Expecting the worst. in a way, I was glad to see the 60 Minutes interview was basically fluff. I've been following AMLO's career here for 20+ years, from when he first ran what was then DF and the AP and other US wire services always called him "fiery populist Andres..." ... obviously never hearing how "folky" his discources were, nor how nuanced.
US audiences obviously missed those nuances. No, "corruption" isn''t eliminated... what has been changed is that people are chared with it, at least at the top. Yeah, too many get off, but one gets the sense he was speaking of the federal administration, or more specifically, the Executive branch, where if not elminated, at least not tolerated.
"Abrazos no balazos" is always misunderstood (and I've been guilty of this too) ... not meaning an unwillingness to go after organized crame (see Guardia Nacional) but rather not going after poor people who get caught up in, and are more vcitims of, organized crime activites. You may not have been here at the time, but Calderon's "mano duro" approach, and the jejune attitude towards what he called "collateral damage" was a huge factor in turning people against the government.
Great perspectives, thank you for them. I am not anti-AMLO in any way (I've written more favorably about him in the past), but I do take issue with some of his assertions. I don't think he is any worse than other politicians, and is better than many. It is refreshing that he walks the walk with respect to asserting Mexico's sovereignty; he is proud of Mexico's and his accomplishments, as he should be. I do get that "abrazos no balazos" is designed to break out of the cycle of government/cartel violence, and I respect that desire. I like the progressive nature of that desire. On the other hand, I hate to see that policy result in seeing the cartels operate with more impunity - which by most metrics, is what is happening. I would be happy to be corrected about that, especially since such a correction would mean things are actually getting better.
I had no idea that corruption in Mexico is now gone. That's great, but there was this cop the other day who must have missed the memo. Hopefully, AMLO can make sure everyone finds out.
I watched some of the interview, but faded fast. Thanks for toughing it out, Mike.
I chose the goodies—Frida and Nieve. Two out of three not bad. Not sad I missed Amlo but may try to catch the re-run. Liked your combination, Mike—news, art and politics. The triumvirate of the media, though maybe not in that order (?)
Wondering if you see a change in mexican topics (whether politicians or famous figures like Frida) entering mainstream or US media. You mention in the past the imbalance of negative media about Mexico - is that changing?
I think from a purely cultural perspective, Mexico has enjoyed a rather flattering perception worldwide - and that cultural perspective seems to be growing. Music, food, arts - these are all contributions that the world seems to embrace enthusiastically.
The "news", however, continues to paint a decidedly negative portrait of Mexico. I don't really see much change there. Part of the problem is that negative stories attract viewers, so media outlets of course disproportionately focus on those.
So happy to read that all the corruption is gone in Mexico. How nice. #narnia
Yes, it's such a relief!
One has to wonder whether the abrasive treatment towards the media would continue under a President Sheinbaum.
Indeed. Sheinbaum seems to me (at least) to be more reserved and level-headed than her (soon to be?) predecessor.
Expecting the worst. in a way, I was glad to see the 60 Minutes interview was basically fluff. I've been following AMLO's career here for 20+ years, from when he first ran what was then DF and the AP and other US wire services always called him "fiery populist Andres..." ... obviously never hearing how "folky" his discources were, nor how nuanced.
US audiences obviously missed those nuances. No, "corruption" isn''t eliminated... what has been changed is that people are chared with it, at least at the top. Yeah, too many get off, but one gets the sense he was speaking of the federal administration, or more specifically, the Executive branch, where if not elminated, at least not tolerated.
"Abrazos no balazos" is always misunderstood (and I've been guilty of this too) ... not meaning an unwillingness to go after organized crame (see Guardia Nacional) but rather not going after poor people who get caught up in, and are more vcitims of, organized crime activites. You may not have been here at the time, but Calderon's "mano duro" approach, and the jejune attitude towards what he called "collateral damage" was a huge factor in turning people against the government.
Great perspectives, thank you for them. I am not anti-AMLO in any way (I've written more favorably about him in the past), but I do take issue with some of his assertions. I don't think he is any worse than other politicians, and is better than many. It is refreshing that he walks the walk with respect to asserting Mexico's sovereignty; he is proud of Mexico's and his accomplishments, as he should be. I do get that "abrazos no balazos" is designed to break out of the cycle of government/cartel violence, and I respect that desire. I like the progressive nature of that desire. On the other hand, I hate to see that policy result in seeing the cartels operate with more impunity - which by most metrics, is what is happening. I would be happy to be corrected about that, especially since such a correction would mean things are actually getting better.
I had no idea that corruption in Mexico is now gone. That's great, but there was this cop the other day who must have missed the memo. Hopefully, AMLO can make sure everyone finds out.
I watched some of the interview, but faded fast. Thanks for toughing it out, Mike.
Ha ha - you're welcome. Taking one for the team - that's what I do 😉. Thanks for the comment, Victor - and I hope your cop acquaintance gets the memo.
I chose the goodies—Frida and Nieve. Two out of three not bad. Not sad I missed Amlo but may try to catch the re-run. Liked your combination, Mike—news, art and politics. The triumvirate of the media, though maybe not in that order (?)
Good call, Jeanine - Frida and Nieve are the ones to focus on if your time is limited!
Wondering if you see a change in mexican topics (whether politicians or famous figures like Frida) entering mainstream or US media. You mention in the past the imbalance of negative media about Mexico - is that changing?
I think from a purely cultural perspective, Mexico has enjoyed a rather flattering perception worldwide - and that cultural perspective seems to be growing. Music, food, arts - these are all contributions that the world seems to embrace enthusiastically.
The "news", however, continues to paint a decidedly negative portrait of Mexico. I don't really see much change there. Part of the problem is that negative stories attract viewers, so media outlets of course disproportionately focus on those.
Mike ... thanks for the update.
You're welcome, Joyce. Estoy al pendiente.