Mike Barnhill
Ashland
Dear Editor:
Before becoming a member of the United States of America, Texas existed as a Republic from March 2, 1836, to Feb. 19, 1846. It was during this period the United States finally blessed Mexico (still smoldering from the loss of the break-away Republic of Texas) with a halfway tolerant minister, Waddy Thompson. After a long string of scoundrels and meddlers, Thompson brought a refreshing professionalism to American diplomacy in Mexico. He found Santa Anna curious, and his brand of rule distasteful. But he refused to condemn Mexican politics.
"I ride my own gentle and well-trained horse with a light bridle," he decided, "but is no reason why my neighbor, whose horse is wild and intractable, should do the same."
An interesting point of view wouldn't you agree? Should America stop giving advice to other countries concerning democracy? As it would seem we haven't quite figured it out ourselves yet.