  We propose a realistic theory based on the $\mathrm{SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L
\otimes SU(3)_R \otimes U(1)_{X}}$ gauge group which requires the number of
families to match the number of colors. In the simplest realization neutrino
masses arise from the canonical seesaw mechanism and their smallness correlates
with the observed V-A nature of the weak force. Depending on the symmetry
breaking path to the Standard Model one recovers either a left-right symmetric
theory or one based on the $\mathrm{SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)}$
symmetry as the "next" step towards new physics.
