BAY AREA: Local Mexicans weigh in on 'circus' south of the border

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 12/2/6 | Tyche Hendricks

[SmithL]

Mexican residents around the Bay Area watched the tense inauguration of Mexico's new President Felipe Calderon with sadness and frustration Friday, some expressing disgust that Calderon prevailed in what they called a stolen election, others dismayed by the fisticuffs and jeers as opposition lawmakers tried to impede the swearing-in ceremony.

Many Mexicans who have kept an eye on the politics of their home country from here said they thought a combination of dirty campaigning and vote fraud had denied the presidency to leftist candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who lost the election by less than 1 percent. But some said it was time for Lopez Obrador to give up his protest campaign and concede.

"Everyone's fighting -- they're not respecting the law or the institutions of government," said Roberto Guillen, a Novato restaurateur. "Lopez Obrador should accept that Felipe is president and work with him. Otherwise we'll have chaos. The country has been doing pretty well, but investors will stay away if Mexico can't govern itself."

Others disagreed, saying the protests by members of Lopez Obrador's Democratic Revolution Party, both in the streets and in the congressional chamber, are the only way to demand an end to corruption and focus on the needs of the poor.

"It's a form of protest that they're not in agreement with what is happening," said San Jose photographer Mateo Gutierrez. "Lopez Obrador deserved to win, but now the government will continue with corruption."

Miguel Araujo, a dual citizen and longtime immigrant rights activist who owns a San Bruno taqueria, said Calderon, of the conservative National Action Party, had usurped power.

"It's hard to see how things can change unless Calderon wants a change, but if he does, why did he bring those people into his Cabinet?" said Araujo, criticizing the new president's conservative choices.

[SmithL]

The SF Comicle is STILL actively supporting Obra-GORE

[Disambiguator]

Puke me a river.

[A message]

They should change the name of their newspaper to the San Francisco Communist.

[Don Corleone]

SFO and Mexico----I see little difference.

[Youngman442002]

again the lefties lost...so it was stolen....Hmmmmmm
where are all the conspiracy's now that the Dems one.....

[alice_in_bubbaland]

Page one of the Democratic Party manefesto. If we loose we whine. It didn't long for the Mexicans to catch on.

[mosesdapoet]

Re; Mexico circus. Why should whats developing there surprize anyone ? Ever since the election results came in and even before I've been warning everyone via my website what would happen. We better get our border under control because its going to get worse, and forget about going there the DOS has been steadily issuing travel warnings.
http://www.theusmat.com

[albee]

"SFO and Mexico----I see little difference."

The biggest difference is that SF has more FRUITCAKES!

[popdonnelly]

If I were Mexican, after watching that circus I would be crossing the border, too.

[BlueDragon]

Now, now, now...

Don't you be slandering fruitcakes by getting them all mixed up with other things, like leftist mexicans and weirdo poofters.

In time for the holidays(?) one can get a REAL fruitcake

from this here place, right deep in the heart of (Corsicana) Texas...

Collin Street Bakery

And no, I don't work there, but if they'd send me a cake or two, I'd be willing to crank up the advertising for 'em. Not that they really need any this time of year (I'd bet). The place is probably running 24/7 at this time of year, just to keep up with the demand

[albee]

Don't you be slandering fruitcakes by getting them all mixed up with other things, like leftist mexicans and weirdo poofters.

LOL!

Yeah.....but San Francisco's Fruitcakes are prettier than yours because they use more make-up and coordinate the colors of their outer clothing better.

[BlueDragon]

"...are prettier than yours because they use more make-up and coordinate the colors of their outer clothing better."

I left my heart...in SAn FrAN Sicko... ;>)

[albee]

Re: Your pic on post #12

Okay...Okay!

You win.

I can't top that one!

[TheLion]

"If I were Mexican, after watching that circus I would be crossing the border, too."

Only problem is....they're bringing the circus here.