MEXICO CITY — Federal police have arrested Mexico's "King of Heroin," a powerful drug trafficker allegedly responsible for running thousands of pounds of heroin into...
This is not even a weed argument...It's more about coke and heroin.Yes there are other issues,however, the money maker for them is the latter!!!!! BILL...you were awesome on Wanda!
gravey72: This is not even a weed argument...It's more about coke
End the ridiculous, expensive and unwinnable "War on Drugs" and legalize drug use in the United States and the crime generated in Mexico would end. Mexico is a wonderful country with vast possiblities. If you could bring the Taiwanese in to run the place from top to bottom for ten years, Mexico would be the economic powerhouse of the Western Hemisphere.
ramal: End the ridiculous, expensive and unwinnable "War on Drugs" and
I'v gone to Mexico yearly for 25 years. The last 6 driving an RV and staying for longer periods than we used to. The driving years were a little dicey a few times as we got on the wrong road once near Culican heading to Mazatlan and encountered 3 cars demolished in a ditch with various dead men strewn about. and definite bullet holes in the cars. This wasn't a back road mind you but the "free" toll road versus the pay toll road. We weren't trying to save a buck just weren't good enough at reading the Mexican signage. We are now. The last few years we have noticed a difference, we have been shaken down by cops and we now make sure we travel with 3 or more RV's with us. We find people that are headed the same way and we all caravan. We know the "safe" places to stop fror the night, we don't have high end flashy rigs, and we don't walk around wearing the trappings of any kind of wealth. But this past year will probably be our last as even in Mazatlan this year there was a big shooting in a club in the tourist zone, we ran into many Americans and Canadians that had trucks stolen, were robbed and shaken down by cops a lot more than usual. It's gotten a lot more expensive due to the dip in tourism and we just don't have the comfort level we used to.
writeon1: I'v gone to Mexico yearly for 25 years. The last
Because despite what sensationalized news stories (and Americans who have never left the country) will tell you, Mexico is a huge country where you are unlikely to encounter violence as a tourist.
Chiapas and Oaxaca are the most beautiful states of the country and both are largely untouched by the current drug war.
It's also worth noting that Chiapas has the highest level of Mexican troops deployed (again, this despite the fact that Chiapas is largely free of drug violence) because of a non-violent indigenous movement.
TStringfellow: Because despite what sensationalized news stories (and Americans who have
I advise that you continue going to Mexico, just drive the Gulf route and get to Oaxaca, Chiapas and Yucatan as fast as possible. They're the most interesting parts of Mexico and the safest as well, in my opinion of course.
TStringfellow: I advise that you continue going to Mexico, just drive
Most Americans, the 90% without passports, have a claustrophobic world view that limits their interest in the variety of cultures and activities existing beyond the US borders. From watching American TV, one must wonder if all weather patterns stop at the Texas border. How many Americans even watch BBC?? Perhaps I should have used the term "self-involvement" , which is more accurate than "limited imaginations". Americans have issued so many ignorant and reprehensible statements about Mexico and Mexicans that your argument is fallacious on its face. Get a passport. It will take you to places you've never heard about in your info-entertainment world.
djekizian: Most Americans, the 90% without passports, have a claustrophobic world
I'd be willing to guess that the averag Mexican doesn't have a passport either, nor do most nationals outside of Europe. Americans aren't the only ones with a limited world view. If tyou have in fact spent enough time outside of the US you should be aware of that yourself.
KDog76A: get over yourself. I'd be willing to guess that the
My comment was a reply to another comment. I must have posted it incorrectly. I realize that out of context my words must sound like an inane diatribe. I was trying to defend a country that I know and love and which has been much maligned in the US. The average Mexicans usually are too poor to travel outside their country, Passports and visas are difficult to obtain and are pretty much an entitlement of the upper classes. The average Mexican has a world view that is shaped by the reality of hard-scrabble survival. Average Americans are light years ahead in access to information. However, from my perch in Baja Texas, I witness the masses being fed mostly info-entertainment. Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Michael Jackson, death panels, etc. get far more attention than the wars and elections in Afghanistan and Iraq, the escalating situation in Yemen, the humongous military budget. Need I go on?? If you're interested in seeing US-Mexican relations from an ex-pat's viewpoint, go to the link below. If nothing else, Joe Bageant's colorful images will make you laugh.
