrys history, when the public expression of religion was banned, Roman Catholic churches and chapels were closed and priests were forbidden to wear clerical garb or voice opinions on public affairs.
Calderons father was among the many who took up arms in defense of the church, and it was that sense of persecution that led him in 1939 to join with other conservative Catholics to found the National Action Party, or PAN in its
Mexicos Tribunal Ruling Still Leaves People Wondering
Mexicos Supreme Electoral Tribunal (known as the Trife) has decided to rejected the full recount of the countrys 130,000 precincts, and only limit the count to 11,839 precincts or (9.07%) of the ballots, beginning August 9th. The partial recount ordered by the court will begin Wednesday and last for one week and the results must be submitted by August 16.
Narco News Al Giordano has a break down of the different scenarios that can occur and how LĂłpez Obrador can still come out as a winner.
More : scoop.epluribusmedia.org
Mexicos president-elect has deep Catholic roots
The roots of Felipe Calderons likely ascent to Mexicos presidency lie in one of the darkest periods of the countrys history, when the public expression of religion was banned, Roman Catholic churches and chapels were closed and priests were forbidden to wear clerical garb or voice opinions on public affairs.
Calderons father was among the many who took up arms in defense of the church, and it was that sense of persecution that led him in 1939 to join with other conservative Catholics to found the National Action Party, or PAN in its Spanish
Mexicos sore loser
If the turmoil following Mexicos July 2 presidential election has shown anything, it is that Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the leftist candidate who narrowly lost, cares little about his nations fragile democracy.
What other explanation is there for his claims of widespread voter fraud, refuted by Tuesdays unanimous ruling from Mexicos respected election court? How else should one interpret his current status as commander of a ragtag army of protesters intent on blocking streets and disrupting commerce, government and daily life?
LĂłpez Obradors protests have cost him dearly. A poll in late August by the Reforma newspaper showed that his
Mexicos Urbi sells $150 mln in 10-yr bonds
Mexican homebuilder Urbi (URBI.MX: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it has placed $150 million in 10-year senior bonds in the U.S. market.
Urbi, one of Mexicos largest house construction firms, said it planned to use proceeds from the 8.5 percent, 2016 maturing bond to refinance debt and fund other corporate activities.
The bonds, offered to institutional investors in the United States and other countries, have been rated BB by Standard and Poors and Fitch ratings and BA3 by Moodys.
More: today.reuters.com
Mexicos Congress Legalizes Drugs for Personal Use
Mexicos Congress approved a bill Friday decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin for personal use — a measure sure to raise questions in Washington about Mexicos commitment to the war on drugs.
The only remaining step was the signature of President Vicente Fox, whose office indicated he would sign it.
Supporters said the law would let police focus on drug smuggling, rather than on busting casual users. The bill also would stiffen many drug-related penalties: for trafficking, for possession near schools, and for possession of even small quantities by government
Politics Could Undercut Mexicos Gains
As President Vicente Fox prepares to leave office amid political uncertainty here, he is handing his successor one of the healthiest economies in the last six years.
Inflation is tame. Industrial production is sizzling. Tax coffers are bulging with oil revenue. Formal employment is rebounding. Mexicos economy expanded by 4.7% in the second quarter, fueled by strong consumer spending at home and robust demand for its goods abroad.
I dont think anyone expected it to be this strong, said Christian Stracke, emerging-markets analyst with New York-based CreditSights.
The big question: How long can the party last?
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