Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Every year, as we approach the 5th of May, stores and companies begin to promote Cinco de Mayo in their storefronts and through their advertisements. There are office parties, full of festive decorations, and children at school might have the opportunity to take a swing at a piñata. This splendor is to celebrate a date of significance to Mexicans and Mexican-Americans alike.


While this is not Mexican Independence Day (that is on September 16th), it is a date pivotal to the history of Mexico. In 1861, Mexico was bankrupt, and had outstanding debts to Britain, Spain, France and the U.S. While the Monroe Doctrine warned European nations to avoid intrusion into the affairs of the Americas -- France, England and Spain signed the Covenant of London, where they agreed to send troops to collect on those debts. England and Spain came to peaceful agreements with Mexico, while France prepared to attack.

On May 5th, 1862, the French attacked the city of Puebla, but under the leadership of Texas-born Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, the Mexican Army was triumphant in the battle. It brought the country together and helped create a sense of unity.

Interestingly, the first celebrations of Cinco de Mayo started one year later in California, which had recently become part of the United States. According to a paper published last year by the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, as the French continued to attack Mexico, beginning with a subsequent attack on Puebla just one year after the initial attack, Cinco de Mayo brought together the people of California. The date brought together native-born Californios (individuals from the region prior to annexing by the U.S.); recent immigrants from Mexico, as well as Central and South-America; and the new generation of English-speaking American children. Since 1863, Californians have celebrated the fifth of May, and now people across the U.S. recognize the occasion as well. Yet it is virtually ignored in Mexico. From its inception, Cinco de Mayo has been a day for those with Mexican heritage in our country to celebrate our roots, marked with patriotic speeches and celebrations, displaying both U.S. and Mexican flags.

Another important fact to consider is how this battle played into U.S. history, as the Civil War waged on. France, and other European nations, were concerned about the rapid expansion of the United States, and had an interest in staving off U.S. expansion towards the South. Seeing the young nation split into two less powerful and less threatening nations was an ideal vision of Napoleon III, then ruler of France.

While the Covenant of London was being finalized, General Robert E. Lee was winning battles for the Confederacy. Had the French been victorious in that original Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862, they could have continued their influence across the Mexican nation, and would have likely supported the Confederacy in its battle against Union forces. Instead, the French had to regroup their forces and concentrate on their war with Mexico, which was much more united just one year after the first attack. Of course, just fourteen months after the Battle of Puebla, the U.S. Civil War would see a major battle when Union forces claimed victory at Gettysburg and effectively brought a close to the Civil War.

As we attend Cinco de Mayo celebrations, let us take a moment to remember the history behind this event-- significant for its impact on Mexico, its impact on the U.S., and for bringing together those with ties to both countries.

Rep. Joe Baca
INVEST IN EDUCATION-NOT PRISONS

STATE LEGISLATORS FAIL US AGAIN


On Tuesday I attended a forum to discuss the pending pre-parole 500 bed state prison optioned to be built in Madera.

The state says there is no money for schools, education, transportation, yet has millions to pour into additional correctional facilities and criminal healthcare. An inmate hospital is being built is Stockton. Our correctional health care is in receivership due to alleged poor care and bad decisions. Having a receiver costs millions of dollars.

The decision to invest in prisons over child safety and schools continues on the path of bad decisions. First, there is no significant rehabilitation in the correctional system. Inmates are warehoused and released. Any inmates housed in the new Madera prison facility would be released in the same condition as they were when they were transferred to Madera. Second, recidivism is around 80 % and the inmates are mentally institutionalized, so they at some level like to return to prison-but they must commit a crime to get there. We will be the victims. Third, currently the valley has an approximate 20% unemployment rate and an even higher under-employment rate. There is no evidence that Madera will have any jobs for released felons who had previously spent years in Soledad, Pelican Bay, or Folsom. Yet, county supervisors want to risk exposing our youth to felons who would be coming to the facility on a daily basis.

Once these felons are discharged all state health care and support payments stop and there would be an increase in Medicare and ER hospital usage, an increase in welfare and an increase in crime and gangs. We do not have drug rehabilitation services now in Madera due to state budget cuts. If these inmates are already due to be released, then just release them to their home areas and release the allotted money for use by the cities for educational services, transportation, teachers, after-school programs, summer programs and police.

It is unadvisable to locate this facility in a residential area where citizens are striving for a better lifestyle. If you want to share our vision for a better Madera, join us in keeping this facility away from our schools, parks, and housing areas. I can be contacted by email at: saveourvalley@hotmail.com

Dr. Loraine Goodwin, M.D., J.D.

Madera Unified Trustee and Candidate for Congress CD 19