This is a repository of some research papers I have written and projects I am working on or have completed. As a consultant to private & public companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental bodies I am tasked with producing and presenting reports on topics about US-México relations and their geo-politics. Although some clients have required me to keep the research produced confidential others have been kind enough to allow me to publish the results of the research. In keeping with my commitment for the confidentiality of my clients I have made generic versions of some of my reports for public dissemination.
Other papers and websites I have produced were created because of my own personal interest. These are also included here for your review and especially your comments. As I usually produce two to three white papers and numerous websites a year for my clients I expect to be uploading some new ones regularly.
The project repository is laid out in a “book” format where each project is a new “page”. This allows me to add projects as they are completed or become available without having to produce them in a sequential order. This page is the “index” of the “book” of projects. I encourage you to read and especially comment on my projects. In my mind there is no right or wrong position rather there are numerous points of view each with its own unique understanding. Please register and comment on the projects as I would like to read your points of view on them.
I encourage you to reproduce and share the papers I have published here especially for educational purposes but please note that all copyright notices must remain in place when reproducing the documents as a whole or proper attribution needs to be made when using parts of the published information. Publishing the documents do not signify that I am releasing them to the public domain. I reserve all rights to the papers and concepts published here.
Today I launched the first paper in my Mexico Studies Project.
In honor of St. Patrick's Day I figured I'd share a little about the Irish who fought for Mexico. This is the story of the San Patricios, who forever will be enshrined in Mexico's Hall of Honor.
Visit the website at: www.stpatricksbattalion.org
This is one of the first white papers I produced. It was written in 1991 as the basis for a startup company looking to do business on both sides of the border.
The introduction and the conclusion follow. You can download the entire document at the bottom.
From: North American Free Trade Agreement - A Hesitant Handshake Between Neighbors first published in May 1991.
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
On February 5, 1991 a joint statement was issued by the governments of Canada, The Republic of Mexico, and The United States of America. Although, this statement was not a surprise to many inhabitants of North America or even the rest of the world, its implications have initiated a road for North America without precedent in the last 500 years. A road not traveled on since Christopher Columbus first set foot here. The statement, short and concise will have ramifications, not only for the three countries involved, but also for the rest of the world for generations to come. The statement reads as follows:
“The President of the United States, George Bush; the President of the United Mexican States, Carlos Salinas de Gortari; and the Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney, announced today their intention to pursue a North American Free trade agreement creating one of the world’s largest liberalized markets.
Following consultations among their ministers responsible for international trade, the three leaders concluded that a North American free trade agreement would foster sustained economic growth through expanded trade and investment in a market comprising over 360 million people and $6 trillion in output. In so doing, the agreement would help all three countries meet the economic challenges they will face over the next decade.
Accordingly, the three leaders have agreed that their trade ministers should proceed as soon as possible, in accordance with each country’s domestic procedures, with trilateral negotiations aimed at a comprehensive North American free trade agreement. The goal would be to progressively eliminate obstacles to the flow of goods and services and to investment, provide for the protection of intellectual property rights, and establish a fair and expeditious dispute settlement mechanism.” (71)
The so called North American Free Trade Agreement is not a simple agreement between neighboring countries, but also an agreement which will attempt to unite not only diverse cultures but open gateways between two peoples that, although have been neighbors for centuries, have mistrusted each other throughout history. This agreement is not only a blending of economies, but a blending of cultures. Cultural aspects such as spooning salsa on eggs by Americans, or the drinking of Diet Coke by Mexicans have been long in coming. This cultural blending has been realized as the countries have opened up to each other. The ability to trade and exchange ideas without losing each others’ national identity will be the true test of the blending of these cultures, and a true opening of economics between neighbors.
The proposed free trade agreement is with precedent, in terms of economy. On July 1, 1967, the world witnessed the creation of the Common Market. The European Communities, as it is officially known, is the unification of twelve countries with the expressed intention of removing all barriers to trade movement of capital and peoples by 1992. The twelve countries comprising this market are: Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The Common Market will also incorporate 60 other nations under the Lome Convention. (81)
Realizing the implications of the Common Market and as President Bush so apply stated; “As we prepare to join a world linked primarily by economic, and not military competition” (22) we begin to realize the importance to North America to begin its quest for a new understanding of its people and its cultures and we should encourage our diverse governments to seek a unification of not only North America but also a unification of the Americas.
The North American Free Trade Agreement will not be an easy undertaking, but with the changes looming in the horizon and the changes that have already taken place the battle lines have already been drawn and the warriors have assembled. President Salinas de Gortari has stated that the battle on FTA will be fought; “between forward-looking visionaries and backward-looking protectionists.” (21) Let us all hope that our respective peoples become forward-looking visionaries and not become stagnated within our own fears.
