Considered the "George Washington
of Mexico", Benito Juárez
was a Zapotec born in the mountains of Oaxaca. His trials as "Father
of his Country" were greater than those of his North American
counterpart for he not only had to defeat an invading foreign army
but also he had to contend with political rivals for most of his
public life. At 20 years of age he was elected to Mexico's congress
under the dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and quickly became in
opposition to Santa Anna. Benito had to flee for his life to New
Orleans. When Santa Anna was overthrown Juárez
returned to Mexico and declared himself president. Refusing to pay
foreign debts caused France to invade Mexico and have Austrian
archduke Maximilian crowned Emperor. Then the president of the U.S.
complained to the French that their troops in Mexico violated the
Monroe Doctrine. Within a year or so the French tactfully withdrew
their troops upon which Juárez
and his supporters defeated Maximilian and his troops. Juárez
then returned to Mexico City and served as president for five years.
Wind Blown Whirly Bird
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| 21 March 2013 |
Spring Equinox
 |
| Spring Equinox 2013 |
- and as a tid-bit of trivia, in days gone by the spring equinox was the beginning of the new year for most of the world
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