By 115 votes in favor and none against, the Mexican Senate ratified the appointments of three deputy secretaries of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) and the head of the Tax Administration Service (SAT), proposed by President Enrique Peña Nieto.

At its meeting on Thursday, the city endorsed the appointment of Fernando Rodriguez Aportela as Undersecretary of Finance, Miguel Messmacher Linartas as Undersecretary of Revenue and Fernando Galindo Favela as Undersecretary of Expenditures. The owner of the SAT will Sánchez Núñez Aristotle.

The appointments were endorsed in committee this week and occur before the SHCP, by Luis Videgaray, delivered to Congress on economic package for 2013, which includes the Expenditure Budget, Revenue Law and Economic Policy Guidelines .

The package must reach the Legislature no later than December 15 and approved no later than the 31st of this month.

The official broadcast showed smiling legislators from the Party of the Institutional Revolution (PRI), uniformed in red shawls and red ties, welcoming the triumphant arrival of the president-elect amid cries of “Enrique, Enrique!” It was an almost flawlessly choreographed production, despite occasional cries of protest from the opposition. The presidential mantle was passed from one party to the next, the handsome new president delivered a well-polished speech designed to please all, there was the obligatory visit to address the armed forces. The official version of the inauguration of Mexico’s 57th president seemed to go off with only minor glitches.

That’s pretty much all you could see from your television screen. Some stations showed a few jarring scenes of rioters in the streets being beaten back with tear gas amid the crack of rubber bullets. But they only lasted a few seconds before returning to the comforting pomp and circumstance of the change of powers. Television networks were not allowed to film the inauguration and acceptance speech. Flipping from channel to channel produced the simultaneous repetition of the official signal, with its official selection of shots and official narration.

Enrique Pena Nieto’s inauguration, a city under siege

Social media and the streets themselves told a different story. From the pre-dawn hours, battalions of police barricaded the area blocks away from both the Congress where the official swearing-in took place and the National Palace where the new president would present his first speech. Protestors left for the legislative center at San Lazaro in the pre-dawn hours. Arriving, small groups attacked police lines to gain entrance into the security perimeter surrounding Congress.

The situation heated up quickly. Police responded hurling tear gas canisters and firing rubber bullets, enraging the protestors. Images show young people, mostly men with hoods and masks, attacking police lines with rocks and sticks. Some Molotov’s were reported and bottle rockets. Soon it became an all-out battle, with youth hurling back the gas grenades. Students reported “bombs, pepper gas, tear gas and rubber bullets,” all confirmed by the press.

This is not a common method of reacting to demonstrations in Mexico City. It reflects a decision to crack down hard, regardless of the consequences, particularly within the ranks of the Federal Police. After clashes, some people destroyed lamp posts, vandalized buildings and parts of the expensively remodeled Alameda park and vandalized buildings along Mexico City’s main streets. News stories have reported the presence of paid provocateurs among the vandals.

MEXICO'S president is making one last attempt to get the "United States" out of Mexico — at least as far as the country's name is concerned.

The name "United Mexican States," or "Estados Unidos Mexicanos," was adopted in 1824 after independence from Spain in imitation of Mexico's democratic northern neighbor, but it is rarely used except on official documents, money and other government material.

Still, President Felipe Calderon called a news conference Thursday to announce that he wants to make the name simply "Mexico." His country doesn't need to copy anyone, he said.

Calderon first proposed the name change as a congressman in 2003 but the bill did not make it to a vote. The new constitutional reform he proposed would have to be approved by both houses of Congress and a majority of Mexico's 31 state legislatures.

However, Calderon leaves office on Dec. 1, raising the question of whether his proposal is a largely symbolic gesture. His proposal was widely mocked on Twitter as a ridiculous parting shot from a lame-duck president.

Calderon said that while the name change "doesn't have the urgency of other reforms," it should be seen as a relevant issue. "Mexico doesn't need a name that emulates another country and that no one uses on a daily basis," he said.

The United States looms larger than perhaps any other country in the Mexican cultural imagination: Mexicans follow U.S. sports teams, watch U.S. television shows and buy U.S.-made products.

For many, however, there is also resentment of a larger and more powerful northern neighbor that's often seen as ignoring or looking down its nose at Mexico.

