This reading begins with explain that President Diaz had ruled Mexico for an extremely long time, twenty-seven years to be exact. "For twenty-seven years he has governed the Mexican Republic with such power that national elections have become mere formalities." It is pointed out by the interviewer that in the United States it is considered a concern to have a President elected for three terms, when President Diaz was elected multiple times. It is pointed out that the worry of being elected multiple times may present a sense of entitlement, and the feeling that the country belongs to you if you have been in charge of it for too many years. Diaz points out all that he had done since the beginning, and how he had managed to stay in his authoritive position for so long. Trust is a very prominent factor when electing a president, which President Diaz makes note of this when discussing other elections.
"I have tried to leave the Presidency several times, but it has been pressed upon me and I remained in office for the sake of the nation which trusted me." Also discussed is the new presence of the middle class, which was previously non-existent, as well as the hope for people, despite their diversity, to find common grounds as the government is democratic and unity is wanted. "When men read alike and think alike they are more likely to act alike.” I found the portion about the childhood of Diaz the most interesting. As he was exposed to hardship at a very early age, he grew incredible independence and grew up with the attitude that he could solve nearly every problem himself, which stayed there.
"He asked no-one for anything that he could get for himself." This may have been an attitude that he developed very early, and stayed with him to adulthood while he was president. Which is evident in the fact that he began when Mexico bankrupt and divided, and ended leaving Mexico an overall safe country.
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