| | |  Editorials | Opinions | March 2009 
U.S. Support for the Mexican War on Drugs?
 Mark Alvarez - PVNN
 |  | Mexican drug cartels largely profit from money spent by U.S. consumers. The illegal drug trade is worth between 12 and 15 billions dollars a year. Crime. Pays. Well. |  | | |
As I walked past a neighborhood market in northern Mexico City last night, I saw a boy, about 12 years old, remove and play with the magazine of a silver pistol. The pistol looked real but was a toy.
I have lived in Mexico City for 21 months. I have neither witnessed nor suffered any violence. Nevertheless, violence appears daily on the front pages of Mexican newspapers. Last year, more than 5600 people were executed in drug-related violence. In January and February 2009, 1100 people were executed.
Violence and fear have reached such extremes that the Mexican Green Party, known for its environmental causes, has advocated the death penalty for murderers and kidnappers. This would require revision of the Mexican Constitution. Though popular support of the death penalty is growing, major Mexican political parties remain opposed.
In 2006, Mexican President Felipe Calderon launched the Mexican war on drugs. Calderon persists in the effort and claims much of the drug-related violence has occurred as a result of government success against drug cartels.
There is some truth in that, as the cartels have intensified their fight over endangered turf. Calderon deserves praise for his determination and courage; however, the drug war deserves reconsideration, especially in the face of an economic crisis that has weakened the hand of government.
Recently on Meet the Press, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates praised Calderon for having "taken on the battle against these cartels." Gates advocated support for Mexico by "providing them with, with training, with, with resources, with reconnaissance and surveillance kinds of capabilities; but just cooperation, including in intelligence." Gates stressed the seriousness of the problem.
A serious problem requires serious action, discussion and criticism, not a narrow militaristic focus on a war with drug cartels. Doing what has always been done will not produce better results. The War on Drugs in the U.S. and Mexico is flawed. Weapons and battle will not bring peace.
Governments should revise policies that are not working. Governments must consider alternatives. Peace can begin with the cessation of war.
Mexican drug cartels largely profit from money spent by U.S. consumers. The illegal drug trade is worth between 12 and 15 billions dollars a year. Crime. Pays. Well.
The cartels largely arm themselves with weapons purchased in the U.S. Cartel units have repeatedly overwhelmed local police forces. On several ocasions, cartel units have resisted the Mexican military. Indeed, the cartels openly recruit former and current members of the Mexican army. The cartels pay more.
Government officials are often bought. Those who resist face the choice: silver or lead?
Communities, especially in the border and drug cultivation regions, also face tough choices: silence and complicity versus violence and decay. In a paradox to highly-publicized drug-related violence, many drug towns enjoy safety and prosperity. And that's part of the rub.
During the drug war, criminals have fought their way to a sense of grandeur. Children emulate assasins and rich drug lords. The Spanish word "narco" (essentially "drug") has become a prefix that indicates wealth, attraction and beauty. So there are narcomansions, narcostores, narcotowns, narcowives, etc. Politicians and commentators openly contemplate the possibility of a narcopresident, maybe as soon as 2012. Narcomayors and narcopolice? Common.
Mexico is not a failed state, but it does follow certain failed policies. The U.S. does not help Mexico with its assistance. The U.S. idea of more weaponry, typical from the bellicose Department of Defense (i.e. Department of War), is certainly misplaced.
An increase in security plainly has not solved Mexico's problem with public insecurity. Increased freedom, perhaps including drug decriminalization or legalization, could do more. An alternative to the flawed war on drugs resides in better education, increased job training, drug prevention programs and open and honest debate.
Mexicans must more squarely face the challenges presented by drug use and commerce. In support, the U.S. should put childish guns aside and coordinate with Mexico to help schools, businesses and the environment. Mexicans adequately equipped will turn from war and drugs to life and possibility.
Mark Alvarez has written numerous guest commentaries for the Salt Lake Tribune and other popular papers. He currently resides in Mexico City. Contact him at alvarez_mark2004(at)yahoo.com. |
|
| |
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us