Introduction
In these turbulent times, facing a dark horizon filled with storm clouds and threats, the Mexican government and its citizens must look inward. They need to acknowledge past mistakes and, with determination, correct course to tackle pressing issues beyond the growing pressures and threats from a renewed, albeit familiar, American imperialism. This imperialism is now led by someone who attempted a legislative and armed coup five years ago to maintain power.
President Sheinbaum’s Stance
During a recent speech, President Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico remains a “free and sober” nation, willing to cooperate with the United States rather than submit. She called for strengthening national sovereignty and highlighted the shared responsibility of each country regarding drug trafficking and consumption. She also mentioned the government’s comprehensive strategy against insecurity and organized crime, along with plans to bolster education, culture, and sports for youth. Her words reflect established diplomatic formulas, yet she persists in accusing critical media and social networks of “disinformation” while maintaining the falsehood that Mexico governs for its people and respects freedom of expression and information.
Economic Challenges and Sovereignty
In a year already complicated by the global economic situation, worsened by fear of arbitrary actions from those believing themselves masters of the hemisphere, invoking sovereignty without policy changes is merely empty talk. If “shared responsibility” means each government addressing its own issues, concrete actions against poverty, inequality, stagnation, corruption, and insecurity are necessary. Insecurity won’t vanish with optimistic figures alone.
What does strengthening sovereignty entail?
Will the government finally target the economic interests of cartels? Will it cut off their money flows and those of their political or business accomplices? Will corrupt politicians be thoroughly investigated, or will new pressures lead to another “imposed war”? If sovereignty lies with the people and governments serve them, will populations and communities finally be protected from criminals and despicable local strongmen? Will land grabbing, violence, and disappearances by cartels or government agents cease?
Federal and State Governments’ Roles
To fulfill its shared responsibility, the federal government must demand the same from state governments. Both levels of government are responsible for strengthening the nation with a decent and dignified healthcare system, providing ample financial and human resources to serve the entire population. Instead of merely “supporting” children and youth, they must ensure quality education that empowers individuals to understand the world, learn history, grow as responsible, critical, and creative citizens. Using public schools for propaganda or entertainment undermines educational rights and shuts future doors.
The federal government must also rectify the legal disaster known as the “judicial reform,” which has done little to strengthen sovereignty or democracy by blurring power boundaries and elevating individuals willing to weaken the rule of law, especially when autocrats abound globally.
Citizen Responsibility
To strengthen ourselves as a nation and society, citizens must acknowledge their own shortcomings, demand their rights, expose public and private abuses, abandon polarizing stances and exclusionary prejudices, stay informed, and support those seeking truth and identifying errors. We cannot “change the world” as we once dreamed, but we can prevent further degradation of our daily lives, curb injustice, inequality, and violence.
Key Questions and Answers
- What does strengthening soberanía imply? It involves addressing economic interests of cartels, cutting off their money flows, investigating corrupt politicians thoroughly, and protecting populations from criminals.
- How will the federal government fulfill its shared responsibility? By demanding the same from state governments, ensuring a decent healthcare system, and rectifying legal issues like the judicial reform.
- What role do citizens play? Citizens must acknowledge their shortcomings, demand rights, expose abuses, stay informed, and support truth-seekers to prevent further societal degradation.