Calderon has tried to keep Mexico's international image, and its vital tourism industry, from being tarred by the waves of violence set off by his six-year, militarized offensive against drug cartels.

At least 47,500 people have died in cartel-related violence during his term in office, although the number is believed to be far higher, since his administration stopped releasing an official count last year.

A poll released this week by the Vianovo consulting firm said that half of all Americans view Mexico unfavorably and more than 70 percent believe it's unsafe to travel south of the border. The poll of 1,000 adults had a margin of error of four percentage points.

"It's time for Mexicans to return to the beauty and simplicity of the name of our country, Mexico," Calderon said. "A name that we chant, that we sing, that makes us happy, that we identify with, that fills us with pride."

The United States and Mexico are rewriting rules on how to share water from the Colorado River,

If you think the debate over immigration from Mexico into the United States is complicated, just take a trip south of the border and look at it from that side. Complicated isn’t the half of it. The immigration debate is also dishonest and hypocritical and filled with people who would rather pursue their own interests than solve the problem. And it all revolves around a broken system that stays broken because important and powerful interests want it that way.

This is true in both countries. Mexico is just as reluctant as the United States to confront the larger issue of migration — both of its own people north to the United States and along its own southern border, where Central and South Americans want to get into a country that many natives are desperate to flee. Nor does the Mexican elite want to swallow its pride and admit that the real engine behind the Mexican economy isn’t people like them but Mexicans who don’t even live in Mexico anymore — immigrant workers in the United States.
Fence Mexicos own immigration debate: Also complicated

In Mexico City, politicians, journalists and intellectuals are eager to avoid the issue altogether. They point out that migration to the United States from Mexico has slowed to a trickle. With a U.S. economy that is sluggish and a Mexican one that is bouncing back, many would-be migrants find that going north isn’t worth the trouble.

The part about the trickle is true enough. Take it from Princeton professor Douglas S. Massey, an expert on Mexico, whose research shows that net migration between the two countries has fallen to its lowest level since the 1950s. Or take it from the Pew Hispanic Center, which found that the illegal immigrant population in the United States is shrinking and that fewer illegal immigrants are arriving than in previous years.

But things change, and migration is unpredictable. When the U.S. economy improves, and if the Mexican one falters, the flow of illegal immigrants is likely to increase. Besides, for many young men in Mexico, going north is a rite of passage. Grandpa did it. Dad did it. And they want to do it.

Mexico is a permanent fixture of the immigration debate in the United States, whether Americans like it or not. It is no secret that this country is responsible for most of the migration into the United States — both legal and illegal. By some estimates, Mexicans account for as many as six out of 10 illegal immigrants in the United States.

Better make that, partly responsible. It’s also well-known that Mexico has a co-conspirator: U.S. employers. These folks often prefer to hire Mexican laborers over American counterparts. And not because the foreigners work for lower wages but because they tend to have more of a work ethic and less sense of entitlement.

The way that many Americans see it, Mexico gave up the right to comment on how the United States treats immigrants when it failed to provide opportunities for its own people so they had to look elsewhere.

Not that the Mexican people, or their leaders, are likely to keep quiet. When the immigration debate starts up again in Congress, as is likely to happen in the next few months, we can expect Mexicans to put in their two cents.

With a full 5 percent of its population living north of the Rio Grande, and countless Mexican families feeling the strain that comes from having parents separated from their children, Mexico can’t afford not to defend the expatriates. The catch? If it comes off as too aggressive, its advocacy could backfire — and hurt the very people it wants to help by hardening the views of Americans.

For much of the 20th century, when it came to migration, Mexico had a good thing. It got rid of millions of people that its economy didn’t have room for, and then those people went on to send home remittances that today total more than $20 billion.

Now it’s time for Mexico to develop a 21st-century approach. This includes acknowledging the enormous contribution that Mexicans living abroad make to the motherland, and working diligently to provide them better services through Mexican consulates across the United States.

But it also involves not lecturing a neighbor about how to treat people that you’ve expelled.

Puerto Vallarta originally served as a refuge for Spanish sailors hiding from pirates, thus cementing the town's role as a place to escape from the world. And, ever since Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor infamously rendezvoused here during the filming of Night of the Iguana, visitors have kept the destination's reputation for romance alive. But that's not a difficult task, considering Puerto Vallarta's charming streets, vibrant culture, and remarkable sunsets. Cliché as it might sound, romance really is in the air here.

