Mexico's Ex-President Discusses Country's Violence
 Erik Barajas - KTRK-TV
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November 25, 2010
Mexico's former president Vicente Fox was in Houston Tuesday night and he had a lot to say about the violence there, what's causing it and how to stop it.
This week, the Mexican government issued a warning to migrants traveling home: form convoys, travel during daylight hours and contact government offices to possibly have your convoy monitored or escorted by the military.
It has some Houstonians second guessing their Thanksgiving trip.
"They are actually debating if they wanna go or not, because of how bad it's gotten," said Nelda Hernandez, whose family has planned a trip to Mexico.
Despite the federal warning from Mexico, Fox, who left office in 2006, says it's an overreaction.
The U.S. media, he says, is sensationalizing what he calls isolated incidents and almost considers the idea of military escorts laughable.
"There is no need for convoys in Mexico," Fox said. "I mean I don't have a convoy when I go to work in my place."
Fox is adamant that the drug cartel violence is by a product of what he calls the largest drug market in the world - the United States.
"That's why these cartels and these criminals are so powerful, because they get their money here in the U.S. market, because they get their weapons here in the U.S. market, because they get their money laundering here in this market," Fox said.
As for using Mexican military to battle the drug cartels, Fox says they are not trained to do police work.
Despite, his viewpoints, some Houstonians will still be very cautious making the holiday pilgrimage into Mexico.
"We know to take the daytime routes, so God willing, everything turns out alright," said JanCarlos Arredondo, who's planning a trip to Mexico.
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