Friday, April 17, 2009

Obama Heads South of the Border

Yesterday, President Obama met with Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, before they both head to the Summit of Americas later this week. The topic of discussion? Border safety and curbing the drug violence in both nations. President Obama expressed that the United States would be a partner with Mexico in terms of reducing the violent drug cartels' attacks and power. Obama acknowledged that this is not only Mexico's problem, but the United States' as well. He spoke of security measures in the United States (such as more stringent security on the border so guns and cash are not as accessible en route to Mexico) and how the United States is prepared to support Mexico in its endeavors.

From the articles I've read, the news and radio, it seems as though Americans don't fully understand the power of these drug cartels (I know I don't!). Apparently, it's like having 20 different mafias all of whom could take over cities, wreak havoc in little towns and have the power to do as they please because the citizens are so frightened of these drug lords. I think it is great that President Obama plans on supporting Mexico in this fight, but the question is will his plans come to fruition? Let's face it, the United States government, and especially Obama, has a lot on its plate. I hope that just because this problem isn't directly centered in the U.S (altough it's pretty dependent on America), it doesn't get pushed to the back burner.

4 comments:

Albert A said...

Yep. Mexico cannot handle this drug mafia by itself. America and Mexico need to work together to investigate and anhilate these drug gangs and also the immigration problem with the neighbor country. I personally believe that this is a relevant issue to America though, i donlt think we will commit much resources to it. There are bigger problems to resolve.

Michael Donath said...

Exactly, as we've learned, if the public feels strongly about these Mexican drug cartels and their dangerous behavior, start a grass roots program to raise awareness, make it a big issue and if that's what the public wants, it would have happened already. Obama should be worrying about things our citizens feel strongly about, usually things effecting us directly, like um say the recession/depression our nation is facing. But I understand Mexico needs the help, I'm just hesitant on lending a hand when we are on a dark path of destruction ourselves.

Anonymous said...

this spring break i was going to go to ensenada to do a mission trip and help out the kids&families in that town, but since the escalating violence and dangers of the drug wars/cartels i decided to cancel that trip.

im sooo glad that Obama is taking the steps towards trying to curb these violences, all the news stories and media coverage is terrifying. we're in the 21st century for christ sake, mexico should not be terrorized and controlled by drug wars and by corrupt govt officials!!!!!

Sandy de Sauvage said...

I'm also glad that Obama is working with Mexico to curb this violence. It is a problem for both countries. It is a major security issue. The government has issued warnings about the danger of traveling to Mexico, causing many people to refrain from going to Mexico for business or on vacation. Tourism is important to the Mexican economy, and surely Mexico will begin feeling the impact of this drop.