FORUMS & LETTERS

Opinion
By Ernesto Alcalá de la Fuente

San Miguel is saved!

The following piece responds to Elliot Holt’s Readers’ Forum “It’s time to save San Miguel,” published in Atención, March 21.

Many sanmiguelenses, including myself, remember how it was in San Miguel 55 or 65 years ago. I don’t know when you came to San Miguel as a child, but I’m sure you enjoyed a feeling of superiority as a “rich” American boy living among the poor Mexican Indian people that struggled to survive, selling whatever they could in order to buy some food for their children.

I was born in San Miguel and I remember very well how it felt to see my friends come to school without shoes; carrying a piece of slate to write on and a hard bean taco to eat for lunch. Scenes like this might seem to you as “unique and real,” for a tourist to see, but to me it meant pain and poverty for many.

As I grew up, and progress (notice that I didn’t use quotation marks), came to San Miguel, I welcomed it with open arms because it meant jobs, better food, clothing and education for my fellow Mexicans.

I can’t understand why it bothers you that Starbucks, McDonalds and other companies bring their businesses to San Miguel. You talk as if you and other Americans that come to San Miguel owned our city. We Mexicans like foreign investment because it improves our way of living. You, on the other hand, would prefer, for your own enjoyment, to see Mexico remain a Third World country. I’m sorry, Mr. Holt, but we Mexicans are on our way up and nothing is going to stop us.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but once you make it public, you must be ready to hear those of others, including my own, as a Mexican, sanmiguelense and lover of my fellow Mexicans. Do not worry, San Miguel is saved! Enjoy living in Puerto Rico, it is a beautiful island. By the way, Starbucks coffee is quite good!

Ernesto Alcala de la Fuente was born and raised in San Miguel. He spent many years in the US (New York, Florida, Georgia), where Americans enjoy eating Mexican food, in the same way Mexicans enjoy some American products here in Mexico.

The opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not reflect those of Atención San Miguel or the publisher, the Biblioteca Pública.

LETTERS

Editor,

In response to the Starbucks, Office Depot, Wal-Mart issue re: the blind prejudices that are being revealed among many local anglos relative to this phenomenon is quite interesting. To automatically assume that only anglos are capable of driving the demand for these megacorps is just plain xenophobic elitism. Can’t you see the growing sophistication and complexity of the Mexican culture? It’s the rapidly growing Mexican middle class that is creating this demand. As Mexico moves toward First World status, Mexicans want more value for their peso. The megacorps satisfy these wants from the Mexican's point of view.

The integrity of El Centro is already cast in stone, so to speak, in the narrow cobblestone streets, churches, Jardin and architecture. That’s not going to change. However, San Miguel is hardly recognizable from my first trip here in the mid seventies in terms of the businesses that are now here. These changes reflect current consumer demands and are absolutely necessary to insure a good tax base to pay for infrastructure and services. You can’t tax failed businesses. One of the real beauties and marvels of San Miguel is in the ability of its administrators to preserve the city’s historic integrity and traditions while creating an environment for business to flourish. Why don’t we leave the job to them?

Now, why did you Luddites move to San Miguel? Were you hoping that you could stop time in place and enslave El Centro to your concept of charm and quaintness?

Wake up and smell Starbucks’ fabulous cup of coffee. Has the Dunkin’ Doughnuts on the Jardín put any local panaderias out of business yet?

Jonathan Smith

Editor,

During the dozens of years I have lived in Mexico, here and there I have witnessed many poignant and tragic moments. Mexico is filled with them. And also the great moments of joy, unsurpassed in other parts.

When I saw them installing the silver metallic Starbucks sign on the corner of the Jardín, I felt like I was watching them hammering in the last nail in the coffin of the historic center of San Miguel. I hope I am wrong. Perhaps it’s just the first nail and we will live to see not only Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks but more of the fast-food franchises that have ruined other towns and cities throughout the world. What will UNESCO World Heritage think of this?

