This morning, Mexican President Felipe Calderon spoke to the nation in his annual address. Like every other year, the text of the State of the Union was first delivered to the Congress and then read to the public. Except this year, something was different.

This year, Mexico is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the commencement of its war for independence and the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the revolutionary war.

The 2010 bicentennial celebratory programs have provided an

opportunity for the current administration to bolster Mexican pride. This is both timely and necessary, given Calderon’s declining ratings.

The current war against narcotic-trafficking organizations within the country has reduced trust in Calderon and his administration.

Furthermore, the coalitions formed by the oppositional PRI and PRD parties are limiting legislative endeavours of Calderon’s National Action Party (PAN). This paralyzation of policy, coupled with the fear of national insecurity, has left the Mexican people dissatisfied, to say the least.

Therefore, it is now, more than ever, that Mexico needs a leader.

In the American educational system, a strong emphasis is placed on developing leadership abilities. While I had always regarded this as useful for personal development and resume building, I did not realize that such qualities can affect the fate of a nation.

Only months ago, Calderon intensified his efforts towards this end by hiring image consultants and new advisors. Ultimately, however, it will depend on his ability to utilize the rhetoric of this patriotic year to improve his ratings and successfully guide Mexico into its third century.

Adriana Martinez is a political science, public policy, French and history major. She can be reached for comments or questions at [email protected].