News and information distributed for profit, by definition, will always be sensational. Unfortunately, most readers don't have the background or perspective to understand that our Ripley's-believe-it-or-not approach to news dissemination rarely reflects the actual life conditions of the general community. To condemn and disdain the entirety of Mexican society because of drug cartel atrocities is no more logical than believing all of our American grandparents had the morality of Al Capone. A more realistic truth about Mexico is that in the past twenty-five years this country has accomplished a more profound (and peaceful) transformation to Democracy and Free Enterprise than any other nation of significant size on earth. During that time, a major nation of more than 110 million citizens has flipped its economic demographics from a society with 30% affluent and 70% poor to nearly 70% middle class or better and 30% poor. The rapid evolution of Mexico has actually been quite "sensational" but unfortunately not in a newsworthy sense. There is no doubt the drug dealers are vicious, that the justice system is dysfunctional, and Mexico still has much work to do. But the truth is that the 110 million Mexicans who are not drug criminals or corrupt cops are good, hardworking, moral people trying to do the best for their families, just like most of you gringos.
2
Going after corrupt police and politicians will be like playing whackamole, until the cash flow to cartels is cut off. The drug decriminalization and education of Americans is probably more key to the success of the Mexican justice system than Mexicans are. Until then, the rebuilding of any institution is as pointless in mexico as it is in Afghanistan, where European drug money still keeps the Taliban in power.
2
We, the U.S., accept this level of corruption from a trading partner and even considered building a highway that would have allowed direct trucking access from Mexico. Strange bedfellows.
And, have we wondered about the many Mexicans who don't care about this? the ones who openly reject protesting the disappearance of the Iguala kids, the officers of the ruling PRI and their allied PAN and Green Party. The millions of supporters of political bosses who not only ordered the massacre of young students in the State of Guerrero but also the ones ordered by the governor of Veracruz against a young photographer who took his picture showing him looking fat, and three other people in an apartment in Mexico City.
Yes, the world thinks Mexicans are outraged at what happened in Iguala or about the Massacre of Narvarte but, in reality, very few people here dare to protest, to really demand justice, or even to use the only power they have, their votes, to take the power away from bandits. As we saw, last June 7th, the PRI won the elections, perhaps no by the majority expected by its leaders but a win is a win.
In conclusion, having the criminals entrenched in the guts of the ruling political elite makes very difficult for the common Mexican citizen to expect that true justice will be ever served not only for the cases of Iguala or Narvarte but on the many being archived in the MX courts.
Yes, the world thinks Mexicans are outraged at what happened in Iguala or about the Massacre of Narvarte but, in reality, very few people here dare to protest, to really demand justice, or even to use the only power they have, their votes, to take the power away from bandits. As we saw, last June 7th, the PRI won the elections, perhaps no by the majority expected by its leaders but a win is a win.
In conclusion, having the criminals entrenched in the guts of the ruling political elite makes very difficult for the common Mexican citizen to expect that true justice will be ever served not only for the cases of Iguala or Narvarte but on the many being archived in the MX courts.
1
When the history of this era is written, future generations will find it incomprehensible that Americans obsessed over human rights violations in far away places yet ignored the carnage in their own backyard. The reign of terror imposed by drug cartels, complicit police, and corrupt politicians is directly comparable to the ISIL regime in its bloody impact on the civilian population, and at least equal as a threat to US security. Yet we hear very little in the US media about the killings and torture that go on on a daily basis--even the case of these 24 students disappearing without a trace has gotten only passing notice. Mexico's instability has gotten zero play in the current presidential campaign, and we can guess the next president will do his or her best to continue to do as little as possible--which is to say, to continue America's complicity in the violence. What will it take before the US takes this problem seriously?
1
What a horrific tragedy that simply underscores the rampant corruption that infiltrates so many country's leadership, police departments assigned to uphold justice and civil institutions whose employees are far too susceptible to the temptation of large bribes in such poor countries. I know from having grown up close to the US-Mexico border in Tijuana that the police were very corrupt because I witnessed outright bribes in bright daylight including police detaining American tourists for drinking in public while there were clearly other people walking with a drink in hand from one bar to another. I always felt that the smiling shop keepers who aggressively hawked their goods were more than willing to negotiate although the quality & environmental safety of their products was certainly dubious.
