by Joe Olvera ©, 2012

Dancing for El Pasoans has always been a popular attraction. Whether it’s going to Juarez to dance the latest Cumbia, or whether it’s going to a Hip-Hop nightclub where the music might be different, but, no less enjoyable. From the days when people flocked to learn the latest dance steps from the waltz, to the tango, or perhaps to regular ballroom dancing, progress has given El Paso dancers more choices – starting with the Champion Dance Studio. Located at 12410 Montwood, this 30-year young institution has taken up the gauntlet and is now offering a multitude of dance lessons, all for a reasonable price.

Champion’s Denise Lopez has owned the studio for 16 years. She got started dancing in middle school, continued dancing at Eastwood High School where she was also a cheerleader and a Trooperette. “I’ve always been interested in dance, it helps keep you younger and it provides an outlet,” Lopez said. “Also, it teaches discipline.  Like athletes, dancers have to train and learn to be part of a team. It teaches a person life and social skills.” Her studio is booming with some classes having as many as 100 students. “We have all ages, from young people to adults, some are in their early 20s, others in their 30s. Some are school administrators, but, they’re passionate about dancing.”

The studio’s website says this: “Our studio offers a safe, nurturing environment allowing growth and development with each form of dance,” the website says. “All of Champion dance studio rooms are equipped with floating dance floors which help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired. It offers mirrors that start at floor level so that dancers can see their feet from any place on the dance floor. Other amenities offered by Champion Dance Studio include:

*The directors of programs/curriculums are all professional educators who have provided instruction to generations of El Pasoans;

*Students or parents are never required to fund raise for studio events. Plus, there’s an even more important element to dancing – exercise. We all know that dancing can provide magical energy to a tired soul, can raise the spirit to an unprecedented plane and it can unlock stilted creativity. It can also rekindle forgotten memories and turn depression into a joyous, natural, high even if this only occurs during the dance itself. Besides, dancing can give a person an overall slimming and energetic workout. The dancing body has it all. It’s the exercise that dancing provides that increases the level of brain chemicals and that, in turn, encourages nerve cells to grow. Dancing also requires you to remember dance steps and sequences, boosting brain power by improving memory skills.

Dancing also provides healthy benefits to practitioners, regardless of their physical or mental limitations. A 2003 study published by the New England Journal of Medicine found that dancing of all types, at least twice a week, made people less likely to develop dementia. Research also shows that some dancers with Alzheimer’s Disease are able to recall forgotten memories when they dance to music they used to know. So, with all these benefits, what are you waiting for?

Champion Dance Studio offers everything from Ballet – taught by Audree Harper; Gymnastics taught by Ava Duran, Jazz and Hip-Hop taught by Eva Garza, and Ballet Folklorico- taught by Luz Happy and Yaeko Hernandez. Prices range anywhere from $40 to $55 a month, depending on the type of program. Lessons on drums and guitar are also available. One of today’s modern dances – Zumba, is a dance that combines dance moves with extensive exercise. The website describes this energy as a fusion of Latin and International Music, with dance themes that create a dynamic, exciting and effective workout session. Zumba provides high energy and motivating music, with unique moves that allow participants to dance and have fun while getting fit. For more information or to enroll in classes, contact Champion Dance Studio on their website: championdancestudio.com or call Denise Lopez, 915-593-0803; “We are going to offer summer programs with something for everybody. We will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. – so, give us a call.”

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

In 1952 El Paso – drive-in theaters were still in vogue, girls wore petticoats and bobby sox to school, cars wore fender-skirts, but, more importantly, El Paso gave birth to a long-lasting institution that focused on El Paso’s health needs – Providence Memorial Hospital.  Thus, for 60 years El Paso’s premier health care center has been taking care of the health needs of El Pasoans, focusing on a variety of services that have helped the hospital grow and have helped keep El Pasoans healthy, wealthy, and wise.

