-
USPS: Radical Surgery Needed
May 17, 2013 | 20 comments
-
No Fisker for Your Garage
April 22, 2013 | 50 comments
-
A Breakthrough in Ukraine?
April 17, 2013 | 7 comments
-
Thatcher Passes
April 8, 2013 | 8 comments
-
Moving Ukraine’s Democracy Forward
March 13, 2013 | 8 comments
At Large
Mexico’s Half-Reported Drug War
And President Calderón hasn’t even had to appoint a drug czar.
Mexican Violence Leaves 1 Soldier, 20 Others Dead
Mexican Police Chief Resigns Amid Threats
Drug War Intensifies in Mexico’s Capital
Drug Gangs Have Mexico on the Ropes
The headlines tell the whole story — or do they? News from distant places is telegraphed in condensed bites and clips. Limited resources and limited newspaper space and television and radio time dictate that bad news always trumps good. Analysis that tells a broader, deeper story is left to those with the time and stamina to look for it.
Mexico’s “drug war” is serious. Drug war stories of kidnappings, murders, decapitations keep coming. Last year, 6,290 were killed and nearly 1,000 this year. Several hundred law enforcement officials have been killed, but some 85 percent of the total were drug gang members. Despite a recent U.S. Joint Forces Command report that Mexico is in danger of becoming “a failed state,” its murder rate is lower than that of Colombia, which has been coming back from the brink of chaos. Last year, Colombia’s rate was 33 per 100,000 inhabitants; Mexico’s was 10 per 100,000. According to Mexico’s Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora, murders are down from the last quarter of 2008 in all parts of the country accept the border city of Juarez.
President Felipe Calderón is unlike his predecessors who turned a blind eye to decades-long drug trade. When he took office in 2003 he declared war on the drug cartels. In an interview last month, he said bluntly, “I’m fighting corruption among Mexican authorities and risking everything to clean house, but I think a good cleaning is in order on the other side of the border” (referring to a need to enforce a U.S. assault weapon ban). The stakes are high, he said. “It’s either the narcos or the state.”
He has backed this up by firing several senior officials implicated in the drug trade and by putting 50,000 federal troops into the field to take over, in effect, from local law enforcement in the four border states where most of the violence occurs: Chihuahua, Baja California, Sinaloa and Durango.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, a former Arizona governor, recently said, “Mexico…has issues of violence that are a different degree and level than we’ve ever seen before.”
This is true, however, Mexican officials argue that the increased violence is a result of heavy pressure on the cartels, causing them to battle each other. It is also possible that cocaine demand in the U.S. is declining as more methamphetamine is being locally produced, forcing cartels to fight over a smaller market ]
The Mexican government has forced better information sharing between levels of government.
Still, the cartels use assassination, kidnappings and threats to sow terror. In many cases, local law enforcement personnel have been intimidated into inaction or, in some cases, have become corrupted. Hence, the increasing army presence along the northern border.
On our side of the border, arms smuggling into Mexico has been steadily increasing. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms unit says there have been recent spikes in the smuggling of machine guns and hand grenades into Mexico. Late last month the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in U.S. border states nabbed 755 suspected members of the Mexican Sinaloa cartel, along with $59 million in drug money and a cache of weapons.
The ATF estimates that more than 7,700 of the guns sold in the U.S. last year were traced to Mexico. Mexico’s gun laws are stricter than ours. Drug cartels are said to pay U.S. citizens to buy assault and other weapons for them at gun shows, where background checks are not required nor sales easily traced. The recently passsed “stimulus” package includes $10 million Project Gunrunner, a federal crackdrown on U.S. gun-running networks.
Despite the increased violence, is the Calderón war on the cartels working? Recently, Wall Street Journal writer Bret Stephens asked a friend who is on the faculty of Mexico’s National University whether she thought the government was collapsing in the face of drug cartel violence.
About the Author
Peter Hannaford was closely associated for a number of years with the late President Reagan, beginning in the California Governor’s office. His latest book is Presidential Retreats.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (45) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Peter Hannaford
More Articles From At Large
http://spectator.org/archives/2009/03/19/mexicos-half-reported-drug-war
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Bruce Abbott| 3.19.09 @ 6:32AM
The comment in the article about background checks not being required at gun shows is totally false. I worked at a gun shop for 8 years, and we had to do the paperwork for every sale, no matter where that sale was transacted. Private owners in my home state are exempted, but that exemption covers the entire state, not just shows. This misinformation is the hardiest of weeds; no amount of truth seems able to kill it.
deburebu| 5.15.10 @ 7:43AM
I'm glad that finally someone is taking attitude against drug industry! The online marketing has developed a special drug treatment called Narconon Vistabay which is the best home treatment from the States.
paultex| 3.19.09 @ 9:48AM
Mr. Hannaford:
It is against U.S. law for machine guns or other automatic weapons to be sold at gun shows. Attend a gun show and see for yourself.
