[dmanLA]

Driver’s licenses in Mexico are issued by the 31 states and the Federal District, with laws regulating identity requirements for those applying in each state being strict.

Typical are the regulations of Baja California, the contiguous state with California. In order to obtain a regular Baja California driver’s license the applicant must know how to read and write, be over the age of 18 (“student licenses” are available for those over 16), and they must show an official photo and signed ID. Those forms of identification accepted include a Mexican passport, a federal or state voter’s ID or military identification.

Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate proof of residency through electricity, water, telephone and property tax bills that are less than one month old. They must also have a health certificate no less than one month old. And of course they must pass the requisite written and driving tests.

So what are they so mad about? We are just doing what they are doing. Actually, it's still easier in the US. We don't require them to speak English or get a health exam!

[hershey]

This is one more step toward One Hemisphere/Free Trade block, ala Europe, where members move freely around the continent irregardless of borders. This is exactly where Bush and Fox are going, except that Fox sees Mexico swallowing up the US. Small difference, but what the heck. Bush needs to be up front and honest with the American public about this. He needs to list the pros and cons of such a policy, what would happen if we walled off the rest of the hemisphere, didn't spread the largesse in terms of jobs, money, aid, etc.. In this age of portable nukes, ebola, and the like, terrorism, crackpots, well, you get the picture. We're be a target for hatred no matter what.