October, 23, 2008

Thursday 23~~~We arrived at our campground in Anthony, New Mexico early, so we ate lunch and drove to"Chamizal National Park, where we watched a video of the long-standing dispute over the location of the International boundary between El Paso, Texas and Mexico and who owned the piece of land that was created by the meandering of the Rio Grande. Presidents Truman and Eisenhower both tried to work out a dividing agreement with no success. When Kennedy became president he knew it was necessary to come to a friendship agreement with Mexico because Castro was becoming an Allie to Mexico. Kennedy met with the President of Mexico and they worked out a deal for the two countries to share in the expense of restraining the Rio Grande within a concrete channel, which acts as the permanent border between the two nations. More than 5000 people residing in the disputed area were relocated at the expense of both governments, this is what is called the Chamizal National Memorial celebrating Mexican_American friendship and goodwill. The Mexicans loved President Kennedy, he died before it was complete, so President Johnson signed the final contract. We had heard that Juarez, Mexico is real dangerous to go to as the drug lords are fighting and killing each other and it is not safe. They won't attack you, but you might get caught in the cross fire. We talked to one of the National Parks workers, (a Hispanic) and he said Mexico is losing so much money on tourism, the Mexican Police are working hard to control it. He told us what entrance to not go through and what part would be safe, so over the border we went. Sharon was very leery of it all, especially when we realized the two of us and one more man were the only Caucasians in the town. There was a lot of police but we didn't stay very long, we bought some Kahlua and came back to the States side. Then Sharon breathed better. The town is really in a depression with no tourist coming across to spend money, the restaurants are all empty and there was no one on the streets buying anything. It was like the movie Tombstone with all the streets empty and you walking around made you feel spooked. I am sure it is fine to go to, but we decided we aren't going to go there again.