How Safe Are We........

We do not know why Piedras Negras, Mexico has been spared from the brutal atrocities that have been left in the wake of cartel violence along the Mexican side of the border. What we do know is that the United States military is waiting in the wings, waiting to militarize the community of Eagle Pass. However, many city and county officials along the border appear to be united in their belief that conditions do not require such a drastic step at this time. Others ask “If not now, when?” The exception of course, is El Paso, which has seen plenty of cruelty inflicted on law enforcement on the Mexican side of the river. If you wonder why the community of Eagle Pass is opposed to the occupation of military troops, perhaps there are several reasons. The one that seems clear is that if the need for intervention is not necessary, and it is imposed prematurely, it could have a devastating impact on the economy of the small community of Eagle Pass. One can conjure military equipment, vehicles and troops throughout this community, which is not a poster card invitation to the visiting public that patronize the businesses and events and fill up the local motels. Others see it differently. An influx of military personnel could also stimulate the local economy, which could offset the loss of city and county revenue generated by Mexican nationals and other visitors. And yet, the sensible argument goes against the concerns for the local economy and more for the safety of the citizens of Eagle Pass. Shouldn’t they be prepared in the event of violent escalations or collateral damage caused by confrontations with the cartel? I think so.

What's in a Name....

Parents of newborn know that its not easy picking a name simply because it will identify their son or daughter for the rest of their life and what that name reflects can mean enough to make you happy or not.

Take my case for instance. My mother explained that when she came up with my name she was viewing a movie at the Yolanda Theatre and the actor in the movie happen to be playing the role of an attorney named Roberto. It’s seemed my father had no objections and that was it. When I was born a month later, my name was Roberto.

My father was and is a kind man but in our early years, he was not that demonstrative with his affection but was very dedicated in providing for the family. I suppose that as a term of endearment he called me Bovie; which is spanglish for Bobby. Neighborhood friends also met me as Bovie and so it stuck.

At six, I enter public education and had Mrs. Proctor as my first teacher. My perception at that age was that she was not bilingual and during the first roll call in her classroom she could not pronounce "Roberto" and every time that she tried, all my classmate would laugh because it sound nothing like "Roberto". She decided to call me Bobby which was different that Bovie. So Bobby stuck for the next 12 years.

When I started my professional career, I used Roberto as my name but again changed it to Robert for those that could not pronounce Roberto. So all the years leading up to my retirement, either one was used.

Now I am meeting many of those I grew up with in Eagle Pass and they call me Bobby. Somehow the name Bobby seems odd for an aging person with graying hair. But it must be done simply because those that know me and all my close friends find no problem is calling me Bobby. So from now on it will be Bobby or Bovie if you wish.

Maribel Flores...best candidate

There are many of us that enjoy the tribulations that go with a popular election be it at the national level or at the local. The give and take of candidates doing battle, each trying to persuade the public that they are the best choice is interesting because many times it brings to the forefront those issues that need to be addressed in city government.

Maribel Flores will hold on to her position as city councilperson and rightfully so. Ms. Flores would be a tough opponent and she has performed admirably often lending a sensible and intelligent quality to deliberations at city hall. Aside from that, she is known as an ethical person that would never compromise for the benefit of interest groups and to the detriment of those she serves.

My congratulations to Ms. Flores.