If this were happening in the U.S., I would favor the federal government doing "whatever it takes" and I for one would comfortably look the other way.
16
No wonder ISIS thinks it can win the other war. They watch the political gridlock and know that the inability of the US and Mexico and other governments to come up with a coordinated consensus and strategy ensures their survival.
Money in politics = payoffs everywhere = corruption = carnage
Money in politics = payoffs everywhere = corruption = carnage
16
From the tenor of many of the comments, I have to ask: Is this really all (or even mostly) America's fault?
There are plenty of honorable ways to earn a living, and Canada is a perfect counterexample of how a neighbor with relatively clean and open governance, good education, and an economic focus on developing useful products results in a prosperous middle class and a hugely prosperous trade relationship with the US.
Say what you will about our drug policies - most drugs are poisonous and addictive. You'd create a market for them anywhere with a middle class that can afford them, absent a government willing to take some very draconian measures against those that sell them, which I'm sure many of the self-loathing commenters on this topic would also find objectionable.
The US public does have a responsibility to prevent people from using addictive drugs. That said, with Mexico having chosen to focus so heavily on this kind of trade, it's getting very much what it deserves. It's even finding that its developing middle class is just as susceptible to the poison they've been all-to-willing to peddle to the North. Mexico could be on the same trajectory as Canada, but it seems all to happy to remain exactly what it is.
There are plenty of honorable ways to earn a living, and Canada is a perfect counterexample of how a neighbor with relatively clean and open governance, good education, and an economic focus on developing useful products results in a prosperous middle class and a hugely prosperous trade relationship with the US.
Say what you will about our drug policies - most drugs are poisonous and addictive. You'd create a market for them anywhere with a middle class that can afford them, absent a government willing to take some very draconian measures against those that sell them, which I'm sure many of the self-loathing commenters on this topic would also find objectionable.
The US public does have a responsibility to prevent people from using addictive drugs. That said, with Mexico having chosen to focus so heavily on this kind of trade, it's getting very much what it deserves. It's even finding that its developing middle class is just as susceptible to the poison they've been all-to-willing to peddle to the North. Mexico could be on the same trajectory as Canada, but it seems all to happy to remain exactly what it is.
12
This all goes back to the IRP and its long reign over Mexico. Corruption was institutionalized into the fabric of the government, civil service and so on. They looked aside as the drug lords did their thing and carved the country into their 'turfs'. There is no short term solution to the problem.
6
"Legalization" or "decriminalization" of drug use in the U.S. will do nothing to remove these organized criminals from the Mexican scene; they're woven into life there now, apparently.
7
Quick how many people who have been killed by alcohol importers last year? It was not troops and heavy handed police that got Capone, it was tax laws. As long as there is a black market for drugs Mexican cartels will be the most powerful entity.
11
Sean Penn needs a university education so he can make more informed decisions and stop giving press to the murderers. In Sean Penn's weak uneducated mind he thinks its sooo cool to be like cool, like he did with El Chapo. Sean Penn was cool in fast times at Ridgemont High but I think what he did interviewing El Chapo was borderline criminal and totally uneducated.
9
Legalize drugs. Then take the money used in the drug wars and use it for education, parenting courses, and mental health. Then see what happens.
9
Mexico: The criminal gangs are taking over and becoming the government.
Russia: The criminal gang has taken over and become the government.
ISIS/ISIL: The criminal gangs are taking over and becoming the government.
Saudi Arabia. Poland. Hungary.
Can it happen in the US?
Is it happening in the US?
Can anything be done to stop it from happening?
Russia: The criminal gang has taken over and become the government.
ISIS/ISIL: The criminal gangs are taking over and becoming the government.
Saudi Arabia. Poland. Hungary.
Can it happen in the US?
Is it happening in the US?
Can anything be done to stop it from happening?
11
I am glad that the New York times finally printed the truth about Mexico and their drug problems which we do not want. Donald Trump was right when he said, "Close the Borders."
6
This is the direct result of the prohibition of cannabis and other drugs, conflated with the weapons industry. Terrifying even 1, 000 miles where I am. Can we finally begin to work on ending the drug war at a Federal level? Please, before this violence and corruption spreads even more.
6
Most middle class Mexicans whom I have made acquaintances with, find the subject very offensive and prefer not to talk about it. It seems progress will not be made until mainstream Mexicans stare the monster in the eyes, rather than just a fringe group of "inconformes" (complainers) as they are routinely labeled.
12
One could easily flash-forward the present scenario in Mexico to an eventual linkup of the mobsters with ISIS jihadi endeavors. At the end of the day, when the money is in suitcases and everything they "want" is purchasable---after the boring, jaded money rich cartel leaders can find little to bring true contentment THEN the drive for POWER and public fame and recognition kick in. THAT'S exactly what's happening now in Mexico.
We here in the USA should be very concerned about the "natural" progression from organized crime occupying local government in Mexico and moving to the national level. Because what the cartels want is POWER and control. They want to hold sway over Mexico through fear and assassinations. Obviously, they believe if this works there, it will work as well in the USA. Apparently the terroristic attacks in the US, produce considerable fear. Psst! Guess what? FEAR SELLS DOPE.
Jealousy and hatred toward the US in Mexico might well become part of the Jihad movement against the west. Now that would be a serious problem wouldn't it?
Some would say NOT POSSIBLE bc of Catholicism in Mexico and our strong ties BUT our law enforcement had had historically hard times getting Mex police and military on board to truly collaborate in the war on drugs black hole.
An entirely new understanding and attitude toward drugs in the US is the only way the issue can productively be resolved. Decriminalize drug use. Focus on treatment.
We here in the USA should be very concerned about the "natural" progression from organized crime occupying local government in Mexico and moving to the national level. Because what the cartels want is POWER and control. They want to hold sway over Mexico through fear and assassinations. Obviously, they believe if this works there, it will work as well in the USA. Apparently the terroristic attacks in the US, produce considerable fear. Psst! Guess what? FEAR SELLS DOPE.
Jealousy and hatred toward the US in Mexico might well become part of the Jihad movement against the west. Now that would be a serious problem wouldn't it?
Some would say NOT POSSIBLE bc of Catholicism in Mexico and our strong ties BUT our law enforcement had had historically hard times getting Mex police and military on board to truly collaborate in the war on drugs black hole.
An entirely new understanding and attitude toward drugs in the US is the only way the issue can productively be resolved. Decriminalize drug use. Focus on treatment.
4
It's about time the NYT told the truth about Mexico and stopped all its silly reporting on El Chapo. The Mexican government is organised crime. Why? Because the country has no justice system and that's just the way the politicians like it. Politicians at ALL levels rob public funds and no one can do anything about it because the court system is a cesspool of corruption. There's is only one solution to Mexico's corruption: Reform the Justice System. But the politicians will never do it because the day a Mexican citizen can sue a politician in court for corruption, their party's over.
13
All the more reason to build a wall that will prevent the drug culture of cartels and murder from spilling over into the United States. Mexico is a lost cause. The only way to keep America from following suit is to enact strict immigration standards, starting with tough measures on the Mexican border.
10
Do you really believe that a WALL will keep anything behind it? In an age of planes and boats, submarines and such and You truly believe a wall will keep anyone and their things out of the US?
The culture of these cartels is nothing new, just the name "cartel" is new. In the US we've called them the Mafia, or The Mob - be they Italian, Irish, Jamaican, Asian, or now the entrenched Russian Mobs. And none of them came across our southern border...they just ambled in up and down the east and west coasts.
The ones mostly coming across the southern border are those trying to escape the murder and mayhem of the Mexican and other cartels. All thru the Latin American continent there are these cartels/mobs, who thanks to the US's shady foreign policies with despots, were able to grow and gain more and more power over the often remote locals and their lands. While the despot Govts we supported, lived it up safe in their urban and suburban enclaves.
The mess that exists south of the US is merely the other side of the same coin of messes that - thanks to our decades long support of non-democratic govts - exists in the Middle East and its neighbors, its just the players and the basic theme that is different. In the ME its been about, OIL, and our infidel presence on their lands, and influences in their despotic Govts. While south of us its been about some ill-perceived threat of Latin American communism rising up, and the American citizens unquenchable thirst for narcotics.
The culture of these cartels is nothing new, just the name "cartel" is new. In the US we've called them the Mafia, or The Mob - be they Italian, Irish, Jamaican, Asian, or now the entrenched Russian Mobs. And none of them came across our southern border...they just ambled in up and down the east and west coasts.
The ones mostly coming across the southern border are those trying to escape the murder and mayhem of the Mexican and other cartels. All thru the Latin American continent there are these cartels/mobs, who thanks to the US's shady foreign policies with despots, were able to grow and gain more and more power over the often remote locals and their lands. While the despot Govts we supported, lived it up safe in their urban and suburban enclaves.
The mess that exists south of the US is merely the other side of the same coin of messes that - thanks to our decades long support of non-democratic govts - exists in the Middle East and its neighbors, its just the players and the basic theme that is different. In the ME its been about, OIL, and our infidel presence on their lands, and influences in their despotic Govts. While south of us its been about some ill-perceived threat of Latin American communism rising up, and the American citizens unquenchable thirst for narcotics.
4
My guess is that you have spent little lime in Mexico, Paul..otherwise you would not take such a provincial view. We have large problems..no doubt, but compared to what Americans are prepared to accept, Mexico has much more of a bright future.
5
Since the US provides the guns and demand for the drugs it is not a Mexican problem. Such childish thinking ( build a wall!!!) serves to increase xenophobia and distract form the real problem, which is the illegality of drugs and their continued desirability
10
Police reform is a canard, a chimera, based upon hope and self-delusion, propagated by the leftist NGOs, with its acolytes in the US State Department and manifested in USG policies in Latin America. With Chile as a notable exception, nobody good goes to the police in Latin America. And that certainly includes Mexico.
Getting serious about the drug problem would look very different from how it looks today and how it has looked for decades.
Getting serious about the drug problem would look very different from how it looks today and how it has looked for decades.
5
Words like Mayor and Police have a different meaning in Latin America than readers in the United States might be accustomed to. Although the written rules around these titles are similar to those in the US, in practice the unwritten rules are quite different. Countries like Mexico have a political system that is closer to feudal Europe, with multiple warring factions constantly jockeying for power.
11
Up until recently, I watched "La Reina Del Sur", a popular Mexican telenovela about a woman who becomes a drug king pin (portrayed by the same Mexican actress who set up Penn's meeting with El Chapo). I remembered laughing hysterically at the part in an episode where one of the king pins wanted to run for governor of a province in Mexico. I said to myself, "where do these telenovelas get this crazy stuff...a drug lord as a politician? Insane!" Well...I'm not laughing anymore.
I've also followed the U.S.' War on Drugs and I've been skeptical about the heavy jail sentences for drug possession and sale because it has a disproportionate racial impact on black men who make up half of America's prisons and often spend more time in jail for a nonviolent offense than rapists and murderers. Well...this article helped me to envision what a North America would look like without those harsh penalties....well this article and La Reina del Sur.
I've also followed the U.S.' War on Drugs and I've been skeptical about the heavy jail sentences for drug possession and sale because it has a disproportionate racial impact on black men who make up half of America's prisons and often spend more time in jail for a nonviolent offense than rapists and murderers. Well...this article helped me to envision what a North America would look like without those harsh penalties....well this article and La Reina del Sur.
