Independence Day

Today is a holiday. Almost a hundred years ago a group of Spaniards born in Mexico went to war with Spaniards born in Spain, and convinced many non-Spaniards to die for them. When the war was over, my ancestors, the Spaniards kept the Indians subjugated.

Here in Chilpancingo on September 13, 1813, in the Asunción Church downtown, General José María Morelos y Pavón, from Michoacán, signed what later became the first Mexican Constitution. Slavery was abolished.

Every year in towns and cities all around Mexico we celebrate that beginning on a day like today.

Obviously the war is not over, until more Mexicans are given the respect they deserve.

We have our work cut out for us. Let's get to work.