IPFS
Reflexiones Libertarias
Ricardo Valenzuela
More About: Mexican United States RelationsTHE ANZA PORT...A DOOR TO PROSPERITY
THE DE ANZA PORT …A DOOR TO PROSPERITY
Ricardo
Valenzuela
As we
left the airport riding in an elegant Mercedes that Cathy’s husband proudly
drove, I had no idea the impact that this trip would eventually have on transforming
my consciousness. It would give me a different perspective of the world as seen
through a prism which produced visions that I had never before conceived. A
prism to open my eyes and made realize the chaotic situation of my country
which in those days was going through one of its worst crisis
In
the next few weeks I had the opportunity to see, understand, and experience the
wise words of Milton Friedman, who, in a very assertive letter a few months
before had written: “If you really want to see free markets in action, go to
Hong Kong. The US abandoned them (free markets) long ago.” I could now
understand see why he considered Hong Kong the last bastion of economic freedom
in a world where every day tyrannical governments were pushing their people
deeper and deeper into a black abyss of poverty and desperation.
During
those weeks I was constantly in awe seeing how that little place, which 30
years before had been the bordello of the orient, had developed into one of the
most prosperous places in the world, the most important commercial port in Asia
serving 1,500 ships a month, and a powerful economic magnet attracting capital
from all over the world that transformed it into the new financial capital of
the globe. What was the secret producing that miracle? Freedom. I had left my
country just a few years before when the government expropriated the banking
system. Now I could see banks from all over the world opening big branches to
take advantage of the paradise of freedom called Hong Kong
After
a few weeks I flew back to the US a transformed man and, allowing my
imagination to wander, I could see and visualize a Mexican Hong Kong. As a
proud Sonoran, my mind drew it on the valleys, the mountains, and the deserts
of my beloved Sonora. However, for the moment I had to abandon that beautiful
vision. Then I had to face the sadly reality of a poor Mexico oppressed by socialism,
corrupt government, and a lack of freedom
20
years passed, and in the summer of 2003, I had an invitation from a couple of
my friends to a lunch meeting with a very special man described by many as the
new business star of Sonora. When we arrived to the restaurant, I was impressed
when I saw the six and a half foot, 280 pound guy who made me feel small, even
though I am six feet one inch tall. One of
my friends said: “This is Raymundo (Chamundo) Garcia de Leon.” As we shook
hands, I instantly had the feeling that I had found a real kindred spirit
Over the
next few months I had the chance to learn about the incredible epic story of
Chamundo’s business successes, the latest being his appointment as Secretary of
Economic Development of the State of Sonora. Chamundo served as the economic
czar of the State for a couple years and then, having fulfilled his commitment
to the governor and drawn by his love for the world of business, left the
position. About a year ago, I learned that Chamundo had acquired what use to be
the Mascareñas ranch east of Nogales, Mexico. At that instant, knowing this man
so well with whom I share not only friendship but libertarian idealist was
clear something real big was about to happen
15
years before, a business man from Tucson, Jeff Mathews, had approached me with
the idea of acquiring that same land and telling me that he was in control of
more than 1,000 acres attached and in the USA side of the border. Unfortunately,
after months of futile efforts, lack of leadership, and especially lack of the
kind of capital needed to acquire the land in Mexico, the project was abandoned
Last
January I got a surprise call from my friend Charles Dumont, a man with a story
of success similar to Chamundo’s but with sweet international flavor and connections
all the way to Dubai, Europe, and even Hong Kong. I had not seen Charles for a
few years and after getting caught up on personal events, he surprised me with
the news that he had gotten control of the complicated puzzle representing the
land on the USA side attached to Chamundo’s. After he gave me all the
information, he invited me to promote my old vision of a bi-national city in
coordination with Chamundo
After
I confirmed the authenticity of Charles’ incredible accomplishment, we initiated
a series of events beginning with a meeting among the two parties—Mexico and
USA. The understanding between Chamundo and Charles was fast, natural and automatic
because they are men who not only share a vision, they are also the kind of visionaries
described by James Allen when he wrote: “Those who dream by day are cognizant
of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
They
are also two men who, when they hear the defeatist songs of those sad souls who
say something is impossible; can be describe by famous Einstein’s famous quote: “Great spirits
always encounter violent opposition from mediocre minds.
After
a few months of hard work, I can now aver that Sonora and Arizona are emerging
as the place of birth of a project which will have worldwide impact. The troubled
border between Mexico and USA is giving birth to a new place through which both
countries join together in a fraternal order. There will be a new city which is
not going to be another field of confrontation along the border, but a place of innovation
and wealth creation beyond our imagination; the product of a new partnership between two
states and two nations, no longer uncomfortable neighbors. This will be a place where the
formation of private capital is going to be within the reach of all people
looking for a better life and the formation of that kind of capital is what
builds The Wealth of the Nations
The
Mexican side of the project is called The Port of De Anza and it could not been
named more appropriately. It is a door that opens in the present to show us the
future. This future is already arriving with a lot of challenges and but for
the lack of understanding by some people, is already reaching out shaking the
whole world. This is a future that here not only is going to find an open door,
it is a future that will be embrace and welcome the same way Hong Kong did forty
years ago.
The Anza Port is a gate that as it opens shows us the world of dreams building itself into reality. It is a door to a shelter in the middle of a worldwide economic storm. It is shade in the center of the desert. It is an oasis where people can not only dream, but, on liberty and working hard, they can grasp the tools to make their dreams came true. Come and join us in this new world.
2 Comments in Response to THE ANZA PORT...A DOOR TO PROSPERITY
2. I find it sad that like Ricardo, I too wish freedom for my country (the USA).
3. If Mexico ever adopts economic freedom, I will be the one hiring a coyote to get me past the US border patrols keeping Americans in. Beware of fences; they work both directions.
I'm intrigued.