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Former Mexican President Vicente Fox implored more than 760 people at ������Ƶ’s fifth annual President’s Breakfast at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort Feb. 19 to reconsider the United States’ immigration policies, war on drugs and other issues during his talk, “The Future of the Americas: Immigration, Globalization and Free Trade.”

“I don’t understand why this nation is building walls,” he said. “What’s the fear? We’re neighbors, we’re friends, we’re family. God did not build walls,” he added. “What we need to do is build bridges, bridges of understanding.” Later in Montecito at a panel discussion in ������Ƶ’s Gym, Fox outlined his immigration policy that would allow temporary workers to come to the U.S. with their families when employees are needed and only stay in the U.S. as long as they remain employed by their host.

Fox also described Mexico as caught between the drug producing nations to the south and the U.S., the world’s largest drug consumer. He suggested that a dialog begin about legalizing drugs in hope of ending the violence that has increasingly plagued his nation. “It's time to debate legalizing drugs,” he said. “Then maybe we can separate violence from what is a health problem.”

Fox spoke eloquently and passionately, presenting a perspective that arises from his concern for his country. He said immigrants have been a part of America’s history since its founding centuries ago. Describing the U.S. as a land of hope, he noted that people have come here from Mexico and Latin America in pursuit of freedom, opportunity and success. He said every immigrant in the U. S. has his admiration and respect because they are willing to sacrifice and work hard every day of their lives.

Fox was incredibly gracious, posing for photos and signing autographs well after his breakfast talk and panel discussion.

“It’s very gratifying to have had the great community support for our five ������Ƶ President’s Breakfasts each year to a sold-out audience,” says Gerd Jordano, member of the ������Ƶ Foundation Board and chair of the President’s Breakfast Committee.

The ������Ƶ Foundation and area businesses sponsor the President’s Breakfast to promote discussion and consideration of current issues among local community leaders. This year’s lead sponsor was Anodos Group. Gold sponsors included Axia, Davies, Jo and Carl Lindros, Melchiori-MATT, Melchiori Cole Capital, Montecito Bank & Trust, Rabobank, Santa Barbara Capital, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and V3 Corporation.