Former Mexican President Urges Peace Through Culture Jazmine Ulloa - American-Statesman
May 7, 2012

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox on Sunday said there was no better place to begin fortifying the relationship between Mexico and the United States than Texas, where almost a majority of the population is Mexican American.

In a keynote address to more than 450 people gathered for Mexic-Arte's Gala del Museo, he called for an end to the war broiling in Mexico and urged Mexican and U.S. citizens to work together to build a better future for the region, as world power shifts from the West to the East.

"We will win this battle, not by opening the border, but by tearing down the walls and building bridges between Mexico and this great nation," he said at the benefit hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel. "There is no better way to build peace than through culture, than through education, than through (creating) opportunities."

The event was the largest organized by the Mexic-Arte Museum to raise money for its exhibition and education programs. It celebrated the 28th anniversary of the museum and honored international artists Rina Lazo and Arturo García Bustos, disciples of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, respectively, for their lifetime contributions to Mexican art and culture.

Fox has maintained a close relationship with the museum since his first visit in 2001 and was the first president to recognize the importance of preserving the ties between Mexico and the Mexican and Mexican American community in the United States, said Sylvia Orozco, executive director of the Mexic-Arte Museum.

His philosophy aligns with the mission of the museum, which is dedicated to presenting and promoting Mexican, Latino and Latino American art and culture, Orozco said.

"Our role is to connect the Mexican and Mexican American community back with Mexico," she said. "If you do not understand where you come from, then how can you value your future?"

Fox, who served as president from 2001 to 2006 and is known for his signature black cowboy boots, has taken a strong stance in favor of the legalization of drugs as a solution to the drug war.

But before taking the stage Sunday, he told the American-Statesman that he prefers to keep away from Mexican politics since leaving office.

He now resides in Rancho San Cristóbal in Guanajuato, where he founded Centro Fox, a presidential library and center for the advancement and study of democracy. In his address Sunday, he extended an invitation to the audience — "with a lot of love and a lot of Patrón tequila" — to the ranch for a special performance by Mexican music artist Juan Gabriel.

On a more serious note, he urged audience members to take five minutes of silence every day to think about new ideas and plan new ventures.

"In this moment for Mexico, that is what we need the most," he said before his speech. "New ideas, new ventures — to save us from the trap of violence and corruption."

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