(The following letter was sent to the Detroit Free Press by Lakeside resident Bert Slocombe, who has kindly given us permission to publish it.)

May 21, 1998

To the Editor of the Detroit Free Press:

Dear Sir:

Early on Tuesday, May 12, my wife and I arrived in Mount Clemens to attend our son's graduation the following Friday. To our surprise we were greeted with expressions of concern: it appeared that most of our friends had read the article by Gwen Florio in the previous day's edition...The tone of the article led them to believe that as permanent residents in the Lake Chapala area, in some way our lives were threatened. Some felt we should plan our return to the States as quickly as possible.

So we wish to emphasize that we have found the Mexican people as a whole both gracious and hospitable. Our maid- yes, we have a maid - is absolutely honest, and we trust her to stay in our home whenever we are away overnight. Yes, there are bars an our windows, but this is a cultural matter: almost all Colonial homes have decorative ironwork.

And yes, many houses are surrounded by high walls, for Mexicans value privacy to a far greater extent than the average American family. We love our home, our Mexican friends, the beauty of the area and the mild climate, and have no intention of allowing ourselves to be coerced into leaving Lakeside.

Nevertheless we would be less than honest if we did not admit that there has been an increase in crime since the devaluation of 1994. There has also been a marked increase in the number of American citizens who have moved into the area to take advantage of that fact (of devaluation). Most speak little, if any Spanish, yet are critical of Mexicans who cannot speak fluent English. Few make any attempt to understand or show respect for Mexican culture but expect to be treated with courtesy. And many feel that it is OK for Americans to take advantage of Mexicans--the "Ugly American" syndrome is still alive and well.

Yet the municipal authorities have responded to our need for greater security. A joint initative by the mayors and police chiefs of Chapala and Jocotepec, supported by local merchants, has led to the arrest of many of those responsible for criminal activity in the area. These good citizens have provided our municipalities with more police, and are training "tourist police" to offer assistance to visitors as needed. The number of cars stolen is decreasing, although there still are robberies from time to time.

Undoubtedly Ms. Prince has been unusually unlucky. Anyone would he afraid after being burglarized three times. But the majority of expatriates still feel safe even when we travel to other parts of the country. Recently my wife and I spent several days in Mexico City. We stayed at a hotel in the heart of the downtown area, yet were able to walk around freely after dark. No one accosted us, or threatened or attacked us. We felt far safer than we would have in downtown Detroit!

It is true that the collapse of the peso's value has brought distress to many Mexicans and forced many to sell their homes in order to meet their debts. Many who believed themselves financially secure became poor overnight, and the fact that their personal troubles were due to their leaders' flagrant dishonesty is unlikely to offer comfort.

At such a time perhaps we Americans should have been more understanding and thoughtful. Instead many waved dollars around, buying up real estate at a fraction of its true value, and then sat back, expecting no adverse reaction from a near-bankrupt population. It is equally true that many expatriates have done all they can to alleviate the distress of those among whom they live. A number support food programs for those living on the brink of starvation. Others solicit clothing & blankets and other supplies for the needy, or provide medications and other treatments for those unable to secure medical care.

In short, as vice-president of the Lake Chapala Society, I am proud to consider myself a permanent resident of this area. I think it fair to suggest that few American communities would be as caring and hospitable as our Mexican friends who have welcomed us as neighbors in this lovely place.

Faithfully,

A.E. Slocombe

Vice-President of the Lake Chapala Society