Given that Washington is actively looking for a pretext to invade Mexico, where I have lived for twenty-three years, a few observations from this side of the border may be of worth. To begin, let us ponder Claudia Scheinbaum Pardo, Mexico’s recently elected president, who is subject to considerable venom in the American media. For example The American Conservative, for which I was a columnist while it still dallied with sanity, has described her as “a dangerous radical on our southern border.” Sure, and I am a fifty-seven Chevy. The other day I saw a bried video clip of Charlie Kirk, of whom I had never heard until he was shot, saying that Scheinbaum is America’s worst enemy. Whether conservatives are honestly ignorant or deliberately preparing the public to accept attacking Mexico, I don’t know.
So, what manner of wight is she?
She is highly intelligent and trained in the sciences and technology, something almost never found in the upper regions of American government. Scheinbaum, sixty-three, from a family of scientists ( her father a chemist, mother a biologist, brother an oceanographer, husband a physicist) earned her BS in physics, her MS in physics, and her doctorate in engineering. She lived for several years in California, working at the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, , speaks educated English and is familiar with American society and culture. She has served as mayor of Mexico City, a massive jurisdiction and preparation for the presidency. She has written books and many articles for technical publication.
She won the presidency with sixty percent of the vote with her closest competitor, another woman, receiving twenty-seven percent. So much for machismo. She, like her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, is of the Morena party, and ran on a pledge to continue AMLO’s policies, which she has done. Thus when Mexicans voted for her, they knew what they would get, and did. Her approval rating has been high, around eighty percent.
She has been accused by internet dispensers of hog droppings as being a communist, sometimes by ones who can spell it. I would call her center-Left. Her policy goals run to social programs, which Mexico needs, and building rail lines, which Mexico needs. Large among these is the interoceanic line from Salina Cruz across the Tehuantepec Isthmus to Veracruz, which will compete with the Panama Canal and is now in early operation. She continues the upgrading of seaports, which Mexico also needs.
It is difficult to imagine an American President since Jimmy Carter with both the intelligence and mathematical schooling to factor a binomial square, which is eighth-grade algebra. Freshman calculus’ Wud dat?, hanh In my decades of slaving in Washington’s press corps, I was astonished by the colossal ignorance of elected officials of almost everything, but particularly of matters technical. In a world in which technologies loom large in geopolitics and prosperity, a president easily fluent in the sciences might be of value.
By American standards, Scheinbaum’s administration is astonishingly open. Every weekday she hosts a lengthy mañamera, a press conference, in which she answers, live and online, real questions, lengthy and detailed, from real journalists about real things. Though questions and answers are invariably courteous, the questions are not softballs and by no means always politically friendly. It is impossible to imagine an American President doing such a thing, without an unmannerly Tinker Belle Levitt to give boilerplate answers to vetted questions. If you speak Spanish,give her a listen
Online one encounters many bloggers trendily hostile to Mexico , including some who know where it is, and to Scheinbaum who is described not just as a dangerous radical on our southern border, but also as “Mexico’s narcopresidenta. This is nuts. Perhaps they are confusing her with Griselda Blanco. Darwin seems in brisk retreat. A problem in modern politics is that anyone with an internet connection and a thirty-dollar camera can become an authority on anything. agitated bloggers, sometimes actual dimwits, say, not quite screeching, “We here at the Daily Disturbance have learned from undeniable sources that the Mexican government is sending tons of fentanyl to poison your children and DESTROY AMERICA!!!!” To what extent political parties and governmental agencies produce these blogs, I don’t know, but i can guess
Here a dive into reality. Mexicans want to get rid of the cartels a lot more than Americans do. Americans are relentlessly told by the country’s propaganda outlets–CNN, MSNBC, Fox–that Washington yearns to impose democracy, overthrow dictators, and fight the drug cartels. This is nonsense, and probably believed nowhere outside of the United States and its vassals. Note that when hundreds of thousands of Americans were dying of of overdoses of Oxycontin produced in America, Washington did nothing. Washington actually colludes with the cartels by selling, or allowing the sale of, military weaponry to the said cartels with the effect that the Mexican police are outgunned. Every sentient being in the Potomac Byzantium knows this. It continues.
