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

A Rabble Rabble Rant

This is just a rant. Random shit that comes to mind. I might even flush some of it out one day.

The United States is a young impatient nation. Many don't even know their own history, or care to learn it.

The US of A has been the sole super power for twenty years, and has played an extraordinary role in shaping the world over the last ninety. Be patient. A few hundred years ago starvation made the head lines. Now it's fat people with health problems.

The US of A has been extremely wealthy throughout our history. We have things that most nations don't even consider producing because they are not as affluent (and bored). Like many things in life the wealth is a blessing and a curse. We have great lives in America at the expense of many people both at home and abroad. Yet we also share the wealth. Grey this area is.

As long as humans are violent there will not be peace. Los Angeles riots when the Lakers win championships, and beat up Giant fans at Dodger stadium. This occurs in an affluent society with enforceable laws, and are some of the minor threats we've seen across America. Wars like Afghanistan and Iraq are chalk full of atrocities, but the end results may be worth the price. The revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa are no less violent, but hopefully the results will be better.

World War II is the ultimate example of what good can come from war. That event brought the world into the future that is today. Nation based warfare is at an all time low, and has not involved super powers directly since the Korean War. Nuclear deterrence and globalization are huge contributing factors to this--both got a good kick in the ass after WWII. Millions died and any war is horrible. This doesn't mean it should be ignored. War/violence will occur it is best to learn about it and contain it. Most impressively the rising global middle class has changed the outlook of war. Gang warfare is what we are experiencing, but on a much larger scale.

America should starting sending bills to all the nations that benefit from our military.

Fox news lies to your face. Everyone else beats around the bush. Only a handful actually contribute to the news. CNN tells you what's on Twitter, and invents stupid gimmicky stories. Buzzer beaters, and text voting distract from real reporting--even if that gets less ratings. I hear news shows make plenty of ad revenue anyway. MSNBC made me laugh when an anchor told a talking head to stop giving so many details cause it gets confusing....really? At least Jon Stewart will have plenty of material until he's ready to retire.

I like good food and beer. Play videogames, and attend drum n' bass shows frequently. I can fly 3,000 miles in less then six hours. I have indoor plumbing, and don't have to grow my own food. Even if I had no money I could still get food. If America can be so good to me, and so many other people, then how evil can it truly be? Bad people, stupid decisions, and all sorts of things do occur. Don't stop fighting the bad, but remember what your fighting for. Don't forget the good stuff too.