Does Mexico need a revolution?

National Review, Nov 21, 1986 by George Byram Lake

As the new year dawned and oil prices plunged still farther, it became plain that Mexico was again on the brink of bankruptcy and default. But calls for a quick fix met with a cool response this time around. There would have to be some fundamental changes in Mexico's political and economic practices, gun-shy bankers declared. Otherwise, pouring another $6.2 billion into a failed socialist-style economy would be bailing water into the boat.

Two recent events shocked and alarmed the government of Mexico and PRI jefazos: The Department of State put Mexico on its stink list of nations that infringe the right of their citizens to honest elections, and a subcommittee of the Senate, in hearings conducted by Jesse Helms, Flatly charged high Mexican officials and police with criminal complicity in the international narcotics trade.

That brought a concerted roar of outrage from the Mexican government and the party. They denounced the United States for interfering in Mexico's internal affairs and for trying to undermine Mexican sovereignty. The PRI organized a large protest demonstration in Mexico City, the impact of which may have been slightly diminished by overuse: Great demonstrations tie up traffic there every few days. Armies of the city's unemployed can be quickly mobilized at a cost of about $1 per head. For a taco and a refresco they will parade for three or four hours, and use the handles of their placards for clubs in case additional emphasis is ordered. None was in this case.

Relations between the two countries undoubtedly were badly strained, and the Mexicans' alarm is genuine. They are convinced that the United States is trying to destabilize their government, and the crash of Baby Doc Duvalier and Ferdinand Marcos will reverberates ominously.

Soothing words from Washington have not allayed Mexico's worries. The country's famed stability is under almost intolerable strain, and who knows what an additional shove might produce?