6
Here I am a U.S. gringo in Patzcuaro, a mountain town of 50,000 about 150 mile west of Mexico City. We traveled, via auto, here twice now and have stayed for four months altogether. It's quite interesting how the presence of drugs, the smell of marijuana, or evidence of others is absolutely nil. Never have I caught one wif of dope while here - nor is it a subject of casual conversation for that matter. Quite different from the U.S. The people where we are are wonderful - generous in spirit, masterful in art and craft, adoring of children - again quite different from the U.S. where the media loves to portray everything south of the border as a horrific action film for our entertainment.
23
Drug cartels have become the Mexican political version of wealthy USA donors
12
Here's the problem: "After protests from Mexican politicians, Mr. McEwen retracted his statement..." Outsiders don't dare say anything true about the rot - a perfect word - in the establishment, and for ordinary Mexican people, speaking out can be deadly. Protecting Mexico's reputation so that international investment continues apace is paramount, rather than the safety and prosperity of ordinary citizens.
11
From a global capitalist' perspective this is a perfect business model. One country the US criminalizes all drugs that the people can produce or manufacture easily themselves. The other country, Mexico, uses cheap labor to produce those drugs and export them to the US. In the meantime the US builds a massive Prison industrial complex and enacts draconian laws against the users to keep those profitable prisons full. The owners of the supplier companies in Mexico realize they are sharing their profits with the government which really serves no purpose but protection. In a brilliant business move the suppliers eliminate the government middleman which will lead to an increase in profits. This a win win for both entities and their shareholders.
11
Ending the demand for drugs in the US would end the production in Mexico and Columbia. Period. Nancy Reagan was right – “just say no.” And she said it with a straight face … but the drug lords have been laughing all the way to the bank. They never tried to sell their products using fake advertising and ubiquitous promotions as most corporations do lavishly with their legitimate products. Drug lords call their product ‘dope.’ They know once a customer becomes addicted, they can’t ‘just say no.’ Yet, the drug dealers do say no. Probably most of them tried drugs, even used them, but drugs never become an overpowering addiction because the business of dealing drugs is paramount in their lives and their key to success.
The way to end the seemingly intractable drug problem is to do exactly what the drug lords do – never let a drug habit ruin your business. Everyday citizens in the US wouldn’t waste their time getting high if they realized how critical the business of government really is that 33-year-old Gisela Mota, the first female mayor of Temixco, an hour from Mexico City, gave her life for.
The challenge is much safer in the US. If only the majority of citizens in the US voted in honest politicians they would be exercising their right to protect the just business of democracy instead of enabling the cartels to corrupt the government in Mexico and make a mockery of the US war on drugs.
The way to end the seemingly intractable drug problem is to do exactly what the drug lords do – never let a drug habit ruin your business. Everyday citizens in the US wouldn’t waste their time getting high if they realized how critical the business of government really is that 33-year-old Gisela Mota, the first female mayor of Temixco, an hour from Mexico City, gave her life for.
The challenge is much safer in the US. If only the majority of citizens in the US voted in honest politicians they would be exercising their right to protect the just business of democracy instead of enabling the cartels to corrupt the government in Mexico and make a mockery of the US war on drugs.
3
We don't have these problems with Canada. Ever wonder why? It's PC to make fun of Canada but not Mexico. People blame the addicts that buy drugs. Yet not everyone feels compelled to sell drugs. Maybe Mexico just has a really bad culture with no ethics and it's just not polite to say so.
13
OR, is it the US, the biggest drug user in the world, "with no ethics?"
10
Temixco is not a sleepy spa town in anyone's mind except the authors. Nor is there anything "new" about what is going on in Mexico with the "gangsters", or caciques. It is a very very old system. It could be the author means "new to you".
There is only one thing that is new , that the system is out of the closet and into the public domain. While I would like to think that means it is the beginning of the end of that system, considering similar systems seem to exist "out of the closet" in most of the world (the Middle East being a good example given the news these days), I fear the reality is the system is growing and will soon be knocking at your door. In fact, if you are buying drugs, then the system has already arrived.
In the "For what it is worth" category, I am hoping Mr. Penn has had the willy scared out of him by the reaction to his meeting with El Chapo, and that he now realizes the danger he has put himself and Ms. del Castillo in...and everyone involved in his clandestine meeting. I hope he uses that fear to promote blood free drugs in the same spirit as blood diamonds were promoted by Leonardo Di Capprio. If his hollywood friends must indulge, at least indulge responsibly.
There is a joke going around Mexico that El Chapo doesn't really exist. That he is a construct of the government to be used as a diversionary tactic. A grim joke at best, but one that shows what Mexicans are thinking about their government.
There is only one thing that is new , that the system is out of the closet and into the public domain. While I would like to think that means it is the beginning of the end of that system, considering similar systems seem to exist "out of the closet" in most of the world (the Middle East being a good example given the news these days), I fear the reality is the system is growing and will soon be knocking at your door. In fact, if you are buying drugs, then the system has already arrived.
In the "For what it is worth" category, I am hoping Mr. Penn has had the willy scared out of him by the reaction to his meeting with El Chapo, and that he now realizes the danger he has put himself and Ms. del Castillo in...and everyone involved in his clandestine meeting. I hope he uses that fear to promote blood free drugs in the same spirit as blood diamonds were promoted by Leonardo Di Capprio. If his hollywood friends must indulge, at least indulge responsibly.
There is a joke going around Mexico that El Chapo doesn't really exist. That he is a construct of the government to be used as a diversionary tactic. A grim joke at best, but one that shows what Mexicans are thinking about their government.
4
Wall Street and corporate interests control the US Congress. In Mexico, the drug cartels control the political establishment. Both steal from the people. Although is the US, Wall Street does not commit murder outright, their tactics may contribute to higher rate of suicides. Of course, in Michigan Gov Snyder is killing people and poisoning them with leaded drinking water to save money. So in summary, although the cartels are more brutal, they have much in common with Wall Street and some members of the US Congress.
12
The problem with Mexico appears to be a problem of little imagination of economic, cultural and political development. On one hand we constantly hear that all that has to with illegal drugs in Mexico is wrong--we have an agreement between some Mexicans (the "good" Mexicans) and "good" Americans who oppose the "bad" Mexicans, drug cartels in Mexico.
But the fact appears to be that "all that is wrong about Mexico" is nothing more than Mexico doing what it can with respect to business, economics under its circumstances--which is to say what alternatives does Mexico possess culturally, politically, economically that it can oppose to the formation of drug cartels?
People in Mexico obviously must be fed, economic organization must exist, therefore in the absence of clear alternatives to the drug lifestyle cartel leaders are seen as heroes--they are the great business leaders of Mexican society. To oppose drug cartels there must be a Mexican business, economic, cultural plan away from drugs...
Sadly the U.S. itself is not much of a contrast to Mexico. Business in the U.S. is not that pretty: Perhaps the U.S. does not form drug cartels but any number of other ways exist to make a profit regardless of whether such is beneficial to society--and it is the U.S. which is a psychological disaster and market for Mexican drug cartels in the first place.
Mexico has "drug cartel" as national economic model; its market, the U.S., is consumer/addict psychological disaster nation.
But the fact appears to be that "all that is wrong about Mexico" is nothing more than Mexico doing what it can with respect to business, economics under its circumstances--which is to say what alternatives does Mexico possess culturally, politically, economically that it can oppose to the formation of drug cartels?
People in Mexico obviously must be fed, economic organization must exist, therefore in the absence of clear alternatives to the drug lifestyle cartel leaders are seen as heroes--they are the great business leaders of Mexican society. To oppose drug cartels there must be a Mexican business, economic, cultural plan away from drugs...
Sadly the U.S. itself is not much of a contrast to Mexico. Business in the U.S. is not that pretty: Perhaps the U.S. does not form drug cartels but any number of other ways exist to make a profit regardless of whether such is beneficial to society--and it is the U.S. which is a psychological disaster and market for Mexican drug cartels in the first place.
Mexico has "drug cartel" as national economic model; its market, the U.S., is consumer/addict psychological disaster nation.
3
"The most obvious response is to build an effective justice system to crack down on sicarios. Police reform, including incorporating Mexico’s city-level officers into unified state forces, a step that Ms. Mota had supported, could help confront cartels."
Please, this is Mexico we're talking about.
Isn't it time we recognized that corruption and violence are deeply embedded in Mexican culture and that significant parts of what we call "Mexico" are utterly and hopelessly lawless?
The "most obvious response" is none of the above: it's to attack the problem at it source, the demand that comes from the United States of America.
The war on drugs has obviously failed. Decency and justice demands that we legalize drugs in the US and treat the fallout as a public health problem. Or do we want to see Mexicans continuing to slaughter each other?
Please, this is Mexico we're talking about.
Isn't it time we recognized that corruption and violence are deeply embedded in Mexican culture and that significant parts of what we call "Mexico" are utterly and hopelessly lawless?
The "most obvious response" is none of the above: it's to attack the problem at it source, the demand that comes from the United States of America.
The war on drugs has obviously failed. Decency and justice demands that we legalize drugs in the US and treat the fallout as a public health problem. Or do we want to see Mexicans continuing to slaughter each other?
9
POGO revived: "We have met the enemy and he is us"
The money comes from the US - from drug demand, from the cracked "War on Drugs" which appears to have the effect of channeling - shoveling - more money and arms into the wrong hands ( the wrong hands often being some Mexican police and government). Where there is a lot of money, most of it secret, there is corruption. Here. There.
The US should:
Rationalize its own drug policies and all attendant legislation: how about trying for controls and service that are evidence based? Control, not prohibition. Prohibition never works; it increases price, strengthens the black market; creates powerful mobsters - or cartel leaders.
Enhance our dialogue with Mexico - if it wants assistance - on reforms there which make sense. Otherwise, We are supporting either legal oligarchs or those who aspire to outlaw oligarchy. God help the law abiding.
This "War" seems to have been turned over to those - in the US - who are enamored of a paramilitary approach to the problem. They are supposed to be a tool; they are now akin to a robot that has taken over the control of policy. Unfortunately, the bloodier things get in Mexico; the more a military approach will be pressed. The cycle has to be broken.
This is another one of those areas where - as in domestic drug enforcement - when something doesn't work - the government does more of it. Beating the dead horse.
Excellent reporting, with context.
The money comes from the US - from drug demand, from the cracked "War on Drugs" which appears to have the effect of channeling - shoveling - more money and arms into the wrong hands ( the wrong hands often being some Mexican police and government). Where there is a lot of money, most of it secret, there is corruption. Here. There.
The US should:
Rationalize its own drug policies and all attendant legislation: how about trying for controls and service that are evidence based? Control, not prohibition. Prohibition never works; it increases price, strengthens the black market; creates powerful mobsters - or cartel leaders.
Enhance our dialogue with Mexico - if it wants assistance - on reforms there which make sense. Otherwise, We are supporting either legal oligarchs or those who aspire to outlaw oligarchy. God help the law abiding.
This "War" seems to have been turned over to those - in the US - who are enamored of a paramilitary approach to the problem. They are supposed to be a tool; they are now akin to a robot that has taken over the control of policy. Unfortunately, the bloodier things get in Mexico; the more a military approach will be pressed. The cycle has to be broken.
This is another one of those areas where - as in domestic drug enforcement - when something doesn't work - the government does more of it. Beating the dead horse.
Excellent reporting, with context.
3
America you are reaping what you have sown. Everything about you is being exposed in the light and it's not a pretty picture. Mexico is just another of the many countries you have destroyed with your vampire like addiction to drugs, war and greed.
