### A Troubling World
By Germán Orozco Mora, September 23, 2024
In a quote from San Agustín, he remarked that while the world itself—comprising the sky, earth, waters, and their creatures—is inherently good, it is the bad actions of men that corrupt it. This sentiment resonates deeply in the context of recent events and statements made during the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day.
Amidst the Independence Day festivities, notable distortions and controversial remarks emerged from various politicians and students. As Mexico marks its 214 years of independence, Bishop Ramón Castro Castro from Cuernavaca has openly questioned the celebratory mood given the nation’s current political climate.
### Five Major Concerns Highlighted by Bishop Castro:
1. **Manipulated Elections**:
– Allegations of a substantial fraud purportedly facilitated the ruling party’s overwhelming victory, overshadowing democratic principles and ethical considerations.
2. **Power Consolidation**:
– The ruling party has secured a majority in both legislative chambers, essentially sidelining millions who voted for opposition parties, effectively monopolizing legislative power.
3. **Judicial Manipulation**:
– By allegedly corrupting or coercing opposition senators, the governing party pushed through reforms to gain control over the Supreme Court, compromising judicial independence.
4. **Rapid Legislative Approval**:
– State congresses swiftly approved these judicial reforms without consulting legal experts, judicial staff, or international trade partners, undermining a thorough democratic process.
5. **Disruption of Governance Balance**:
– These maneuvers have destabilized the balance of power, dismantling the federal structure that has been the bedrock of Mexican governance for over 200 years. This shift poses a long-term threat to democratic integrity and accountability.
Bishop Castro’s reflections mirror ancient contemplations by San Agustín, who urged people to live righteously despite widespread malfeasance. The bishop’s invocation of historical and religious perspectives serves as a poignant reminder of the long struggle for justice and integrity.
### Additional Developments:
#### INE Initiates Judicial Election Process for 2025
During these contentious times, Mexico’s National Electoral Institute (INE) has announced the commencement of the process to elect the Judicial Power of the Federation in June 2025. This move aims to ensure the judiciary’s integrity and independence, fostering hope for transparent governance.
#### Ongoing Violence and Public Safety Concerns
Tijuana faced another grim episode with the discovery of a vehicle containing a burned body and a threatening narcomanta. Such incidents highlight the relentless drug-related violence plaguing the region.
#### Controversies Surrounding AMLO’s Security
In Veracruz, governmental officials are distancing themselves from an alleged attack on President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, underscoring persistent security and political tensions within the country.
In summary, the pressing issues raised by Bishop Castro regarding democracy, judicial independence, and political integrity resonate with broader concerns about Mexico’s future. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the call for righteousness and vigilance remains ever-relevant.