Staff Writer
BROWNSVILLE, TX - All it takes is a quick jaunt upstate or maybe one to the country's coasts, that's all one would need to see before deciding that, by way of comparison, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas has become a volatile Gaza Strip - harsh land caught in the vice of vicious crime, historical corruption, ever-present culture clashes and national abandonment.
Welcome to The Land that Time and God Forgot.
It would be easy to say this part of the USA is in transition. It would be easier yet to say that the myriad of problems it faces is the result of its close connection to neighboring Mexico, a burgeoning narco-state unable or unwilling to defeat defeatism. Already, segregation can be seen in the varied social strata that comprises local life. The rich are walling themselves in alongside the rich, and the poor are being disenfranchised by the hour. You can find paradise here, but it's going to cost you. Million-dollar homes can be had, as can repo mobile homes better suited for military gunnery ranges.
You can post-up for superb dining in a handful of 5-Star restaurants, or you can tummy-up at a humble taqueria, where the fare comes in singularly maize items and not a five-course international meal. You want some duck? It's available, but not everywhere...and not for everybody. The lines of distinction are becoming more and more visible. That new BMW? It's headed for the rich side of town. That battered pickup loaded down with lawnmowing gear? It's being parked in the poor side of town. The songs are familiar, yet Sarah Brightman sings for me and Los Tigres Del Norte sing for you.
Where are we? Is this America, or what?
It's the growing realization, says a professor of sociology at the area university. "Our poor side of town is looking like those cheap, overnight settlements the Israelis love so much when imposing their will on the Palestinians," is how she put it. Her words are telling on many levels, but does it matter to a local population long used to being pushed along by outside forces? Perhaps not.
They say education is the key. The key to what, is what locals have asked seemingly forever. They have grown accustomed to creating and playing their own low-flying game, and that has been the measure of progress. So long as I have my pan and my circo, I will survive, is what you hear from one bar to the next.
The price being paid, however, is only the down-payment...
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20 comments:
ouch. that one hurt. But true.
Patrick, my good compadre, now why can you write like Mr. Klement.
Just drop by for a quick comment have to go back to work and concentrate on the political landscape of harlingen.
Hey, leave rosario alone, she is an educated femenist.
Later,
Don Francisco: (1.) Welcome back, sir. (2.) We are aware that the inimitable Ricardo Klement is a singular talent. (3.) We have nothing but pleasantries for Rosario on this gorgeous, sun-splashed day... - Editor
One question and no lectures please!! Any coincedence how the music was posted by the Klements article. Musica Nortena as they say. (Good choice, Good happy music)
Wow, wee, I don't think Eddie Lucio or the Valley Politicians are going to like your editorial.
Dig in Klement, rip the politicians off, they deserve it. Good writing.
ANON (1.) The music has no bearing on the story itself, other than perhaps fitting as soundtrack to pretty much everything in the pro-Mexico Rio Grande Valley. ANON (2.) Eddie Lucio lives in fear of seeing our leader, DP-M, announce he is writing an unauthorized biography on the under-achieving state senator. (3.) Ricardo Klement says he has never "dug" in for anything... - Editor
Mr. Alcatraz, how much longer are you going to have those two shameless, inmoral characters looking at the camera, as if they were doing something great?? No arguments or name calling please, just a question.
Pretty good con papas cantina music. Fair to say from La Movida Bar. By the way, your writer describe the Valley for what is and how it looks.C
For Rosario: I take it you mean the couple in bed, the photo accompanying Ron Mexico's story on Movidas. Well, as with all photos, it will roll and fade with every new story we post. We make no judgments as to morality. As you may know...even Adam had a woman before Eve. Her name was Lilith and she was his first wife. We do not condone adultery, no. It seems to happen quite a bit in the Rio Grande Valley, however... - Editor
For Most Recent Anon: The song does not come to you by way of La Movida Bar, no. Con papas? Who knows? Con limon? Quizas. We shall pass on your comments to writer Ricardo Klement about his characterization of the RGV... - Editor
I will pray for you for the staff of the tribune.
Rosario, pray? Why pray? We do nothing illegal, immoral. Your prayers are not needed here. It is an odd thing to say to us. What do you base it on? The writing you see here? My dear, for that there is no need to pray. We are saddened to know that it so aggrieves you. That is not our intent. Perhaps this site is not for you. May we suggest ElRrunRrun?... - Editor
You just send good woman packing out of your web-site on good Friday. And now a religious song.
Just can't figure you out.
that is probably what Rosario is saying: Ave Maria!!!!!!!
Anon: We've sent no one packing, and certainly not Rosario. Our readers, however, are free to come and go as they please, and they do. (2.) Ave Maria? It's a good day for that tune, no?... - Editor
The rio grande valley literally an area of third world conditions. I am glad someone else noticed. thank you for remind us, Mr. R.Klements.
Ricardo Klement, like many of our smarter-than-usual readers, sees what's there, nothing more and nothing less. The Valley culture is as he says: You can lead a Man to water, but he'll horse around... - Editor
Anonymous said...
You just send good woman packing out of your web-site on good Friday. And now a religious song.
Just can't figure you out.
HEY ROSA RIO, DON'T CRY A RIVER BABY.
DUARDO IS A LOVER NOT A FIGHTER, BUT YOU CAN LISTEN TO
840 AM OR 620 AM IS BROWNSVILLE AT IT'S BEST, BUT DON'T GET SCARE BABY, JUST LISTEN AND LEARN.
ANNIE G.
You can lead a Man to water, but he'll horse around...
Muy Cierto, y
Verda Qué sí.
NOTE: Rosario has not left us, as far as we know. At least, she has not told us her interest in our work has waned. And, of course, we wish she would stay. I get used to my 12 Apostles at our table. Okay, okay. It's a joke...and it's Easter Weekend! Peeps anyone?... - Editor
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