To commemorate its long and successful history, special guests partook of cake and other goodies this May 7^th at what was called the 60^th Anniversary Celebration and National Hospital Week at the hospital’s main center, 2001 N. Oregon Street. The cake was epic, as was the event that honored and recognized the six decades of the hospital’s existence. “We are delighted to celebrate 60 years of commitment to our mission of serving or community’s health care needs in a personal way with compassion and excellence,” said CEO and President Richard Harris.

When Providence Memorial Hospital first opened its doors in 1952, it was the culmination of a vision of many business leaders and a great source of pride for the people of the El Paso, Texas region. This proud medical facility has, since then, been providing the best of care, compassion, and understanding to thousands of El Pasoans.

From the very beginning, Providence Memorial Hospital has been providing such services as general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics. Among its many awards, the hospital was recently granted the 5-Star rating for three consecutive years from HealtGrades, a leading  source for independent healthcare quality information. Providence has also been recognized with seven straight National Consumer Choice Awards from the National Research Corporation. This award recognizes consumer preference in the areas of Best Image and Best Overall Quality. “Over the past 60 years Providence Memorial Hospital has made tremendous strides in medical technology and the delivery of health care services,” said Harris. “We want to re-establish our Commitment to Excellence for the El Paso community.”

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

Al Borrego is a natural – artist, that is. Borrego didn’t create his first painting until June, 2007, when he was 51 years old. He hadn’t once touched a brush or a canvas before then. He took a couple of art classes in school, but that was for credit, he says with a chuckle. Today, Borrego is one of El Paso’s better known artists, focusing on animals, but branching out into other subjects, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, and the canals in Venice, Italy. His favorite subjects, however, are animals. Is it any wonder that his first ever painting was a ram? “I didn’t like the way my den looked when I was re-decorating,” Borrego said. “I asked my daughter, Ramsey, who is an artist to do something. She said, yes, but, you know how kids are. They say yes, but, it takes them forever. So, I decided to take a stab at it. I did that painting in 45 minutes and, surprise, surprise, it turned out really well. I decided then to continue painting and that’s what I’m doing now.” Borrego says that his first love is painting animals and the zebra is his trademark. “I have a love for exploration and an interest in change and growth – that love is what inspires me as a painter.

“In each moment of painting, one is required to explore and let go of the fear of change and outcome. Painting is the most magnificent teacher and requires that we live in the peaceful state of moment to moment consciousness. That which connects me – to joy.” Borrego said that he is an animal lover. He chose as his first subject a ram because he wanted to do exotic animals. His gallery is now filled with paintings of giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers, as well as sunsets, desert landscapes and even what could be considered avant-garde images.

A self-taught artist, Borrego has already exhibited in several galleries and other venues. He has lived in Europe and in other parts of the United States. An award winner, Borrego is the recipient of the 2010 McDonald’s  Hispanos Triunfadores Award for the Arts. He served as the president of the El Paso Arts Association in 2010, belongs to the Juntos Art Association, the El Paso Museum of Art, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture, among others, and today is the vice-president of the San Elizario Artists Guild.

“We’re doing great in San Eli,” Borrego said, where his gallery is located at 1501-C, Main Street. “We’ve got over 30 artists who have their studios here and we also represent over 100 artists. We recently had the re-enactment of the Juan de Onate’s crossing of the river and that drew many people. San Eli is gaining a reputation as the place to go for a dose of El Paso history. Everyone’s doing well. My work addresses the vision between my muse and the canvas – which is driven by eye appeal and attention to detail. Life is beautiful as it is, without a need for embellishment or simplification. “The intention of my work is to convey the beauty of nature by representing it as accurately as possible. There is nothing more satisfying than to capture the essence of an animal within a single image, to feel the life in an inanimate painting, to look into the eyes of a painting and see the animal’s soul.  Utimately, both the creation and observation of art are highly personal experiences. Done well, art yields a benefit to both the artist and the viewer.”