By contrast, Latin Americans know that Washington lacks the slightest interest in democracy or moral values. It wants natural resources and control, and nothing else. In particular, it wants Venezuela’s oil and Mexico’s lithium. It also wants to prevent Mexico from trading with China or letting the Chinese build factories. putting American soldiers into Mexico is thus very much a goal. As many countries have learned to their sorrow, getting American troops in is much easier than getting them out.
Here is Scheinbaum’s greatest problem. She has repeatedly said that she will cooperate to any extent in opposing the cartels. To this end she has sent thousands of troops to the border and has extradited dozens of members of cartels to the US for trial. She has also said that Mexico will not accept subordination or American troops on Mexican land. But she has no leverage. Trump can destroy Mexico’s economy with a signature. He doesn’t like Mexico or Mexicans. His base is enthusiastic at the idea of invasion or bombing though most seem to be blankly ignorant of Latin America. This political potpouri she has to handle.
Complicating things is that Few in America know anything at all about Mexico. It would be interesting to take a poll of those enthusiastic for invasion and ask: Can you name three Mexican states? One state? What does Morena mean? What did Lazaro Cardenas do in 1938 of importance to America? Can you read Spanish? Can you read English? What is an amparo? Anyone who cannot answer this last can have no understanding of Mexican politics, which as in perhaps any country are complex and sometimes confusing.
Onward into the fog.
Well, Fred, I must ask: why did Mexico allow millions of people to pass through Mexico–on trains, busses or on foot–on their way to the US? I also am aware that the Mexican economy is somewhat dependent on money sent home to Mexico by Mexicans working (legally and illegally) in the US.
Now I hasten to add that many of these workers are doing jobs “Americans won’t do,” and that is because we have too many dead-beats living off welfare and selling drugs on the side. I make no excuse for that. Shame on the US for allowing this to happen.
You have no idea what you’re talking about nor any clue about the U.S. so-called ‘welfare’ system. You’re stuck about in 1970 or so. Very few can ‘live off it.’ It barely provides subsistence survival for the ever growing number of impoverished Americans without decent employment who have been left to rot by this criminal system
Perhaps if we didn’t extend aid to illegals who cross the border, we could provide MORE aid to actual American citizens. Just a thought.
Your anonymous thought is incomplete. We don’t extend aid to illegals. They are allowed to get medical care only in the emergency room, same as those of us who don’t have insurance. So far, we have kept the emergency room option and not let people bleed out on the sidewalk. We do roll people to the curb in their wheelchairs though IF THEY CAN’T PAY.
The problem with this bill is that Obamacare provided subsidies to those who couldn’t afford to pay their insurance premiums, so that the pool was larger and services could be provided. It was the government subsidies keeping the insurance industry afloat and assuring that more people are covered by insurance. The bill in question does not extend the government subsidies for Obamacare, so millions will not be able to pay for health insurance.
Meanwhile, SNAP benefits for poor families are being halted even though there is money in an emergency fund, but Mike Johnson wants to blame Democrats because Democrats want to extend the government healthcare subsidies before signing off on the bill. All in all, a shutdown is not the best time to make adjustments and come to agreements. Things are literally falling apart, for the poor. Next is the elderly, which includes me.
illegals crossing the border make your tomatoes cheaper and are entitled to no food stamps or any other type of financial help save educating their kids in English . Wake up amigo !!
