Rick Perry Open To Sending U.S. Troops To Mexico To Battle Drug Cartels

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP/The Huffington Post) -- Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry says he is open to sending American troops to Mexico to help battle drug cartels.

Perry, the Texas governor, likens the situation to Colombia, where the government accepted American military support in battling the war on drugs.

Perry says the current violence may require similar military action.

He often calls for more National Guard troops to help protect the Mexican border and stem the flow of illegal immigration. But Saturday's comments go further. They indicate he's open to deepening America's military involvement across the border.

Perry's comments came at a Saturday afternoon reception at the home of New Hampshire Republican gubernatorial candidate Ovide Lamontagne.

A spokesman later clarified that Perry is open to all options to cooperate with Mexico.

It's not the first time Perry has raised the idea of sending U.S. troops across the border. He did so in a November 2010 interview with MSNBC as well.

"I think we have to use every aspect of law enforcement that we have including the military. I think we have the same situation as we had in Colombia. Obviously, Mexico has to approve any type of assistance that we can give them," Perry said. "But the fact of the matter is these are people who are highly motivated with money, they are vicious, they are armed to the teeth, and I want to see them defeated. And any means that we can to run these people off our border and to save Americans' lives we need to be engaged in."

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Comments

[pheonix89CCBC]

05:33 PM on 10/05/2011

Much as I hate Rick Perry, I can't say this idea bugs me too much. Its already a war zone down there so I don't see any real problem in offering the assistance. Realistically, though, it won't stop the drug trade even if sending in the US Army would keep the cartels from trying to fight the government head on. The only thing that might end the drug trade would be legalization and regulation. Internationally smuggled drugs wouldn't be able to compete. But no, that's being "soft on crime" and no one will do it.

[proudtohaveserved]

11:56 AM on 10/04/2011

OH YEAH RICK I FORGOT 'REMEMBER THE ALAMO" THAT DIDN'T WORK OUT FOR YOU EITHER, DID IT?

[proudtohaveserved]

11:54 AM on 10/04/2011

HEY rick i just googled the population of texas (THERE ARE ROUGHLY 27 MILLION OF YOU SUCKERS) AGAINST OVER 100 MILLION MEXICANS. don't think to long, you don't have the gery matter necessary for you to the math. first, secede and lets see how long before spanish is the official language of texas. don't bother to call, we have no money to aid a foreign country, you are on your own. GOOD LUCK

[Vegan Girl]

08:20 AM on 10/04/2011

Just legalize marijuana.

[Vegan Girl]

08:18 AM on 10/04/2011

I was told that W was the guy one wanted to drink a beer with. Well, then Perry is the guy with whom we drank one too many beer.

[bccmeteorites]

06:50 AM on 10/04/2011

If people are constantly bashing the federal government and it's activities, "the worst thing since polio" why would they want to get elected and be a part of it?

[hchavez]

11:25 PM on 10/03/2011

Open to sending troops to Mexico? What would be the clear, identifiable objective? How will we know when the troops' job is done?

The Mexican constitution does not allow for foreign troops on Mexican soil. How is he going to negotiate his plan with the Mexican government without making it seem like an invasion. Or, are we willing to invade another sovereign country because we think that will keep our kids and adults from using drugs?

Is sending troops to Mexico going to keep marijuana and other drugs off the streets? Or will these drugs be substituted by other drugs? Is he open to sending troops to drug companies here and overseas?

The demand for the drugs is here. The demand in our country is what drives the supplliers. No demand; no supply.

Sounds as if Mr. Perry would like for the American people to make choices, but wants to limit those choices. Unbelievable politics.

[wsuvtx]

06:25 PM on 10/03/2011

How about we just give Texas back to Mexico?

[chris360]

05:18 PM on 10/03/2011

A New Country needs to be created between the now US, mexico border and the 24 N PARALLEL. The 24 N Parallel being the Northern border of mexico. mexico and south america are run and will forever be run by Drug Cartels. If mexico wanted to get rid of the Cartels then they would employ the best Military in the world the USA. But mexico is corrupt all the way the president. Philippe Calderon

[chris360]

05:11 PM on 10/03/2011

Get into the country illegally Steal a car go back to mexico load it with Drugs and get past Border Patrol. Repeat same illegal behavior, Tell other drug mules repeat same illegal behavior, repeat same illegal behavior. Dig Tunnels under US mexico methicantardville border load it with Drugs and get past Border Patrol Tell other drug mules Repeat same illegal behavior. Build Catapults throw drugs over fence Repeat same illegal behavior Tell other drug mules repeat same illegal behavior.

[chris360]

05:10 PM on 10/03/2011

Acapulco teachers have abandoned 140 schools after receiving threats of violence if they refuse to pay kickbacks.

[chris360]

05:10 PM on 10/03/2011

Mexico is having a consolidation of business drug cartel business. Phillipe Calderon is CFO.

[chris360]

05:10 PM on 10/03/2011

I volunteer to go with the US military into mexico. 10 mayors in N Mexico where dragged out of there house and murdered LAST YEAR.

[chris360]

05:09 PM on 10/03/2011

IF mexico is having a DRUG WAR, WHY IS IT LEGAL IN 6 OF THE 31 STATES TO CARRY, METH, COCAINE, HEROIN,,,,? YES IT IS LEGAL! WHAT DRUG WAR? mexican propaganda. YES!

[chris360]

05:08 PM on 10/03/2011

10 mayors in N Mexico where dragged out of there house and murdered LAST YEAR