A Call for Respecting Our Roots: An Open Letter to the new progressive president of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum and the unfortunate outgoing Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Maria Herrera Mellado 
In response to the non-invitation of the King of Spain to the inauguration of Mexico’s new progressive president, we wish to support and reiterate the position of those who are unashamed of their true identity and do not wish to participate in their own self-destruction. This is directed at her and the disastrous president of Mexico, who has left the country ravaged by violence.
We must not allow politicians to steal our identity.
Our roots are sacred, the foundation of both our personal and collective essence. Any attempt to sever these roots is an act of profound cowardice, injustice, manipulation, and malice.
As members of the great Hispanic Family, we take pride in all our roots, embracing our entire history, traditions, and identity. To manipulate historical truth, pitting us against ourselves and weakening our society, is the ultimate betrayal.
This is why the King of Spain wisely refrains from engaging in the petty theatrics of those who disrespect the authentic essence and identity of our people.
As proud members of the Hispanic Family, we call on Ms. Sheinbaum and Mr. López to respect all our roots, especially the two most significant: Native American and Spanish European. These are the foundations of who we are—a unique, unrepeatable fusion in human history that no one can erase or claim—not López, not Sheinbaum.
We, the Mexican people and the greater Hispanic Family, cherish being the product of two worlds. Our ancestors made the reality of mestizaje possible—racial and cultural blending—promoted by Christianity and always safeguarded by the Spanish Crown.
Those who distort historical truth to deceive the people, stripping them of their identity, soul, and reality, while attempting to weaken us as a sovereign people, should be the ones asking for forgiveness. This is nothing new under the sun.
We take immense pride in both our Native and Spanish identities, as well as our heritage from Europe, Africa, and Asia. We are proud of the Spanish language, spoken by 650 million people, and of our native languages, always protected by the Spanish Crown. We embrace our Catholic faith alongside indigenous religions, honor all our surnames, cultures, and the achievements of our ancestors—whether Native or Spanish. We uphold all our traditions, for they have shaped our true identity.
We are a fusion five centuries in the making, and no politician can dilute our soul, no matter how hard they try.
Ms. Sheinbaum and Mr. López, ask forgiveness for manipulating the people and acting against the soul of Mexico, which, like the rest of the Hispanic Family, is rooted in Christianity and the mestizaje achieved by our ancestors.
Respect yourselves and others. Stop dishonoring the Mexican people by trying to usurp their identity.
Long live Mexico!
Long live the Hispanic Family!
Long live Freedom!
Original letter prepared by Álvaro de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada and edited by María Herrera Mellado
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada de EE.UU. y licenciada en España. Doctora en Ciencias Jurídicas y Analista política. La Dra. Herrera es conocida por su amplia experiencia en análisis y consultas en el diseño de políticas públicas, propuestas de ley y gestión en relaciones internacionales.
Su reconocimiento proviene de sus contribuciones al análisis y representación legal de diversas organizaciones, empresas e individuos que han visto abusados sus derechos humanos, su privacidad o en la inclusión de políticas efectivas fundamentalmente en el ámbito de la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas, así como la lucha contra la corrupción.
Su formación académica y experiencias profesionales la convierten en una voz respetada en el debate público y en el análisis de temas de actualidad sobre todo en los desafíos políticos y legales contemporáneos.
María Herrera Mellado is a U.S.-based attorney also licensed in Spain. She holds a PhD in Legal Sciences and is known as a media legal and policy analyst.
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Dr. Herrera is recognized for her extensive experience in analyzing and consulting on public policy design, legislative proposals, and international relations management.
Her recognition stems from her contributions to the analysis and legal representation of various organizations, companies, and individuals whose human rights or privacy have been violated, or who have benefited from the inclusion of effective policies, primarily in the areas of transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.
Her academic background and professional experience make her a respected voice in public debate and in the analysis of current issues, particularly in contemporary political and legal challenges.