Obama in Mexico: New relationship, praises Mexican American voters

Amid attempts in the U.S. to pass immigration reform and build a stronger North American economy, President Barack Obama on Friday sought to put the United States’ relationship with Mexico on stronger footing, saying that the two nations are “equal partners.”

“Just as Mexico is being transformed, so too are the ties between our two countries,” he said before an enthusiastic crowd at Anthropology Museum in Mexico City.

 Obama said that “Mexico that is taking its rightful place in the world,” joining the ranks of the world’s largest economies and standing up for democracy.

The president’s remarks, however, weren’t limited to economic issues. As the world, and the U.S. and Mexico specifically, become more connected, he stressed the need for stronger cultural tolerance.

“Despite the deep bonds and values we share… attitudes are sometimes trapped in old stereotypes,” he said. “Some Americans only see the Mexico depicted in sensational headlines of violence and border crossings…”

He also acknowledged the role of Mexican Americans in U.S. society — including the role they played in recent elections – and especially his own re-election.

“Without the strong support of Hispanics, including so many Mexican Americans, I would not be standing before you today as president of the United States,” he said.

The shared future of the U.S. and Mexico is one of the reasons he is pursuing immigration reform, Mr. Obama said. “We are a nation of laws, and like every nation we have the responsibility to ensure that our laws are upheld,” he said. “But we also know that, as a nation of immigrants, the immigration system we have in the United States now doesn’t reflect our values.”

Obama spoke of the other responsibilities the U.S. must uphold as it works to improve its relationship with Mexico, such as reducing the demand for illegal drugs and putting pressure on gun traffickers.

“We understand that the root cause of much of the violence here–and so much suffering for many Mexicans– is the demand for illegal drugs, including in the United States,” he said.

 Obama portrayed Mexico as an emerging nation that is remaking itself and said the U.S.-Mexico relationship should be defined by shared prosperity, not by threats both countries face. “It’s time to recognize new realities,” he declared.

After the speech, his next stop was Costa Rica.  Obama was to meet with Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla before joining leaders from the Central American Integration system. The regional network also includes the leaders of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

From news services