POLLS SHOW 93% OF EL PASOANS APPROVE OF MEXICAN MEGABANDERA

by Ana Vinas, Staff Writer-Translator

Polls taken in October by the El Paso Times and TV News 7 proved that an overwhelming majority of El Pasoans approve of the giant Mexican megabandera that flies in Chamizal Park. The polls also surveyed El Pasoans' opinions towards the military presence on the border and the safety of Ciudad Juárez. Those surveyed were also highly in favor of the militarized patrol of the border. 300 city residents participated in the polls.

According to the Nov. 1 report in the El Paso Times, the Mexican megabandera, which can be seen from 70% of El Paso, is a welcome sight to many El Pasoans traveling near the Bridge of the Americas. The Mexican flag has been displayed from Chamizal National Park since earlier last summer. It measures 162 by 94 feet. At first some El Pasoans complained about it. These people thought the display of the flag was an affront to the U.S. However, the latest El Paso Times/7 News Poll showed different attitudes. Out of the 300 polled who responded the poll 93% thought the large Mexican flag in Juárez is not offensive to the U.S., 5% thought it was offensive, and the rest were unsure. Another of the poll's questions was whether or not El Paso should purchase a big flag to fly in Downtown El Paso. The results showed 66% said no, 31% answered yes, and 3% were unsure.

Another poll recorded feelings about the presence of military patrol on the border. The question was phrased: would you favor or oppose the use of U.S. military forces for drug-smuggling patrols on the US-Mexico border? 61% of the respondents favored the idea, 34% were opposed, and 5% were unsure.

One more poll published in the El Paso Times asked the question, "Thinking back a year ago, are you now going to Juárez more often, less often, or is there no difference?" 37% of the respondents admitted to traveling less often than a year ago, 61% said there was no difference, and the rest were unsure. Many of the 61% who reported "no difference" are people who never went to Juarez in the past, according to the Times.

Source: El Paso Times