Beauty and the beast
By YADIRA SANCHEZ OLSON
If you have not been living under a heavy rock lately, you have no doubt been exposed (or over exposed) to all the stories about the drug crimes on the border of the U.S. and Mexico.
They’re not pretty.
It’s getting down-right frightening what is happening with the drugs, the money, the guns and the political corruption concentrated in some areas, and the hemorrhaging of thousands of bodies of innocent people.
Being Mexican, I can tell you that news of this is heartbreaking.
Being a journalist, I also can say that it’s necessary to report it.
It’s happening. Hiding it or sugar-coating it is not going to change that.
But knowing about it and making others aware can lead to change.
It’s always a ripple effect. What you do here today can alter things somewhere else.
For example, if instead of hearing about the drug violence and shaking our heads in disgust, we talk about it to come up with ideas on how we can help. This undoubtedly can make some change for the better.
A decision not to buy drugs, a cautionary pep talk to a kid or even a prayer for things to change is better than turning our heads in the other direction.
You may find that if you stand stagnantly by while things are happening around you, next thing you know, you’re getting swept away by the very thing you’re choosing to ignore.
I’m just saying that, although the borders may seem far away, it’s our people who are dying, and our new generations who are living hellish situations, through no fault of their own.
Many churches have connections with organizations that are doing different things to stop the violence on the border.
If you can no longer just continue to hear about these crimes and want to do something about it, give them a call and lend a hand.
But I hate to leave this column on this note.
After all, Mexico has much more than drug violence.
It has a rich culture, caring people, amazing places to explore, wonderful art, awesome music and now, we also have the most beautiful woman in the Universe, Jimena Navarrette!
That’s right, the new reigning Miss Universe is from the beautiful Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico!
And she has said she plans to take this opportunity to show the world how wonderful her country is.
Kudos, girlfriend!
Well, with this beautiful woman taking on that task and the nearing celebrations of the Bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence and Centennial of the Revolution, everyone will surely have a chance to see just how amazing that country is.
And don’t miss next week’s edition because I’ll have for you a list of local events to go to to celebrate! ... I can’t wait!