6
It seems to me the real gangsters have been holding the highest office in Mexico, as they did in Central and South America, for generations; and the inequality they created has resulted in this chaos. Another few years of spiraling inequality and America will be right their with Mexico, we already are in the inner cities in case anyone cares, are you listening Rahm?
5
Yet another example of the massive failure of the "war on drugs". How many more lives will be lost or ruined by our hard headed stupidity? Shut down the DEA now! Treat addicts as patients not criminals. Stop drug ads and put serious controls on the production and distribution of pain killers. Try smart policies rather than sound bites.
9
A society cannot function without the rule of law. I don't think anyone can reasonably claim that law and order exist today in Mexico. A beautiful country with warm and hospitable people, I would love to explore Mexico if only I felt safe doing so. I remember during my visit to Mexico City being told by the concierge at our nice hotel that we wanted to experience the subway. He advised that it wasn't really safe and when I mentioned that surely there must be police patrolling he said "the last thing you want is to seek help from the police, they're the worst of all." I was saddened and startled that a local would feel that way about his own city. I don't know how long it will take before Mexico is able to regain control of it's streets and towns and cities from the hands of criminals. Until then, Mexicans must make the best of what is without doubt a very unfortunate and destructive way of life.
2
One tactic is to blame Shawn Penn for the obvious embarrassment of losing a major drug lord from prison and failing to recapture him. Whom we can't fool, we distract.
Mexican drug cartels are not the cause of this savagery. American dope fiends have produced this hell on earth. Why those dope fiends are treated as victims rather than as wanton criminals is beyond me. If Guzman can be extradicted to the U.S. for trial, why can't American drug abusers be sent to Mexico for trial?
1
Human nature, Mexican or American, Mexican scene now, before too many more years, U.S.A. scenario.
From our side of the border, we should consider that making drugs illegal is working about as well as Prohibition. Making mind-altering drugs illegal creates a petrie dish for the bacteria of organized crime.
4
Ahh! So now the cartels and gangs are reverting back to the old "protection racket" and outright extortion. Its amazing how history keeps repeating itself.
3
So the writer then shares a worldview with Mr. Putin: order at all costs, even if criminal, is the most preferable societal outcome. At least with the criminals in charge, there won't be any democratic obstacles to ensuring (relative) peace and quiet.
I have watched the "drug wars" ruin Mexico, still such a rich and beautiful country, over my lifetime and the one thing Americans do not understand is that this kind of systemic corruption and violence will not, does not stop at the border. It is headed north and it will ruin us just as surely. I think it is the biggest threat to our own country.
4
Perhaps Donald Trump has a plan to not only build a wall but end the corruption and gangs in Mexico and ending the gangs and corruption we see with most of our southern neighbors where great inequality is the rule of law that seems to have invaded our own nation.
Bernie Sanders at 74 may not be up for such a giant of a problem. Donald Trump if elected our president may need a great deal pf protection to stop ISIS like gangs to our south
Bernie Sanders at 74 may not be up for such a giant of a problem. Donald Trump if elected our president may need a great deal pf protection to stop ISIS like gangs to our south
If it were not for our consumption here in the U.S. and our schizophrenic, radical opposition to our own appetites, Mexico and almost all of South and Central America would not have this horrible set of problems.
Our irrational drug war against ourselves has destabilized much of the world, causing pointless suffering such as here described but keeping the prices high. That is what it's all about anyway. Legalize all of it now. Put an end to this super-lucrative business, and invest the savings in treatment programs.
Our irrational drug war against ourselves has destabilized much of the world, causing pointless suffering such as here described but keeping the prices high. That is what it's all about anyway. Legalize all of it now. Put an end to this super-lucrative business, and invest the savings in treatment programs.
4
There are lots of comments advocating the legalization of drugs. We tried this with OxyContin, a first cousin to heroin distributed widely in the past couple of decades. As attested to in another of today's leading stories, it led to a sharp spike in overdoses and suicides. Opioid addiction is a scourge no one would wish on a nation, but that's what legalizing heroin would mean.
2
Organized crime is better than disorganized crime, and weak governments leave a power vacuum that strong individuals will occupy. In Mexico there is an enormous inequality in the distribution of wealth and a weak poorly funded government. The current situation is the predictable result of these conditions. The actions that can actually be taken by the Mexican government in conjunction of the American government are ineffectual. Ultimately the cartels will take over , create a strong government of sorts and the bloodshed, if not the tyranny, will end.
1
Oh what a tangled web we leave. These Mexican Drug Gangs exist because of the market for illegal drugs in the USA. The America Drug War has removed leaders who were somewhat human and were replaced by more violent. Prohibition of Alcohol was a disaster. Prohibition of drugs is multiple country disaster. Is it any wonder that countries in Central America and South America dislike our nation? We must change and stop the drug war.
3
As pointed out by Charles in Clifton, NJ, sanctioning the production and marketing of these drugs would have a major effect in removing the incentive and profitability for bribes, violence and corruption. The money saved from ending the war on drugs could be used for education and drug treatment programs. Putting the police under the authority of a Central Command and going after the sicarios would further reduce incentives for extortion and murder. Finally, if it's not being done already, the government, religious schools and non-profits should co-sponsor an active program of teaching school children the societal and political consequences of bribery and extortion. in America, the environmental movement is finally gaining steam and making serious gains not because the science got better, but because the politics of persuasion (propaganda, if you like) finally caught up to science as school children taught an environmental ethic grew into adulthood. The same sort of phenomena can work in Mexico to raise expectations of good government and break societal tolerance for a culture of bribery, exportion and murder.
5
Sorry, but this post shows the writer knows zilch about Mexico. The cancer of a corrupt justice system can never be cured by attacking the drug demand or trade.
1
Supply and demand. Take away an established leader and watch the young and violent underlings compete for the empire. Say what you will about Chapo, he used primarily payoffs (silver) to get where he got. The new breed is using bullets and fear.
3
Here's an impossible suggestion: Annex Mexico as an American territory. Three things would happen:
1. The immigration problem would immediately disappear.
2. All the cartels would be retroactively subject to US law.
3. Eventually, just as Germany has brought the former East Germany up to economic speed, Mexico will become a prosperous nation, the new Deep South.
1. The immigration problem would immediately disappear.
2. All the cartels would be retroactively subject to US law.
3. Eventually, just as Germany has brought the former East Germany up to economic speed, Mexico will become a prosperous nation, the new Deep South.
6
We'd have a smaller wall to build also.
2
Um, would the Mexicans get a say in this? Do you realize this has been tried? We should annex Iraq first.
1
Mexico is a gangster state run by the super rich. But, as it's oligarchs are allied to America's anti-left policy in the hemisphere, it will be allowed to continue as a hell hole for its people. Whereas countries like Venezuela and Cuba enjoy 'enemy' status for having the temerity to defy American big business interests in favour of socialist projects. Washington's usual double standard at work in its foreign policy construct, long based on favoritism and regime change ambitions.
4
The cartels still make a lot of money on drugs, but are now preparing for the legalizations of the future. Like the mob before them they will not disappear automatically when their main source of income dries up, they will diversify, into human trafficking, extortion and kidnapping, and things will get worse. However, few trades are as lucrative and relatively easy as the drug trade, so over decades they will lose revenue and weaken.
The future of drug decriminalization: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/06/05/why-hardly-anyone...
The future of drug decriminalization: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/06/05/why-hardly-anyone...
3
We have treated Mexico badly since the 1840's. If you buy or use illegal drugs you are responsible for the killing of innocent men, women and children. That said, the U.S. needs to make drugs legal and use all the tax proceeds to help addicts.
2
The cartel situation in Mexico just keeps deteriorating.
I traveled to Taxco, Guerrero a few months ago, the first time I had been back there in nearly ten years. Taxco, once a thriving silver mining town and an important center of export, is a shadow of its former self. When the narco violence started to spiral out of control, silver importers stopped going to Taxco. As demand dropped, talented silversmiths who once worked in the industry were forced to change careers to survive. One of the most gifted silversmiths I've ever known, a college-educated Mexican whom I will call Rafael, sought a new career and landed a job working at a nearby university. He works in the Office of the Registrar where he and his co-workers are routinely harassed by the narcos via anonymous text messages. With access to the personal information of thousands of university students, Rafael and his co-workers are forced to share detailed information of hundreds of university students ~ their names, addresses and financial information. If Rafael or his associates refuse, they and their families are threatened with retribution. It is also not uncommon for the narcos to threaten the Registrar's Office to "improve" their children's grades on their official transcripts. A sense of fear pervades this office.
Every level of Mexican society is imprisoned by the outsized influence and corruption of the cartels. I grieve for Rafael as I grieve for Mexico.
I traveled to Taxco, Guerrero a few months ago, the first time I had been back there in nearly ten years. Taxco, once a thriving silver mining town and an important center of export, is a shadow of its former self. When the narco violence started to spiral out of control, silver importers stopped going to Taxco. As demand dropped, talented silversmiths who once worked in the industry were forced to change careers to survive. One of the most gifted silversmiths I've ever known, a college-educated Mexican whom I will call Rafael, sought a new career and landed a job working at a nearby university. He works in the Office of the Registrar where he and his co-workers are routinely harassed by the narcos via anonymous text messages. With access to the personal information of thousands of university students, Rafael and his co-workers are forced to share detailed information of hundreds of university students ~ their names, addresses and financial information. If Rafael or his associates refuse, they and their families are threatened with retribution. It is also not uncommon for the narcos to threaten the Registrar's Office to "improve" their children's grades on their official transcripts. A sense of fear pervades this office.
Every level of Mexican society is imprisoned by the outsized influence and corruption of the cartels. I grieve for Rafael as I grieve for Mexico.
11
A country where the justice system and courts are a cell pool of corruption and where the politicians love impunity so they can rob from the public till simply has no future. End of story.
2
These murders are a direct result of the evil, hypocritical, insane drug prohibition policy of the federal government, which immorally exempts the two most deadly and dangerous of all drugs, tobacco & alcohol (schedule I & II controlled substances by definition in the CSA [21 U.S.C. s 812]), while, at the same time, falsely and wrongly classifying the safest of all drugs, cannabis, as one of the most deadly drugs.
Either: tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and cannabis must be classified as the schedule I, II, V, and V(not I, II, III, or IV) drugs they are, respectively; or, the CSA must be repealed and the DEA abolished.
Either: tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and cannabis must be classified as the schedule I, II, V, and V(not I, II, III, or IV) drugs they are, respectively; or, the CSA must be repealed and the DEA abolished.
8
So, Mexico is imitating Chicago, New York, Detroit and other Democrat strongholds. Yes, I can see how that would destroy the country.
8
As opposed to the Republican wastelands of methamphetamine labs?
3
Yeah, Steve, with guns bought from the US in Republican controlled states like Texas. You are feeding the cartels weapons.
3
The tactic of the cartels to control local governments appears a little like the tactic of ISIS. Local government is a vulnerable point at which to consolidate power.
One of the big issues that overhangs all of this is the American drug consumer. So long as there is a big market here, it only encourages drug suppliers. DEA's job is made nearly impossible by the commercial value of these drugs.
This is a very revealing report by Ioan Grillo, but a depressing one. One gets the feeling that there will be no resolution to the cartels' activities. It's almost like there will always be a shadow governmental system in Mexico that revolves around the corrupt drug market.
One solution is that Mexico could just produce and market these drugs, but under sanction. It sounds bad, but look what the world has now: If one thinks that Americans are going to stop using drugs if we eliminate the cartels, then they are severely misguided. Thus, legalizing this activity will not lead to significantly more drug usage by Americans. It's here to stay anyway.