Oh Pete, go back to your coffee. You’re spouting Fox News worse than ole grandpa. Mexican workers were INVITED by the United States to work in the fields. They came here under a temporary program that did not provide a path to citizenship. Since we switch presidents every 4 years, the program was discontinued but the workers were still “allowed” to sneak across because ag businesses wanted them. There were always carrots dangling over their heads with no results, promising “dreamers” a path to citizenship, so understandably, many waited. Now because of people like you, they are being tackled and detained and deported. No, they shouldn’t have stayed, but there was NO path to citizenship for them. Being humane to people would have been nice. Mexicans are the NICEST people I’ve ever met. They have many businesses in Texas, and they do well. In fact, I just came from visiting Mexico. It’s BOOMING with zero help from us. I hope the U.S. leaves them alone. There are many historical sites I’d still love to see and don’t want to see Mexico raped and plundered by the United States.
Per GROK
No, Charlie Kirk did not say that Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was “America’s worst enemy.” However, in a June 9, 2025, post on X (formerly Twitter), he did state that she, as Mexican President, “is a bigger threat to America than Vladimir Putin.” This implies she poses a greater threat than one of America’s prominent geopolitical adversaries but does not use the exact phrasing of “worst enemy.” No evidence was found of the specific quote in his X posts, web searches, or related semantic content.
Did you say you used to work for the Washington Post?
No this says that Putin is not a threat, merely he represents a country that feels very strongly threatened by Nato (and any conflict with Nato is only going to affect US if it wants in on the fight).
Well if he did say, “is a bigger threat to America than Vladimir Putin.”, that would make her ‘America’s worst enemy’ if you might exclude China.
The government isn’t shipping fentanyl to the US, the cartels are. Corruption in the government of Mexico, however, is endemic and much of what the cartels do would be impossible without that corruption.
Los carteles están bajo al amparo de los EU.
You made me look up amparo. Thanks.
Good article Fred. Most Americans have no clue about Mexico and Mexicans. I knew who Charlie Kirk was before he was shot and while there were some things he said I agreed with, he was not the great “truth-sayer” he’s being made out to be.
I can’t answer any of your questions so I take your point.
Quoting someone else I can’t remember who,
“Lawlessness defines all states, notwithstanding pretty flags and detailed constitutions.”
Judging nations, states, races is just a game or excuse. Meet everyone face to face without labels.
Most Americans have no clue about anywhere other than their own country, and an often limited one of that diverse land and peoples.
So the Mexican president has a doctorate in engineering. Angela Merkel has a doctorate in quantum physics. Our president has ideology, prejudices, profound ignorance, a trail of failed business ventures, and the longest enemies list since Richard Nixon. He is surrounded by rabid bulldogs of even lesser education and greater homespun ideology, and has weaponized our nation’s assets to serve his purposes.
Ms. Scheinbaum has a difficult problem here.
Ms. Scheinbaum is pretty far to the left. She is approximately equal to our Bernie Sanders.
Holy shit! If you think Bernie Sanders is out on the far left, you need some political instruction and FAST.By European standards, ol’ Bernie is a bit right of center, and Trump is practically out of sight at the far right / neo-fascist end. We seem to be using different standards, IMHO.
Amen to that.
Actually Charlie Kirk was right, Mexico is a bigger threat to the US than Russia.
Martin Short perspicaciously summed it up so well on an ancient Saturday Night Live show, ca. early 1980s, when his comic character warned us that “we are as doomed as doomed can be.”
It is true that most politicians’ math extends no farther than a spreadsheet (with little corresponding knowledge of real life effects), and so lack some logical circuits beyond cost-cutting. However, many scientists are biased towards thinking everyone else is rational and well-intentioned, so should not be handed policy powers.
Good article Fred, thankyou.
I came to Ecuador to live ten years ago, when Correa was in charge, after he kicked the Americans out and closed their bases, getting banning of foreign military bases written into the Ecuadorian Constitution. It’s with dismay i’ve watch America move back in since he left, obeying the Constitiutional mandate of allowing a President only two terms.