I don't known where the Mexican cartels are obtaining automatic weapons but they aren't getting them at U.S. gun shows.
Pecos Pete| 3.19.09 @ 10:18AM
Grenades? Machine guns? At gun shows? Next it will be RPGs and missiles. I hope Mexico is making progress but let's not make a mistake about where illegal weapons are being bought. The drug cartels can easily afford a slow boat from the middle east where almost any weapon can be purchased in quantity.
Pingback| 3.19.09 @ 10:45AM
The American Spectator : Mexico's Half-Reported Drug War · Bitacora de videos - vÃd links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Kevin B. Gaiser| 3.19.09 @ 10:58AM
This story goes from "grenades & machine guns", and an ATF estimate of "7,700 guns" traced back to the US, to guns being bought at guns shows, where background checks are not required. Where did you source this stuff, the Brady website?
Who at ATF came up with this estimate?
Who said US citizens are buying guns at gun shows for the Mexican Drug Cartel?
At gun show in this country are background checks not being conducted, or sales not easily traced?
This is what is wrong with the conservative movement. The sad truth is that, had McCain won, this would be no different.
Thomas| 3.19.09 @ 11:58AM
Enough with the "Mexico's problems all stem from the evil arms laws of los Americanos from the evil Los Estados Unidos. While it true that weapons are being procured in the U.S. and taken, considering the lack of border enforcement practiced by both countries this hardly constitutes smuggling, into Mexico; these weapons are the garden variety pistols, shotguns and non-automatic rifles available to U.S. citizens. Full automatic, military grade firearms, hand grenades and explosives are not only extremely hard to procure in the U.S., but why bother when you have a ready point of supply in Mexico, the Mexican Army.
For decades, Mexican drug interests, especially in the northern border states, have enjoyed regular protection and assistance from national military units. This has not changed to any appreciable degree. This assistance is also extended to weapons procurement. Small border gangs may purchase civilian weaponry, often through intermediaries , in the U.S. because they do not have the money, or influence, to obtain military weaponry from the Mexican Army. But, virtually all of the fully automatic weapons and hand grenades come from the Mexican Army, some stolen, but most purchased. Simply put, Mexico can not afford to close the border with Los Estados Unidos because money from Mexican immigrants, both legal and illegal, keeps its economy afloat. The U.S. has its own reasons for allowing virtually unfettered cross border access. Until both countries make a reasonable effort to close the border, then all of this is moot.
A small not of caution, always verify anything that the ATF says. There is an agenda in Washington, it is to protect the Corruptocracy of Mexico and to do everything possible to render the 2nd Amendment moot. Just remember, Guns don't kill people; crazed, desperate drug cartel members do.
L. Ross| 3.19.09 @ 1:16PM
Heck, if I can get automatic weapons and grenades without a background check at a gun show, you will see me there this weekend!
snr| 3.19.09 @ 2:08PM
Peter you are either a liar or misinformed. When you buy a gun at a gun show you follow the same proceedure and fill out the same yellow form as any other firearm transaction. If someone is buying large amounts of guns legally and turning them over to these criminals they are breaking existing laws and if you had ever filled out a yellow ATF form you would know what I am referring to. Enforce the laws on the books get rid of EVERY illegal alien and quit spreading untruths about firearms in you campaign to destroy the Second Amendment.
abncp| 3.19.09 @ 3:14PM
Thank God for the 2nd amendment to our Constitution. The ordinary citizen of Mexico cannot own or posses firearms. Only the Police, the Army and of course the really bad guys can. Of course the Police are often part of the really bad guys. Even the Army is'nt always reliable, Re. the Zitas. I hope the Brady bunch can finally see why most people in this country support the 2nd amendment.
Louis Jenkins| 3.19.09 @ 4:51PM
"President Felipe Calderón is unlike his predecessors who turned a blind eye to decades-long drug trade. When he took office in 2003 he declared war on the drug cartels. In an interview last month, he said bluntly, "I'm fighting corruption among Mexican authorities and risking everything to clean house, but I think a good cleaning is in order on the other side of the border" (referring to a need to enforce a U.S. assault weapon ban). "
Read up on Pres Calderon’s drug enforcement officials and their bloody hands. They are up to their elbows in drugs and murder. An article in a recent edition of the “Rolling Stone” (not exactly a source of truthful reporting) states that officials at every level, including many police commissioners, Mexican Army officers, and even those up next to the el presidente’, are on the take. But ain’t it grande’, Calderon can blame America for all its woes. The solution- seal the border coming and going. It’s all too convenient to blame the 2nd Amendment. Mexico doesn’t have a 2nd Amendment and see where it has gotten them. They've always been corrupt and will remain so.