The sanctioning of production could greatly reduce violence and restore stability to local governments. One could imagine visiting these towns with no fear of harm.
Yes, it sounds vile to allow an addictive drug industry to exist, but we have no way of eliminating it now, or, probably, ever. Mexico is helpless in containing the influence of its drug cartels. As Ioan Grillo writes, it's been going on for a long time.
One of the big issues that overhangs all of this is the American drug consumer. So long as there is a big market here, it only encourages drug suppliers. DEA's job is made nearly impossible by the commercial value of these drugs.
This is a very revealing report by Ioan Grillo, but a depressing one. One gets the feeling that there will be no resolution to the cartels' activities. It's almost like there will always be a shadow governmental system in Mexico that revolves around the corrupt drug market.
One solution is that Mexico could just produce and market these drugs, but under sanction. It sounds bad, but look what the world has now: If one thinks that Americans are going to stop using drugs if we eliminate the cartels, then they are severely misguided. Thus, legalizing this activity will not lead to significantly more drug usage by Americans. It's here to stay anyway.
The sanctioning of production could greatly reduce violence and restore stability to local governments. One could imagine visiting these towns with no fear of harm.
Yes, it sounds vile to allow an addictive drug industry to exist, but we have no way of eliminating it now, or, probably, ever. Mexico is helpless in containing the influence of its drug cartels. As Ioan Grillo writes, it's been going on for a long time.
19
Charles, you say:"Yes, it sounds vile to allow an addictive drug industry to exist".
Were you referring to the tobacco, alcohol, and coffee drug industries?
Were you referring to the tobacco, alcohol, and coffee drug industries?
3
Good comment, but legalization of drugs is not the solution, as this story shows. As illicit drug funds dry up the industry turns to other forms of extortion, each time with increasing violence. This trend is not unique to Mexico. There is a well developed infrastructure worldwide that includes groups like IS and all such terrorist groups. That they exist at all is a direct result of corruption in government and a failure of rule of law that has been going on for so long these groups have been able to grow to the point they have become a real threat to world security. Lack of legitimate economic opportunity and the lack of a living wage is the root cause for the growth of these groups. No, the solution is not legalization of drugs, although that wouldn't hurt too much any more. The solution is the elimination of corruption and strengthening rule of law coupled with investing in economic opportunity that pays a living wage - everywhere and for everyone.
"Local government is a vulnerable point at which to consolidate power" -- particularly when you can't win majorities at the national level.
More casualties in the War On Drugs, or as Kurt Vonnegut may have said, "so it goes." End this senseless war now!
18
In my previous letter I stated "Legalizing crime" which should have read "Legalizing drugs"
6
A novel idea. Decriminalize drugs in the United States and dry up their most lucrative market. Cigarettes and alcohol are harmful to humans, yet are legal, and taxed. Billions of dollars spent in the unending, and completely useless "War on Drugs" could be better directed towards rehabilitation of those wishing to end their drug use, with plenty of tax dollars left over to cure all the infrastructure problems in this country, and remove the sources of revunue from gangsters across the world.
Perhaps the gangs in Mexico are smarter than our officials here in the USA, as they are branching out from the drug trade as this article points out. They may see the handwriting on the wall.!!
Perhaps the gangs in Mexico are smarter than our officials here in the USA, as they are branching out from the drug trade as this article points out. They may see the handwriting on the wall.!!
38
Prohibition does not work yet the US continues to invest(and waste) untold financial and human resources into the meaningless "War on Drugs." Put the criminals out of business by legalizing all of it. Tax it and give people the right to harm themselves just as some do in patterns of smoking and drinking that are addictive. Prohibition does not work and encourages a criminal class.
3
Perhaps they are partners with our officials. What a concept huh. You think Dennis Hastert doesn't accept dirty money? You think he might be the only one?
1
>
America's $25-billion/yr Drug policy is destroying Mexico. The only real winners are the DEA agents with big salaries and pensions; the Cartel heads always end up dead or in prison.
We'll soon have troops deployed there. America always likes to have one or two potential wars on the back burner, just in case the ongoing one goes cold.
As El Chapo said in his interview with Penn: should I not exist tomorrow nothing will change. This uneducated man understands the situation better than our Ivy League trained policy wonks.
Everyone knows what do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is called.
America's $25-billion/yr Drug policy is destroying Mexico. The only real winners are the DEA agents with big salaries and pensions; the Cartel heads always end up dead or in prison.
We'll soon have troops deployed there. America always likes to have one or two potential wars on the back burner, just in case the ongoing one goes cold.
As El Chapo said in his interview with Penn: should I not exist tomorrow nothing will change. This uneducated man understands the situation better than our Ivy League trained policy wonks.
Everyone knows what do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is called.
28
Don't give up on Mexico, at least Los Cabos on the tip of Baja California. It is a very nice place to vacation and not overrun by drug cartels. What a difference the Sea of Cortez and Baja's northern deserts make. It's Mexico but not really Mexico, if you know what I mean.
1
Happy you've found a comfortable vacation spot but this article deals with the human toll of the drug cartels' control of Mexico local politics.
22
Mexico that IS really Mexico is wonderful. Mexicans are warmer and more interconnected than Americans. The culture is full of spirit. There are many natural wonders, ruins and an abundance of museums. I spend a great deal of time in Mexico and have never had the slightest problems. People are always helpful. I can't count the times I've been a bit turned around and someone insisted on walking with me to make sure I got where I was going. Los Cabos and Cancun, etc. are simply enclaves for foreigners. Not at all appealing.
One more thing: Your "Mexico but not really Mexico" comment is subtly racist. I'm sure my Mexican friends would agree. Hopefully this isn't your conscious intention but the fact remains that your words convey something quite negative and unwarranted.
One more thing: Your "Mexico but not really Mexico" comment is subtly racist. I'm sure my Mexican friends would agree. Hopefully this isn't your conscious intention but the fact remains that your words convey something quite negative and unwarranted.
1
As a long-term resident of Mexico, I have often cynically joked that the only solution at this point is to outsource the Mexican government, police, and judiciary system to some country of happy people with no financial interest in how things turn out...say, Norway. Make it 30 or 50 years and then hand it back over once a proper culture of law is established. Or maybe we could make it the law that all politicians must take a vow of (relative) poverty for life, and must send their kids to public schools, so that public service doesn't attract so many people just looking to get rich?
Mexico's own culture of corruption seems to have gotten them permanently stuck, because now even if a politician WANTS to be straight and good, s/he likely won't be allowed to: if bribing doesn't work, any gang member can say "okay, how about instead, you do what I say or I'll put bullets in every member of your family?". A completely inadequate and ineffective judiciary system allowed this type of thing to develop in the first place, and now we're all just kind of stuck in that original rot. How do we get out? Colombia's better...how did they do it?
Mexico's own culture of corruption seems to have gotten them permanently stuck, because now even if a politician WANTS to be straight and good, s/he likely won't be allowed to: if bribing doesn't work, any gang member can say "okay, how about instead, you do what I say or I'll put bullets in every member of your family?". A completely inadequate and ineffective judiciary system allowed this type of thing to develop in the first place, and now we're all just kind of stuck in that original rot. How do we get out? Colombia's better...how did they do it?
14
Where is the morality in an internation company aiming to keep "good relations" with drug cartels?
7
The morality you are looking for doesn't exist,......
6
The U.S. has learned next to nothing from the Prohibition debacle.
Incredible.
Incredible.
36
Grillo's got it wrong from the get go. Temixco is largely a low rent bedroom district of metro Cuernavaca. Hardly sleepy, it's a grim, unsafe place to live.
2
When things become this out of hand there is truly only one solution. You kill a local politician or law enforcement officer you're sentenced to death. These people are animals who escalate their terror to the most sadistic and savage levels imaginable. We take out ISIS leaders with drones. Now the Mexican authorities have to take their trash out.
3
i haven't seen or heard a peep from the Catholic church on this, nor have i seen or heard any local priests, bishops or cardinals condemn these gangsters or excommunicate them. I wonder why?
14
Because they don't want to get killed?
6
The Catholic church is probably involved
3
We should ask: What are the roots of the culture of corruption here? Is it something about latitude, being south of the Rio Grande? Is it something about heritage, being descendants of the Aztecs and Mayans and Spaniards? Is it something about religion, being Catholic? On the one hand, we're supposed to believe the corruption of Mexico comes from the drug trade; on the other, we're told that it far predates that trade. Is it peculiarly the business of drugs, or would any business that furnished similar levels of capital lead to similar displays of corruption?
The experience of the US during prohibition doesn't resolve the puzzle? Was it essentially the alcohol trade, and was it pure coincidence that so many of the organized traders were Irish and Italian Catholics? Would legalizing the drug trade in Mexico lead in a generation to a president who was son of a prominent former illegal trader becoming a great president - their own Kennedy?
The experience of the US during prohibition doesn't resolve the puzzle? Was it essentially the alcohol trade, and was it pure coincidence that so many of the organized traders were Irish and Italian Catholics? Would legalizing the drug trade in Mexico lead in a generation to a president who was son of a prominent former illegal trader becoming a great president - their own Kennedy?
1
To describe Temixco as "a sleepy spa town" and the opening picture of some undeveloped dirt road is an offensive stereotype of Mexico. Temixco is essentially a suburb of Cuernavaca, the state's capital. The city serves the region with a national airport, is directly on the Mexico City-Acapulco highway and tollway, has many modern businesses (my personal fav being the Little Caesars). Maybe 40 years ago it was merely a sleepy spa town as expats and the wealthy from Cuernavaca came to visit its natural thermal spas but articles advancing this stereotype of Mexico's backwardness are shameful.
9
Mexico seems hopelessly and irretrievably corrupt & dangerous. I had thought that perhaps eventually the Mexicans would have the sense to legalize drugs, cutting into the profits of the cartels. But what this article is saying is that at this point, it wouldn't make a difference, because the cartels are shaking down governments directly & even taking them over.
9
Right, it is too late for that. And before it was too late, the US strong-armed the rest of the world into adopting its puritanical drug policy. This problem is to a very large extent made in the US, and kept in place by the US. They aim for kingpins not because they don't understand, but because a lot of people have an interest in keeping the status quo, and they know very well that kingpin removal will not disturb it.
4
It doesn't matter if drugs are legal in Mexico. The gangs would still have incredible wealth because of the high prices in the US. And because we will sell guns to anyone, they also have as many guns as they need. And because we subsidize our corn crop, we have destroyed the Mexican farming system, creating a massive body of poor hungry ex-farmers. And then we hate them for coming here looking for work and safety. Which we destroyed.
1
I'm baffled by some of the commenters' calls for arming peaceful Mexican citizens so they can fight and "take back" their country. The last thing that the United States needs is to incite this level of insurgency in Mexico. At the moment Americans can barely swallow the idea of allowing Syrian refugees in the country; just imagine the refugee problems you'd have if the violence and corruption in Mexico became an all-out civil war.
13
People have this loony idea that they way to fight illegal guns is more legal guns. That's a huge debate in he United States. Scary!
1
I've been to Mexico often and spent many months there. The corruption of the government, the armed forces and the gangs and cartels is beyond the comprehension of Americans. There is no justice system. There are no laws that can be enforced. The citizens of Mexico are almost totally disarmed. Anti-gunners will strongly think being armed is nuts and will add to the problem but, the people have no way to defend themselves. None. In rural areas where there is no law enforcement the gangs, cartels and corrupt officials rule with an iron hand. Education in Mexico is limited. Jobs are few. Opportunity is a fantasy. When a government official is elected he/she is given one opportunity to get along with the local gang or other corrupt officials. Those that don't are killed. No questions asked. Ever. The body count in Mexico is greater than we know. As long as the corruption, and drug lords continue to exist Mexico will remain a grave yard.
The only thing we can do is maintain a very secure border and cooperate with those that are not corrupt when we can assure that is the case.
One last mention though about strict gun control. It only benefits the criminals. No one else can defend themselves. No one. If the general population was armed yes, there might be an insurrection. Even a full blown civil war. But maybe the good and decent people of Mexico would have a chance to prevail. Right now they have no chance. Criminals, gang lords and corrupt government love strict gun control.
The only thing we can do is maintain a very secure border and cooperate with those that are not corrupt when we can assure that is the case.
One last mention though about strict gun control. It only benefits the criminals. No one else can defend themselves. No one. If the general population was armed yes, there might be an insurrection. Even a full blown civil war. But maybe the good and decent people of Mexico would have a chance to prevail. Right now they have no chance. Criminals, gang lords and corrupt government love strict gun control.
39
yet, that country is part of NAFTA. Are we trading with a narco-terrorist government? How about boycotting them like we have with IRAN? Bribes to American officials i bet.
4
Jay, you assert: "The only thing we can do is maintain a very secure border and cooperate with those that are not corrupt when we can assure that is the case."
Have you considered that drug prohibition is the cause of all the crime and violence? Have you considered that ending drug prohibition will result in an end to the crime and violence?
Have you considered that drug prohibition is the cause of all the crime and violence? Have you considered that ending drug prohibition will result in an end to the crime and violence?
2
There's a very different case to be made for tighter gun control/safety measures here in the US than than in Mexico. Our gun problem is fueled by our massive, almost pathological paranoia both of random criminals attacking us at any moment, and of the government somehow coming to "take all our guns." In Mexico, the threat seems far more legitimate. And there have been local militias who have banded together to fight the cartels (with the Mexican government's permission).
I'm surprised the New York Times published that paragraph starting "In September 2014, the Iguala police and sicarios reputed to work..." The way that paragraph is written, it could be a press release from Enrique Pena Nieto's administration. That's the official story of how those students were killed, minus the part about their bodies being incinerated. What about the questions about the army's possible? What about the controversy about investigators not being allowed to interview army soldiers? The New York Times just ran an editorial blasting EPN and saying his administration had lost credibility because of the Iguala tragedy, and then they publish a story giving the official version of events. Really surprised.
7
IS EPN a branch of some drug cartel? Wasn't one of their country's past president supposedly on a cartel's payroll?
1
Stop the insane War on Drugs.
11
too late- even if all drugs are legalized, the cartels will move in buy out any drug manufacturer(s) and become "legit". Any legitimate , legal drug selling past us by over 30 years ago.
2
Somehow, that did not happen when we ended alcohol prohibition.
1
These killings have been going on since 1970s but at that time it was the Mexican government doing the murders. The bad guys here are not only the Drug cartels, gangs but the government as well. The US wants to do business with these people. I doubt American companies can have agreements with corrupted officials and murderers. There will arrive a point where enough is enough. The real question for the US will it allow Mexico to finally have a Socialistic government? The violence will continue and the US cannot stop it unless it takes it over. Oh, that might be what the future brings. The lawlessness is not only in small towns but in the major cities. This will spread will past the border. It's a powder keg waiting to go off. Yet, no US leader has any solution because they don't believe they will ever become an Army. Well, I think they should look again, they have an Army it's called the Mexican Army, Drug Cartels gangs and the Federales. The Mafia did not take over our government does not mean they don't corrupt our officials. Our laws still keep them in check. We need to acknowledge the horrible violence that is turning young people in Mexico into criminals but more importantly into believing that they have no future.
3
Mexico is a sovereign country, and not a banana republic. It isn't up to the US to decide anything about Mexico's governance. While we are about it perhaps we should acknowledge the horrible violence our propensity for interfering with the affairs of many states has visited on their populations.
10
Every American who takes drugs is complicit in this, period. Treat addiction, of course, but stop glamorizing drug use at Mexico's expense.
30
True, it is the demand for drugs that supports the cartels. Education, from primary school to university to stop demand is the only solution.
2
James - that is ridiculous. Most of the cocaine users are "educated" people. Only they could afford it. Much of the heroin epidemic going on in the U.S. right now are in "nice" suburbs with no lack of quality education.
OpviousBoy, Americans who "take" tobacco and alcohol are not complicit in the crime and violence engendered by drug prohibition, because these two most deadly and dangerous of all drugs are exempt from all drug laws (OTC, Rx, CSA), and are therefore, "legal".
If drugs less harmful when used than tobacco or alcohol, were also exempt from all drug laws, there would be the same level of crime and violence in the trafficking of those drugs as the level of crime and violence there currently is with the trafficking in tobacco and alcohol.
If drugs less harmful when used than tobacco or alcohol, were also exempt from all drug laws, there would be the same level of crime and violence in the trafficking of those drugs as the level of crime and violence there currently is with the trafficking in tobacco and alcohol.
1
Make all drugs legal as they should be and this will go away along with drug related crime in the US.
13
C.C. Kegel,Ph.D. - "...this will go away along with drug related crime in the US."
How will legalizing all drugs stop drug related crime in the U.S.? Will all drugs be distributed by the government free? Will there be an entitlement program created for drug addicts so they won't have to pay for their drugs? Do you really think the cartels will allow the government or private industry to undercut their sales?
How will legalizing all drugs stop drug related crime in the U.S.? Will all drugs be distributed by the government free? Will there be an entitlement program created for drug addicts so they won't have to pay for their drugs? Do you really think the cartels will allow the government or private industry to undercut their sales?
2
You think that people who cut other peoples' heads off - on camera - will settle down and sell used cars?
It's already common knowledge (widely and credibly reported) that the cartels have branched out into a variety of non-drug-related criminal enterprises, including kidnapping and smuggling (according to the Times, cartels have taken over entire Mexican ports). In fact...bought limes lately?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2014/05/20/how-does-a...
Head in the sand helps no one.
It's already common knowledge (widely and credibly reported) that the cartels have branched out into a variety of non-drug-related criminal enterprises, including kidnapping and smuggling (according to the Times, cartels have taken over entire Mexican ports). In fact...bought limes lately?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2014/05/20/how-does-a...
Head in the sand helps no one.
5
What happened to all the prohibition gangsters?
2
So then, precisely why do we need more people from these hyper violent, might makes right, war of all against all, infinitely corrupt societies flooding into the United States across our southern border? Oh, that's right because Obama's CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE rhetoric asserts that this is inevitable in world in which many other nations sufficiently protect their borders. Well the corruption degradation of society is really necessary or inevitable because our bought off political class believe that our few percent business owner nobility deserves an endless supply of slave labor. Any of the predictable collateral damages of the impossibility of "assimilating" a flood of illiterate immigrants are supposed to be borne by the rest of us uppity 99% common citizens so our leaders can continue on their glorious crusade for an open borders world in which there are no moral or legal controls on them.
7
Your first sentence sounds like how this land was "settled" from the Natives - with a mix of Monroe Doctrine. So explain how "we" are any better?
1
Andre - So explain how "we" are any better?
Because we are here now and it is ours. We also have laws that allow millions of legal immigrants to enter and stay here. Those who violate those laws are law breakers and we should not reward law breakers. Also this is the 21st Century and the age of discovery and colonization is over.
Because we are here now and it is ours. We also have laws that allow millions of legal immigrants to enter and stay here. Those who violate those laws are law breakers and we should not reward law breakers. Also this is the 21st Century and the age of discovery and colonization is over.
5
Because those are the people who don't want to live under those conditions and see a better life available across the border if willing to work.
Even what you (who I'm sure makes over 100K a year) consider "slave labor" might appear better to someone who has nothing to eat.
Even what you (who I'm sure makes over 100K a year) consider "slave labor" might appear better to someone who has nothing to eat.
1
Sean Penn says El Chapo is a "Robin Hood", in other words, a hero taking from the rich, giving to the poor. Sean Penn hails this murderous thug as a hero to the poor. Al Capone also gave to the poor. I suppose he is also a hero to Sean Penn!
6
As a teenager, at Christmas I visited Mexico City (and other locales) and enjoyed my week there. But I wouldn't set foot in Mexico nowadays, because it is a dangerous place run by drug cartels and gangsters and murderers. If I were Mexican, I would try to cross the border to USA every single day or night to escape this barbaric culture. I add that if Americans provided no market for illegal drugs, Mexican drug dealers would not exist; therefore, I hold American drug-users as complicit in the Mexican situation.
5
I have lived in Mexico, in Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca, for the last 11 years and I feel very comfortable inviting my U.S. family and friends to visit me here. Oaxaca is not al all like Guerrero or Morelos. This is not to say that it doesn't suffer from corruption or that there aren't narcos, just that the state has thus far been spared the narco wars that exist in other areas. Mexico is a very big country and very welcoming of tourists. My advice to visitors is to not stray from the tourist zones.
1
the war on drugs has been an ugly fiasco. it has been going on ad infinitum without accomplishments. legalizing pot is a step in the right direction. legalizing the whole shooting match would be a quantum leap forward. power and profit is what fuels drug cartels. removeing those incentives by making drugs legal would evicerate these ruthless drug mobs.
fifty years ago before my Army unit went on Christmas vacation, we were crammed into the base theater to watch some grisly videos taken by the Ohio state highway patrol. bloody victims trapped in their cars were screaming and pleading for help as the specter of death hovered them. all of them were drunk. the troops got the message.
legalize drugs. then take that enforcement budget and use it to educate our youth about the dangers of dope. there won't be a dime's worth of difference between what we have now and life in a country with legalized drugs. and then slowly things will start to get better and bloody drug cartels will begin to die on the vine.
fifty years ago before my Army unit went on Christmas vacation, we were crammed into the base theater to watch some grisly videos taken by the Ohio state highway patrol. bloody victims trapped in their cars were screaming and pleading for help as the specter of death hovered them. all of them were drunk. the troops got the message.
legalize drugs. then take that enforcement budget and use it to educate our youth about the dangers of dope. there won't be a dime's worth of difference between what we have now and life in a country with legalized drugs. and then slowly things will start to get better and bloody drug cartels will begin to die on the vine.
8
NAFTA has helped undermine both the American and the Mexican economies. It may have also pushed many into the drug trade to make a living.
It eases the transfer of American manufacturing jobs to Mexico. It encourages foreign companies to build plants in Mexico, instead of here. NAFTA has put ordinary Americans out-of-work. (These are among the people who are supporting Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders for being against NAFTA.)
NAFTA doesn’t seem to have been aiding the ordinary Mexican either. This is because the average Mexican adult has no more than a 6th grade education. This may be enough to work in some factories, but not to get a middle class job like working in an American or a European car manufacturing plant. (Even though only a small percentage have the high school diploma needed to get such a job, Mexico has such a huge population that there are enough people to fill these jobs.) But what about the ordinary Mexican?
Most ordinary Mexicans supported themselves by farming. They had many children to do all of the farm chores. And it wasn’t necessary to educate them beyond primary school.
Now NAFTA seems to have upended the agricultural economy. American corn is cheaper than corn grown on small Mexican family farms. How are the large, under-educated Mexican farm families supposed to support themselves?
Drug cartels provide jobs in rural areas. It looks like NAFTA has unintentionally forced many Mexican farmers to work for them.
It eases the transfer of American manufacturing jobs to Mexico. It encourages foreign companies to build plants in Mexico, instead of here. NAFTA has put ordinary Americans out-of-work. (These are among the people who are supporting Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders for being against NAFTA.)
NAFTA doesn’t seem to have been aiding the ordinary Mexican either. This is because the average Mexican adult has no more than a 6th grade education. This may be enough to work in some factories, but not to get a middle class job like working in an American or a European car manufacturing plant. (Even though only a small percentage have the high school diploma needed to get such a job, Mexico has such a huge population that there are enough people to fill these jobs.) But what about the ordinary Mexican?
Most ordinary Mexicans supported themselves by farming. They had many children to do all of the farm chores. And it wasn’t necessary to educate them beyond primary school.
Now NAFTA seems to have upended the agricultural economy. American corn is cheaper than corn grown on small Mexican family farms. How are the large, under-educated Mexican farm families supposed to support themselves?
Drug cartels provide jobs in rural areas. It looks like NAFTA has unintentionally forced many Mexican farmers to work for them.
8
Perhaps oddly, I support ANN's analysis by spotlighting the recently re-arrested drug lord, Guzmán Loera's statement that for him there was, and for most others in Mexico there is no other way to get ahead in the world than to fall into the only viable trade available -- in this case, drugs. When there is no other opening out of poverty, ANY path is not only a beckoning imperative to survive, but a reasonable alternative to misery. Replacing this dead end with an economically viable society is not the complete answer.
As for America, again I support ANN's analysis: that whereas the person who provided shelter or a ride to a bank robber is prosecuted as a material accomplice to the crime (and not everyone else in the country), then either the American smoker, sniffer, injector or imbiber of an illegal drug provided by a small percentage of Mexican society should be prosecuted for US Federal crimes against the State, just as American minions of US law prosecute with prejudice Mexican producers, or both governments must consider the collaborative crime a cancer to both societies, and in cooperation join forces to simultaneously restructure the economy of Mexico and with great determination take control of the problem on both sides of the border. ("¡Con decisión!" in Spanish)
As for America, again I support ANN's analysis: that whereas the person who provided shelter or a ride to a bank robber is prosecuted as a material accomplice to the crime (and not everyone else in the country), then either the American smoker, sniffer, injector or imbiber of an illegal drug provided by a small percentage of Mexican society should be prosecuted for US Federal crimes against the State, just as American minions of US law prosecute with prejudice Mexican producers, or both governments must consider the collaborative crime a cancer to both societies, and in cooperation join forces to simultaneously restructure the economy of Mexico and with great determination take control of the problem on both sides of the border. ("¡Con decisión!" in Spanish)
2
one cartel dictated its desires onto another country- U.S. mega corporations is one giant cartel.
If they want to end the drug war in Mexico , they need to invest in infrastructure and factories to create jobs for the mexican people. Even EL CHAPO said most youths turn to gangs and cartels, because there is no other way to support themselves or their families. If the us would invest less then a small fraction of what we spend on wars on helping mexico, we wouldnt need so much border security because mexicans would want to stay in their own country for work.
24
You're a dreamer.
A gangster does not live long in Mexico - so to some extent this is a self-correcting problem.
More serious are the lack of rule of law and rent-seeking that are inherent in the political structure of the country. The narcos are not that different from the PRI - to succeed they are in fact exploiting the corruption and venality of the system. Unfortunately, the only language they understand - and listen to - is violence. Here we have as good a case for death penalty as anywhere.
More serious are the lack of rule of law and rent-seeking that are inherent in the political structure of the country. The narcos are not that different from the PRI - to succeed they are in fact exploiting the corruption and venality of the system. Unfortunately, the only language they understand - and listen to - is violence. Here we have as good a case for death penalty as anywhere.
1
While Americans are busy obsessing about Muslims, neither political party is talking about the true security threat to the United States, the failed state on our southern border.
32
Mexico needs help it won't ask for. Pride goeth before the fall.
With our dysfunctional laws against people altering their consciousness with substances in effect the ONLY way Mexico and Guatemala can remove the cartels is through "boots on the ground." These two countries would individually need to agree that USA law enforcement personnel can work within their counties in active participation with police and armed forces. If it's a WAR then let's make it effective.
In the past that has been a very dicey question and a tough sell. Mexico especially is VERY touchy on sovereignty issues. So it isn't likely there, but Guatemala may well be more amenable to that kind of collaboration.
This is all so sad for me as I've watched Mexico and it's beautiful people slowly become jaded to violence and numb with fear. As it goes now, in just five years the great land and people I have known for 50 years will have become a mafia controlled country. The entire nation will be subjugated by organized crime and we as Americans created the market that financed its oppressors.
The BEST solution for the times and circumstances is to recognize that drug use in the US continues to be much more of a societal illness that ought to have some considerable protection under the First Amendment. Lately, I've seen it as state of spiritual consciousness matter. If folks want to change their "minds" we must let them. The age of thought police is over. Drug use ought not be a law enforcement concern.
With our dysfunctional laws against people altering their consciousness with substances in effect the ONLY way Mexico and Guatemala can remove the cartels is through "boots on the ground." These two countries would individually need to agree that USA law enforcement personnel can work within their counties in active participation with police and armed forces. If it's a WAR then let's make it effective.
In the past that has been a very dicey question and a tough sell. Mexico especially is VERY touchy on sovereignty issues. So it isn't likely there, but Guatemala may well be more amenable to that kind of collaboration.
This is all so sad for me as I've watched Mexico and it's beautiful people slowly become jaded to violence and numb with fear. As it goes now, in just five years the great land and people I have known for 50 years will have become a mafia controlled country. The entire nation will be subjugated by organized crime and we as Americans created the market that financed its oppressors.
The BEST solution for the times and circumstances is to recognize that drug use in the US continues to be much more of a societal illness that ought to have some considerable protection under the First Amendment. Lately, I've seen it as state of spiritual consciousness matter. If folks want to change their "minds" we must let them. The age of thought police is over. Drug use ought not be a law enforcement concern.
It is extremely sad that Mexico and Mexican politicians spend so much more time and money protecting Mexico's tourist "image" than they do providing its citizens safety, peace and basic human civilization.
3
Tourism is more than an "image", it is a major source of revenue. Besides corruption and narco wars, Mexico's other major problem now is the fall in oil prices, this plus the strong dollar, is what also makes the head lines in the national press and effects all Mexicans.
1
It is amazing that this sick chaos appeals to so many people. Everyone is well aware of the impact of prohibition. So why do people continue to try to replicate it? What is the appeal of the ruined lives and violence?
1
And NYT picks Mexico City as #1 on its list of 52 places to visit in 2016!!!
16
MS. Please understand that the gangs let the tourist centers do their thing. Why would they cut their noses to spite their faces? Remember, too, Many tourists go to Mexico's hot spots specifically to use recreational drugs much more freely and openly than other places. Tourism is still safe in Mexico. It's part of the protection DEAL. Visit the beautiful. relaxing, and colorful country of Mexico. They need us there.
2
Maybe the USA money given to Mexico, to fight the drug problem, would be better spent on advertising to educate the public of the dangers and consequences of taking drugs. (Don't send the money to Mexico but organise the advertising from the USA) Maybe also advertise a free anonymous phone number on the TV advertisements so the public can DOB IN A DRUG DEALER.
The USA could also pay for drug prevention programmes in schools.
Gangs get people and kids addicted to drugs so they can control them, so make the public aware of this.
The USA could also pay for drug prevention programmes in schools.
Gangs get people and kids addicted to drugs so they can control them, so make the public aware of this.
2
Gangs do not deal drugs to people to control them. First of all, gangs don't deal drugs other than crack, drug dealers handle everything else. Second, drug dealers rarely have the time to do anything but make money and not get caught. Third, drugs are so available that getting someone addicted would by no means control them. And Fourth, if you think turning in drug dealers makes the situation better, then maybe you should visit Baltimore sometime.
Get rid of NAFTA first of all. Why do we trade with these rotten people, just a huge time sink and waste of time dealing with human filth.
4
Most Mexicans are wonderful people. They are the ones dying. They are also the ones who would REALLY like this to end.
5
That is the absolute dumbest comment on this thread. There are tens o millions of Mexicans who have zero involvement in the drug trade! Plus as a professor told me years ago that Mexican migration would increase before it happened. Why did he say so? We cut off the water that flowed south - making farmers poor and jump the border. Of course many turned to drugs too. That said - in case you didn't know - over the past few years - more Mexicans have returned to Mexico than have come here. I'm not Mexican but most of the ones I have met are hard working. I'd rather hire one of them - than an ignorant person like yourself. I hope the Times posts my reply to your poisonous words.
10
How sad for Mexico. This is very disheartening. Our politicians here are also bought off, but at least they aren't killed for going against those that fund them. Neither Mexico nor the U.S. will be a shining beacon of democracy for some time, I fear.
3
If this isn't an example of a failed-state then I don't know what is!
30
"an American executive for one mining company in Guerrero told me, businesses have no choice but to deal with suspect officials"
No choice? That's ridiculous. As if walking away from a corrupt business partner is not an option.
These Mexican thugs wouldn't be anywhere near as powerful if not empowered by their similarly sociopathic businessman counterparts from the North. Same deal with the thugs in the Middle East and China, too... where would they be without the Western greed lining their pockets?
The article mentions how the drug lords used to give bribes, but now they receive them. That won''t happen up here - will it?
No choice? That's ridiculous. As if walking away from a corrupt business partner is not an option.
These Mexican thugs wouldn't be anywhere near as powerful if not empowered by their similarly sociopathic businessman counterparts from the North. Same deal with the thugs in the Middle East and China, too... where would they be without the Western greed lining their pockets?
The article mentions how the drug lords used to give bribes, but now they receive them. That won''t happen up here - will it?
23
Perhaps America should finally acknowledge the fact that its people have an insatiable appetite for illicit drugs and due to the laws of "supply and demand" are keeping the drug cartels in business 24/7. Do I fault the Mexicans for all their horrific, bloody mayhem? Not entirely, because money is and always has been the root of all evil and the US "War On Drugs" has been more of a theatrical farce, like the "War on Terrorism", where at the end of the day billions of dollars are flushed down "dung holes" like Mexico, Afghanistan and Iraq accomplishing absolutely nothing, but stacking up the body bags like cords of wood. Pathetic!!!
40
The root of all this is the misguided War on Drugs, pumping billions of US dollars into the coffers of traffickers. You want this to end? Legalize drugs. Don't blame Mexican corruption or the crime bosses. It is our fault.
96
The problem is that even if you removed the drugs and the cartels, the next level of extortionist and criminals created by drugs would remain.
1
Say "W" quite correct and very important. What do we do once these guys are installed?
They are already there. I don't see how they can be stopped.
The US being Mexico's main drug market and gun supplier shoulders some responsibility for Mexico's multi-generational civil wars, who doesn't remember the DEA's paraquat spraying campaigns of the 1970s? The war on drugs failed, so it's good pot legalization is spreading across the USA taking the pot market out of the hands of the Mexicans. Our hunger for pot and other cultivated drugs destabilized Mexico and other Latin American nations. Opium and cocaine will remain problems though.
Mexico's extreme vigilantism is an example of the wild west never having gone away there, and reflects weak and corrupt central governance, local armed gangs often exact immediate justice over perceived slights and territorial/economic/political encroachments. It's a reducto ad absurdum example of the gunslingers right to bear arms to defend ones personal interests. Mexico may be Catholic, but its violent behavior isn't really Christian as historically witnessed by the Jewish activist Jesus Christ being executed by the Roman State for preaching fairness; the pope should do more to bring these misguided Christians into the 21st century. Mexico often looks quite medieval when it comes to law and order. It is the guns being in the hands of the pathologically and violently righteous that is the problem. A healthy, equitable society would not have Mexico's levels of violence. Given American arms and ammo stockpiles, is present day Mexico a harbinger of our future? Spread equity not guns & ammo.