I heard all Fox news people were moving to Argentina where there is
a residual collection of WWII war criminals in need of
ideological support. We will miss you! ( But, do not write)
cinoti: I heard all Fox news people were moving to Argentina
American greedy dentists, Mexican savior. Eight straight years of checkups. I always complained about two molars and uneven bite as well as absys that drained every other week. Soar throats 4 or 5 times a year was common. "No major problems" said the American dentists. Fed up with bullcrap and sought help down south in Tijuana.
Mexican doctor takes regular x-rays...reviews them and then has me take "panoramic x-rays" just to be sure. Finds two tumors, fractured jaw bone, and broken metal posts and pieces that are on each side of fractured part of jaw. Spends 45 minutes explaining what will be transpiring over the next year. Tells me he is disgusted with the complete and utter disregard for the PERSON and obvious disregard to fix my problems. "American dentists and doctors feel that once they touch someone else's work, it becomes their problem. They own it. That's why they avoided working on you. They left you with a nest of bacteria."
I lost both my molars, tumors were removed and my health has improved 80% I haven't had a sore throat since and I refuse to ever see another American dentist who is more concerned about liability, ability to pay, or profit margins of dental work. All this work......$3,200. You do the math as to how much I saved. My calculations tell me about $15,000.
Bill Maher, I'm a fan, but boy are you sooooooooooooo wrong on this one. Mexico lindo y querido!
PedroInfante: American greedy dentists, Mexican savior. Eight straight years of checkups.
And so you are debasing the ethics of every dentist in the US based on one bad experience and some hearsay? Nice. what if you went to a Mexican dentist who didn't know what he was doing and made your problems 10 times worse? Then would all Mexican dentists be incompetents?
RJB_Boston: And so you are debasing the ethics of every dentist
So you go against your experience, hoping the next one will be better? The precise definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing, but expecting a different outcome.
That would be like sending more Democrats to Congress.
quiviran: So you go against your experience, hoping the next one
Gee, I wonder why so many Americans are flocking to Mexico for major and minor teeth repair. Do you think, perhaps, it has something to do with the fact that dental care in Mexico costs one-quarter as much as in the US and that the up-to-date curricula of the many institutions of higher learning south of the border are churning out bright and competent dental practitioners?? After all, dentists aren't really doctors but rather glorified technicians. And, oh, the young, bright and competent Mexican dentists have the most up-to-date equipment at their disposal. They also collaborate and share resources. A lot of savvy Americans take dental vacations so that they can get their smiles redone while enjoying piña coladas in the sun and they're still saving a lot of bucks. Does this explanation answer your questions??
djekizian: Gee, I wonder why so many Americans are flocking to
I have lived and traveled throughout Mexico for over 20 years and I am a single woman. I'm not fearless, just interested in the country that I have adopted and which has adopted me. Mexico is a colorful country with many flavors and a variety of cultures beyond the limited imaginations of most Americans. Mexicans, for the most part, are warm, gracious, family-oriented and hard-working. They know the true meaning of labor. Canadians, Europeans and people from around the globe, who are not spoon-fed propaganda by the joke that passes for the media in the US, have no fear of traveling in this hospitable, inexpensive and culturally and artistically rich country, especially in winter when the sun covers our tropical land instead of snow. If you would like an inside look at Mexico, go to the link provided below. Joe Bageant is a grubby old leftist who has spent many colorful years living in Central America. His perspective will shock the numbed senses of most USers. Be brave. Try him out. Beware, however, he uses rather vivid language.
yes, "behind the limited imaginations of most Americas". could you be any more pretentious? gimme a break, what if someone said that about Mexicans? Wouldn't you call that ignorant?
truthbringer: yes, "behind the limited imaginations of most Americas". could you
The Huffpost is blocking my response. Perhaps it's too sarcastic or off topic. So here's the gist of it: Americans have issued so many ignorant and reprehensible statements about Mexico and Mexicans that your argument is fallacious on its face.
djekizian: The Huffpost is blocking my response. Perhaps it's too sarcastic
The people are wonderful, it is a diverse, beautiful country.
