rately reenacting the lore behind el grito. 
In Mexico, the same ritual is conducted at the same time, but by different individuals in different places.  Perhaps, each municipality leading its own ritual represents the cultural diversity within Mexico.  Or, perhaps the juxtaposition of sameness -- (the same ritual practiced) -- and difference -- (the ritual led by different people) -- represents conflict between different governmental institutions and different municipalities.  Maybe this practice serves to deter the development of a strong and centralized authoritarian institution in Mexico.  Or, maybe it is simply a cultural carry-over from a time of Independence Day celebrations without 21st century communication that can bring the world, or San Miguel de Allende, to our T.V. couch.  Or, perhaps this is a dysfunctional practice that prevents greater unity within Mexico.  The last of the possible explanations listed above was how I initially understood the events in Coyoacan on September 15th.  The other possible explanations above I have developed as I have rethought how this ritual is conducted in Mexico, or have learned from others who have offered their explanations for how el grito is done in Mexico.
As we live our lives day in and day out, many things can happen to us that can cause us to ask the question why.  In the case here, my question erupts from being confused by something.  Sometimes we tell ourselves that we do not have time to stop and ponder why things are the way they are.  What is the use, we might say, to think about such questions?  Perhaps the usefulness depends on what you value.  Asking such questions can provoke change -- changes that can better our own lives, and our neighbors' lives.  And, it can enrich our lives by leading to a more profound understanding of our environment and those around us.

Assistant Dean

Coleman Rose,  M.A.
http://www.geocities.com/cerose0