They’ve been slow, care, insidious, but unrelenting. We now have an American born President, American educated, Harvard, of banana millions. We also have the Americans coming back, bringing their military with them. The have been open in stating, they are interested in the minerals, they want the Ecuadorian Gold and silver, and, dare I say, a another site on the Pacific for their coming war with China.
I’ve tried to warn people, but to no avail. The President is removing the Gov subsidy on gasoline, which will send prices of everything rocketing upwards as if they arent already and he has removed subsidy of public hospitals.
What can one say? I knew it would happen if the American chosen got back into power after the independent Correa left, and it has, and is going exactly as predicted. And no one listens. Shrug. C’est la vie I guess.
All I want to read are factural comments, not the snarky prejudices of people.
So Mexico finally has a president who is scientifically trained. Compare to China where every supreme leader since Deng Xiaoping has been an engineer. Of course, Claudia Sheinbaum’s ability to solve Mexico’s problems is limited by the fact that she apparently obeys Mexico’s constitution and follows the law.
I have no sympathy for Mexicans who fear their country will be invaded. Claudia Scheinbaum cheered on the invasion of the U.S. by poor Mexicans and other poor Latins from south of the border. It has transformed our demographics and culture. White school children are now <45% of all school children in the U.S. Our freeways, hospitals, housing, colleges, local/state/federal budgets are overwhelmed by this invasion. Lefties say these Latin Americans have a right to violate our laws, move here, and become citizens, thus changing every aspect of our Nation. Ok, .. if these are the new rules, then we have the right to invade Mexico and change their culture, demographics, and laws. Lefties say "All are Welcome Here." Ok, .. if these are the new rules, then our Military invasion of Mexico should be welcomed and celebrated by every Mexican.
A mitigating factor is, they are not here to fly airliners into out buildings or blow up our military bases.
The answer to this problem is to dial down the oppressive tax and regulatory burden in this country.
Once that is done, the motivation to seek cheap labor will evaporate, and US Citizens will be more marketable for the jobs held by illegals.
WOW someone who actually understands the economics of how our voracious government’s taxes are eating American prosperity faster than we as a nation can create it!! Well done sir!
Glad to hear that Fred hadn’t heard of Kirk before he was shot–I thought I was the only one.
Back in 2016 when my lefty brother was comparing Trump to Hitler, I said to him that if Trump invaded Canada and Mexico, then we could talk about Hitler. Uh oh. . .
God, it’s good to read some fresh stuff from Fred.
“In my decades of slaving in Washington’s press corps, I was astonished by the colossal ignorance of elected officials of almost everything, but particularly of matters technical”.
Reminds me of this:
“We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology”.
– Carl Sagan https://smoothiex12.blogspot.com/2021/11/carl-sagan-verbatim.html
Elected officials are expert at doing whatever it takes to get elected.
The grass roots hardly know anything about science and technology, so elected officials do not see much advantage in knowing much about science and technology.
We can thank our school system for that.
In the 1950’s, government put emphasis on STEM, but that went away when it came to light people were out of shape. Then the emphasis was on athletics, not academics.
In 1957 the US schools, not yet fully sabotaged by commie dupes and moles, had a short spasm of scientific education when the goddam commie bastards got Sputnik to work. That wore off by the mid-60s. The Shankers and proto-Weingartens replaced actual education with New Math, Whole Language Reading, Earth-Day ecologiolatry, and the idea that it was more important to pump American children full of Self-Esteem than to teach them to think.
To see the end stage of that, look at any internet comment thread. Look at the stupid, mean-girls mischaracterizations of ANYTHING said by ANY politician, and remember: that stupid Junior High School rumor-spreading? That shit — shit that anyone over age 12 should be embarrassed to say out loud? That shit works!
So great to have you back writing Fred. Missed this column.
Nice to see that you are still writing, Fred.
My Spanish is not that good, despite having studied it for 7 years and having taken the Advanced Placement exams (I scored a 2 out of 5). I read Spanish better than I listen to it. Is there a way I can get a transcript of some of President Scheinbaum’s speeches?