Dear Marcus:

I just read the excerpt.  You are right on!  As you may, or may not, remember I'm living in Oaxaca, Mexico.  I've lived here almost full time for almost 12 years (seems like 12 days, you know what I mean).  I love it here. I find it very interesting and exciting....because of the conflictions you mention.  You are so right.

If I had to pick one social frustration in my life it's this:  the foreigners here want to believe, make themselves believe, that the values/customs/ways/thinking here is the SAME as in the U.S.  When will people in the U.S. ever learn/realize that the rest of the world DOES NOT think/behave as we do?  Probably never, but at least you are trying to make them understand.

Yes, you will be called racist/fascist, because you are trying to make people understand...and accept...differences.  My, what a job you have undertaken. The same folk here who criticize Bush for not realizing the cultural consequences of invading Iraq, do not understand the social and cultural differences of their next door neighbors -- Mexicans.

Oh my.  I shall buy your book.  Unlike you, I don't have the desire (and probably not the ability) to write about my observations/feelings re the Mexican culture.  There is so much good .... along with the nonsensical and even morally evil.  I shamefully admit that these twists and twirls fire my engine and so here I yam!

I admire your insight, courage and creative spirit.

Regards,
Geri

This is beginning to look GREAT! Who are you, Marcus Wilder?

Buddy