Opinion by Dr. Mario Melgar-Adalid

President Calderon and representatives from the federal Legislative and Judicial branches of government recently attended a celebration in Queretaro commemorating the 94th Anniversary of Mexico's Constitution. This was no ordinary celebration for several reasons. For instance, 2010 is the Bicentennial of Mexico's Independence and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution. President Calderon has proposed a political reform to amend Mexico's Constitution. Additionally, President Calderon took advantage of such occasion to issue a call for national unity and reconciliation. In doing so, President Calderon found the best venue to propose the reforms that the country needs. He alluded to Mexico's history and occasions in which Mexicans made significant progress when they set aside their personal or party interests to work in unison. The Mexican President also called for a settlement of political disagreements and a response to the challenges that Mexico currently faces. Such agreements will help avert political conflict and the paralysis of any efforts toward cooperation. A contract with Mexico's people would place Mexico's national interest over any other interests stemming from groups, political parties or special interests. Mexico's public especially approved the President's vision because it distinguishes national interests from those that are strictly partisan or ideological. President Calderon reminded the public that when the country has acted in favor of Mexico's national interest, Mexico has made progress and strengthened itself as a nation. One of the first responses to President Calderon's call came from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Mexico's main opposition party, which announced it will submit a political reform proposal for review by Mexico's Congress, in addition to the one proposed by President Calderon's administration, and to enhance the political debate of this year's patriotic celebrations.