Monument to corruption
June 29th, 2012
Known as the Estela de Luz — the Trail of Light — this little baby is 341 feet high and weighs 1700 tons. Unveiled last January, more than a year behind schedule, it was supposed to be President Calderon’s contribution to the festivities for the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence in September of 2010. At the entrance to Chapultepec Park, it’s made of steel and quartz that light up in the night, and cost about $78 million US, roughly triple its original budget.
A study by the National Academy of Engineers says that it really cost $37 million, and may have come in at an even cheaper rate due to the use of less expensive materials. Some members of Congress have called for an investigation, although in all likelihood we will never know where the rest of the money disappeared. It has been mentioned that for the same price 150 schools could have been built.
On the eve of the Presidential elections — notable mostly for the dismal choice of candidates, each of whom has a long history of corrupt and inept associates — here is a monolith widely known as the Monument to Corruption, rather than its official name. Perhaps it will prove to be more fitting as a totem to what we can expect from the government for the next six years.
Labels: Mexico City
5 Responses to “Monument to corruption”
By Luis Sopelana on Jun 29, 2012
I trust some later government will figure out what to do with it, as happened to the Monumento a la Revolución and Palacio de Bellas Artes. In the meantime, it looks like a good beacon for reuniting any movement that might march over Reforma.
By Barry Carr on Jun 29, 2012
What about establishing a museum on the site which would deal with the history of corruption? Mexico City is widely and correctly praised as having one of the world’s finest collections of museums. Why not add to this reputation with a Museo de la Corrupción? Any suggestions on important topics and artifacts that might be useful starting points for the Museum’s curators?
By ana on Jul 4, 2012
This is just what I expect from politicians
on both side of the border. Am I cynical?
Negative? Too darn bad. I like the idea of museum devoted to corruption! How soon before people start throwing rocks through the quartz panes?
By Sergio on Jul 7, 2012
I couldn’t have said it better. Right on David!
By Jennifer Pierno on Jul 20, 2012
I saw this during a recent visit and I wondered what it was – too narrow for anyone to fit inside, unattractive, serving no obvious purpose. Now I know. Thank-you for the explanation. What a funny thing to build.