Politics in Mexico

Eliminating authoritarianism, “patronism” and “caudilloism” and supporting women’s rights need to be a continuous part of Vicente Fox’s agenda as the leader of Mexico. Roderic Ai Camp is absolutely correct (“Vicente Fox’s Election Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg,” Commentary, Jan. 14) in stating that “political process affects the political culture rather than political culture determining the characteristics of the process.”

However, suggesting that the PRI take a path of “rebuilding its strength through grass-roots organizations” won’t be easy because “traditional linkage to and control over the state” have been a part of the culture for centuries. However, the Catholic Church must continue to lead in teaching the Mexican people the need for “Christian responsibility” in Mexico’s politics; otherwise, the election of Fox will be just another exercise in the demagogic politics that has been part of Latin American culture for centuries.

JOHN MENDOZA

Pomona