Mexico's extreme vigilantism is an example of the wild west never having gone away there, and reflects weak and corrupt central governance, local armed gangs often exact immediate justice over perceived slights and territorial/economic/political encroachments. It's a reducto ad absurdum example of the gunslingers right to bear arms to defend ones personal interests. Mexico may be Catholic, but its violent behavior isn't really Christian as historically witnessed by the Jewish activist Jesus Christ being executed by the Roman State for preaching fairness; the pope should do more to bring these misguided Christians into the 21st century. Mexico often looks quite medieval when it comes to law and order. It is the guns being in the hands of the pathologically and violently righteous that is the problem. A healthy, equitable society would not have Mexico's levels of violence. Given American arms and ammo stockpiles, is present day Mexico a harbinger of our future? Spread equity not guns & ammo.
1
Mexico has had extreme gun control for a long time. Nice try
6
Much as hate to say it, the truth is Mexican gun laws are EXTREMELY strict and actually hobble the citizenry in their efforts to defend themselves. I really think that Mexico actually needs laws like Texas has concerning guns and personal carry. Remember, Mexico usually has more than a thousand Gringos in their prison system over illegal gun issues. Most of them stay far too long. And some are really just accidents and errors in judgment with no evil intent.
4
Mexico is suffering through our gangster era on crack ... literally. And there's a depressing point here: our gangs and Mafia didn't stop when Prohibition ended, and alcohol profits went away. It morphed into the endemic corruption and protection rackets and city-hall-mobs that endure at reduced levels today.
5
Is this different than theocratic "democracy"?
I abhor Mexico's machismo. It is that miserable attitude that feeds insecurities and leads to unspeakable cruelty. With 100,000 casualties in just a few years, Mexican criminals make Isis look like dilettants, which America succors with its insatiable appetite for drugs. Trouble at the gates!
1
Great. When things get bad enough we could have our own "Mexican refugee crisis" that dwarfs today's illegal immigration problems. If there is any hint of that Trump's wall is going to get a lot more popular very quickly.
3
There is a brilliant Brazilian film that anybody interested in the drug trade and the effects of corruption should watch: Elite Squad 2. In this film, the Rio government cracks down so overwhelmingly on drugs that they become almost impossible to find, which then leads to an even greater problem: the crooked cops, politicians, and media figures that feed off the drug trade and the drug war have lost their source of income, and go from seeing the general populace as a market for drugs to a market for graft. They use fear and intimidation to muscle their cut into every transaction in the favelas. In the end, the bad guys get their comeuppance, but the system is so ingrained at that point that very little ultimately is changed.
The lesson is that not even widespread drug legalization will stop criminals from being criminals. It will merely make the pie smaller, the stakes higher, and the cost of not killing your competitors insurmountable. And there are far too many people who are in too deep to stop.
Any solution to the deep mess that Mexico is in will have to not only strip the cartels of their revenue, but offer an attractive life path to crime and killing. Otherwise, many young people will continue to choose a dangerous life of crime over a commitment to a society that does not reward them.
The lesson is that not even widespread drug legalization will stop criminals from being criminals. It will merely make the pie smaller, the stakes higher, and the cost of not killing your competitors insurmountable. And there are far too many people who are in too deep to stop.
Any solution to the deep mess that Mexico is in will have to not only strip the cartels of their revenue, but offer an attractive life path to crime and killing. Otherwise, many young people will continue to choose a dangerous life of crime over a commitment to a society that does not reward them.
15
Can our leaders please think of someone other than themselves when making policy decisions.
The Nixon/Mitchell War on Drugs including the Controlled Substance Act expanded the prison industry with over a two million inmates and destabilized Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, etc.,
The War on Terror, following the uninvestigated crimes of 9/11 saw over a million Iraqi Shia slaughtered, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and Syrians sent scurrying into Europe, after 15/19 Saudi Sunni jetbombed the WTC, only steel reinforced buildings ever to be supposedly brought down without controlled demolitions....and launched a war in Afghanistan, which in 2001 produced no heroin, but in 2002 when US troops arrived, and thereafter, produced over 6 trillion in heroin, much of it distributed in Europe and the US through el Chapo's Sinaloa marketing network.
The loft rhetoric, whether it be War on Drugs or War on Terror, is destabilizing the world around us, and the policy makers who came up with these fiascos, ought to be ashamed of themselves.
The Nixon/Mitchell War on Drugs including the Controlled Substance Act expanded the prison industry with over a two million inmates and destabilized Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, etc.,
The War on Terror, following the uninvestigated crimes of 9/11 saw over a million Iraqi Shia slaughtered, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and Syrians sent scurrying into Europe, after 15/19 Saudi Sunni jetbombed the WTC, only steel reinforced buildings ever to be supposedly brought down without controlled demolitions....and launched a war in Afghanistan, which in 2001 produced no heroin, but in 2002 when US troops arrived, and thereafter, produced over 6 trillion in heroin, much of it distributed in Europe and the US through el Chapo's Sinaloa marketing network.
The loft rhetoric, whether it be War on Drugs or War on Terror, is destabilizing the world around us, and the policy makers who came up with these fiascos, ought to be ashamed of themselves.
6
They also have destabilized our country, yhough the effect is mainly on blacks and poor.
5
A big wall sounds a bit better after reading articles like this.
4
This really is an appalling state of affairs in Mexico. If the federal government lacks the courage or the will to impose law and order in Mexico, the people will be at the mercy of criminal gangs that are as violent as any in the world. If the truth is ever fully revealed, I suspect we will find that many government officials at every level are complicit in the horrendous crimes that have been reported. They are either afraid or bought. When public officials can't be trusted to protect the public and its shared interests, all is lost.
3
We need to legalize weed, decrimnalize ALL other drugs, go after the dealers, and treat addiction as a public health crisis. Portugal has already done so, its time we follow their lead! The war on drugs has been a failure, Its time to change our stragagy.
13
To end all drug trafficking just sentence one Hollywood actor (many are cocaine users) to 20 years in prison without parole. Demand will dry out. How come we managed to discredit and discourage cigarette smoking in America but allow drug users to finance a criminal mafia in the US, Mexico, Colombia and elsewhere?
1
Dan Long, I'm afraid you're dreaming. It took decades of increasing effort to reduce cigarette smoking in the U.S.
3
mexico really, really needs to get its act together. Contrary to the racial slurs that are so common on US campuses, these problems do not stem from US "imperialism" but from Mexican incompetence and corruption. Americans of every persuasion need to point this out to Mexicans.
10
Humans are very flawed indeed.
Absent (and often with) a tradition of the rule of law, we scheme incessantly and plot to defraud each other, steal each other's money and possessions and assert our alpha primacy with displays of gaudy wealth and power.
Throwing money at this problem is like putting a fire out with gasoline. It is just the way we are.
Perhaps we will evolve out of it, or perhaps just extinguish ourselves. Time will tell.
Absent (and often with) a tradition of the rule of law, we scheme incessantly and plot to defraud each other, steal each other's money and possessions and assert our alpha primacy with displays of gaudy wealth and power.
Throwing money at this problem is like putting a fire out with gasoline. It is just the way we are.
Perhaps we will evolve out of it, or perhaps just extinguish ourselves. Time will tell.
5
When so much money is in play, politics get corrupted. In the USA, the corruption comes most from the financial industries (Wall Street, banks, hedge funds, insurance, etc.). In Mexico, it's from the drug industry. To solve such a problem, you must ask, "Who's benefiting?" And, "How do you stop them?" The obvious solution is a bi-national Drug War, except it hasn't worked---and it won't so long as USA demand for drugs continues. Decriminalizing drugs and controlling their usage is the second obvious solution. That's the only approach the USA has any control over---if Americans could find the honesty and courage to admit it and act. That step. however, seems unlikely. Inevitable forecast: The violence in Mexico will continue. Just as in the USA the financial industries will continue to bleed the economy.
8
Where is Sean Penn, that activist hero for social justice when he's needed?
3
Maybe he's doing what he thinks he can; maybe he doesn't get it just right on his own, but you watched the GOP debates last night, so are fully aware that guidance on this issue is NOT going to come from the top down; maybe he could use your help . . .
Or, as our governments have demonstrated no less than fifty years of at best indifference toward "social justice," what might William Hunter suggest that any mere citizen of this "land of the free, home of the brave" could effectively do if so moved?
Or are we each alone to remain sedated and sated by our excellent electronic access to this endless stream of distant tragedies?
Any constructive suggestion most welcome.
Or, as our governments have demonstrated no less than fifty years of at best indifference toward "social justice," what might William Hunter suggest that any mere citizen of this "land of the free, home of the brave" could effectively do if so moved?
Or are we each alone to remain sedated and sated by our excellent electronic access to this endless stream of distant tragedies?
Any constructive suggestion most welcome.
1
Everywhere where the 1% are in control there is repressive action to ensure they stay in control. In Mexico the 1% are the drug lords. In Russia the 1% are represented by a for life president.
In America, forced by image making claims to be a democracy/republic the control switches do not require brute force. Well at least not so blatently.
The killers in America take the less violent design of blacklists, CIA/FBI investigations, spying at all levels of government, strike breaking and to avoid even this rather slight inconvenience making unions a target and using subtle arguments to undermine union/worker rights).
Corruption perpetrated by the 1% bribes called contributions and control of the press and economic forces is all that is usually needed to suppress real democracy, equality and freedom.
Now America has the extremists whowhile the other brags of being a billionaire and not for sale. This makes America a great model of democracry?
The Democrats habe a Vermont Brooklynite who believes in democracy but sees it threatened. His major opponent says she is the best candidate because, well, she is the one.
America is close to Mexico and Russia and most undemocratic coun tries. But we have clear choices. All it takes is the resolve to vote for a candidate not owned, bought or part of the 1%.
Otherewise a lot people in America can expect soon a knock at the door.
In America, forced by image making claims to be a democracy/republic the control switches do not require brute force. Well at least not so blatently.
The killers in America take the less violent design of blacklists, CIA/FBI investigations, spying at all levels of government, strike breaking and to avoid even this rather slight inconvenience making unions a target and using subtle arguments to undermine union/worker rights).
Corruption perpetrated by the 1% bribes called contributions and control of the press and economic forces is all that is usually needed to suppress real democracy, equality and freedom.
Now America has the extremists whowhile the other brags of being a billionaire and not for sale. This makes America a great model of democracry?
The Democrats habe a Vermont Brooklynite who believes in democracy but sees it threatened. His major opponent says she is the best candidate because, well, she is the one.
America is close to Mexico and Russia and most undemocratic coun tries. But we have clear choices. All it takes is the resolve to vote for a candidate not owned, bought or part of the 1%.
Otherewise a lot people in America can expect soon a knock at the door.
5
When will we, as a country own the violence, death, and wholesale corruption of countries that our fellow citizens' consumption of pot, cocaine, heroin, meth, etc., AND our hysterical drug laws create? The issue is not so much the consumption of drugs per se, but consequences of our consumption AND our drug laws have on millions of people here and the rest of the Americas.
When will we as a people be publicly honest with our neighbors that many of we Americans consume drugs, and that our laws and the way we selectively and recklessly enforce them, are causing you great harm and tragedy? Could we at least admit this to ourselves? It'd be a start toward some minimum sort of responsibility.