Although these were small glimpses into the rampant corruption of Mexico and Central America, I believe it explains why so many poor people placed less of a value on a human life. Poor malnourished and barefoot children & disabled people are forced to beg for pennies or sell Chiclets to lines of US tourists waiting to exit the country while drug cartels, wealthy industrialists & bribed politicians live incredible indulgent high on the hog lifestyles with hardly a concern about their fellow citizens. I would hope the US Dept. of Justice conducts a criminal investigation into any US-Mexican joint venture that has any tinge of El Chapo drug money or government corruption fingerprints.
Although these were small glimpses into the rampant corruption of Mexico and Central America, I believe it explains why so many poor people placed less of a value on a human life. Poor malnourished and barefoot children & disabled people are forced to beg for pennies or sell Chiclets to lines of US tourists waiting to exit the country while drug cartels, wealthy industrialists & bribed politicians live incredible indulgent high on the hog lifestyles with hardly a concern about their fellow citizens. I would hope the US Dept. of Justice conducts a criminal investigation into any US-Mexican joint venture that has any tinge of El Chapo drug money or government corruption fingerprints.
4
Ahem, the hunt has been fruitless simply because there has been no hunt. There has been, that is for sure, an attempt by the authorities to find scapegoats, from narcos to corrupt local politicians.
But in reality, as it came about (again) with the report of the Interamerican Human Rights Comission, the students were disappeared with the full collusion, perhaps cooperation or even initiative of the Mexican armed forces --with participation of officers at a high or highest level.
Yet the Mexican people, and their institutions, have refused to be dictated by the autocrats in power, and much to their credit, insist in finding justice to this day.
Rather than patronizingly have the United States "rebuild Mexico's institutions from the bottom up," something that the US has never been able to do anywhere, from Afghanistan to South Vietnam to Haiti, what is needed is for Washington to stop supporting governments that kill their own people --and that includes Mexico's Peña Nieto's Presidency.
But in reality, as it came about (again) with the report of the Interamerican Human Rights Comission, the students were disappeared with the full collusion, perhaps cooperation or even initiative of the Mexican armed forces --with participation of officers at a high or highest level.
Yet the Mexican people, and their institutions, have refused to be dictated by the autocrats in power, and much to their credit, insist in finding justice to this day.
Rather than patronizingly have the United States "rebuild Mexico's institutions from the bottom up," something that the US has never been able to do anywhere, from Afghanistan to South Vietnam to Haiti, what is needed is for Washington to stop supporting governments that kill their own people --and that includes Mexico's Peña Nieto's Presidency.
15
As a Mexican, this article is a pretty good overview of what we're living right now. As someone below said, it is depressing to see all the beautiful landscapes, stained by blood and corruption. Politicians steal from the poor, Mock the citizens, and spit on the law. I am deeply sorry about the migratory crisis, it is wrong, i am sure a lot of these people would love to stay here with their families, rather than risking their lives by doing something illegal. But in Mexico, there sinply isn't a way to earn a decent living by working hard and being honest. We protect the criminal, and judge the innocent. Sadly, we need a ruthless president/dictator(maybe?) that will destroy and rebuild all of the corrupt institutions from the ground. And hopefully , in the very distant future, the mexican citizens will recover their dignity.
12
This story underscores what happens in a third-world country in transition where ostensible (or deliberate) incompetence, corruption and lack of good science abound. Where it seems that no one in government has reached out for assistance from the US to solve this most heinous set of crimes. And where human life doesn't count for much. The citizens of Mexico and the families affected deserve better. Where is the resolve and the outrage that one would expect from all sides in this dirty business? And apart from paying lip service, what have Mexico's top law enforcement personnel and political representatives done to get it right? Nothing it seems. You've got to wonder what kind of a country this really is. I wouldn't want to live or vacation there.
