I think the real problem is drug addiction and consumption in the U.S. - and a society which seems wealthy, but has such a high demand for legal and illegal drugs.
Posted by purple at March 4, 2009 01:06 AM"Authorities say an estimated 300 tons of cocaine passes through Mexico on its way from Colombia to the United States each year. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says that about 90 percent of all cocaine that comes into the United States passes through Mexico. It also says Mexico has become the largest foreign provider of meth to the United States, supplying about 80 percent of the meth consumed in the States."
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/05/26/btsc.mexico.drugs/index.html
the law in Mexico is at the end of a gun. Has been that way since the gun was invented. Mexico isn't alone here, much of Africa, Central America and other modern third world countries are the same. By modern third world, I refer to countries or cultural groupings that feature cities with skyscrapers and huge factories yet still have a majority of the citizens shoeless. Bribery is the basis of government and corruption/criminal activity by the governments is supported by guns. Only now the non-government crooks have more guns thanks to Drug money. In all these countries, both the government crooks and the non-government crooks have a vested interest in keeping a majority of the population in abject poverty. Frankly, I'm not sure if it is fixable. Rethinking America's drug laws to limit profit for the crooks would be a step, certainly. But even if the cartels were to disappear magically overnight, you would still have countries ruled by the gun, only it would be the corrupt governments with the guns. But at least no crook vs. crook warfare.
Posted by T2 at March 4, 2009 06:27 AMSounds like what the gop is trying to do here in our country...
Posted by headxray at March 4, 2009 07:01 AMIt would be like the mafia? You mean they operate on the basis of loyalty and freedom from following laws they find inconvenient? Profit from the drug market? Terrorize potential whistleblowers with threats and murder?
Sound like business as usual in DC.
Posted by brisa at March 4, 2009 07:20 AMAgain, can anyone explain to me why treating drug dependence as a legal problem instead of a medical one is a good idea?
Posted by herbal tee at March 4, 2009 07:23 AMThis sounds like the promised land for trolls; no govt to mess with you or taxes or petty items like govt services..heck they don't even have much infrastructure like roads or sewers that require govt maintenance. Yep I recommend MX as the dream land for all pukes..heck they can even install lush rimbaugh as the dictator or chimporer..
Posted by headxray at March 4, 2009 07:30 AMHelping Mexico build an economy? While some of Mexico's problems might be helped by US policy changes, their real problem is that the number one source of revenue (oil) is in rapid and serious decline and the number two source of revenue (money from abroad...read US) is also declining along with the fortunes of Americans. The Roman Catholic population continues to reproduce at a rate that is unsupportable, ensuring that wages will be kept low.
World financial collapse is a symptom of energy depletion. The US will have it's hands full keeping our own country together...I'm afraid Mexico will be on its own. I see military/para-military strategies as far more likely too be employed...the rules (or lack there of) for the GWOT can be applied broadly. Big surprise.
Posted by brisa at March 4, 2009 07:37 AM70% of cartel business is marijuana....90% of cartel weapons come from the US.....I wonder what the solution can be??
Posted by Goyo at March 4, 2009 09:08 AM