-by El Gitano Peñasco, "The Peñasco Gypsy"
Sitting around a favorite watering hole recently I found myself first amused when I overheard some goofy Gringo from Phoenix complaining to another equally uninformed moron about how corrupt it is here and how upset he was that it took a whopping $30 mordida to have a local police officer give him a pass regarding his speeding in town.
As the discussion continued his amigo warned him that since they’re coming back for the upcoming Holidays that they need to carry a little extra cash because, “you know how it goes here. Cops are going to be out in full force bilking us all for extra Xmas spending money…”
Overhearing the rest of the conversation I just about lost it, but instead of confronting these clowns I slammed down my last ‘cold one’ and the 37 Tequila backs I had lined up and then, wiping my chin with my right forearm I sneered at ‘em, flipped ‘em a Gypsy style glare and moved on all the while thinking “lousy pinche Gringos’. Go Home!”
Later, upon reflection, what I really wanted to tell them is that they hail from one of the most ‘mordida’-ridden nations on planet earth. I also wanted to remind them that back in the ‘old country’ a speeding ticket costs hundreds of dollars, increases their insurance payments and in this era even tickets and/or other misdemeanors often have to be divulged when applying for a professional license, a loan, a job, etc.
But now, having read the newly released “Capital Punishment: The Hard Truth About Washington Corruption From America's Most Notorious Lobbyist” by convicted ‘Super’ lobbyist Jack Abramoff; I’d like to give ‘em both a copy, force them to read the book, insist on a ‘test’ afterwards and then have them ‘splain to me where their condescension, contempt and Gringo arrogance should be really directed?
My point being, is there is no shortage of U.S citizens who come down here (and to Mexico in general) who always bitch about corrupt cops, etc. and yet they refuse to accept what is happening in their own back yards where they should, if they have the need, voice their hostilities and pass ‘judgment’ on real world heavy duty corruption.
Now I don’t support corruption in any form but I do live in the real world. So here’s a tip for those Gringos who come here and then moan and groan on the way-off chance they’ll get hit up this Holiday Season in Peñasco for some mordida.
Be friendly, very friendly. Then, if you decide to pay your ‘ticket’ on the spot in lieu of going ‘downtown’ just go ahead and do so. But at the same time you might also want to try and make a new friend. Heck, maybe even offer to take the officer and his/her family out for a lunch or to go fishing, etc. while you’re in town.
Most likely they won’t take you up on it but you’ll surely make a new Amigo/Amiga here in Puerto Peñasco and that is never a bad idea, especially with local citizens who have some pull and/or influence, etc. Because having folks like that in your corner is always a good thing!
Plus, if nothing else maybe the next time you hypocritical mindless wannabe expat types and other ill-informed goofs from the USA are violating the laws here by speeding around town, running stop signs, red lights, etc. while your googan companions in the car/SUV/PU are sucking down Cervezas they might even give you a pass!
I hope not, but Mexican’s are a kind-hearted people and they just might!
A Gypsy can always dream!
¡Viva Puerto Peñasco y México!
Gypsy
elgitanopenasco@gmail.com
