Thank you, America

I just got back from a one month road trip. I drove from Chicago to Mexico City (exactly the same distance as from Chicago to L.A.) and then visited several other cities in Mexico.

Don't get me wrong, I love Mexico and the Mexican people; they do not call it the 'amigo' country for nothing, but the deeper I got into Mexico and the farther I got from the cities, especially the tourist traps, the more I saw the extreme poverty and desperation that exists in our Southern neighbor.

I have been in Mexico several times since I moved to the USA, but mostly to the resort cities like Acapulco and Cancun. It was really sad to see how the richer have gotten richer and the poor have gotten poorer. The middle class is really struggling to survive. There are no jobs, even for those who really want to work and the entreprenurial spirit is something to behold.

Mexico City is out of this world. You will never see so much wealth and affluence standing shoulder to shoulder with extreme poverty. Pollution and crime is out of control. But most intriguing of all was the people. Even in their misery, people were friendly and for the most part, happy.

So why this story? Because this trip once again it reminded me that in America we have everything, but yet we do nothing but complain. We have so many opportunities but we blame others for our failures.

When I crossed the border from Nuevo Laredo to Laredo, I gave thanks for having been given the opportunity to live in this country, where we take opportunity, wealth and freedom for granted.

And to the people of Mexico, Gracias mis Amigos! Thank you for your hospitality and friendship.

I am glad to be back, I am re-energized to get back to work on Monday and look forward to resuming my Second Life this weekend. From what I have seen so far today, things are changed!

For all of you who IM'd me with no response, sorry. This was a spur-of-the-moment kind of a deal.

- T -

What a great post! Welcome back, amigo, and thanks for sharing these observations.

I still have to make it down to Mexico (crazy, right? I grew up in LA and I've never been to Mexico).

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My boyfriend built houses in Mexico. I remember him telling me it was one of his most life-changing experiences.

Hehe, you and me both, Lo. I have lived in Texas and Arizona, and have come within ten miles of the Mexican border, but still am a "virgin."

Tito, seriously, thanks for that admonition. We are a bunch of whiny babies here in America, aren't we?