A note from Ambassador Garza

As you've no doubt seen, Mexico violence, of late, has spiked to levels not seen since President Felipe Calderon first launched his war against the cartels back in 2006.  The assassination of the frontrunner candidate for governor in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas, Rodolfo Torre, this week is especially troubling. President Calderon called the killing "an act not only against a candidate of a political party but against democratic institutions, and it requires a united and firm response from all those who work for democracy."

For perhaps the first time since the 1994 assassination of presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio, violence impacted directly the political process here and the ripple effects were felt across the country.  And, as Reuters noted, "investors were spooked by news of the killing" with the peso slumping in trading, although the markets generally remained solid.

To be certain, these are difficult times for Mexico, but President Calderon remains resolute and our U.S. partnership with that country is today even more critical.

Council on Foreign Relations fellow Shannon O'Neil recently offered an assessment of our bilateral efforts to improve security in Mexico.  Ms. O'Neil presents a solid assessment of the Merida Initiative and her perspective is particularly timely.  You can read it here.

The economic reports I share here with readers are among the most downloaded features of Perspectives.  And, I suspect this latest report, "Latin America Macro and Strategy Outlook (June 23, 2010)" from Citigroup Global Markets, on the continued momentum seen in the region's economic recovery will be of interest to you.  Download it here.

Clearly the biggest event on the horizon in Mexico comes as our own country celebrates its independence.  Mexico heads to the polls on Sunday (July 4) to elect 12 state governors, elections that will be watched with an eye for their possible impact on 2012 and the race to succeed President Felipe Calderon.   The Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA) provides a good overview heading into these potentially pivotal elections. Read it here,

There's good reason to stay on top of news and opportunities coming out of Mexico.  That's because if you're not already doing in business in Mexico, your competitors likely are.  If you're considering new investment or business expansion into Mexico or Latin America, give me a call if the White & Case or ViaNovo teams can be of help to you.

Finally, I get asked quite frequently for a little more personal perspective on Mexico, my life and work here. While it's wise to heed the travel warnings and take extra precautions along the U.S./Mexico border, you might not realize just how safe Mexico City, the world's second largest city, truly is.  I thought I'd share with you some recommendations for experiencing the rich culture, history and traditions of Mexico and Texas with some of my best bets from both sides of the border.

For those of you in the United States, I wish you all a safe and relaxing Independence Day weekend.

With best wishes, I am,

Sincerely,

Garza elected to Kansas City Southern board

On May 6, Kansas City Southern (KCS) (NYSE:KSU) stockholders elected Ambassador Garza to the company’s board of directors. Read the news release here.

AS board approves Garza; Ambassador on CFR

Tony also recently joined the board of directors for the Americas Society and accepted membership with the Council on Foreign Relations. To learn more about these two preeminent foreign policy organizations, click here (CFR) and here (AS/COA).

Best bets: Mexico, Texas cultural experiences

While it’s wise to heed the travel warnings and take extra precautions along the U.S./Mexico border, you might not realize just how safe Mexico City, the world’s second largest city, truly is. Many would argue Mexico City is as safe or safer than both Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

So, whether you’re packing for business or a weekend getaway, I thought I’d share a few recommendations on “best bets” for your time here in Mexico. If you’re in Texas this summer, there are great opportunities to experience the flavors of my home state and the culture of Mexico, too.

I found myself agreeing with the Chicago Sun-Times travel editor who recently wrote about her own visit to Mexico City, calling it “an affordable weekend escape.” Read her review online here, and then make plans to come see why I love living and working here.

For those who don’t have travel plans to Mexico on the books, or if you are looking to stay closer to home, I was reminded recently that the San Antonio Museum of Art houses one of the most comprehensive collections in its Nelson Rockefeller Latin American Art Collection. Rockefeller’s oldest daughter just penned a fresh forward to a new edition of a book that examines the collection in words and pictures. Folk Treasures of Mexico, re-released in March, is a great coffee table addition and conversation starter.

Just up the road in Austin, the Blanton Museum on the University of Texas at Austin campus is well known for its extensive Latin American art collection. And, this summer, in celebration of the Mexican bicentennial, you won’t want to miss the museum’s exhibit of the iconic work of Mexican photographer Manuel Alvarez Bravo.

These are just two of the great exhibits in my home state that will let you head indoors and cool off from the Texas heat while taking in some of the rich history, culture and art of Mexico and Latin America.

And, if you’re going to be in Austin, make plans now to head to Barbeque Fest in September. It’s never been easier to fill up on the best barbeque my home state has to offer with some Texas flare and rocking music thrown in

Stay connected

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