While many nations have offered aid to the US after Hurricane Katrina, few have received the attention of Mexico. The Mexican military aid convoy moved through Nuevo Laredo, crossed the border, and rolled up a Texas highway to San Antonio, the site of the Alamo.
The aid was both symbolic and real. Symbolic for Mexico in that they haven't officially had troops on the ground since the Mexican-American War (although there were raids by Pancho Villa in the early 20th century, that's still over 90 years ago). Symbolic for the world because the US allowed a foreign military to come help us in a time of need. Many countries have seen the US military take part in humanitarian or disaster relief operations in their country. While the US won't allow dozens of foreign militaries to drop troops on our soil, allowing one convoy of needed aid has attracted the world's attention and had an impact. And nobody should doubt this aid is as real as it is symbolic; Mexico sent units capable of feeding thousands of internally displaced families.
So thanks to Mexico and every nation that has offered money or rescue personnel. The US may not accept everyone's offer, but there are many gringos here who are grateful anyway.
2 comments:
A lot of blacks are racist against Mexicans. Not all, of course, but numbers that would definitely surprise white liberals. I like the idea of Mexicans handing out aid for that reason. Maybe it will change some perceptions among those who need enlightening.
Some people in every culture have some level of prejudice against people in other cultures. Look at President Fox's recent comments about blacks in the US for the opposite example of what you're talking about.
Those receiving the aid will hopefully have their perceptions changed, as will the Mexican soldiers and sailors delivering aid who will go back to their home country with a better understanding of America.
And every American, not just African-Americans, can learn lessons by interacting with other cultures including this convoy of aid.
Part of the reason we send American soldiers to do humanitarian work is for the cultural exchanges, and it's generally pretty successful. If this Mexican convoy is successful, maybe it's not bad idea to find similar projects that bring foreign volunteers into our country more often. Some sort of exchange program...
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