Jim| 3.20.09 @ 2:20AM
The weapons are American, brought into Mexico under military foreign sales (US aid). The Mexican military are ones who are arming the drug cartels with US weapons.
Don't fall for this obama gun control scam effort.
Daniel Stiles| 3.20.09 @ 3:09AM
The cartels do not need to buy one gun at a time from gun shows in the U.S. They buy them from the boatload from any number of middle eastern and failed, corrupt states.
The American Hell DRUGSRULE| 3.20.09 @ 12:16PM
Drugs is more valuable than GOLD, Bush had shut down American industry for Drugs. Let the bugs fight it out, as long as we make it easier to get it in from Afghanistan, and make a profit.
From Mexico, into America, it's taken over in California, and bankrupted the State, and will worl it's way across America. The idea is to turn America into a BUG infested hell, what are you going to do about it.
Roberto| 3.21.09 @ 2:18PM
What a load of crap this article was. The cartels are getting their guns from the military and from Venezuela. Look it up.
Kurt| 3.26.09 @ 6:45AM
We need to take into account that Mexicans aren't accountable for their own actions. Would a Police chief in America ever resign under pressure from drug gangs. (it's a rhetorical question so obviously there's no need for a question mark.) I think killing Mexicans would be fun and profitable. Everyone I know would love to pick up guns and support our local police. Maybe not in Oakland though.
Pingback| 3.26.09 @ 8:48AM
Will Hillary and Obama get Americans killed in Mexico? | The News Factor: News, opini links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
gfdg| 11.26.09 @ 10:10PM
Mac TOD Converter,
TOD Converter for Windows
ghkjhgk| 12.11.09 @ 1:34AM
Why do we need such a SWF to MP4 Converter Mac software?
As you know, MP4 formats are popularly used in many portable players, such as iPod, itouch, and even the mobile phone. Most people make every attempt to find MP4 files on Mac, such as wonderful movie, MTV, or Flash and hope to put it onto the portable player. However, things always turn out the way you want.
now, things turn on the way you want because we have SWF to MOV Mac,
Tamara Mariea | 4.21.11 @ 12:49AM
It is unbelievable how the cartels have scared Mexican journalists to such silence. - Tamara Mariea
FREE | 1.10.10 @ 10:06PM
FLV Converter Mac
FLV Converter for Mac
gfdsh| 1.29.10 @ 9:52PM
FLV Converter Mac can convert FLV file to other popular video formats with perfect sound and image quality.
MOD Converter for Mac can convert between all popular video, HD video and audio formats with super fast conversion speed and high output quality.
hjhg| 2.2.10 @ 9:40PM
far away form drug forever
stupid people| 11.23.10 @ 12:43AM
News from DEA, News Releases, 05/04/06 May 4, 2006 … Natali Medina Cisneros, 31, of Woodside, Source:
http://www.justice.gov/dea/pub.....50406.html –
That sucks, because Woodside is such a nice place, and
Natali Medina Cisneros was living with Jennifer Gilbert, the daughter of the well known, Bill and Lee Ann Gilbert of Woodside, on their Woodside property, when he was busted by FBI/DEA. Medina cisneros is currently serving time in federal prison. He had made many runs to mexico, where he has family ties, before his arrest. It looks like drug dealers are getting smarter these days. They look for vulnerable, wealthy, American families who have obtuse, needy daughters.
Another Gilbert girl has a child with Kasi Pohahau, who was involved in SAME criminal organization with Natali Medina Cisneros and who is also serving time in prison. The Gilbert's own like half of the town of Woodside, and these drug dealers probably saw a good in when they found the two stupid daughters. Wow. Sounds like these two daughters didn’t think about anyone but themselves when it came to protecting their parents or their family property! Good lesson for all who have kids and have property! Be careful who you let your adult children bring around! They may be drug dealers: and have ties to Mexico and other places where they mule drugs, like Hawaii.....Yikes.
More on natali medina cisneros and kasi pohahau:
Drug sting nets seven county residents May 6, 2006… Rafael Ramirez, 36, and Humberto Barraza, 28, of San Mateo; Jason Marx, 26, of San Carlos; and Natali Medina Cisneros, 31, of Woodside. …
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/.....p?id=58334 –
Jennifer Gilbert-soto (jennifer Gilbert) has a baby with natali medina cisneros and lived and worked with him for years. She also volunteered with November coalition in some anti-drug war liberal organiaztion, just shows you how incredibly phony these girlfriends of drug dealers are, they are usually weak, compromised girls who live in a fantasy world
macswftomov | 11.22.11 @ 1:06AM
Mac SWF to MOV
How to convert swf to mov? This is a perfect tool to convert swf to mov.
Donaho| 3.2.12 @ 7:21AM
almighty MXF Converter for Mac has optimized preset formats for Apple Devices and software and other multimedia Players, so users could just keep default when it comes to the output settings and resolutions for your devices.