I, for one, am devastated and happily join in the Va por San Miguel protest! Viva San Miguel!

Bob Freeman



Editor,

Congratulations to the Biblioteca Pública on 50 years of service to San Miguel de Allende. When my husband and I decided to move here and buy a house, the library was part of our decision to do so.

I also would like to thank Robin Velte, the head of the English Book Committee. When you notice the Nobel and Booker prize-winning novels in the Literary Fiction section of the Gloria Grant room, or the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographies in the Biography section, she is the one to thank.

Ms. Velte, a retired school librarian from northern California, works with the English Book Committee to order all of these new books. Although we only get to see her six months a year, she continues this ordering from her computer in Mt. Shasta. She is one example of the outstanding community volunteers I have met since moving here.

Judy Rosenthal



Editor,

There is a new law, which has already been published (in large measure thanks to the untiring efforts of the Amigos de Animales organization), whereby it is forbidden to sell any dogs in a public place.

This of course means that dogs will no longer be for sale at the Tuesday market, among other places. And consequently there will be far fewer adorable stray dogs turning up on the streets—those which have been purchased on impulse by whining children asking their parents to compra me un perrito, and which unfortunate perrito will in many, many cases find itself dumped on the street in six or twelve months’ time, when the novelty has worn off and the puppy no longer looks so adorable, having been totally neglected in the interim.

So—a suggestion to anyone looking for, or thinking of adopting, a dog—do go along to the Ecologia “pound” where there are always dogs which have been picked up and which are put down after three days if not claimed, which almost never happens.

I myself recently heard that there were two poodles which were going to be put down the next day, so I went down to the pound and took one of the little poodles home—she is a real treasure—barely a year old. She was very thin but totally house-trained and could not be sweeter and more affectionate. In a couple of months, when her coat has grown out fully, I shall be putting her up for adoption and will hate to part with her, but I have a full house with my own dogs so cannot keep her long-term.

For those interested, the pound is next door to the abattoir on the street which goes to the bus station (Calle de la Estación) and one can find out exactly which hours it is open by calling Ecologia at either 120-4339 or 120-4332, as the hours do vary. Not only will you be saving the life of some dog that most certainly does not deserve to die, but you may find yourself a wonderful friend and companion for life. Good luck!

If anyone sees dogs being sold at the Tuesday market, be sure to call the police, as it is definitely unlawful.

Anne Rusling




Editor,

Parque Juárez, because of the recent renovation and continued maintenance by the department of ecology, has become one of San Miguel’s most popular attractions. Thousands of tourists and sanmiguelenses visit the park every week. Yoga, zumba and children’s art classes are offered every Saturday morning. Adults, children, families, lovers, joggers, strollers, dog walkers and tourists visiting San Miguel for the first time pass through the park. They come to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of mature trees, the sculpture garden, the paths and fountains, to take photos, to watch people, to play basketball on two courts, to meet friends or to just sit and listen to the music. It is with great pleasure and pride that I spend a lot of time in Parque Juárez.

With most good things comes responsibility. Parque Juárez is no exception. In the past year, two of the bronze sculptures have been stolen and a young woman has been raped and murdered (reported Atención San Miguel, July 6, 2007). Thanks to the vigilance of park employees one of the sculptures has been recovered; however, these sad events would indicate that more security is necessary.

There is a recently donated children’s playground that is always full of small children laughing and playing. They and all of us need to feel safe and secure in all parts of the park at all times. These problems are not unique to San Miguel. Large public parks around the world need 24-hour security. I appreciate that the rapid growth of San Miguel puts a strain on the police force, but Luis Alberto Villareal promised security when we inaugurated the renovated park two years ago.

We would just like to see that promise kept.

Sharon Milligan



Editor,

I whole heartedly agree with Jack Driscoll's comments on the unfunny, sophomoric account of spending time with prostitutes in San Miguel written by “regular contributor” Bill Gallacher. It was an embarrassment to the reader, writer and publisher of this “contribution.”

Ann Rowan