The border areas are not representative of the whole, and our media IS inaccurate of what it portrays, but remember 'news' is something out of the ordinary, but that said they don't do their job in presenting context in reporting.
bgraceg: Well said. The people are wonderful, it is a diverse,
Mexico is a great country. Mexico is capable of much more than most people in the USA realize. In the coming decades, the world will witness Mexico rise up out of this problem of lawlessness and insecurity and become an economic powerhouse.
The specialization of many Mexican workers in construction is going to pay off for Mexico in the long run. At some point, new developments in Mexico may start drawing some of these guys back with their expertise gained in the USA.
The recent killing of the Americans at the consulate is a tragedy and a grave concern for American, foreign travellers and ex-patriots living in Mexico. Those who contribute to the atmosphere of insecurity will lose their position and they won't enjoy this bright and prosperous future.
Balzac: Mexico is a great country. Mexico is capable of much
Mexico is a great country. Mexico is capable of much more than most people in the USA realize. In the coming decades, the world will witness Mexico rise up out of this problem of lawlessness and insecurity and become an economic powerhouse.
Great, then maybe they'll stop sneaking across the border to find a better life here. Best of luck, who doesn't want their neighbors to be successful?
KDog76A: Mexico is a great country. Mexico is capable of much
First off, the violence in Ciudad Juarez, Acapulco and other regions in Mexico is real, and, along with other factors, the U.S. War on Drugs is directly responsible for it. Mexican citizens are suffering, and it will only get worse as long as the War on Drugs continues. However, there was horrifying violence going on in Ciudad Juarez before the latest spike in drug violence. Bodies of women and young girls, workers in the local factories that spew out prodcuts for U.S. consumers, have been turning up in the desert outside of Ciudad Juarez since the mid-eighties, and no authorities in the U.S. or Mexico gives a rat's patoot about them.
Secondly, Mexico is a big country, and tarring the whole place with the drug violence brush is about as logical as saying that all of the United States is just like inner city Detroit. It's bull. There are many, many regions of Mexico that are far more interesting than a wristband resort and are safe to travel in.
And thirdly, it's no coincidence that, twice a year, just before winter and spring break set in, we get a slew of "Danger, Danger!!! Don't go to Mexico!!! You'll get killed!" b.s. in the media. It's called hyping tourism at U.S. resorts by exaggerating the dangers of Mexico.
Wonderful to see that Bill is jumping on the bandwagon.
Want to help Mexicans? Travel to Mexico. Just don't use Bill Maher as your tour guide.
PartyPartyParty: First off, the violence in Ciudad Juarez, Acapulco and other
I like Bill, but this is stupid. I have spent the past five winters in Playa del Carmen, an hour south of Cancun and it's safer than the city that BIll lives in by far. Moreover, in case he hasn't looked at a map (Americans aren't good at geography), worrying about violence in Ciudad Juarez if one lives in the Yucatan makes about as much sense as worrying about the violence in Philly described today in the NYT if one lives in Bloomington, Indiana. In short, it makes no sense at all.
My son had the best line which sums it up: "We have a perfect symbiotic relationship with Mexico. We buy their drugs. They buy our guns."
diogeron: I like Bill, but this is stupid. I have spent
You obviously know nothing about Mexico. My spouse and I have spent two weeks in December in Jalisco (including Guadalajara) and Guanajuato for the last six years in a row, and have not had one single problem and have never once feared for our safety.
PartyPartyParty: You obviously know nothing about Mexico. My spouse and I
Carlos Manuel!
I couldn't agree with your point MORE.
That's why I said that I - and American, who wants, and has fought for, Pot (to become) Legal - want to grow it; not a Cartel - just don;t tell them, OK, Amigo?
