Vive Mexico

Today Mexico celebrates it's independence from Spain. Legend has it that the battle for independence started after Father Miguel Hidalgo issued the famous grito, or shout, to rally Mexico for her battle against the European forces. Vive Mexico!

Mexican Independence, Is Everybody Happy?

At 11:00pm tonight, millions of people will gather in state capitals and cities all across Mexico to reenact the famous "Grito de Independencia." It was 200 years ago this year, in a little town then known simply as Dolores, Mexico that Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, called the nation to fight for independence from Spain with his famous Grito, or shout. Here's a short video of former President Vicente Fox issuing the Grito from the exact place Hidalgo stood 200 years ago, that little town of Dolores. But tonight, and tomorrow as the country celebrates, all is not well. Oh sure, people will take off work, go on picnics, visit friends and family, but underneath the surface there will be unease. Worries about security, lack of jobs, governmental corruption, poverty, and thousands of people either missing or dead in a seemingly never ending drug war are always there. Just below the surface. For many, they will celebrate, but there will be no joy as chronicled in this story from CNN. Tonight, as President Felipe Calderone, still perceived by many to be an illegitimate president, issues the Grito, there will be another Grito in the hearts of many of my Mexican brothers, sisters, and friends. And it will not be the pretty Grito you will see tonight on the evening news.