President of Mexico visits Sonoma

Reynaldo Robledo mentioned the reason why Calderón was visiting his winery. “He heard about us in Mexico and also knew about our work and history,” said Robledo, who is one of the most successful vineyard consultants and winery owners in the California wine country.
After drinking wine and meeting local people, Calderón offered a short speech where he mentioned his government’s efforts to improve living conditions and reduce poverty levels in Mexico. Calderón also said he doesn’t want people to leave the country. “We are working strongly to generate the jobs that our people need. We don’t like to see them emigrate to other countries for necessity or hunger.”
According to Calderón, the economy of the United States and the economy of Mexico are economies that are complementary, emphasizing the important role Mexican labor has played in U.S. industries over the years. “They are like the left shoe and the right shoe: one has to use them both to be able to advance,” he said. He also talked about the importance of the ‘braceros’ in the U.S. and their contribution to the country.
Calderón complained about “growing harassment and constant persecution” of Mexicans in the U.S. “We are living in a difficult time where hate and resentment have been cultivated, and we don’t accept our humanness, let alone our being neighbors,” said Calderón. “We want prosperity for everyone, for our people, for the people in this country. Working together will help us to reach our goals.”
“We have to go back soon,” said Calderón at the end of his speech, “but we came here to tell you that we miss you, and to let you know that we’re building a Mexico where one day you can return for pleasure, for work or just for living.”