We're out to put em outta business the 'old fashioned' way - Through DE-Prohibition.
Join the following NOW, Carlos Manuel: www.LEAP.org
That's Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.
JimRinX: Carlos Manuel! I couldn't agree with your point MORE. That's
Chiapas and Oaxaca are the most beautiful states of the country and both are largely untouched by the current drug war.
It's also worth noting that Chiapas has the highest level of Mexican troops deployed (again, this despite the fact that Chiapas is largely free of drug violence) because of a non-violent indigenous movement.
I'd be willing to guess that the averag Mexican doesn't have a passport either, nor do most nationals outside of Europe. Americans aren't the only ones with a limited world view. If tyou have in fact spent enough time outside of the US you should be aware of that yourself.
http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2010/03/cantina-tolteca.html
http://www.cctv.com
a residual collection of WWII war criminals in need of
ideological support. We will miss you! ( But, do not write)
Mexican doctor takes regular x-rays...reviews them and then has me take "panoramic x-rays" just to be sure. Finds two tumors, fractured jaw bone, and broken metal posts and pieces that are on each side of fractured part of jaw. Spends 45 minutes explaining what will be transpiring over the next year. Tells me he is disgusted with the complete and utter disregard for the PERSON and obvious disregard to fix my problems. "American dentists and doctors feel that once they touch someone else's work, it becomes their problem. They own it. That's why they avoided working on you. They left you with a nest of bacteria."
I lost both my molars, tumors were removed and my health has improved 80% I haven't had a sore throat since and I refuse to ever see another American dentist who is more concerned about liability, ability to pay, or profit margins of dental work. All this work......$3,200. You do the math as to how much I saved. My calculations tell me about $15,000.
Bill Maher, I'm a fan, but boy are you sooooooooooooo wrong on this one. Mexico lindo y querido!
That would be like sending more Democrats to Congress.
http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2010/03/cantina-tolteca.html
The people are wonderful, it is a diverse, beautiful country.
The border areas are not representative of the whole, and our media IS inaccurate of what it portrays, but remember 'news' is something out of the ordinary, but that said they don't do their job in presenting context in reporting.
The specialization of many Mexican workers in construction is going to pay off for Mexico in the long run. At some point, new developments in Mexico may start drawing some of these guys back with their expertise gained in the USA.
The recent killing of the Americans at the consulate is a tragedy and a grave concern for American, foreign travellers and ex-patriots living in Mexico. Those who contribute to the atmosphere of insecurity will lose their position and they won't enjoy this bright and prosperous future.
In Canada we don't have too many people killed each year, compared to other places. But too many of those are vacationers im Mexico.
I do believe in time they can overcome this though. I'd love to buy a place down there.
Great, then maybe they'll stop sneaking across the border to find a better life here. Best of luck, who doesn't want their neighbors to be successful?
Secondly, Mexico is a big country, and tarring the whole place with the drug violence brush is about as logical as saying that all of the United States is just like inner city Detroit. It's bull. There are many, many regions of Mexico that are far more interesting than a wristband resort and are safe to travel in.
And thirdly, it's no coincidence that, twice a year, just before winter and spring break set in, we get a slew of "Danger, Danger!!! Don't go to Mexico!!! You'll get killed!" b.s. in the media. It's called hyping tourism at U.S. resorts by exaggerating the dangers of Mexico.
Wonderful to see that Bill is jumping on the bandwagon.
Want to help Mexicans? Travel to Mexico. Just don't use Bill Maher as your tour guide.
My son had the best line which sums it up: "We have a perfect symbiotic relationship with Mexico. We buy their drugs. They buy our guns."
I couldn't agree with your point MORE.
That's why I said that I - and American, who wants, and has fought for, Pot (to become) Legal - want to grow it; not a Cartel - just don;t tell them, OK, Amigo?
We're out to put em outta business the 'old fashioned' way - Through DE-Prohibition.
Join the following NOW, Carlos Manuel: www.LEAP.org
That's Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.
Infringing on an individual's right to privacy is what brings forth violence. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition