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Commentary

Obama in Mexico ... Rolling Up His Sleeves to Tackle Many Hard Issues
By Carlos Luken

Apr 17, 2009
Mexico City was in a virtual state of siege as it prepared for U.S. president Barak Obama's first official visit to Mexican president Felipe Calderon.

Mexican press reported that a 4,500 member protection task force was deployed from all local and federal police agencies, the Mexican Army and president Calderon's personal military escort guard (Estado Mayor Presidencial) . This small army was tied to dozens of Mr. Obama's secret service personnel; part of these agents aside from their support in providing intelligence and coordination, also took over most security measures in the Hotel where the Obamas would stay.

What was somewhat uncharacteristic was the presence of U.S. Marines and helicopters flying over the president's scheduled route and the ominous presence of what has been described as "the tank like presidential vehicle" dully dubbed "The Beast".

I suppose that in normal times, security is always an important concern by any nation having a foreign dignitary on an official visit to its soil. But these are far from normal times and Obama is far more than "a foreign official".

As everyone realizes there is a grave insecurity atmosphere in Mexico that makes taking added protection measures not only intelligent but mandatory.

As soon as Air Force One touched down in Mexico City ’s International airport, it was taken to the cover of Mexico 's presidential hangar. From there Obama boarded a helicopter and was flown directly to Campo Marte, one of Mexico 's major military facilities a very short distance from "Los Pinos" Mexico 's presidential manor.

It was very hard for me not to be reminiscent and compare the visit's contrast to another highly popular and charismatic U.S. president in the sixties;   JFK and his wife were paraded in an open car in Mexico City as thousands cheered their presence.

Mrs. Kennedy's charm and behavior shinned in her visit to Mexico's Anthropological museum and her answers in near perfect Spanish during a nationally aired TV interview endeared her to the whole country. The Kennedy's were the national attraction period! The media had a field day reporting their every move as a success; they were wined and dined and always demonstrated great charisma. When the visit ended all Mexico was talking about Jackie and "her husband's" visit as the highlight of the year..

At this point I think it appropriate to explain that I am not comparing the Kennedy’s visit with the Obama’s . In reality both couples share many outstanding attributes: Youth, charisma and intelligence being among the most notable. But JFK's visit was in the days of Camelot and these are the dark ages.

In truth Obama's day long visit was a very demanding affair. He was sheltered from mass events or public appearances. His schedule was overflowing with meetings with Calderon and both their cabinet members and a staff, it would be a understatement to say that their agenda was occupied with vital and critical issues.

After nearly a decade of U.S. near neglect for the region, the unattended "deep-rooted problems" had blow up into shattering crises. As would be expected the list of concerns was topped by the joint strategies to be implemented to fight against drug cartel expanding operations and violence on both sides of our border. As well, in the middle of rising unemployment and economic downturn, illegal immigration continues to be a growing, unsettled and sensitive dilemma to both countries; The United State 's recent preparation to swing to protectionist trade policies and allegedly revise the NAFTA accords was certainly another important part of their agenda.

Even the traditional state dinner was a highly selective solemn affair in which reportedly only 100 official guests were invited.

As was expected, not all issues were resolved and even those that were will be viewed as unsatisfactory by some. It's only natural, the agenda and hopes were too demanding and sensitive to both nations. But in my opinion, the most substantial objective was reached and that is that once more, two neighbors sat down to talk about their common problems, shared solutions and past mistakes. This is something to build on.

As an essayist I can understand that this visit was a working stopover. But as Mexican I wish that Mr. Obama's visit had been a more affable, festive and ceremonial state visit. The prospect of having another charismatic couple capture the world's media attention and the opportunity of sharing our abundant folklore, stunning locations and fascinating culture, I hope was not lost... but merely postponed for better times in the near future.

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Carlos Luken is also the author of the new book "300 weeks - Mexico ’s turbulent transition to democracy"