Talk centers on present
Alum shows need for change

By Julie Ann Matonis
Staff Reporter

Before he began his speech about the changing political forces in Mexico Wednesday afternoon, Juan Hernandez, a TCU alumnus and advisor to Mexican president Vicente Fox, made the Horned Frog hand gesture and said he was a Frog.

Hernandez, head of Fox’s presidential office for Mexicans Abroad, received his master’s degree and Ph.D. in English from TCU.

More than 50 students, faculty and community members came to hear Hernandez speak. His parents and brother were also in the audience.
Jim Riddlesperger, chair of the political science department, said the university is a safe haven for the discussion of ideas, especially those as divisive as the politics of Mexico.

“There is a strong bias in the United States of those that don’t accept Mexican immigrants as equals,” Riddlesperger said. “Hernandez represents a new perspective, to make immigrants less of a stereotype, which is good regardless of the politics and policies developed.”

Hernandez discussed the relationship between the United States and Mexico, and the recent meeting between Fox and President George W. Bush.

“(Fox and Bush) put down the basis, the principles of a new relationship,” Hernandez said. “The principles were specific, based on human rights and need for both countries. I think the United States is finally seeing the benefit of looking south and discovering this neighbor that has always been there.”

Hernandez said Fox is a president of today, someone concerned about what can be done in the present.

“One thing I love about Vicente Fox is he is very much a president of (today), not (tomorrow),” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said his four duties are to dignify Mexicans abroad, treat paisanos (people born in Mexico but living in the United States) better, find ways to help descending regions in Mexico and make sure those born in Mexico feel welcome in Mexico.

“These individuals have been in the shadows for such a long time with both federal governments shutting their eyes,” Hernandez said. “The reason they’re leaving is because Mexico hasn’t given them opportunities at home.”

Jennifer Ibarra, a junior advertising/public relations major, said she attended Hernandez’s speech because she is from Mexico and still has family there. She said the term “The New Mexico” is positive to her.

“‘The New Mexico’ is like a new beginning to Mexicans in Mexico and in the United States,” Ibarra said. “Before (Fox’s election) I didn’t have the same attitude about Mexico.”

Julie Ann Matonis
j.a.matonis@student.tcu.edu