Mounce: Pachanga in the Valley: Democracy in Action

The definition in Spanish of “Pachanga” is “boisterous party with drinking and dancing!” There was no dancing and no drinking (except for water provided by Justice Marla Cuellar and crew). There were, however, lots of cups of Mexican Street Corn, sandia, paletas de todos sabores, and–if this were a German HillCountry affair–gemutlich. That is, “a good time was held by all.”

First of all,before photos or interviews, I wanted to take the temperature of the crowd, a random snap shot of opinions, feelings about “THE Debate.” Only one participant (lawyer, activist, influencer) demurred: “I won’t talk about it.” 

Others were more forthcoming, most (for me, quite surprisingly) positive. “This one debate won’t matter, come November.” “We have our candidate. We press forward!” Others, angry and more vocal: “Screw the New York Times; they don’t tell us here in South Texas how to think.”

A more techy individual, having kept up with google, channeled Professor Alan Lichtman (quoted by Ben Blanchet, Huffington Post, 1 Jul 24): Lichtman, American University Professor, accurately called nine of the last 10 presidential elections. He declared the debate will leave “zero” impact on the race.” Currently, he says, “data show Democrats winning, contrary to everything you’ve heard, with Biden running.” So, these local Democrats are not just “making things up,” not just going along on hope.   

The event was sponsored by the Up Next PAC, “not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee;” it was planned and organized by Ms Gaby Lopez and Ms Fabiola Escalón, grass roots Democrats. Venue was RGV Flames Gym, West University Drive, Edinburg, 30 June 24. Officials? Politicos? Galore! 

There was District Attorney of Hidalgo County, Texas,Toribio “Terry” Palacios. There was Mayor of Edinburg, Mr. Ramiro Garza, not running for any current position, but recently announced for Mayor again in 2016. And so many female candidates! There was Regina “Regi” Compián Richardson (I love the names! So “Valley;” where else do Anglos and Mexican American mix so freely?) “Regi” reminded voters of early voting, October 21st, closer than we think.

“Present by her absence” (for fear of violating PAC regulations, I assume) was a favorite, Ms Michelle Vallejo, Valley entrepreneur (owner, manager of Las Portales Pulga, in Alton), candidate for Congress, District 15. Others spoke, all urging “get out the vote” and “stay the course.” One veteran and former student of mine (and there were many) opined: “In a war, the General determines the strategy; not the Lieutenants, not even the Colonels; they don’t call ‘retreat’, only the General.” Last, but not least, to speak was Ms Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County Clerk, receiving hearty applause for her support of the President.   

If current fervor is any indication of voter turn-out in the Fall of 2024, numbers will be up. However, it was readily acknowledged that many races will be tight, strongly contested; although Republicans, in south Texas, often do not offer candidates, that tradition is changing. Especially tough will be the race for Congress, fought by Ms Vallejo against a one-term incumbent, who votes straight Republican, in a severely (Republican) gerrymandered district. 

Just as debates do not an election make, so pachangas, however boisterous and successful, do not an election make; energy and determination must be persistent. But at least the politicos and ordinary citizens I interviewed, by their presence and own admission, are willing to persevere.The desire to win, to preserve their democracy, to protect their economy and their culture, was notable– and commendable. 

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by UT-Rio Grande Valley Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Joe Mounce. The column appears in The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author. Dr. Mounce can be reached by email via: gjmounce@gmail.com.  

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