Democracy in Action – Rio Grande Guardian

The Spanish definition of “Pachanga” is “a wild party with drinking and dancing!” There was no dancing or drinking (except for water provided by Judge Marla Cuellar and her crew). However, there were plenty of cups of Mexican street corn, Sandia, palettes of all flavors, and – if this were a German HillCountry affair-cozy. That means: “Everyone had a good time.”

First of all, before taking photos or interviews, I wanted to gauge the mood of the crowd, take a random snapshot of opinions and feelings about “THE debate.”.” Only one participant (lawyer, activist, influencer) protested: “I will not talk about it.”

Others were more open, most of them (surprisingly for me) positive. “This one debate will not matter in November.” “We have our candidate. We will carry on!” Others, angry and louder: “Screw the New York Times; here in South Texas, they don’t tell us how to think.”

A more technically savvy person who has kept up with Google, Professor Alan Lichtman (quoted by Ben Blanchet, HuffingtonPostJuly 1, 24): Lichtman, a professor at American University, has correctly predicted nine of the last 10 presidential elections. He said the debate will have “zero” impact on the race. Currently, he says, “the data shows that the Democrats will win, contrary to everything you’ve heard, if Biden runs.” So these local Democrats aren’t just “making things up” and hoping for them.

The event was sponsored by the Up Next PAC and “not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.” It was planned and organized by Gaby Lopez and Fabiola Escalón, grassroots Democrats. The event was held at the RGV Flames Gym, West University Drive, Edinburg, June 30, 24. Official? Politician? In abundance!

There was Hidalgo County, Texas, District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios. There was Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, who is not currently running for office but recently announced his intention to run for mayor again in 2025. And so many female candidates! There was Regina “Regi” Compián Richardson (I love the names! So “Valley”; where else do Anglos and Mexicans mix so freely?). “Regi” reminded voters of early voting on October 21, which is closer than we think.

“Present by absence” (for fear of violating PAC regulations, I suppose) was a favorite, Ms. Michelle Vallejo, Valley entrepreneur (Owner, Manager of The Pulga Portals, in Alton), candidate for Congress in the 15th District. Others spoke, urging everyone to “vote” and “stay the course.” A veteran and former student of mine (and there were many) said, “In a war, the general sets the strategy; not the lieutenants, not even the colonels; they don’t call ‘retreat,’ only the general.” Last but not least, Ms. Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County Clerk, spoke, receiving warm applause for her support of the President.

If current enthusiasm is any indicator of turnout in fall 2024, the numbers will rise. But it has been widely acknowledged that many races will be close and hard-fought; although Republicans often don’t field candidates in South Texas, that tradition is changing. Particularly tough will be the race for Congress, which Ms. Vallejo is running against a one-term incumbent who votes all-Republican, in a heavily gerrymandered (Republican) district.

Just as debates do not constitute an election, pachangas, however impetuous and successful they may be, do not make a choice; energy and determination must be persistent. But at least the Politician and the ordinary citizens I interviewed are, by their presence and their own admission, willing to hold on. The desire to win, to preserve their democracy, to protect their economy and their culture, was remarkable – and commendable.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was written by UT-Rio Grande Valley Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Joe Mounce. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the author’s permission. Dr. Mounce can be reached via email at: [email protected].