Story and photos by Ricky Jimenez Carrasco

“Esta en su casa. You are in your home.” With these words from the introductory speaker, both Representative Silvestre Reyes and former President Bill Clinton were warmly welcomed to the El Paso County Coliseum with loud cheers from the roughly 4,000 people attending. Clinton came to speak to support Reyes, who has been a US Representative since 1997, and many say is facing stiff competition from Beto O’Rourke, a former El Paso city Councilman. Reyes has also just received current President Obama’s endorsement.

“We need you to vote,” pleaded Clinton to the crowd. “How can you say you are for the troops, and not vote? The decision not to vote is a vote for the other guy…You came, you clapped, you supported this man (Reyes). The least the rest of us can do is vote!” Clinton cited numbers that although Reyes has won since ’97, numbers at the voting booth have gone down in each election after about 2004, when he faced little or no competition.

After an introduction by Reyes, Bill Clinton spoke about their long history together, starting in the early 90′s when Clinton was campaigning for president in the McAllen area and Reyes was Sector Chief for the Border Patrol. They have built their relationship through the years and as they rose in office and power.

Clinton was a very popular president from 1993 to 2001, especially in El Paso, a Democrat stronghold in Texas. Reyes has become a powerful Representative in the US Congress, where he has served in the House Intelligence Committee and the Armed Services Committee. “We used to call Silver (Reyes) the ‘Save Your Breath Guy’ when I was in office because when he had something to do, you might as well save your breath because you can’t win in a fight with him. He’s going to get what he wants.” That determination has helped him do many things that Clinton listed in his speech and pointed out as Reyes’ qualifications, such as the massive expansion of Ft. Bliss’ size and importance. “Today, I landed in Fort Bliss and met with Major General (Dana) Pittard, a native of El Paso. I thought to myself, this is the way it should work: People working hard, the right way, without regard to race or color. Silver has made Fort Bliss what it is. I wouldn’t want to mess with that.”

Clinton also spoke on Silvestre Reyes’ record and the Democratic Party’s record on many issues, including universal health care: “[The bill] that has been passed is not perfect, but it is an improvement on the status quo”, the recent Supreme Court rulings on Super PACs: “We shouldn’t have people sneaking around in the dark putting money in people’s pockets, and the rest of us not know where it comes from”,  and money for the Small Business Administration’s efforts to create jobs by focusing on small business loans: “If we multiplied funding for minority owned business…there would be more businesses and more jobs across El Paso and America.”

Clinton lastly wanted to thank the El Paso crowd for their support of himself and his wife, Hillary Clinton, current Secretary of State under President Barack Obama. In 2008, Hillary narrowly won Texas in the primaries. “Thank you for what you have done for me and for Hillary. Thank you for sending Silver to Congress. Do it one more time for me!”

Many in the diverse crowd also lauded Congressman Reyes’ and President Clinton’s efforts in the past and had hopes for the future. Antonio Mendez and Yvonne Rodriguez both wanted to receive a message of hope today. “We’d like to see something done against the rising gas prices and against jobs being sent overseas.” Olufemi Adeniji, an immigrant from Nigeria living in El Paso for the last 10 years, hoped that the speakers would “show love to immigrants. There are alot of immigrants in this country and we want to contribute. I want him (Reyes) to be fair.”

There were also many students from area schools in attendance. 14 year old Brenda Hamicha had many concerns about her own future in the US. “I am worried about our economy. The US is about being employed and working. We’re trying to make this the best country we can.” 16 year old Luis Alzalde from Cathedral High wanted to hear what was going to be done about his future education. “If we are going to be the ones leading the country into tomorrow, then we receive opportunities to make education affordable.”

Dora Oaxaca, a current candidate for County Commissioner, Precinct 3, summed up Clinton’s visit. “Clinton’s visit is an affirmation of the good work done by Reyes and also of the local Latinos and Latino voters. Further, having the spotlight that Clinton brings should bolster not only El Paso’s image nationally, but also strengthen our own resolve of the relevancy of our place in national politics.”

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

The fierce winds that buffeted El Paso on Saturday, April 14, forced the cancellation of the “Touch a Tank, Thank a Soldier,” that was supposed to take place on that special day. Slated to take place at the Regional Children’s Hospital at Providence, the event was postponed until the fall. However, soldiers from the 2^nd Brigade, 1^st Armored Division still were able to visit with young patients at the Children’s Hospital at Providence, 2001 N. Oregon Street. At a “meet and greet,” the soldiers provided the children with giveaways, a dog-tag station, story-telling, and the sharing of experiences, and face painting.

The visit from the Brigade helped to boost the children’s morale, brought a smile to their faces, and taught them the importance of the service the nation’s military provides. A special thanks goes out to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Association and the Association of the United States Army-Bradley Chapter for their efforts in working to bring the “Touch A Tank, Thank a Soldier,” to the children – albeit an effort that had to be cancelled. Despite the weather, however, the children were still able to meet military men and women on a personal basis.

John Harris, chief operating officer of Providence Memorial Hospital and president of Sierra Providence Health Network, said: “It is an honor to collaborate with the 2^nd Brigade, 1^st Armored Division to help our patients heal. Events such as these brighten up their days and provide them with a unique experience that makes them feel special. We look forward to the fall when we’ll be able to bring military vehicles on site as previously planned.”

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By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

Narges Kalantarian, of the College of Science, is a 4.0 G.P.A. Honor Student who is also a Spanish translator and pharmacy helper at the El Paso Baptist Clinic. As a mentor for young women in the Latinitas Group, and an organizer of the Little Sister Group at the Al-Mahdi Islamic Center of El Paso, she is the recipient of several scholarships to further her education.

Adam Sebastian, College of Liberal Arts, has volunteered more than 40 hours a week at Emmanuel Children’s Home in Cd. Juarez. There, he has counseled children, trained caregivers, educated leaders on psychological principles, and conducted research on behavior management strategies. Maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A. despite his grueling schedule, Sebastian has also provided awareness of neglected children and abused women.
Mercy Uwakwe, College of Science, has a fitting name for someone who grew up in Nigeria, who struggled with poverty, health obstacles, and losing her mother when she was a child. Despite her burdens, she has been a summer intern at MIT through the Amgen Scholar Program and his been involved in the YWCA residential housing program.

These three graduating seniors, all of them Honors students, have had the distinct recognition of being the recipients, along with seven other outstanding students, of the Top Ten Senior Awards presented by the UTEP Alumni Association. These ten exemplary young men and young women will be feted during a banquet hosted by the Student Government Association. Beginning with a reception at 6 p.m. Friday, April 13 at the Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso St., the event culminates with dinner at 7 p.m. “Every year, as we near commencement, we announce a select group of graduating seniors who have achieved tremendous success at UTEP,” said Richard Daniel, Ph.D., associate vice president for university advancement and special projects and executive director for alumni relations. “We expect that these future alumni will continue to elevate the visibility of their careers and the reputation of UTEP.”

The seven other students named to the Top Ten all have unique stories to tell about their individual accomplishments and educational quests. These students are:
*Jacob Barde, College of Liberal Arts, participated in a summer study abroad program in Indonesia where he studied environmental campaigns in rural areas;

*Anna Martinez, College of Liberal Arts, is an honor student who served as an intern for the White House Council on Environmental Quality;

*Diego Rico, College of Business Administration, interned at Goldman, Sachs and Company on Wall Street in New York the past two summers. While on campus, he co-formed Wall Street Talk, where he helped prepare students for interviews on Wall Street and other Fortune 500 companies;

*Kimberlin Schnittker, College of Engineering and the College of Science, participated in a Secret Santa Program for the La Posada Home, raising money to build hospitals in India and cooking Thanksgiving Dinner for an orphanage;

Patrick Shindo, College of Engineering, has completed technical internships at the U.S. Army Research Lab and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. He is the co-author of five published papers in technical journals;

Pablo Padilla, College of Science, has been a troop leader and mentor for the Girl Scouts, a Shriner’s Hospital volunteer, a Project MOVE volunteer, and a translator and medical assistant for the El Paso Baptist Clinic;

Samantha Ungos, College of Health Sciences, has dedicated herself to improving the health of El Pasoans. Besides her work as a student health educator, UTEP has afforded her several opportunities to work as a research assistant with the Hispanic Health Disparities Research Center, and she has done it all while maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A.

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

Little Ricky Najera, age 4, likes Easter because of candy, colored eggs, cascarones (egg shells filled with confetti and cracked open on someone’s head), and Easter baskets containing toys, more candy, and many more goodies. “It’s just like Christmas, only the presents are smaller,” said Little Ricky, who prefers to be called Big Ricky. But, he doesn’t really know the true meaning of Easter. His three-year-old sister, Victoria, knows even less. To her, Easter means dressing up in new clothes and birthdays. Who’s birthday, Victoria? But, she only shrugs that she doesn’t know. But, oh, yes, she does know about the Easter Bunny. He’s the one who leaves her a basket filled with surprises.

Also known as “Resurrection Day,” Easter marks the end of Lent – a 40-day period of fasting and penance. While some Christians wonder what Easter Sunday has to do with the resurrection of Christ, or what eggs and a bunny have to do with the Holy Day, essentially, what happened is that the ancient Roman Catholic Church mixed the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection with those involving spring fertility rituals, in efforts to make Easter more palatable to non-Christians. Hence, the bunny, known for being extremely fertile and eggs, representing new birth.

To that effect, however, some Christians would rather that the Holy-Day be called “Resurrection Sunday,” rather than Easter Sunday. Too, calling it Resurrection Sunday would be more in keeping with Biblical dogma. But, tradition is tradition, and most Christians like the sound of Easter Sunday, a day in which families gather to attend church and to be together. By celebrating the birth of Christ and his ascendancy into heaven, true believers have faith that when they die, they too will ascend to Heaven and will spend eternity with their Jesus and their God.

Others, however, choose to celebrate Easter in different ways – such as donning their finest clothes as a way of showing off. Women, especially love to wear their flamboyant Easter hats, or bonnets, as they are serenated by their favorite song, “…In your Easter bonnet…you’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.” And, so, yes, Easter parades are a tradition from El Paso to New York, but, none greater than in New York where tourists mix with natives to stroll down Fifth Avenue, which they’ve been doing since the 1880s. Equally well-dressed church-goers will stream in and out of places of worship, where attendance will be at an all-time high. Some of them, however, have not gone to Church since last Christmas.

There is a name for such people. They are called CEOs and this doesn’t mean that they are highly placed officials in their organizations. No, CEO stands for Christmas and Easter Only. Ruben Hernandez is a regular church goer who must get up early to go to Easter Mass this Sunday, if only to find a parking space and a seat inside the church. “I love going to Mass and I make it a point to go every Sunday and on other special occasions,” Hernandez said. “But, sometimes I feel like staying home and not attending Easter Mass because of the crowds. My church should reserve seats for those of us in regular attendance, make the twice-a-year goers stand in the rear.”

Mike Muller said he’s one of the CEOs and he only goes to church on those two Holy days because they are supremely important. “I don’t feel that I’m being selfish in only attending church twice a year,” Muller said. “It’s just my habit. I would go to church every Sunday, but it’s hard for me because of my job. But, Christmas and Easter are such special events, that I absolutely have to go.” Hernandez said, however that he has to be accepting of CEOs because at least they willing to make the sacrifice of being in church when Jesus was born and when he was re-born and ascended into heaven. “So, okay, for two days out of the year I’ll take a back seat and even park my car and walk a little farther. I still love to see my church filled to the brim. Remember, Jesus taught us to love one another, to love our neighbor. That’s what I’m doing.”

Story and photos by Ricky Jimenez Carrasco

The little boy in these photos has had a heart condition since before he was born. He wasn’t supposed to have lived for all his 7 years. He has had many complications from his condition, and come back from it all. He is listed as day-to-day. But, none of that is important. What is important is that he is a fighter, and he has his own will. This Sunday, when he was being granted wishes by “Reach for a Star” and the Mission Riders M/C, the weather turned ugly. 60 mph winds, dusty conditions, low visibility. I asked Angel’s mom if she had any apprehensions about letting him ride in this weather. “I allowed him to ride because HE wanted to. I’ll let him live his life however he wants to.”

Gil, president of the Mission Riders, tells me how he met with Debra Ruz, president of “Reach for a Star” at another biker event. “Debra approached me to tell me that she had a little boy that needed a wish granted urgently.  We immediately got to work.”  I asked him what affected Gil about Angel and his situation. “My sons are my life. When I see a little one like Angel, it breaks my heart that he may not be able to be like them.” Gil was impressed by Angel because of his lack of fear the first time they met. “He just ran out to meet us and started to climb on my bike! Today, we were worried (because of blowing dust), but he jumped on the bike, adjusted his helmet, bandana, and oxygen line and said ‘I’m riding’ like a real biker.”

Angel’s mom was very appreciative of all the attention being showered on her little miracle. She tells me the roller coaster ride that has been his life. Surprisingly, she is in complete control of the situation and herself. Many parents would be beside themselves if their child simply had a scraped knee, much less a critical illness. She’s a fighter, alongside her son. “Many of his organs are failing. He doesn’t want dialysis and he hates IVs. He is non-responsive to normal medication. In fact, the only thing he’s really taking is pain medication.”  I asked her what she thought of all the bikers coming out to support her, “It’s wonderful. I’d like to thank all the bikers who came out in all this wind, Hospice of El Paso, and Reach for a Star for everything they’ve done today.”

As Renee’, a social worker with Hospice of El Paso assigned to Angel, says it “Moms are THE strongest people you’ll ever meet.”  Renee’ has only known Angel for about 6 weeks, “but I know him like you’re seeing him, a happy little boy. He knows he’s sick, but that hasn’t stopped him from doing what he wants to do.” It didn’t stop him today. Angel looked wide eyed at all the cameras pointed his way and he never flinched, never took cover behind family. If a bunch of big, bad bikers or huge masked men came your way, most adults would at least stop. Angel took pictures with every biker and wrestler there, accepted their gifts and handshakes graciously.

Angel had several wishes for the day. The first was to ride on a real bike. Angel’s family met up with the Mission Riders and a group of other clubs who came out to support them, including Chamucos MC, Seed of Abraham MC, Centauros MC and the Red Dragons. They rode along North Loop (that at the time had about a 1/4 mile visibility) to the Mission Riders clubhouse. Angel was inundated with gifts by various organizations and businesses who responded to Debra’s pleas for help from the community. Debra, who has been with the all-volunteer organization for 20 years, simply wanted to state her gratitude to everyone: “Our kids thank you!” She also stated that this was the fastest a wish has been granted, only 2 weeks from meeting Gil to fulfilling the wish.

The last wish was granted at Wild Wild West where he got to attend a local wrestling event and got to meet his favorite wrestler, Sin Cara. When Sin Cara came out, little Angel smiled from ear to ear. He hugged him tight and didn’t want to let go. The wrestler also presented him with an Xbox 360, donated by DKD realty. When I contacted the family the next day, I was told that Angel still hadn’t come down off his cloud.

As for Gil, he summed up the day by stating, “Whatever happens, Angel, you know all these big ugly bikers will always be there to help.”

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

Webster’s Dictionary defines ethics as: “pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct; to be moral, upright, honest, righteous and virtuous” – it seems, however, that too many political and business leaders in El Paso and throughout the United States are ignoring the ethical standards set by some of our greatest world leaders.

It is evident that from former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who tried to sell Barack Obama’s senatorial seat after Obama was elected President, to Carlos “Coach” Cordova, ex-EPISD trustee who traded votes for money, the proof is that some leaders just don’t understand what it means to be ethical. Corruption in all walks of life has wide-ranging tentacles that reach far and poison even the most virtuous. Yet, corruption is something that does not necessarily afflict every single person. Two men who exhibited high standards and who have stood above others in exemplifying their true and honest virtues are Abraham Lincoln and Don Benito Juarez. Would that the dozens of men and women who have been accused of corruption across this land of ours had followed their example.

