CRIME AND CRIME AGAIN
Safety while vacationing in México seems to be a much talked about hot-button topic these days. In case you have been living in a vacuum-sealed bubble, the Méxican Government has been busy fighting a war against powerful homegrown drug cartels. This story has been in the news, and discussed at great length on the Internet on popular websites such as TripAdvisor. When President Felipe Calderón took office in 2006, he announced that fighting corruption in his government and waging war against the drug lords would be a major focus of his presidency. Thus far he has remained true to his word, but unfortunately as an unintended consequence, the violence has been spilling onto the streets resulting in much collateral damage and the loss of life.
During the past several months, while developing new ideas for the PEOPLE’S CHOICE GUIDE CANCUN Facebook page and future blogs, something about the world news coverage of México's drug war has been rubbing me the wrong way. There have been numerous stories with a judgmental tone regarding those who have been killed. The overwhelming majority of reports imply that those who are being killed, in any situation other than a shootout between law enforcement and gang members, are most likely secretly working with the drug cartels. What should be getting said is that the majority of México's people are decent, hard-working folks who are just trying to live their lives in peace and make ends meet. It is certainly easier and more convenient to jump to the conclusion, as many in law enforcement and members of the media already have, that those who have been killed must have deserved it. In some way it is comforting to accept this as fact, because to believe otherwise, one would have to face the truth about their own vulnerability and helplessness. With that being said, it is imperative that everyone, especially those in law enforcement and the media, accept and address the fact that there are instances where those who are targeted by the drug gangs, are law abiding citizens, many of whom own or are employed by successful businesses that simply have no choice but to pay “protection money.” This very scenario is reminiscent of the old-time gangster tactics seen before in the United States. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the ways criminals generate income at the expense of innocent civilians. Another situation in modern day México that has begun to spill across the border, has involved people being kidnapped, and held for ransom to secure their release. Since the focus of this blog is Cancún travel, it is highly likely that since it is not located along a major drug or human trafficking route, shakedowns, kidnapping for ransom, prostitution and illegal gambling will be on the rise in the near future. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the different ways criminals generate income at the expense of civilians.
HOW TO KILL A SNAKE
For as far back as I can remember, there has been non-stop finger-pointing emanating from both sides of the border, asserting blame as to which country is “more” responsible for the problems each one faces with drugs and gun violence. While everything has become more complicated lately with the proactive approach taken by the Méxican Government, I believe there can be a quick resolution to the issues of illegal drugs and out-of-control corruption. If both nations can agree to work together in a joint effort (please excuse the choice of words) to seal off the border, with the exception of the established border-crossing checkpoints, we would begin to see a dramatic decrease in the bloodshed. The reasoning behind my theory is that in order for the drug cartels to maintain their power and influence, just like with any traditional business model, there has to be a continuous supply of money in order for them to function. It is irrelevant whether we are talking about funds being earned by engaging in legal or illegal enterprises, the end result is without capital, there will be no means to pay employees, prosper and survive. If judging by traditional business practices, at first there would probably be a truce, or even partnerships worked out by the drug cartels. This would naturally have the desired effect of decreasing the violence in the streets of México’s cities and border towns. Realistically it is possible that with every measure taken, corruption would still exist and the drug cartels would continue to find a way to function and survive, but on a much smaller scale. It all sounds so basic, but if both countries prevent the flow of unlawful entrants and drugs heading north into the United States, and simultaneously stop the illegal guns and money headed to our neighbor to the south, the payoff would probably be immediate.
WALK BEFORE YOU RUN
Some have suggested a Liberal approach, to legalize marijuana, with restrictions and taxation similar to those imposed on alcohol and cigarettes. This can be implemented on a trial basis to at first, to measure the effect it has on the drug trafficking industry. It is possible that it can work, but only after the border is secure and the commitment to continue the effort is made by both countries. Unfortunately the entire approach is being turned on its head with the State of California inching ever closer toward legalizing recreational use of marijuana. I can only imagine what would happen if proposal nineteen is passed, the chaos it would cause for law enforcement in surrounding states and in México. Again, this may be only my opinion, but in order for something like this to have a chance at being successful, legalization must occur across the board at the Federal level:
Just for the record, I do not partake in smoking marijuana, or anything for that matter. However I am of the belief that some drugs cause little or no harm to the general welfare of society. Lately I find myself pondering something I have never heard anyone suggest before, especially when it comes to the current state of Méxican society; what effect would it have if there was legalization or recreational use of marijuana in both the United States and México? Beyond this or even in lieu of legalization of marijuana, what if México changed its laws to allow its citizens to carry handguns? I have to say that this might not be such a bad idea, especially considering that México’s police force has had limited success with protecting México’s law abiding citizens. This is understandable, especially when considering that México’s law enforcement agencies have had their hands full with fighting internal corruption among their own ranks, not to mention heavily armed drug gangs.
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