This paper is an attempt to show the reader an overview of the proposed Free Trade Agreement. Any agreement between two countries is a complex transaction, and more often than not, emotion and not reason govern the results of any such undertaking. It is the intent of the author to show the reader some of the basic roadblocks in such an agreement and most importantly to get the reader to stimulate his mind into formulating new thoughts and understanding of the potential that this agreement has, not only economically, but also in the souls of the population of the Americas. This paper in no way intends to answer all the questions that arise, or even ask all the questions that 360 million people are probably asking themselves. It is intended to serve as a vehicle for the reader to grasp a very basic understanding of the issues that will challenge our leaders as they enter into negotiations for our respective populations. The reader will be challenged to look at the issues through the eyes of each individual country.
//You can read the complete document by downloading the PDF at the end of this article.//
CHAPTER 7 - CONCLUSION
Let us not forget what Ocatvio Paz said; “the precedent of European integration is very important for the future of our region.” (52) As our world changes, we should strive for a better understanding of our neighbors, and maybe even begin to integrate our cultures together, picking from the best and discarding from the worst, without losing our national identities. As the negotiations intensify, let us all remember that they are not only negotiations between countries but negotiations between people. One of the biggest pools of available labor lives right next door to the biggest consumer market in the world. (13) Let us all take advantage of this to better our respective world. As Octavio Paz once said, “Now we are condemned to live together, the past and the future side by side”; when talking about Mexican-American relations. (58) Let us learn from each other and strive to become friends, maybe, one day we will all reach across the border and offer each other an abrazo instead of a hesitant handshake.
An e-El Paso Initiative Plan - Leveraging the Internet for a vibrant and economically prosperous borderplex was written in June 2001.
Abstract
El Paso and Cd. Juárez currently sit on the crossroads of economic prosperity in the gold rush of the 21st century. The Internet has a created a mechanism whereby the borderplex can become the next “Silicon Valley” of the world’s e-commerce rush. With the inherent infrastructure in labor and resources the border region offers, the establishment of e-commerce development and implementation will benefit the region for decades to come. By implementing this initiative as a team, both El Paso and Cd. Juárez would lead the way to global e-trading.
This white paper presents a preliminary concept of how the communities can leverage the Internet as a tool for economic prosperity of the border region, specifically El Paso, Texas and Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua, México.
//You can read the complete document by downloading the PDF found at the end of this article.//
Summary
El Paso and Cd. Juárez are at the center of the greatest gold rush of our century. Minimal investment in educational resources and the implementation of existing infrastructure will allow the borderplex to become the world’s premiere Internet ecommerce provider. The community’s existing bi-lingual and bi-cultural workforce provides the ingredient most required to make the community a successful and vibrant e-commerce fulfillment center. Unique expertise in cross border trade and cultural diversity coupled with existing infrastructure in Juárez has given our region the unique opportunity to be the leader in the gold rush. Mexico’s initiative in world trade agreements and e-technology development completes the requirements that allow the borderplex the ability to provide the services required for worldwide e-commerce business transactions.
The requirements for implementing the initiative are already in place. Small to medium size businesses are capable of participating. Local government intervention needs are minimal and the taxpayer will be minimally required. The Internet allows anyone to compete on a level playing field regardless of location and funding. Small businesses are able to take on the business goliaths and prevail.
Minimal investments from private and public sectors will provide the basis for the initiative. An active embracing of Internet technology by both governments and school systems will prepare a better-equipped work force for the initiative. As the e-commerce market continues to mature, the domino effect will create more and more demands on the local business community to provide more services which will generate greater revenues and a greater demand for a larger workforce employing more workers. As the community becomes the world e-commerce center, the quality of life will increase proportionally and create new opportunities for continued community growth.
The key to the initiative is the embracing of the Internet, an education initiative for both communities and an acknowledgment by residents of El Paso and Cd. Juárez that only in working together as a team can the region prosper economically. Without these components, the initiative is sure to fail and our community will continue to stagnate. The key to future prosperity is within our grasp, whether we move forward is still up to both cities.
The following is a report prepared for County Judge Anthony Cobos in regards to consolidation of the Information Technology services for the County of El Paso, Texas.
COUNTY OF EL PASO
Information Technology Department (Consolidated Data Processing) Consolidation Report
May 2007
Prepared by: Martin Paredes, CEO, Cognent, Inc.
NOTE: This is a public version of the original document presented to the County Judge. The only difference between this document and the original is that the names of the employees have been removed for their privacy. The consultant feels that the removal of the employee names makes no material difference as to the conclusions reached herein. Should the reader want to see the names of the employees then an Open Records Request should be made with the County.
Executive Summary
A review of the County’s existing budget has revealed that 14 departments within the County of El Paso have 26 employees classified as data processing or information technology professionals outside of the County’s official IT department. Removing certain staff, which this consultant feels are misclassified leaves a staffing table of 14 employees with a total cost to the County in the amount of $616,379.00.
The County’s current IT consolidation efforts have resulted in the centralization of most computer servers within the enterprise. The exception to this centralization effort is two (2) County departments, the County Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department. It is the opinion of this consultant that the duplication of services already provided by the County’s data management organization has resulted in higher costs for the County due to duplication of services.
Consolidating the missing departments under the County’s data management department will result in an immediate savings of $50,000 this fiscal year. Another $45,000 can be leveraged by leaving the Sheriff’s Network Administration position open and allowing the County’s IT department to provide those services. This would result in an immediate cost savings of $95,000 to the County.
After consolidation is completed, the County should realize another $100,000 over the next year in reduced labor costs and an additional $50,000 in licensing fees. Immediately upon consolidation of the remaining departments, the County should realize an annual savings of $245,000.
Additionally, $600,000 of annual costs can be analyzed by the Consolidated Data Processing Department and upon completion of the cost analysis most of these costs may likely be eliminated with the elimination of duplicated services thus creating additional savings to the County.
The complete report can be downloaded below.
In October 2007 I was honored to serve in a panel discussion about technology on the border for the Biztech tradeshow.
Mr. Able Rodriguez of KINT TV was the moderator.
The panel consisted of:
Pablo Salcido who discussed the highlights of economic development technology initiatives in the Paso Del Norte region. Pablo Salcido is the Chief Operating Officer of The Paso Del Norte Group.
El Paso City manager, Joyce Wilson spoke about government leadership by example.
Mr. Peter Cooper, County IT Director - discussed Crossing the Digital Divide and how Digital El Paso led the way in municipal internet access, how it is different and how public, private partnerships can overcome obstacles.
Mr. Ebetuel “Beto” Palleres, Executive Director of Trans-Pecos/El Paso Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization (RCIC) – talked about The Texas Emerging Technology Fund.
Mr. Martín Paredes, CEO, Cognent, Inc. discussed Regional and global opportunities for local businesses.
The Power Point Presentation is attached below for your review.
This paper was presented for the consideration of Digital El Paso on December 6, 2007
The objective of this proposed project is to become the digital interface between governmental bodies and the constituency they serve.
Introduction
The expressed mission of Digital El Paso is to narrow the digital divide in our community through access and inclusion. By most measures Digital El Paso’s pilot program in the downtown area has been successful. The model can and should be extended by the addition of a third leg to the project. Digital El Paso currently has two legs, Access and Inclusion. The WiFi part of the project is the component that provides access to broadband internet for the community. The other component, the inclusion is led by the Orion project which provides computers for access to the digital world. Digital El Paso’s unique model is based on two unique components; a test and deploy model and a public/private partnership.
We propose that a third leg or component be added to Digital El Paso. This component, the netcitizen component provides for the engagement of our target individual into the Internet. By adding this component, Digital El Paso extends its mission by not only continuing to narrow the digital divide but also by engaging its new netcitizens into creating new content for the benefit of our global community.
// To read the complete document download the PDF document found at the end of this article. //
Conclusion
In conclusion we, as a team are ready to take Digital El Paso to the next step. In so doing we continue to embrace the collaborative nature of the project. Digital El Paso is leading the way with its innovative use of collaboration between the public and private sector. We have shown how effective a team we can be.
Cognent, Inc. wants to lead the charge to the next step and be part of the model that could revolutionize digital inclusion across the globe. We need your help and support. We are set and ready to begin the process on January 2008. The momentum is in place with the recent announcement by Digital El Paso. Community awareness is at the highest peak possible.
There are public led possibilities to reach the goal of attaining netcitizenship but they require time and money that will take time to make politically viable. While those initiatives are being examined and funded, Digital El Paso can lead the charge of digital inclusion by helping us launch the El Paso netcitizen project.
From a public entity perspective the ability for each citizen to have his own verified email address gives the government a strong tool to deliver the citizen the information they need in an effective and timely basis. From the citizen’s perspective, having their own email address and space on the net continues to narrow the digital divide while sharing our culture and identity with the rest of the world.
Cognent, Inc. is prepared to make this a reality for El Paso. Help us to put El Paso on the cyber map!
One of the greatest pleasures I derive from the Internet is the sharing of culture and identity. I wish I had the resources to visit each country and take in the cultural identity humanity has to offer. Fortunately for me some individuals have satisfied my appetite for getting to know other cultures by producing blogs, a website or participating in the numerous social networking sites in cyber space. I few years ago I decided to share a little bit about my culture, one of my favorite childhood events, the breaking of the piñata.
Here is my contribution to the cultural exchange on the Internet.
I hope you enjoy it.