I celebrated el dia de la independencia de Mexico (and my birthday) on dieciseis de septiembre - Sept. 16th last week - by attending a workshop at a church on Mexican immigrants' rights and challenges, and stopping by the university campus for some free mid-day refreshments and entertainment. The night before, I watched live on Univision TV as el presidente Fox marked the occasion with the traditional 'grito' (shout) of "Vive Mexico!" "Vive la independenci", and other salutes to national pride. This annual tradition also includes flag-waving and bell ringing, and is greeted by the crowds with great enthusiasm. How refreshing to see the leader of a country who doesn't seem to spend most of his time whining that it's too inconvenient to torture and "disappear" people without additional debasing of his nation's constitution...