Thanks for the email, I start reading it.

You’ve put your finger on exactly what’s bothered me since the beginning. I was in Mexico at the start of this war (it was the only time I’ve been tempted to claim I’m Canadian… in Mexico City, there were massive protests, and all polls showed like 95+ % opposition to Mexican involvement, let alone any involvement… but, then again, if I was the citizen of a oil producing country with a crappy army, I’d worry too!).

When I came back to the U.S. there was all that “patriotic” display, but no real sense of being at war. No calls for sacrifice (except other people’s kids), no conservation of resources, no “we’re all in this together” kind of atmosphere. This whole war is surreal,except for those who have to go.

For your research, X… the bracero program was sold in Mexico (after it entered the war in May 1942) as a patriotic gesture, and even recruited people like teachers and lawyers to work in the U.S. The Mexican Air Force served in the Pacific under McAuthur, who said the Mexicans were his best soldiers (sorry, can’t find the quote). Interestingly enough, McA was probably the ONLY officer ever to have fought against the Mexican Army (during the Pershing Expedition) and then to have commanded Mexican troops. I’m finishing up my book, and will send you what I’ve written on WWII for your comments, corrections (I’ve got a tough skin) and amusement.

Saludos!

It seems there was a movement to recruit “Mexicans” into the military like your grandfather, my paternal grandfather and my uncle’s father, however, it was the beginning of the Bracero Program. But before then WWII, yeah, there was that a previous mass deportation program – it was the one that established the border patrol.

However, I wouldn’t go by what I wrote, after having done other research for my other posts and family history, it seems there are a lot of contradicting evidence of what really was going on during time.

Jenna may be able to escape because she is in South America, I think Barbara might join here, but the way they are upping the age, the “Little Brown Ones” are just right age.

I don’t think there’s anything intrinsically wrong with expediting citizenship for service members (something done since George Washington’s day) and military service is always going to be a more viable option for poor and rural kids than for others. But, yeah… the devil is in the details.

There was a huge stink about five years ago when the U.S. was accused of recruiting in Mexico. It turned out it was one sergeant who’d been back visiting his friends in Tijuana, and mentioned U.S. military service to some friends.

Recruiting for the U.S. military may satisfy some of Bush’s dwindling supporters who want a huge military (but aren’t willing to make sacrifices themselves), but it’s not going to go over with other governments.

Now that I’m over 50, maybe I can support universal service. Everybody … see how the Bushistas like that.

“I guess US citizenship back then was a “precious commodity” and people were willing to do anything to reach the American Dream, even if it means risking their life.”

yeah, it is crazy, huh? i think this says something more about mexico’s state of affairs. shit must have been bad then. for people to rather go to war than go back. also, weren’t they deporting mexicans around this time (even those with u.s. citizenship)?