When I'm Not On The Road . . .

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

 

When I'm not on the road I seem to always get into some kind of trouble.  Part of the problem is I read too much news and it gets me going.  This last week it has been about the border and border agents as you read the other day.

Then, I got involved in a thread about the legalization of cars in Mexico.  I have the hardest time trying to convince people of facts regarding those organizations that give out stickers and license plates and tell innocent people they are protected from paying their yearly tags or legalization.

• It's illegal.   The federation has not approved any of these groups and never will
• Just because a state governor says it has his stamp of approval means nothing to federal police and Mexican customs agents
• If it were legal, why do they tell their members not to drive in major metro areas such as Monterrey, Mexico City, Guadalajara and Tijuana
• The cost to join and pay dues is the same or more than the yearly tag and plate charge
• No one can tell me where the money goes; estimated at more than 100 million dollars a year
• As of today, some of these organizations are over 20 years old and have yet to be authorized

I have been reminded that this program is to help poor Mexican farmers yet ex-pats and Mexicans who live in cities attempt to take advantage of these "programs".  Please correct me if I am wrong with the following statement:

The only way that a Mexican farmer will ever excel at his trade is to receive funding from federal, state and international aid programs.  However, just like in any other country, to be able to apply for a loan, the person needs to be able to read and write and show proof of economic stability.  That means that people need to be educated, register their farms, and pay taxes.   

What I find interesting is that it appears that some people don't  want Mexico to advance and become part of global commerce and the 21st century.   If we don't do this, those that are educated, will continue to leave Mexico and we will lose our intellectual capital.  I realize that colonial Mexico is quaint, endearing and inexpensive, but this is no longer the reality.  Mexicans want what everyone else in the world has and if they can't get it here they will go to where they can.

Belly up to the bar and pay your dues if you are a foreigner living in Mexico.  I blame no one for wanting to live here.  I do and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.  I pay my taxes, I don't steal electricity, I pay my property taxes and vehicle registration and plates every year.  I'm not taking a holier than thou attitude but only living the way I would live in any country that receives me.  

I ask those living in Mexico:  Would you accept the same practices of not pay yearly registration and tags in your native country?  Of course not!