pegging the peso

This morning, Mexican Tourism Secretary, Juana Mas Dinero y Plata, announced the creation of a Tourist Peso.

"Due to the fluctuating exchange rates between world currencies, the Secretariat of Tourism and the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit are piloting a fiscal program to make the lives of foreign visitors to Mexico a bit easier.  Visiting archaeological sites and basking in the sun can be taxing.  Why should visitors need to worry about calculating an exchange rate that means next to nothing to them?"

Secretary Dinero explained that all financial transactions for visitors to Mexico will now be conducted in the Tourist Peso, which will have an exchange rate of 10 to 1.  For all currencies. 

One Japanese yen will be equal to 10 Tourist Pesos.  One British pound will be equal to 10 Tourist Pesos.  One Canadian dollar will be equal to 10 Tourist Pesos.

The secretary admitted that the variance in world currencies may give the perception of unfairness.  But, she pointed out, "it is just a perception.  After all, all tourists in Mexico will now be on equal-footing.  It is quite egalitarian."

A reporter for Cebolla Mexicana interviewed an American tourist, April Loof, on a Mexico City street, following the announcement.  Ms. Loof knew nothing of the Tourist Peso, but upon hearing an explanation for the pilot project, she whined:  "10?  Why couldn't they make is easy.  Like 1 for 1?"

The secretary had probably not thought of that.

My adopted country will go to no ends to attract tourists.  And I do everything I can to keep people on their toes.

I have a stack of the new pesos for sale at my house if anyone is interested.  For some reason, a picture of the Brooklyn Bridge is embossed on the reverse side.