2012 Mexican Presidential Election

Not much is mentioned about the Mexican presidential election for 2012. The PAN party has had their chance to turn the tide by winning the last two elections. Vicente Fox winning in 2000 was unheard of due to the death grip the PRI party had on the country. The unfortunate circumstances the country has found itself (drugs, corruption,violence) will only further increase the widening gap of prosperity and poverty. Whilst watching the Univision evening news the other night, an older woman was asked why her support was being thrown behind the dapper PRI candidate, Enrique Peña Nieto, and she and her “comadres” ignorantly answered, “…por que es guapo (because he’s good looking).” The comment made me sad for a country with so many resources being exploited because of how shortsighted politicians are to turn them over for a quick buck. The rampant corruption is at all levels of Mexican government that includes law enforcement. The “narcos” control politicians like puppets and any attempt at stopping the drug trade is futile and pointless. Violence has spread across the Mexico-US borders and no end is in sight. The sad part is that Mexicans can only legally purchase firearms from one store in Mexico City that serves the whole country. Talk about bringing new meaning to the word “monopoly.” Could the legalization of common street drugs alleviate the ills of Mexican society? “Arab Spring” is highly contagious and who’s to say that the fever couldn’t be spread overseas. Many citizens are tired of being victims and have called for action, like Mexican Institute of Sound.

MIS (Mexican Institute of Sound) has put together a politically charged video for his “Mexico” single. “Verde de mota, blanco de coca y rojo de tu sangre (green of marijuana, white of cocaine and red of your blood)” is how Camilo Lara describes the colors of the Mexican flag that has definitely seen better days. The Jonas Cuaron (“Children of Men”) directed video was shot at the Zócalo in Mexico City that includes the #SOY132 youth movement looking for a balanced media presence across the country amongst other items in question. Look for MIS’ “Politico” album to hit the streets August 14.

Mexican Institute of Sound – Mexico