Posted on 02/08/2009 9:11:06 AM PST by AuntB
Help wanted: someone with a grasp of immigration policy and the skills to woo billions from Congress for a country that many Americans blame for job losses, the drug trade and border violence.
"The ambassador's role is crucial." said Jeffrey Davidow, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico under Bill Clinton and chief Latin America policymaker at the State Department, "It ought to be somebody who knows Mexico, has a lot of governmental experience, speaks Spanish, and is a good communicator in both languages."
"Access to the White House and to the president's ear is critical," said Mexico's ambassador , Arturo Sarukhan.
Fluent Spanish would be a plus, he said.
A few names have been floated.
Federico Peña, former Denver mayor and Clinton transportation and energy secretary, was an early Obama backer but is said to have little interest.
Tony Garza, a Brownsville native, certainly had the ear of his president. The former Cameron County judge and state railroad commissioner is a close friend of Bush.
Andrew Selee, director of the Woodrow Wilson Center Mexico Institute, which released a report Friday on U.S.-Mexico relations, said deep knowledge of Mexico isn't the top priority.
He's looking for someone with access to the president or at least the secretary of state, and "a sensitivity to the delicate relationship with Mexico – to the nuances of dealing with a country that is very sensitive about its relationship with the United States."
Mexicans resent the southbound flow of illegal guns.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn wants hearings on how to help Mexico fight the cartels. And in the meantime, he wants more U.S. law enforcement along the border.
"This issue has serious implications," he said after meeting Thursday with Sarukhan, "not only for Texas, but for our national security."
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
I hope Rambo is on that list. I wouldn’t touch that job.
We need someone who is blunt and supports free enterprise and democracy. Spanish optional. When has Mexico shown any sensitivity to the US or it’s own citizens?
Some of us are starting to like the idea of a southward flow of ammunition.
Mel Blanc, Jr.?
Who they send is not nearly as important as how many security personnel are going to be put in harms way to keep the ambassador alive.
mexico, beirut with tacos.
Gov. Bill Richardson? Oh, wait... ;)
“mexico, beirut with tacos.”
Yep!
Jorge Buush?
Hell I’ll be the diplomat to Mexico. Of course I’ll be blamed for starting a war with them in my second week but it would only be hastening the inevitable.
“Mexicans resent the southbound flow of illegal guns.”
As they would say in Rio Linda, Like man, why would you buy American when you can get such a good deal from the drug lords. Cheaper and full auto. I hear they even have better deals on chainsaws.
“Jorge Buush?”
Jebs nephew would just be about perfect - NOT!
Sorry, meant Jebs son.
“Mexico-Beirut with tacos”.
I love it-mind if I use this in my signature?
Jimmy Carter is proud of his knowledge of Spanish. Maybe if Obama picked him he would just focus on screwing up things in one country instead of freelancing all over the globe.
Best man for the job: Juan McCain.
5.56mm
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