Power in Mexico

We got out just in time. My family returned last week from a quiet trip to Mexico for a pilgrimage to the Virgin of Guadalupe, whose image suspended high over the altar at the basilica is still absolutely stunning after more than four centuries.

While we were there, headlines announced that there would be a large demonstration on Monday (our departure day) against the newly-elected president Felipe Calderon, organized by the backers of opposition candidate Lopez Obrador. Back in October, Mexico’s Bishop’s Conference called on Obrador to give up his efforts to set up a parallel government after losing the election.

He hasn’t. The growing resistence gathered in Mexico City the day we left (I have a new appreciation for airport hotels), and they’ve pretty much been camping out in the area ever since, especially in the Parliament in the few days leading up to today’s inauguration.

Felipe Calderon took the oath of office as Mexico’s president Friday amid jeers and whistles, a lightning-fast ceremony before lawmakers who exchanged punches and insults over the conservative leader’s narrow victory. 
 
Calderon entered through a back door and appeared suddenly on the speaker’s platform, the site of three days of fistfights and sit-ins by lawmakers seeking to control the stage. Physically protected by sympathetic lawmakers and flanked by outgoing President Vicente Fox, Calderon ignored the chaos around him and calmly raised his arm as he swore to uphold the constitution in comments almost inaudible over the noise.

Congress’ leader ordered the national anthem played, momentarily stilling the catcalls and shouting, before Calderon made a quick exit and Congress adjourned. Foreign dignitaries – including former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and Spanish Prince Felipe of Asturias – barely warmed their seats in a balcony overlooking the scene.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was there, also. He added comic relief after seeing the fiasco in the Mexican Parliament firsthand.

They draped a giant banner across the chamber reading “Mexico doesn’t deserve a traitor to democracy as president,” exchanged punches with ruling-party lawmakers and erected barricades of chairs as Calderon supporters chanted “Mexico wants peace.”  

“It’s good action,” quipped California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as he arrived.

Maybe it felt like the set of one of his movies.

Speaking of movies, we saw posters there of a film coming out soon on the Virgin of Guadalupe, but no indication that it would come here. Turns out, it will. Wish I knew when, but I’m guessing it will be close to her Feast Day of December 12. I’ll let you know. And I’ll tell you more about the Mexican visit soon.

But in the midst of this political struggle for the hearts and minds of that country, it seems clear to me that there is one who holds the real power.