Abraham Lincoln and Benito Juarez followed their true hearts to capture their individual nation’s attention and admiration for their high standards of living and governing. Lincoln, known as “Honest Abe,” said about the way others perceived him, “being ethical means being honest…(Honest Abe) was a good name, and I believe that a good name is more to be desired than great riches.” William Lee Miller in his book about Lincoln, “An Ethical Biography,” said that Lincoln was “a great man who was also a good man. He never left behind or rose above the role of politician, but rather fulfilled the highest possibilities of his honorable democratic vocation. Lincoln’s was a moral self-education – he was notable for learning from his own mistakes. He had penetrating insight, wisdom about human nature, tenacious purpose, a wonderful sense of humor, and an eloquent style of expression.”

Lincoln said: “If you’re ethical, you’ll strive to have good judgment. The true rule in determining to accept or reject anything is not whether it has any evil in it, but whether it has more of evil than of good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. I made it a practice to be so clear that no honest man could misunderstand me and no dishonest one could misrepresent me.”

Lincoln practiced an ethic of responsibility, as did Mexican President Benito Juarez. Like Lincoln, Juarez was born of modest means. He was a strong leader when his nation needed one. He took a stand on an issue which drove his nation to war, at the once, he was a trailblazer in Native Indian rights and justice. Mexico’s greatest president, Juarez – a Zapotec Indian born in the village of San Pablo Guelatao –  became orphaned at an early age and did not speak Spanish until his later years. Known as a liberal reformer, he took on the powerful Catholic Church, an institution that wielded tremendous power in Mexico. A contemporary of Lincoln, both leaders were friends who have been honored in each other’s nation. So intertwined are the two great men in each other’s history that statues grace and honor each other’s countries.

For instance, a statue of Benito Juarez graces Washington, D.C. It’s probable that very few Washingtonians know about it, even though it stands across the street from the Watergate Mall – that most infamous of D.C. landmarks. Don Benito stands in supposed indignation, with finger pointing directly at what was once the office of the National Democratic Party, as if accusing then-President Richard M. Nixon of misdeeds to come and to be discovered. Don Abraham Lincoln’s statue, on the other side of the spectrum, is located in two great Mexican cities, namely Mexico City and Cd. Juarez. Not only that, but a major thoroughfare in Juarez is named after him – as in, Avenida Lincoln. The truth is that Juarenses and other Mexicans know more about Lincoln than Americans know of Benito Juarez, even though both great men shared similarities.
Believe it or not, but Benito Juarez started out life as a shepherd. And who hasn’t heard about Abraham Lincoln splitting rails and working as a toughened laborer. Both men became apprenticed to lawyers, were pushed into politics and, eventually became great leaders. They both were great orators, making profound remarks and speeches – words that have had everlasting effects on their societies. Benito Juarez became the first Constitutional President of Mexico in 1858, with Lincoln becoming the first Republican President of the United States in 1860. The two men respected each other and corresponded about common national problems.

The gist and the whole idea is that it is possible to be ethical and honest, yet, achieve greatness. A good name, as Lincoln said, “is more to be desired than great riches.” One wonders why someone would risk losing a reputation, losing a good name for a few paltry dollars. Is the money that important? Is the power that important? Those who have been caught, as it were, with their hand in the cookie jar must now realize their huge mistake. Albeit, that realization, for some, has come much too late. Yet, there is hope that others must learn from those mistakes. Only time will tell.