But love affairs would be boring without diverse sights, beaches, and activities to fuel the sparks. Besides, what's romance without a little excitement? Check out Puerto Vallarta's top picks for the best of both worlds. For a romantic night on the high seas, try a sunset cruise and candlelight dinner show, sailing on Banderas Bay, or visit Los Arcos beach. To learn more about the history and culture of this beautiful area, embark on a day trip to Las Caletas, a Puerto Vallarta city tour, or a Tequila tour.

Last but certainly not least, adventurous types can choose from a number of attractions and activities: a day or evening about the Marigalante Pirate Ship on a Pirates of the Bay tour, an exciting outdoor adventure tour, the chance to swim with the dolphins or explore the rainforest on a canopy adventure, or see the mountains on a Sierra Madres Jeep adventure, just to name a few.

IFAI requested the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) to publicize the names of the entities that operate casinos, gambling and betting in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.

J.P. Morgan today announced it has been selected by Santander Mexico to act as depositary bank for the company’s

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — A border state in northern Mexico has launched a campaign it hopes will be more effective than photos on milk cartons to help find missing women and children: It's using advertisements on tortilla wrappers.

At least three dozen tortilla shops have joined in the Chihuahua state campaign to print appeals for help on the thin paper wrappers that shopkeepers use to wrap up a pound or two of hot tortillas at a time.

"The disappearances in Juarez have to disappear," the ads read. They are accompanied by photos of "disappeared" people: a woman's bodiless clothing walks down a street appearing to hold a shopping bag; a little girl's shoes and socks stand on a curbside.

The wrappers include a phone number for reporting disappearances or sightings of missing people.

The campaign started this week, and has been welcomed by shopkeepers and customers in the violence-wracked border city of Ciudad Juarez, which is across from El Paso, Texas.

"The truth is a lot of people don't know about the missing young women — we are always the last to find out — so I think the governor had a good idea when he started this campaign to help families find missing people," said the owner of a Ciudad Juarez tortilla shop who did not want her identity revealed for fear of retaliation or extortion from the city's gangs.

Ciudad Juarez was hit by a series of eerily similar kidnap-killings of more than 100 mainly young women beginning in 1993. While those cases have tapered off, killings and disappearances continue.

A customer at the tortilla shop, who also didn't want her identity revealed, said the campaign could help.

"A lot of people don't have any way to watch TV or read the newspapers, they don't see the news, so this way they would at least know who to call or what to do in the case of a disappearance," she said.

Silvia Najera, spokeswoman for the Chihuahua state special prosecutor's office for crimes against women, said a total of 341 women had been officially reported missing since 1995. Of those, 316 have been found either dead or alive, while 25 cases remain open.

Women's rights activist Vicky Caraveo said she believes the women's killings of the 1990s and early 2000s haven't ended. Carveo said women matching the same profile of those earlier victims continue to disappear.

Mexico's Senate gave final approval Tuesday to a labor law overhaul that will allow outsourcing and part-time employment,

Trash, tons of it. With some 25 million people, greater Mexico City struggles every day with mountains of garbage, even more now that the main dump has been closed. Recycling hasn't caught on yet in the country, and some still keep up the old habit of throwing their trash in the street. So waste management has been a crisis in the capital for years.

But now, city officials – and younger, trendy Mexicans with a green thumb - are trying to change that.

On March 2012, the Mexico City Department of Environment launched a new program, a barter market - or "Mercado de Trueque" - in the heart of Chapultepec, the city's largest park. The first Sunday of every month, people can trade recyclables for fresh produce grown by local farmers. They can chat directly with farmers and growers, "count" the value of their plastic bottles, glass and cans, and be reminded of indigenous agriculture practices inherited from Pre-Columbian times.
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The initiative follows other green efforts launched by the city's leftist government, like a successful bike-sharing program and increased public transportation. While thousands of market-goers happily gather at dawn in a long a line that snakes through the park, some wish there were more markets of this kind held in different neighborhoods across the city, to meet growing demand.

The "Mercado de Trueque" only recycles a small fraction of the capital's daily waste. Still, it's an avant-garde model to be followed across the country and around the world. As its proud organizers say, "If a megalopolis like Mexico City – long infamous for its pollution levels – can achieve that, other cities can."

