Police, Bandits, and Corruption in Modern Mexico [] Rotary Club Program

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By: Dr. Gerie Bledsoe and Elizabeth Adlung

Police and bandits once had interchangeable roles in Mexico! — beginning during the War of Independence (1810-1821) continuing to the dictatorship of General Porfirio Díaz (1877-1911), and concluding with events during the Mexican Revolution (1911-1920).

During one period of civil war bandit gangs were used as guerilla fighters by the government-in-exile of President Benito Juárez against his Conservative opponents and French interlopers because he had little or no tax revenue to pay a regular army. After the French Intervention ended in 1867, these bandits were recruited into the first national police force, the Rurales.  Yet, Rurale troopers frequently deserted to rejoin bandit gangs, and their payroll system led to corruption, especially during the dictatorship of General Porfirio Díaz.

A few bandits, including at least one woman, became popular, often legendary figures, during their short lives in the late 19^th century. Were they Robin Hoods, “social” bandits, who stole from the rich to share with the poor or those who fought despotism?  Or were they sociopaths who raped, pillaged, and burned for no cause but greed? Regardless, a few have been honored by songs and chants called corridos and movies.  Even today, rap corridos are sung about drug lords, especially “El Chapo” Guzman.

Gerie’s presentation will conclude with a review of the status of police and corruption, known as mordida, in contemporary Mexico and attempts made to deal with it.

Dr. Gerie Bledsoe, Ph.D. in European History from Florida State University, taught at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, Michigan State University and several other educational institutions including the Instituto Allende in San Miguel. Professor Bledsoe will return to SMA next February to offer a course at the Instituto de Allende’s Life-Long Learning program on “Mexico since 1980: The Challenge to Democracy.”

Join us Tuesday, September 28th at 9:30 AM to welcome Dr. Bledsoe and to learn more about Police, Bandits, and Corruption in Modern Mexico.  To attend, go to the Midday Rotary Club website at www.rotarysmamidday.org and sign up.  You’ll receive an email with instructions on being a part of this week’s meeting. Rotary is where neighbors, friends and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders and take action to create lasting change. For more information, contact President Skip Essick at skipessickmedia@gmail.com