Mauricio González de la Garza
Encyclopedia
Dr. Mauricio González de la Garza (October 6, 1923–1995) was a Mexican journalist, writer and music composer.
González de la Garza was born in Nuevo Laredo
, Tamaulipas
, Mexico
. From an early age, in the words of his sister, Josefina, Mauricio González de la Garza showed "astounding intelligence, great mental acuity and unequaled sympathy" as well as "generosity and a natural kindness".
Mauricio earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Philosophy
from the Universidad Autónoma de México, UNAM
as well a psychology Doctorate.
He wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper column, in Mexico, under the title "Mauricio Dice" (Mauricio Says). The column was a regular feature in the national daily Excélsior
, amongst many others. A "valiant and passionate editorialist for Mexico", Dr. González de la Garza brandished his pen against those who would do harm to Mexico or its citizens. Dr. González de la Garza marked a milestone in Mexico's drive to achieve true freedom of the press
. Never wavering from speaking the truth, without regard to his personal safety or who might be inconvenienced by his speaking it, only after Mauricio González de la Garza dared to criticize powerful political persons did other journalists follow his example. Thus, Mauricio and other journalists
helped usher a more open and democratic era in Mexico.
During the presidency of José López Portillo
, the publication of 'Última Llamada' (Last Call) forced Dr. Gonzalez de la Garza to live in exile in Falfurrias, Texas
.
An accomplished pianist and composer in his own right, Mauricio González de la Garza wrote several musical compositions, achieving widespread national success with Polvo Enamorado ("Dust in Love"), interpreted by José José
.
González de la Garza was born in Nuevo Laredo
Nuevo Laredo
Nuevo Laredo is a city located in the Municipality of Nuevo Laredo in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. The city lies on the banks of the Río Grande, across from the United States city of Laredo, Texas. The 2010 census population of the city was 373,725. Nuevo Laredo is part of the Laredo-Nuevo...
, Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Tamaulipas is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 43 municipalities and its capital city is Ciudad Victoria. The capital city was named after Guadalupe Victoria, the...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. From an early age, in the words of his sister, Josefina, Mauricio González de la Garza showed "astounding intelligence, great mental acuity and unequaled sympathy" as well as "generosity and a natural kindness".
Mauricio earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
from the Universidad Autónoma de México, UNAM
Unam
UNAM or UNaM may refer to:* National University of Misiones, a National University in Posadas, Argentina*National Autonomous University of Mexico , the large public autonomous university based in Mexico City...
as well a psychology Doctorate.
He wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper column, in Mexico, under the title "Mauricio Dice" (Mauricio Says). The column was a regular feature in the national daily Excélsior
Excélsior
Excélsior is a daily newspaper, founded by Rafael Alducin and published in Mexico City since 1917.During the 1950s and 1960s, the newspaper's editorial stance was of a relatively liberal bent, under the editorship of Julio Scherer...
, amongst many others. A "valiant and passionate editorialist for Mexico", Dr. González de la Garza brandished his pen against those who would do harm to Mexico or its citizens. Dr. González de la Garza marked a milestone in Mexico's drive to achieve true freedom of the press
Freedom of the press
Freedom of the press or freedom of the media is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials...
. Never wavering from speaking the truth, without regard to his personal safety or who might be inconvenienced by his speaking it, only after Mauricio González de la Garza dared to criticize powerful political persons did other journalists follow his example. Thus, Mauricio and other journalists
Journalism
Journalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
helped usher a more open and democratic era in Mexico.
During the presidency of José López Portillo
José López Portillo
José López Portillo y Pacheco was the President of Mexico from 1976 to 1982.Born in Mexico City, López Portillo studied Law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico before beginning his political career with the Institutional Revolutionary Party in 1959.He held several positions in the...
, the publication of 'Última Llamada' (Last Call) forced Dr. Gonzalez de la Garza to live in exile in Falfurrias, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
.
An accomplished pianist and composer in his own right, Mauricio González de la Garza wrote several musical compositions, achieving widespread national success with Polvo Enamorado ("Dust in Love"), interpreted by José José
José José
José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz , known by his artistic name José José, is a Mexican singer.Referred in the entertainment world as "El Príncipe de la Canción" , José José is best known for his romantic ballads and renowned for his vocals...
.
Partial list of published works
- Río de la misericordia (1965)
- El Padre Prior, Editorial Diógenes (1971)
- Rey de oros (1972)
- Abel o Purgatorio de Amor (1977, novel)
- Última Llamada
- Carta Abierta a Miguel de la Madrid, con copia a los mexicanos - (ISBN 968-433-238-6; 1988; Editorial Posada)
- El milagro azul (1988)
- Mexico Rumbo a Mexico
- De Puebla los Fulgores (ISBN 968-6321-38-1; 1995; Oceano)
- Soneto 1990 (novel)
- Essay on Walt WhitmanWalt WhitmanWalter "Walt" Whitman was an American poet, essayist and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse...