02/10 - Merced College

Blue Devils’ Advocate Opinion Page 14
My View
The Truth about
Cinco de Mayo
When someone mentions Cinco de Mayo (May 5),
what pops up into people‘s minds? Cheap sales in
stores, time to drink beer in order to celebrate it, and
some people think it is Mexico‘s Independence Day.
However, the truth is that it is a special day in
Mexico‘s history, but it is not their Independence
Day.
According to http://www.nacnet.org/assunta/
spa5may.htm, after the war between Mexico and the
United States there was a debt of fifteen million
dollars, that Mexico had to pay the U.S. In order to
pay that debt, Mexico decided to cut off every
payment to other countries for two years. Those
countries (Spain, England, and France) decided to
invade Mexico to collect their debts, but the
intentions of Napoleon III, the monarch of France,
was not to collect the debts. He instead wanted to
invade Mexico and establish a monarchic
government.
After the European troops landed in Veracruz,
Mexico, Spain and England discovered Napoleon‘s
plans (by April 11, 1862) and decided to stop their
actions against Mexico and withdrew their troops.
When the 7000 French reinforcements came,
Mexican president Benito Juarez decided to confuse
the French by creating a welcoming illusion and told
them to go to Mexico City. Juarez indicated General
Ignacio Zaragoza to take 2000 men and head to the
hills of Loreto and Guadalupe in Puebla and stop the
advance of the French troops. By May 5, the battle
started, and by the time it was over, more than 1000
French soldiers were dead. Mexico won the battle
that would lead to overthrowing the anarchy settled
in Mexico for three years.
Now that you have read this editorial, I hope every
one remembers the truth about Cinco de Mayo, a
celebration to commemorate the brave soldiers who
fought a battle for their independence, instead of the
cheap sales and as a time to drink.
This editorial was written by Carlos G. Simon,
Graphic Designer of the Blue Devils‘ Advocate
Soliciting your
Opinions to Print
The Blue Devils‘Advocate, like newspapers
around the world, solicit input and opinions from
their readers. The Advocate is asking readers who
have something to say on any topic relevant to
Merced College to submit an editorial of no more
than 350 words. Editorials must be typed, double
spaced, and contain your name and phone number.
The Advocate will edit for length and content and
not everyone will have their editorials used.
The Blue Devils‘Advocate publishes four times
a semester and has only one Opinion page per
issue to present a viewpoint. So only the best
written editorial will be used. Bring your submission
to Art 3 on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
or on Thursday from 2:30 p.m. œ 5:00 p.m, or you
can e-mail your submission to
advocate@mccd.edu.
Students, staff and faculty: get involved with
your school and let your voice be heard. The
Advocate needs your opinions.
The Fine Print
Blue Devils‘Advocate is published monthly by the students of
Journalism 32. All material published in the Blue Devils‘Advocate
is copyrighted and the copyright ownership rests with the writer
or photographer. Opinions and advice included in news columns
and editorials do not necessarily represent the views of staff,
advisors, administration, or trustees of Merced College. Letters to
the editor are welcome and should be sent to: Blue Devils‘Advocate,
Box 258, Merced College, 3600 M Street, Merced, CA 95348-
2898. All letters will be edited for length and libel and must be
signed with the author‘s real name and phone number for verification
before publication.