Mexico chastises Rice over remarks on Mexican political system

[Kuciwalker]

Some of us understand tact.

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by Wezil
I don't expect americans to understand the perspective.

What's a greater intrusion into the internal affairs of a country? The Mexican Government actively lobbying to weaken US law regarding Illegal immigration, taking an active role in the debate surrounding the issue, or the US government making a compliment about the growth of Mexican democracy?

[Dinner]

Originally posted by Tattila the Hun
It implies, that up untill now, their democracy has been juvenile, or immature. I'd recent such implication.

Except for the fact that their "democracy" wasn't really a democracy at all. It was continous one party rule and they maintained their power by election fraud, intimidation, and patronage (since the government controlled so much of the economy you either did what the guys who controlled the government wanted or you were screwed).

It wasn't until the last President was elected that the opposition EVER held the Presidency. I'd say that is a pretty immature democracy.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
What's a greater intrusion into the internal affairs of a country? The Mexican Government actively lobbying to weaken US law regarding Illegal immigration, taking an active role in the debate surrounding the issue, or the US government making a compliment about the growth of Mexican democracy?

I could see Rice's comments as support for the party that won the 'election'. If I were a supporter of one of the other parties this could be seen as meddling.

Re - Mexican gov't lobbying. Is it working?

The US gov't can get what it wants from its neighbors if it wants it bad enough. This does not hold true in the reverse. What did Rice want? I don't know and that is why I said her remarks were not wise.

[Dinner]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
What's a greater intrusion into the internal affairs of a country? The Mexican Government actively lobbying to weaken US law regarding Illegal immigration, taking an active role in the debate surrounding the issue, or the US government making a compliment about the growth of Mexican democracy?

Damn you, Sir! You made me agree with you.

[SlowwHand]

quote:
Originally posted by Wezil
I don't expect americans to understand the perspective.

See? I like you wezil, but that illustrates my point right there. Now let's talk tact some more.

That's ok. When The Texas Jew Boy takes over, I'm applying for a diplomat job to Mexico. THEN, you can talk about no tact.

[Wezil]

I wasn't talking 'tact'. I think Kuci was.

Sorry if my comment seemed offensive Sloww. It was not intended as such.

My point being this: You are a resident of the big house on the block and your perspective is shaped by that reality. If you were a resident of one of the US's smaller neighbours you would be better able to emphasize with their position.

I'm implying ignorance in the classic sense in that you simply do not know, not that you are stupid.

[Japher]

So if I have the biggest, nicest house on the block and my neighbor (who has a shack and a really nasty yard) decides to put down some sod I'm not allowed to complement them on their new lawn because it's condescending? WTF?

"Hey, I like your new hat."
"So you think my old one sucked?"

That's such like a woman.

I'm implying ignorance in the classic sense in that you simply do not know, not that you are stupid.

Oh, and it's not ignorance if it's true.

[SlowwHand]

On that, I agree. Perspective is different, for sure.
My own opinion, not on Mexico particularly and I've said this many times, is that it would be hard for me to ignore a country asking for help, if I was running the circus.

HOWEVER, that point of view is exactly what gets the USA in trouble.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Japher
So if I have the biggest, nicest house on the block and my neighbor (who has a shack and a really nasty yard) decides to put down some sod I'm not allowed to complement them on their new lawn because it's condescending? WTF?

Do you have the power to change your neighbours sod and pick the colour of his house paint if you don't like his choice?

Oh, and it's not ignorance if it's true.

I think you missed the point. The ignorance was not Rice's (not as I am arguing anyway ) but the reality that a born and bred american cannot have the same perspective on this as a Mexican (or Canadian, or etc.).

[Japher]

Do you have the power to change your neighbours sod and pick the colour of his house paint if you don't like his choice?

What does it matter? I can still compliment if I like it. If I don't, I won't say anything.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
HOWEVER, that point of view is exactly what gets the USA in trouble.

The US often gets sh*t upon even when they mean well. It is often the different perspectives at work.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Japher


What does it matter? I can still compliment if I like it. If I don't, I won't say anything.

But if you don't like it and have the power to change it a comment expressing dislike will lead the neighbour to wonder what is coming next.

[DanS]

To be fair, this seemed more like chiding rather than chastising to me. The Mexican gov't has been in a verbal fight with Chavez and telling him loudly that he has no right talking about the Mexican gov't. Mexico would appear to be a US lackey, if it didn't at least make some noises toward even-handedness.

[SlowwHand]

Thank you, Wezil.