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

Two guys are sitting inside an Irish pub drinking green beer. One is an Irish guy, the other is a Mexican guy.
Irish guy: Drink up, buddy, because, you know, Saturday is Saint Patrick’s Day.
Mexican guy: Saint Patrick? Is it already March 17? Wait a minute, isn’t Saint Patrick the man who rid Ireland of all its snakes?
Irish guy: Well, yes, and no. Yes, it’s already going to be March 17 on Saturday, and, no, he didn’t really rid Ireland of all its snakes. For your information, many people, especially religious ones, use the snakes as a metaphor. That is to say, when Saint Patrick began to evangelize about Christianity, there were many religions – Ireland was Polytheistic – which means there was the worship of many gods. Through the influence of Saint Patrick, Ireland became Catholic, or Christian, honoring only one God.
Mexican guy: Wait a minute. I’d heard that Saint Patrick did drive all the snakes out of Ireland. That he chased them into the sea after they had attacked him during a 40-day fast he was undergoing. Did he or didn’t he?
Irish guy: I already told you, the snake story is a metaphor. In other words, he drove other religions out of Ireland. In those days, pagan religions often used a snake as a symbol. No snake is known to have successfully migrated across the open ocean to their new home on dry land – Ireland’s. Despite the existence of the poisonous adder, there is no evidence that there were ever snakes in Ireland – hence, Saint Patrick did not, as folklore has it, banish the snakes from Ireland. He couldn’t have.
Mexican guy: So, tell me, why do we celebrate this guy, this saint? What’s so special about him?
Irish guy: The Irish in the United States have been here for a long time. Much like your Mexican ancestors, they brought to these shores their traditions and their culture. As you know, the United States is comprised of people from virtually every nation on earth – I believe there’s 137 nations represented here. Irish-Americans, much like your Mexican-Americans, celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day because he was a deity that transformed the Emerald Isle. Just as you Mexicans venerate La Virgen de Guadalupe – although she’s a Mexican icon – so do we Irish venerate Saint Patrick.
Mexican guy: Okay, I’ll give. So tell me more about this Saint Patrick guy. Who is he, where did he come from and why should everybody celebrate his birth?
Irish guy: In the first place, he wasn’t just a guy. He was a Saint. Legend tells us that he was born in the fourth century in Roman Britain to a wealthy Romano-British family. He was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. According to his confession, he was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast. In 432, he was called back to Ireland as a bishop to Christianize the heathen. Irish folklore tells us that he used the Shamrock, a three-pronged leaf to explain the Holy Trinity that includes in Catholic theology the existence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. After evangelizing for 30 years, he died on March 17.
Mexican guy: So, in essence, we are not celebrating his birth, but, his death – March 17? Why do Mexicans and other ethnic groups also celebrate? We’re not Irish.
Irish guy: For some strange reason, everybody wants to be Irish on that special day. Here, in El Paso, we celebrate by drinking green beer, by holding parades, and by going to church. Catholics aren’t the only ones who honor the Saint. Other religions include the American Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Lutheran Church. Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official feast day in the early 17th century, and has quickly become a secular celebration by Irish culture in the U.S.
Mexican guy: Okay, so tell me, why are we drinking green beer? It tastes good, actually the same as regular beer, but, why dye it green? And, why do people say you have to wear green, something green, or take the chance of being pinched?
Irish guy: The wearing of green is to remind the wearer of the beautiful green countryside of Ireland. Although St. Pat’s is not a legal U.S. holiday, it is still observed by millions of people whether Irish or not. It is mainly a celebration of Irish and Irish-American culture. Celebrations include prominent displays of the color green, feasting, consumption of large quantities of alcohol, religious observances, ad numerous parades. In El Paso, we do have parades, but, none is bigger than the one held in New York. The many Irish people who live in New York hold a parade that lasts for two hours. Leading the parade are two Irish wolf-hounds, the mascots of the New York National Guard Infantry Regiment, or the “Fighting 69th.” It includes more than 100 marching bands, with over 100,000 people following the two mascots. Hundreds of thousands of spectators line the parade route. Not even the parade in Dublin, Ireland, matches the one in New York City. It’s really a big deal.
Mexican guy: Okay, I’ll buy. Let’s celebrate. A toast to St. Patrick. You know, I really like this green beer.