When will we as a people be publicly honest with our neighbors that many of we Americans consume drugs, and that our laws and the way we selectively and recklessly enforce them, are causing you great harm and tragedy? Could we at least admit this to ourselves? It'd be a start toward some minimum sort of responsibility.
88
Although I think we need better gun control in the US, Mexico is a country that needs two things: a well armed citizenry and the death penalty. Right now it has neither, and the citizens are sitting ducks while the cartels and politicians make out like bandits. Unlike Y'all Queda in Oregan, this is a real case of citizens needing to arm themselves fully, unite, and take back their country. (NOTE: I used to live in D.F. for several years, not as a student, expat, retiree, or dropout but as a local working person so I am not ignorant of the issues facing Mexico.) The better solution is for the US to legalize and regulate drugs (with recreation and prescription classes of drugs) and end the illegal trade all together. But of course the DEA, security contractors, and prison industry would lobby against that sane idea and our corrupt congress would capitulate, without a moments concern about the people of Mexico or the thousands of US citizens languishing in prison for drug related offenses.
22
The lack of comments about Mexico's worsening national tragedy speaks louder than the pitifully few comments themselves. We Americans tend to think what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico, but the heroin epidemic in my state and many other states, along with the meth epidemic in several others proves otherwise. Our disastrous war on drugs created the Hydra choking the life out of Mexico and several people I've gotten to know, just as our war against Iraq and Afghanistan helped create the monster known as ISSL. That's bad news for the average citizens. The good news for those who profit from these wars is that business is picking up.
58
Having lived in Mexico I can tell you that the whole place is corrupt, from the police to the gas station attendants. I used to carry a special wallet with a small amount of American cash, just to pay off the police who pulled me over regularly. I came to think of it as a 20 dollar toll. Don't know what the answer is, but the war on drugs has been a catastrophe.
105
The cops were very nice when they got me for driving on the wrong day (you cannot drive all days due to pollution) in D.F. After taking all the cash in my "special" wallet, they wrote me a note so that I could get home without being extorted again. Seriously.
3
You were part of the problem. I've lived in Mexico for the past fourteen years and have never paid a bribe to a cop.
Good piece, but a key point is missing: the role of the US in supplying firearms and corruption on this side of the border that allows a continuous drug inflow.
59
This country fuels most of the guns in the Caribbean and Latin America. Both regions with the highest murder rates in the world. Same goes for Puerto Rico getting most of its illegal guns from Florida.
3
Two points: First, the original Democracy in Ancient Greece did not select leaders by voting for them…rather leaders were selected randomly by lot. They understood that voting meant winning by popularity and by bribery…both evident in Mexico and the USA. Second, the reason mayors are targeted in Mexico is because mayors have much more power in Mexico than in the USA. This is a tradition brought in by the Spanish several hundred years ago. Mayors (“alcaldes”) are essentially dictators within their jurisdiction and answer to nobody unless they offend the Federales. The drug gangs have already taken over the Federal Government. Now they are working on taking over the local governments. Not a surprise.
8
This was Colombia 30 years ago. Bottom line is that as long as there is an insatiable appetite for illicit drugs in the United States - there will be groups willing to do anything to reap the profits from it.
14
Misse s the point. Without drugs you deal in power
This reminds me of the close association of organized criminals and politicians in the U.S. Notably during Prohibition, but also before and after, and including today. When Prohibition ended it did a lot to stop violence and cash flow going to criminals, but the nature of organized crime simply morphed. The idea of extracting money and favors from government: perhaps it is done more with campaign donations and bribes in the U.S., but it is an every day occurrence here. While policing government officials can help, the best general solution is an informed citizenry that won't support crime or corruption in any way.
16
A terrifying report. As I read this, I kept thinking: this is what the US would have looked like if the Mafia had won, and took over the country.
Mexico needs help, and as this report makes clear, it is no longer just about the endless war on drugs, but the vast criminal class it has spawned. What civil society can withstand such a direct assault on its very institutional foundations?
Mexico needs help, and as this report makes clear, it is no longer just about the endless war on drugs, but the vast criminal class it has spawned. What civil society can withstand such a direct assault on its very institutional foundations?
92
The GOP with its love of small government and anarchy wants America to become just as corrupt as Mexico. Vote them out of office. That is the first step. Then end the war on drugs, allow marijuana to be used by doctors, allow those with opiate addictions to get treatment instead of jail time. Replace hate with love. That is the answer.
1
The murder of this mayor was one of the most horrific and depressing developments in the "drug war." It shows that the cartels really know what they are doing. Their success shows the crisis of corruption in Mexico. I dont see how the tide can be turned frankly.
Sean Penn's implicit embrace of this thuggery is bitterly disturbing. The cynical truth may be that the cartels and drug-consuming Americans need each other.
Sean Penn's implicit embrace of this thuggery is bitterly disturbing. The cynical truth may be that the cartels and drug-consuming Americans need each other.
15
American government needs to review if the guns sold to Mexican authorities have been involved in human rights abuses. The German government did that. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/24/survivors-mexico-student-at...
3
Legalize drug use, bankrupt the cartels. Simple.
35
Most of the money is in opium, cocaine, and heroin, not marijuana. It's taken 50 years to legalize marijuana in a few states. Do you really believe that there's any possibility whatsoever that opium, cocaine, and heroin will be legalized during your lifetime?
1
You ought to have read the whole article. "Drug policy reform, meaning wider legalization of some drugs, like marijuana, and better addiction treatment to reduce the use of others, like heroin, can help bleed the gangster financing. But with cartels now diversified into a portfolio of [non-drug-related] crimes and taking over the political establishment, it won’t stop them."
1
Mexico needs to put its own house in order. If they do not, some other country surely will.
2
Mexico's problem is located in "El Norte".
There is a very active market in the US for the drugs that are destroying Mexico. If we can find a way to cure those sick/criminal members of our society that are destroying Mexico - that is the solution.
We have tried everything from "Just Say No" to long jail terms for those having a few joints in our pockets.
Don't look for our pols to come up with any new approaches.
There is a very active market in the US for the drugs that are destroying Mexico. If we can find a way to cure those sick/criminal members of our society that are destroying Mexico - that is the solution.
We have tried everything from "Just Say No" to long jail terms for those having a few joints in our pockets.
Don't look for our pols to come up with any new approaches.
4
We have not tried everything. We have hardly tried treatment and detoxification.
5
My heart goes out to the family, friends and citizens of the town that elected Gisela Mota as their mayor. There are no words to express my admiration for Ms. Mota. Her courage will not be wasted. She was and will be an international inspiration for people around the world to stand up to corrupt brutes of every stripe and band together to rid their communities of the fear they inspire.
14
This mentions the need for reforms in politics, courts, and police. True. But it suggests this in a way that implies the problem is lack of power.
Actually, the problem is the endemic corruption that has nothing to do with drugs.
Ms. Mota was herself an example. Before her murder, she was the subject of a video that went viral in Mexico, in which she was seen after an auto accident she caused claiming that her position as mayor-elect gave her immunity from paying for her mistake, and being extremely insulting to everyone involved.
That does not justify her murder. It does however demonstrate the other problems of Mexico that play a large role in making possible the drug problems.
Actually, the problem is the endemic corruption that has nothing to do with drugs.
Ms. Mota was herself an example. Before her murder, she was the subject of a video that went viral in Mexico, in which she was seen after an auto accident she caused claiming that her position as mayor-elect gave her immunity from paying for her mistake, and being extremely insulting to everyone involved.
That does not justify her murder. It does however demonstrate the other problems of Mexico that play a large role in making possible the drug problems.
72
Mark Thompson - extremely thoughtful and thought-provoking comment.
2
Problem is you continue looking at Mexico as the source of the problem, be it corruption (which is endemic, agreed), poverty or any other reason that can fit here.
The real problem is supply and demand.
As long as the US continues consuming all the drug that can be made available, someone, be it Mexican, Colombian, you name it, will find the way to supply it.
The real problem is supply and demand.
As long as the US continues consuming all the drug that can be made available, someone, be it Mexican, Colombian, you name it, will find the way to supply it.
4
Ms. Mota was by no mea
ns the 1st mayor to be assassinated. how long till Mexican mafias start taking over towns in Arizona and new Mexico. yet the US govt sees ISIS as much the greater threat.
ns the 1st mayor to be assassinated. how long till Mexican mafias start taking over towns in Arizona and new Mexico. yet the US govt sees ISIS as much the greater threat.
2
One essential reform in Mexico would be to allow for the re-election of politicians.
In Mexico there is no re-election at any level of government, from city council to president. There is no institutional memory among the "leaders" of the government, as they are all in their positions for the first, and last, time. There is no reason to provide services in the hopes of re-election. There are good people who want to effect change, but they have only one term to do so. As a result, no leader con forge an effective or powerful coalition to combat crime or change the system. It is apparently controlled from behind the scenes, mostly by the party bosses, but now assisted by the cartels.
I lived in Monterrey for four years in the late '90's. I admire the intelligence, love, and honesty of my friends in Mexico. In some ways their government programs are superior to those in our country. But on this issue, re-election, a relic of Porfirio Diaz, I think that the Mexican people need to amend their constitution to put the power of politics in the link between government leaders and the people, not to party.
In Mexico there is no re-election at any level of government, from city council to president. There is no institutional memory among the "leaders" of the government, as they are all in their positions for the first, and last, time. There is no reason to provide services in the hopes of re-election. There are good people who want to effect change, but they have only one term to do so. As a result, no leader con forge an effective or powerful coalition to combat crime or change the system. It is apparently controlled from behind the scenes, mostly by the party bosses, but now assisted by the cartels.
I lived in Monterrey for four years in the late '90's. I admire the intelligence, love, and honesty of my friends in Mexico. In some ways their government programs are superior to those in our country. But on this issue, re-election, a relic of Porfirio Diaz, I think that the Mexican people need to amend their constitution to put the power of politics in the link between government leaders and the people, not to party.
47
Those term limits are a trade off: one term Presidents is the trade off to avoid Presidents for Life. The same would be true in all offices in the Mexican political culture. It was true, until this rule was imposed.
Yes, this rule has costs. The alternative is more costly. Perhaps a compromise sometimes used in the US would help, re-election only one time, as with our president and governors.
Yes, this rule has costs. The alternative is more costly. Perhaps a compromise sometimes used in the US would help, re-election only one time, as with our president and governors.
24
No, Mark. One term politicians would allow more corruption by the wealthiest - not less. Strong democratic government elected by the people - rather than purchased by corrupt money masters - is the answer and public servants should hold their jobs for as long as they are effective. In America and around the world.
Term limits always just augment the power of Parties, who can dictate terms to the temporary elected officials who will soon enough be looking to the Party for their next gig.
Term limits make it so that Parties can say to elected officials, "Do what we say, or you will never work in this town again." Term limits destroy any possibility of a genuine and true pact between the people and an elected representative; the representative -- whether it be alderman or president -- cannot afford to put it all on the line for such a mandated short-term window of opportunity.
Term limits disincentivizes representation. That is one heavy cost there, Mark.
Term limits make it so that Parties can say to elected officials, "Do what we say, or you will never work in this town again." Term limits destroy any possibility of a genuine and true pact between the people and an elected representative; the representative -- whether it be alderman or president -- cannot afford to put it all on the line for such a mandated short-term window of opportunity.
Term limits disincentivizes representation. That is one heavy cost there, Mark.