Mexico was never like Disney portrayed it. 

If you were poor it was a struggle. And the failure to provide for your family sometimes led to banditry. But being an outlaw was also a struggle and often the inherent violence would put your life on the line.  But while you were alive and running free, life was good.

Before becoming an outlaw Pancho Villa, worked and lived on a large ranch with his mother and sister.  He had to leave because he killed the son of the owner for raping his sister.  Pancho was seeking revenge for her humiliation.  He went on to be an idol of the poor.  Riding his spirited horse, wearing his famous hat, the cavalry uniform and crossed bandoliers, he was loaded with charisma, and was literally worshipped.  

Bandits had many shapes, sizes and styles. The Mexican bandit portrayed in the movies was either charismatic or a steely-eyed killer.  My stories take place in and around the Mexican Border and inside Mexico.  I’m not a romantic writer, but I may have to throw in some “Golden Hat” (see photo).

The romance has ended. The current drug lords and their men now appear in jeans, T-shirts and slacks and look anything but daring–do.  We go from the hard looking sombrero-wearing charismatic bad-asses to the kind of people you see at Walmart and the local mall.  We are living in the true downfall of bandit-romantica.  I will try to lift Mexico out of the velour sweat suit wearing guys being led away by the police.

My name is Wally Runnels and I write Border Pulp.

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