Eventually, the real success for the market would be if Mexicans keep and spread the good habit of recycling, with no incentive - food or plants - in exchange.

[readon1 url="http://www.vallartatoday.com"]Source:www.vallartatoday.com - Translation by Suyapa Ajuria Nov. 13, 2012[/readon1]

The city of Acapulco, the tourist port located in southern Mexico, is in bankruptcy by filing a debt of 2,142 million pesos, warned Monday its mayor, Luis Walton Aburto, who asked the federal government bailout.

At a press conference in Mexico City, where he was backed by the leaders of the PRD, PT and Citizens Movement, and was transmitted in real time to a port hotel, the mayor said that not having the
support of the federation for January Acapulco City Hall will be collapsed and no resources for payroll and utilities.

Walton Aburto affirm financial failure threatens alike the situation of the municipal police and the payment of bonuses and fortnights to 8,500 employees

"Acapulco requires a bailout, is now in this financial mess by January or we will not have money to pay salaries, with a roster so outrageous, so we need the bailout because if not paralyzed the council," said.

Regarding the number of council workers, the payroll increased in a year-the last of the last administration of Manuel Anorve-than 7,500 to 8,500 employees, generating an annual expenditure of 1,150 million pesos
in payment of wages.

"Other municipalities with the same population size employs 4,000 employees so clear there will be cuts, but we need resources for settlements from whence we take to do so? 500 police alone have to settle for not passing the tests. Acapulco needs of the federation, "the mayor said"

Debt that exceeds 2,000 pesos municipality of Acapulco is divided into blocks: running costs for fuel and utilities for 357.7 million pesos, public debt of 423.7 million pesos, withholding payment credits and ISSSTE workers Infonavit for 256.6 million pesos.

And misuse of federal resources branch 33, which generates a financial loss, for 301 million pesos.

Also, a financial debt of the municipality of Acapulco 423.8 million pesos.

The municipality also faces 211 labor lawsuits in progress, with a total debt of 270 billion pesos.

"The irresponsible handling of the past administration gives us a debt of 2,142 million pesos," the Secretary of Planning and Economic Development, Carlos Alvarez.

National leaders of the PRD, PT and Citizens Movement gave their political support Aburto Walton.

Jesus Zambrano, PRD urged to clarify the situation and draw directly responsible to face justice, and that he said the beds of the three parties will monitor the planned budget for 2013 to Acapulco.

Former mayor disclaims bankruptcy

The former mayor of Acapulco and now the PRI federal deputy, Manuel Anorve Banos, disavowed responsibility for the "failure" of this tourist destination and financial debt by 2, 142 million pesos.

As stated, Manuel Anorve in a statement, the information provided by the current municipal government Acapulco offers data "without reliable information is processed from a government accounting system, which in principle is a very irresponsible."

He insisted that the figures provided by the Secretary of Planning and Economic Development of Acapulco, Carlos Alvarez Reyes, are unreliable and do not stem from any governmental system.

In fact, the former mayor stressed that the debt he received from the previous administration of Felix Salgado Macedonio PRD amounted to 919 million pesos, not 396 million dollars as noted.

"The debt that the government inherited Salgado Macedonio, my administration, was 919 million pesos. The silver lining is that now, recognize that left the PRD government debt. Earlier this debt had refused "defended, Añorve Baths.

The congressman now said in his favor that Superior Audit of the Federation and the Auditor General's audit to maintain a permanent public accounts, which were delivered in a timely manner.

"The accounts were delivered complete, accurate and timely manner, transparency and accountability is a constitutional obligation for all governments and the national audit are to review and determine the right exercise or abuse of public resources," said former PRI mayor.

As for Manuel Anorve the accusation of "property damage or misuse of federal resources branch 33" is a "serious remark."

"Acapulco work and deserves respect, deserves to be talked with the truth. In more than 40 days, have neglected the problems of insecurity and public services, by finding reflectors and multiplication of lamentation, a township project aims to "disaster" as textually expressed, when what is needed , is a permanent work in favor of the municipality.

[readon1 url="http://www.vallartatoday.com"]Source:www.vallartatoday.com - Translation by Suyapa Ajuria Nov. 13, 2012[/readon1]