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The Real War in Mexico
Summary --
Hysteria over bloodshed in Mexico clouds the real challenge. The rising violence is a product of democratization, and the only real solution is to continue strengthening Mexican democracy.
Comments
The Real War in Mexico
I think that the main concern for the U.S. should be to stop the consuption of illegal drugs in the country. Mexico is going through this struggle because of the demand that drugs have. Its a very profitable business and it will not stop until severe measures are taken against the consumers. Also, we know about Mexican druglords, but who are the kingpins on this side of the border? Who is the Amado Carrillo in the U.S. or the Chapo Guzman? Who is receiving the drugs once they enter the U.S.? Who is paying the Mexican cartels for the drugs? and they are probably making way more money than their neighboors south of the border. There has to be a cartel in the U.S. or do we believe that the Mexican cartels control the drug distribution in the U.S. as well? Many questions similar to these remain unaswered. Guns are illegal in Mexico. But, they are not in the U.S. and where do you think that the cartels get their guns and assault weapons from? It has to be a work in conjuction to stop this problem. And the violence has begun to spill over the border, even if the press does not cover the incidents. Assasinations and kidnapping occur on a daily basis on this side of the border as well. This is a reality that must be taken seriously.
Thank you
Thanks for a clearly written article that places the current situation in Mexico into its historical context.
More importantly, thanks for making the point that not only will the cooperation of the US be necessary for Mexico to overcome its challenges, but also that it is in the interest of the US to cooperate, especially to foster the development of democratic institutions and the growth of the Mexican middle class.
I think this paper points out that there is much to be hopeful about if the US will adopt the right policies and programs, for Mexico's sake and for its own sake. These should not be looked at only as "aid" or "gifts" to Mexico, but also as investments in our own security and well-being.
Mexican Questions
Not a bad article, as far as English-language articles on Mexico go. However, it is disappointing to see the very same cliches repeated ad nauseum for the last 15 years: Democracy great, US must do more, Mexico's emerging middle class, short-term outlook maybe bad, long-term certainly good...How about an article that addresses the following issues:
1. Having a democratic government is great, but it hasn't done much for the ordinary Mexican (as opposed to well-connected intellectuals like Krauze and Castaneda). Rates of economic growth and job creation are lower than they were under the PRI. Why?
2. The US is not responsible for Mexico's problems. It is US tourism, lax immigration policies, outsourcing of manufacturing and bridge loans that have kept Mexico from collapsing.
3. The US does not have an infinite capacity to absorb Mexico's surplus labor.
4. Mexico's ever-emerging middle class is more like a never-emerging middle class...per capita wealth is not much higher than it was in the 70s.
Given environmental degradation, rising inequality, vastly increased rates of crime and insecurity, the actual quality of life in Mexico has probably fallen (for the non-rich; but even the rich have to worry about kidnapping now). Show me the progress.
5. The Mexican economy is highly dependent on migrant labor to the US and oil. Neither is going to grow; quite possibly both will shrink. Is there a plan? Besides beg US for more aid...?
Political, social and economic problem
The drugs problem is not only with one political party, it´s a global structure that involve the society. PAN´s government and PRD in Mexico City are an examples.