2
Some say there are 11 million illegal Mexicans in the U.S.? But you see the white house is scared to hold the Mexican government's feet to the fire with economic sanctions and other stringent rules. But why? There are a lot of big bucks being made between Mexico and America.
Carlos Slim Helu is a Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. From 2010 to 2013, Slim was ranked as the richest person in the world. Made his fortune legally and not selling drugs. Since he is a Mexican billionaire, then why are Mexicans breaking their necks to come to America?
Carlos Slim Helu is a Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. From 2010 to 2013, Slim was ranked as the richest person in the world. Made his fortune legally and not selling drugs. Since he is a Mexican billionaire, then why are Mexicans breaking their necks to come to America?
2
philanthropist?
barely...
barely...
1
Once again we have a good article about Mexico that nonetheless, because of lack of information to the contrary, reinforces the notion held by many Americans that Mexico is a country where armed men are lurk on every street corner. I have spent 1 of the last 3 years in Mexico, traveling across the country by bus, almost always far from the typical American tourist destinations. I have had NO problems whatsoever. I find the Mexican people to be extremely kind and friendly and helpful. Are there problems in Mexico? Of course! Is it as dangerous as many Americans think? Not remotely!
7
The insatiable US appetite for heroin, cocaine, and marijuana is a complicit ingredient in all of Mexico's problems including government corruption. With the amazing and monstrous economy the drug machine provides for both countries, we cannot afford to "win" the "war on drugs". Pena Nieto is just the most recent fresh faced cartel puppet. It does not matter how low his approval rating goes, he's doing just what the cartels dictate.
Too bad. What a wonderful and beautiful country of extremes with an amazing history, culture, indigenous population. The general population by my experience is warm and generous, often displaying unmatched generosity to this gringo tourist.
Too bad. What a wonderful and beautiful country of extremes with an amazing history, culture, indigenous population. The general population by my experience is warm and generous, often displaying unmatched generosity to this gringo tourist.
10
Drugs plus guns equals America.
3
The chilling, dark and brilliant satire "The Perfect Dictatorship" (La Dictadura Perfecta) hews so close to the truth it could be mistaken for a docudrama. It's on Netflix and is required viewing for those who have an interest in "modern" Mexico. The more you know about political system here the more jaw dropping the movie is. Mexican filmmaking at its best. (Then watch "Sin Nombre" about how immigrants from Central America attempt to traverse Mexico in their quest to enter the U.S. A docudrama with the emphasis on docu, and particularly poignant in light of the plight of Syrian and other refugees. Viscerally real, gripping and heartbreaking. Another standout in international filmmaking.)
3
The students of Iguala are only the tip of the iceberg. Entire States in Mexico are corrupt to the core and the Federal government only defends and covers up their actions. Most kidnappings and disappearances aren't even reported to the police anymore because citizens are afraid of reprisals from authorities (and they know no action will be taken anyway). If Mexico was in another part of the world, it would be on the U.S. list of terrorist states - but as a valued trade 'partner' that will never happen. Instead we have presidential candidates attacking Mexican immigrants who flee from the violence of their country that the U.S. has helped perpetuate.
4
The newsman Jorge Ramos of Univision in an article written for the Prensa Libre in Guatemala yesterday praised this country's collaboration with the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala. A treaty-like agreement with the United Nations was entered into in 2006 and extended repeatedly over years. Jimmy Morales (running for the presidency here) promises to extend it another 6 years if elected.
This joint investigative effort involving the commission's Colombian Ivan Velazquez (top prosecutor) and other brave prosecutors from the public ministry here recently toppled the President Perez Molina and his vice president Roxanna Baldetti from their posts; forced to resign and both jailed in Guatemala City.
If Guatemala can do it, why not Mexico?
HERE"S WHY. 1. Mexico's long and historic fight against US influence and domination of a "sovereign nation". Butt out Yankee! 2. Mexico is an enormous country by comparison to Guatemala and has a bitter but durable memory of the US invasion of 1846. So that Mexicans jealously protects its sovereignty and is ultrasensitive to interference of any sort in the conduct of governing its people by the USA.
The power structure in Mexico is overwhelming tight but the people are slowly waking up to the idea that a government CANNOT investigate itself and that corruption CAN actually be deconstructed in their society but that outsiders will need to be invited to participate.
Principal obstacles: nationalism and fear.
Vive Mexico!
This joint investigative effort involving the commission's Colombian Ivan Velazquez (top prosecutor) and other brave prosecutors from the public ministry here recently toppled the President Perez Molina and his vice president Roxanna Baldetti from their posts; forced to resign and both jailed in Guatemala City.
If Guatemala can do it, why not Mexico?
HERE"S WHY. 1. Mexico's long and historic fight against US influence and domination of a "sovereign nation". Butt out Yankee! 2. Mexico is an enormous country by comparison to Guatemala and has a bitter but durable memory of the US invasion of 1846. So that Mexicans jealously protects its sovereignty and is ultrasensitive to interference of any sort in the conduct of governing its people by the USA.
The power structure in Mexico is overwhelming tight but the people are slowly waking up to the idea that a government CANNOT investigate itself and that corruption CAN actually be deconstructed in their society but that outsiders will need to be invited to participate.
Principal obstacles: nationalism and fear.
Vive Mexico!
9
In 2006 the NYT and other American interests supported the presidential candidacy of Felipe Calderon, whose disputed and possibly manipulated election was the direct connection to the aggressive military action against the cartels. Combatting the cartels was merely pretext for sending the military into the streets to discourage citizen unrest. Unfortunately it triggered conflict with the cartels that has degenerated into widespread violence. The Mexican military could not, however, deal with the most powerful cartel, The Cartel of the Potomac, a coalition of lobbyists, PR firms, politicians, and others who provide political cover for narcotics smuggling into the United States. Doubt it? When was the last time you read of a major bust of narcotics, the arrest of high-level traffickers, or denunciations of our failure to close the movement of narcotics profits back to Mexico and Central America? When has Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, or other Republican candidates called for aggressive searching of the thousands of trucks crossing from Mexico to the US every day? They are enthusiastic focusing our attention on would-be dishwashers and gardeners but not a word about drugs. How much drug lord funding is flowing into PACs as dark money, thanks to the Supreme Court? And while Mexico has problems with incompetence and corruption how many high-level U.S. bankers and financiers have been prosecuted for the economic manipulations leading to the collapse of financial markets in 2008?
9
Sadly, the greed for power and wealth amongst Mexican governments together with the immeasurable corruption the country is knows for and the abismal gap between rich and poor, has condemned Mexicans to have little or no word at all to demand their rights as citizens.
Freedom of speech does not exist. Although the problems are enormous, Mexico needs leaders with integrity to rebuilt again its confidence and trust that all Mexican citizens are longing for.
Freedom of speech does not exist. Although the problems are enormous, Mexico needs leaders with integrity to rebuilt again its confidence and trust that all Mexican citizens are longing for.
6
Graphic confirmation of what everyone already knew about Mexico.
I love the standard ending that writers for the New York Times have been conditioned to put on stories about the self-inflicted calamities existing all over the world: "It (that would be American tax payers) needs to help Mexico rebuild its institutions from the bottom up."
No thanks. I'm already supporting about 12 million of Mexico's citizens, providing schools for their children, health care and food stamps so they can take a job here and send money back there. That feels like enough.
I love the standard ending that writers for the New York Times have been conditioned to put on stories about the self-inflicted calamities existing all over the world: "It (that would be American tax payers) needs to help Mexico rebuild its institutions from the bottom up."
No thanks. I'm already supporting about 12 million of Mexico's citizens, providing schools for their children, health care and food stamps so they can take a job here and send money back there. That feels like enough.
16
My friend. I challenge you to visit construction sites, restaurants, fields and some other places in most major cities including yours. It is a sad fact that no one is taking jobs from anyone. That myth has been shattered a while back. I like you may not feel that it is not our responsibility that institutions be rebuilt in another country, but the fact remains that most economists would likely tell us the net economic benefit is positive. In addition there is a heavy tradition of trying to rebuild institutions or interventions that I am certain cost you a lot more (i.e Iraq, Afghanistan, most of Central and South America). Many things that you buy are subsidized by this economy. Also, ask Wal-Mart and others to calculate how much revenue they would lose, were it not for these consumers.
As a friendly aside, I recommend a movie called "A Day Without a Mexican" Although a comedy, it illustrates some issues that many in the U.S. have not woken up to.
As a friendly aside, I recommend a movie called "A Day Without a Mexican" Although a comedy, it illustrates some issues that many in the U.S. have not woken up to.
2
"already supporting..."?
Think of the many places you patronize, from restaurants and fast-food establishments, car washes, the services you might receive from any number of laborers, etc. and how many of them might employ Mexican immigrants, most of them likely legal, many of them possibly not. The economic contribution through their hard work and dedication to making a living for themselves and their family, whether here in the U.S. or back in Mexico, should not be under-estimated. There are entire industries such as agriculture in many parts of the U.S. that are largely dependent upon such people.
Despite the arguably neo-nazistic (to possibly coin a term) pronouncements of certain demagoguery-prone (would-be) politicians, it is only a very small minority of Mexican migrants in the U.S.--a smaller minority than the U.S. born population at large, in fact--that engage in criminal activity.
You are not "supporting" these generally honest and hard-working people. They are helping to keep vital sectors of our economy afloat and contribute enormously to our society!
We've seen these kinds of close-minded, xenophobic arguments in the last century, and they represent an archaic mode of thinking.
Although it's debatable to what extent the U.S. can help "rebuild institutions" down there, it's undeniable that, due to our consumption of drugs, as well as helping to supply weapons, we are implicated as the source of much of Mexico's troubles with the narcos.
Think of the many places you patronize, from restaurants and fast-food establishments, car washes, the services you might receive from any number of laborers, etc. and how many of them might employ Mexican immigrants, most of them likely legal, many of them possibly not. The economic contribution through their hard work and dedication to making a living for themselves and their family, whether here in the U.S. or back in Mexico, should not be under-estimated. There are entire industries such as agriculture in many parts of the U.S. that are largely dependent upon such people.
Despite the arguably neo-nazistic (to possibly coin a term) pronouncements of certain demagoguery-prone (would-be) politicians, it is only a very small minority of Mexican migrants in the U.S.--a smaller minority than the U.S. born population at large, in fact--that engage in criminal activity.
You are not "supporting" these generally honest and hard-working people. They are helping to keep vital sectors of our economy afloat and contribute enormously to our society!
We've seen these kinds of close-minded, xenophobic arguments in the last century, and they represent an archaic mode of thinking.
Although it's debatable to what extent the U.S. can help "rebuild institutions" down there, it's undeniable that, due to our consumption of drugs, as well as helping to supply weapons, we are implicated as the source of much of Mexico's troubles with the narcos.
1
"Prosecutors claim..." and "...authors of the report argue that the evidence shows such a fire never happened there..."
The two conflicting claims cannot be resolved. Someone is lying. The lying parties if, not found and prosecuted, will perpetuate the problems.
When all hell breaks loose in Mexico it will be a USA problem.
The two conflicting claims cannot be resolved. Someone is lying. The lying parties if, not found and prosecuted, will perpetuate the problems.
When all hell breaks loose in Mexico it will be a USA problem.
3
When is here and now in Chicago where El Chapo Guzman's Sinaloa Cartel already reigns and rules in Hades.
1
Mexico is condemned by geography, demography, socioeconomics, politics and education tied to an American addiction to illegal drugs and a gun fetish.
4
In the 1950's and 1060's I traveled thru Mexico via automobile several times all of the way to Acapulco without incident. I was always armed with pistols and always felt very safe. The Mexican population was also armed, and able to protect their families from criminals.
There but for the grace of God, you and/or I could have been born in a nation ruled by people similar to those that rule Mexico and other South American Nations.
Maybe the USA should air drop firearms and ammunition into the remote villages in those nations so that the citizens can overthrow their rulers and then establish a new government VIA a revolution similar to the French revolution!
I believe that those common people in Mexico should arm themselves, assassinate or overthrow their rulers, as the US citizens did when the government of Great Britain became too oppressive on their “colonists” in North America.
Maybe this is why that those who rule Mexico and the other South American Nations made it a criminal offense for their common citizens to own firearms.
In Mexico, which bans almost all guns from private ownership, 50,000 people have died from the drug wars in recent years.
"Those that beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those that do not."
Some of these Mexican citizens are now forming their own city regulators and vigilantes to patrol their own streets with illegally owned Firearms.
There but for the grace of God, you and/or I could have been born in a nation ruled by people similar to those that rule Mexico and other South American Nations.
Maybe the USA should air drop firearms and ammunition into the remote villages in those nations so that the citizens can overthrow their rulers and then establish a new government VIA a revolution similar to the French revolution!
I believe that those common people in Mexico should arm themselves, assassinate or overthrow their rulers, as the US citizens did when the government of Great Britain became too oppressive on their “colonists” in North America.
Maybe this is why that those who rule Mexico and the other South American Nations made it a criminal offense for their common citizens to own firearms.
In Mexico, which bans almost all guns from private ownership, 50,000 people have died from the drug wars in recent years.
"Those that beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those that do not."
Some of these Mexican citizens are now forming their own city regulators and vigilantes to patrol their own streets with illegally owned Firearms.
It may be more dangerous to be Mexico than the Middle East.
Thank goodness they leave that culture behind when they cross our borders illegally.
Thank goodness they leave that culture behind when they cross our borders illegally.
6
What about MS-13, and other violence that the immigrants bring to the USA?
What about their "white slavery" of women in brothels located in the USA that are operated by people from "South od the US border."
When these immigrants are in sufficient numbers to vote themselves into elected offices, will the US government then resemble the government of Mexico?
What about their "white slavery" of women in brothels located in the USA that are operated by people from "South od the US border."
When these immigrants are in sufficient numbers to vote themselves into elected offices, will the US government then resemble the government of Mexico?
Mexico's history is written in its novels like:
"El periquillo sarniento" (The Mangy Parrot) by Lizardi de Fernández
"Los de abajo" (The Underdogs) by Mariano Azuela,
"Pedro Páramo" (Peter Wasteland) by Juan Rulfo,
"Recuerdos del porvenir" (Future Memories) by Elena Garro, and
Everything written by Jorge Ibargüengoitia
"El periquillo sarniento" (The Mangy Parrot) by Lizardi de Fernández
"Los de abajo" (The Underdogs) by Mariano Azuela,
"Pedro Páramo" (Peter Wasteland) by Juan Rulfo,
"Recuerdos del porvenir" (Future Memories) by Elena Garro, and
Everything written by Jorge Ibargüengoitia
From North Carolina I visited Mexico as a teenager, with my parents Christmas 1953, and saw the new university campus. But I wouldn't set foot in Mexico now because of the rampant corruption, murders, drug-dealing. Sad to see such a beautiful landscape ruined by thugs.
4
In 1993 the Mexican citizens were allowed to own firearm to protect themselves from rampant corruption, murders, drug-dealing, and etc.
The Mexican customs officials allowed US citizens to carry our firearms into Mexico.
The Mexican customs officials allowed US citizens to carry our firearms into Mexico.
It must be also noted that in the search for the missing 43 students of Ayotzinapa, multiple mass graves have been uncovered, none of whom were the students. The problem is vast. Who are the poor souls in these other mass graves?
Why can no one , not the police not elected officials answer what happened to the 43?
Nos faltan 43
Why can no one , not the police not elected officials answer what happened to the 43?
Nos faltan 43
20
For all that was said about the "mexican moment" in 2013 (just as "brazil's moment" in 2009), truth is that the underlying institutions and the rule of law remained rotten. A really unbelievable proportion of crimes (98.5%) never go punished in Mexico. Corruption is widespread at all levels of government, from transit police, to county, state, and as we learned recently, even the highest levels. Who cares and who is doing something about it? No one. And what about the pressure that the international community could provide? While 'global investors' still get their 7% yield on mexican bonds, who cares.
8
Mexico needs a dictator with a moral backbone and the will to put a million influential people behind bars in very dire conditions.
3
Tragic. Corruption, insatiable appetite for drugs in the U.S. and weak leadership are the ongoing issue for decades. While I agree the U.S. Can help, we can't be expected to rebuild Mexico as mentioned in the last paragraph.
4
Mexico needs to be condemned for its inability to actually developed something resembling a functioning state. It has been an independent country for about 2 centuries now and has not even developed an effective police force and judiciary. Shame on Mexico! More Americans, especially elites, need to point disgraceful problem out.
12
The Opinion Pages | OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR
"Colombian Migrants Are the Scapegoats of Venezuela"
By NAKY SOTO PARRA SEPT. 17, 2015
Funny how the "liberal" NY Times is always scapegoating Venezuela and never Colombia, which is the still THE world's leading producer and exporting of cocaine on our streets.
It's always funny to see the racism of the NY Times. Maduro, Morales of Bolivia and Correa of Ecuador are often named...because they are our "enemies." But the leaders of "friend' Colombia (Santos) are seldom mentioned or emphasized because it doesn't matter who the criminal in charge of the "friendly" country is.
"Colombian Migrants Are the Scapegoats of Venezuela"
By NAKY SOTO PARRA SEPT. 17, 2015
Funny how the "liberal" NY Times is always scapegoating Venezuela and never Colombia, which is the still THE world's leading producer and exporting of cocaine on our streets.
It's always funny to see the racism of the NY Times. Maduro, Morales of Bolivia and Correa of Ecuador are often named...because they are our "enemies." But the leaders of "friend' Colombia (Santos) are seldom mentioned or emphasized because it doesn't matter who the criminal in charge of the "friendly" country is.
6
Huh? What does this have to do with the story, which is about Mexico?
Until 2000, Mexico was an authoritarian one-party state...much like Egypt under Nasser, Sadat and Mubarak, and things were relatively good and relatively peaceful in spite of the occasional massacre of demonstrators because the ruling class tried to build a sense of inclusivity. Growing up and visiting Mexico between 1960 and 2000 I saw a lot of social progress was being made.
But there was still clamoring for true democracy and greater economic progress, and so in 2000 Mexican voters made Mexico a two-party democracy. Now Mexico is a country of exclusion and violence. Democracy is not pretty.
But there was still clamoring for true democracy and greater economic progress, and so in 2000 Mexican voters made Mexico a two-party democracy. Now Mexico is a country of exclusion and violence. Democracy is not pretty.
It was that authoritarian one-party state, the PRI, the one that sowed the destruction of the social order by allowing the contraband of illegal drugs to the United States in exchange of hush money. It was under the Presidency of Jose Lopez Portillo (1976-1982) that the narcos first appeared, and prospered in power with De la Madrid and Salinas de Gortari for the next twelve years, remaining mostly as smugglers of Colombian drugs into the US.
It was at the end of Gortari's presidency (1994) when the narcos turned into local production, violence, and extortion after the US made its border more secure. With their income restricted, narcos became a force of violence as they decided to do business in Mexico and branched into kidnapping, robbery, and extortion locally.
In fact, it was too late then for the PRI to defeat the Narcos, and the PRI's loss of control that ensued once the narcos brought violence into the open is what finally what brought the PRI down and made of Mexico a multi-party system, with the PAN's Vicente Fox becoming President by promising an all out war on drugs.
In short, Narcos are the legacy of the PRI --no question about it. Let's not forget that.
It was at the end of Gortari's presidency (1994) when the narcos turned into local production, violence, and extortion after the US made its border more secure. With their income restricted, narcos became a force of violence as they decided to do business in Mexico and branched into kidnapping, robbery, and extortion locally.
In fact, it was too late then for the PRI to defeat the Narcos, and the PRI's loss of control that ensued once the narcos brought violence into the open is what finally what brought the PRI down and made of Mexico a multi-party system, with the PAN's Vicente Fox becoming President by promising an all out war on drugs.
In short, Narcos are the legacy of the PRI --no question about it. Let's not forget that.
Two comments, both depressing:
1) The inevitable conclusion is that President Peña Nieto and other top members of government are owned by the drug lords.
2) The US citizenry is supporting this corruption through their purchase of drugs.
To satisfy our nations hunger for drugs, we sacrifice the welfare of several nations. I dont see any way around the problem because the West is not going to stop using illicit drugs.
1) The inevitable conclusion is that President Peña Nieto and other top members of government are owned by the drug lords.
2) The US citizenry is supporting this corruption through their purchase of drugs.
To satisfy our nations hunger for drugs, we sacrifice the welfare of several nations. I dont see any way around the problem because the West is not going to stop using illicit drugs.
12
Legalizing drugs could help. The US would not need to import drugs if we could make our own narcotics. Also, investing in more rehab facilities would ease demand for drugs.
4
Having Mexico as our across the border neighbor, is like being on the border with Afghanistan. Mexico is a feudal, mostly ungoverned state, dominated by oligarchs who have no incentive to improve the lives of the underclass or peasants. There is very little sympathy for the Mexican's in the United States because they (the Mexicans) almost always embrace the worst possible solution to national problems. The United States' relationship with Mexico may be the most significant issue of the upcoming US Presidential campaign. It is time to proactively limit the amount of damage that Mexico inflicts on US society through emigration and blatant criminal activity.
12
You actually believe that Mexicans (Mexico) inflict damage on the USA.
Mexicans do your "dirty work" and are paid very little for it.
Mexico is a client state of the USA.
It is certainly corrupt but then so is the USA.
So close to the USA but so far from god.
Mexicans do your "dirty work" and are paid very little for it.
Mexico is a client state of the USA.
It is certainly corrupt but then so is the USA.
So close to the USA but so far from god.
15
John, Afghanistan? You are truly misinformed, but the good news is that your ignorance is curable. Come visit - not the resorts, instead try Mexico City. The beauty, history, and culture here is fascinating. By the way, the crime rates in Miami or DC are higher than in the DF. Mexico is a far better place than you and most Americans imagine.
1
This comment is xenophobic and bigoted. "..the damage Mexico inflicts on US society?" You have no idea how many Mexicans and immigrants contribute to every part of your life. From the food you eat to the oil that is now for the first time in over 70 yrs in the hands of foreign interests including the US. Your statement is full of hatred. I see US citizens come here to Mexico every day to buy drugs, prostitution, make money off locals by paying less whenever possible,and even buy their own properties and refuse to rent to Mexicans! Let's talk about the damage US factories inflict in Juarez with no safety regulations for their workers. The fact that SAMS club employs people here and exploits them with no pay for overtime. You are living in a delusion. And how about the fact that Eric Holder lost 2000 guns at the border and was never held accountable not even giving an apology to the slain US agent whose death was attributed to this failed ATF operation?
1
Mexico is a NAFTA partner with the USA and Canada. So close to the USA, so far from god. A country is either corrupt or it's not. There are no degrees of corruption. What country is not corrupt? Corruption may be more visible on a day to day basis or it may be invisible.
Powerful vested interests have maintained this situation for generations in Mexico. There are no quick fixes. Reducing the consumption of illegal drugs in the US would helpthe situation, but not solve the problem.
17
Absolutely agree with you about reducing the consumption of illegal drugs in the U.S. - our government needs to provide effective addiciton treatment and possibly consider decriminalizing those drugs as well.
1
The British system of government providing the drugs puts greater control over their spread in the population and eliminates illegal importation. See Heroin Addiction in Britain by Horace Judson (1973).
Something tells me that if you eliminate the drug business in Mexico, things aren't likely to be any better there. Those in control will find a new "drug."
Something tells me that if you eliminate the drug business in Mexico, things aren't likely to be any better there. Those in control will find a new "drug."