The Last Battleground of North America

Mexico is the last battleground in North America. An estimated 34,000 people have died since the government crackdown initiated by President Felipe Calderon. It all began with the best intentions. In December of 2006 he sent 6,500 troops into Michoacan in response to a series of nasty executions. Cartels responded to the arrests, and further government pressure, with increased violence using sophisticated weaponry like grenades, RPG's, Kevlar helmets, and IED's.

Lock and Loaded

The turmoil has elevated over the years, and frequently crosses the border. Drugs move easily across the two countries, and occasionally a murder will occur on the north side of the fence. Include the deaths related to drug use, and the American KIA count goes even higher. Now imagine living in the war torn towns of Mexico. Going to a night club and finding decapitated heads thrown on the dance floor. Or finding your family killed because you took up a job in law enforcement. These atrocities need to stop, and they're happening too close to home for my comfort.

America, this is the war in your backyard. Rather you like it or not you are already a participant. American addicts provide the demand for Mexican drugs. American manufacturers satisfy the armament demands of the Mexican cartels. Even the American recession provides a labor source. I was shocked to learn that a cartel employee was an Iraq veteran named Roberto Lopez. He couldn't find a legit job when he returned home, and working for the cartel supported his family. I thought our military was suppose to provide valuable training that could be applied to the private sector. When will American leaders take action against these important issues?

I choose not to include the photos with decapitations.

In my humble opinion two steps would help resolve this problem. (More may be needed.)


First, the inevitable troops withdrawal from Afghanistan and Iraq should be used to fuel an increased presence in Mexico. This would require an unprecedented amount of cooperation between Mexico and America. Canada should also be heavily included to help further diminish violence in North America. This can be done, and the more organized less corrupt military force would be the driving force.

Another huge issue stems from the average Mexican civilian trust of a foreign army. Historically the people of Mexico have not enjoyed being invaded, and the cartels can easily manipulate the masses against an occupying force. Our military would have to convince them that they are protected from the cartels threats. The good old win the hearts and minds idea. The combined power of civilian trust and government cooperation would severely challenge the drug cartels current operations. The progress towards this goal would be slow, and everyone would have to exercise great patience, but it is feasible.

The second major step is to address the American supply problem. This country distributes cash and guns to the cartels. This must stop. Popular suggestions include the legalization of certain drugs. This would facilitate local production and diminish the demand for Mexican imports. Job creation would see net increases related to production, distribution, and consumption. New laws would have to be written to ensure businesses acted responsibly, and children were protected/deterred from drug use. Mirroring liquor and pharmaceutical legislation would be a great start. Americas War on Drugs has failed. We must find a different way to deal with our drug addictions that doesn't involve prisons and cartels.

Cartel Territories

Government agencies should turn their attention away from the drug wars and focus more on the arms race. The ease at which the drug cartels buy weapons is appalling. The old Founding Fathers, Second Amendment, argument doesn't make sense in this scenario. We are providing our enemies, who live right next door, with the means to kill us. This happens all to often throughout American history, and will continue to happen for some time. When will the USA stop giving into greed, and strengthen the gun laws?

Ending the War on Drugs, and defeating the cartels will not be easy. Ideally the efforts to close the last battleground would lead to a more united North America. An example of cooperation that could far exceed the European Union. This, however, will not occur as long as the cartels are left unchecked.

Sources:

Wikipedia
WPR
LA Times
AP
CBS