|
|
|
 Editorials | Issues | February 2008 
In Calderon's Words
 Chicago Tribune
go to original
| | Mexican President Felipe Calderon | | |
In an interview before his 1st U.S. visit as president, Felipe Calderon speaks out on the U.S. presidential campaign, the U.S. economic downturn, demands in the U.S. for stricter enforcement of immigration laws, his vision for Latin America, and soccer team superstar-turned-coach Hugo Sanchez.
On the U.S. presidential campaign: "What we want is that whoever becomes the president of the United States be someone who has a wider vision and a peaceful, objective analysis, less emotional and more rational about the phenomenon of immigration … and that they allow for the opening of bridges of cooperation and understanding instead of building walls that, in my opinion, don't solve any problem."
On demands in the U.S. for stricter enforcement of immigration laws: "It is a subject that has been manipulated emotionally in American public opinion, generating a feeling that is not only anti-immigrant but anti-Mexican that we need to reduce in a determined way."
On negative effects on Mexico caused by the U.S. economic downturn: "It is very regrettable that, while the world in general is growing at significant rates, our neighboring economy isn't just at a standstill but is putting the brakes on us."
On his vision for Latin America, where leftists have spread their influence: "One critical decision should be whether Latin America is of the past or of the future. The past could be represented by a return to authoritarianism or a return to closed economies, expropriations or state intervention in the economy. We think that the future of Latin America is defined by democracy, by respect for human rights, by market economies and by a strong intervention by the state to correct social inequalities."
On the Mexican national soccer team under superstar-turned-coach Hugo Sanchez: "I know he is a very controversial figure, but it appears to me that if Hugo Sanchez knows how to join his leadership ... with the great talent that exists in Mexican players, they can surely do great things."
|
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us