Dear Sir,
I have enjoyed reading Dale Palfrey’s columns since we first moved here and I began purchasing the Reporter.
However, I read her column in the May 3-9 issue with considerable disappointment. Not for what she wrote, but for the reason she felt compelled to write a second article on the subject after the first in March.
I am a gringo, and I use the term without any negative connotation. Although I am a permanent resident, I am not Mexican. I am not a citizen of this wonderful country, which is home to such kind, generous people who forgive me for not speaking Spanish well and greet me like an amigo. I chose to live here for many reasons, and one of those reasons is the opportunity to be among these wonderful people.
It deeply disappoints me to witness the rudeness of some expats here. It is upsetting to see people disregarding laws, such as those concerning construction on protected sites, and showing no respect for our host country and its regulations.
When I see a foreign resident berating a Mexican in English simply because the person does not speak Spanish, I am first embarrassed. Though I have taken multiple Spanish classes, I still struggle with the language. But then, I feel upset because it seems that the individual likely hasn’t made an effort to learn the language, based on the tone and volume of their voice.
I also heard about the recent incident at the Lake Chapala Society. In my opinion, both sides were wrong. U.S. politics — including gatherings like Democrats Abroad — have no place in our host country. Mexico has its own political issues to deal with. Why bring ours here?
I sincerely hope Ms. Palfrey will not need to write another article on a similar subject.,
Mark Gulko,
Lakeside resident