Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mexico Drug Wars, Is It A Shared Responsibility (post #29)

A recent op-ed piece in the Los Angeles Times, Mexico's Drug War: Crossing the Border, raises the the subject of the cross border nature of the drug wars taking place in Mexico today. Over 15,000 people died in violence related to the drug wars in Mexico in 2010. The violence has caused the deaths of Americans on both sides of the border as well. Do you think America is responsible for the violence crossing the border? The violence in Mexico? The weapons used are blamed on American private gun dealers and government programs to help Mexico fight the drug cartels. Rueben Martinez the author of the piece also points out that the illegal drug market in the United States is a driving force in the slaughter happening in Mexico. Most of the illegal drugs used in America come from or through Mexico. The huge demand in America drives the the whole illegal drug trade. What do you think should be done? Is this just Mexico's problem? Should the U.S. expand it's involvement in ending the cartel's power over Mexico? What do you think? Please respect the thoughts of others when blogging.

59 comments:

  1. I think the u.s should get involved in ending the drug problem thats going on in mexico because it is a problem that is affecting america too and then its going to create a even larger problem so might as well try to fix it before it gets even worse.it is causing alot of violence thats affecting many in america and mexico which is another reason why the u.s should get involved.

    Clarisa Carrillo
    Per.4
    Sloan

    ReplyDelete
  2. This kind of situation is very hard to pick a side for. On the one hand, I'm all for the U.S. getting involved, since it would hypothetically cut down on illegal drug use. But, on the other hand, I consider the consequences of getting involved, namely the massive retaliation that could happen from cracking down on drugs. Prohibition is a great example of this, since it spawned many illegal outfits that produced alcohol illegally. It didn't solve the alcohol problem, but rather, it made it worse. If enough pressure is put on the cartels, it is possible that they could crack and massively retaliate, or just find new ways to distribute drugs illegally. It's kind of a lose-lose situation.

    Brian S.
    Per. 4 Sloan

    ReplyDelete
  3. Danielle Smith, Sloan P1May 8, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Haven't we spent enough money on Mexico? I think it's kind of ridiculous that the US is being blamed for the Mexican drug wars. We've taken on enough burdens originating from there as it is. They can take care of their own war. Although the guns are from America, I wouldn't say that makes the war our fault. That's just some people selling guns privately, not the majority. The US could get involved in the illegal drug use in Mexico, but I don't think it's worth it. The government has spent enough money on them here. Let them figure out their drug problems in their country. Yeah, both Mexicans and Americans have died as a result of this problem, but they're the ones who became a part of an underground market and put themselves in the middle of a drug war. It's hard to put that blame on anyone but them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It is both Mexico and America's problem, whether we like it or not. To be honest, I have no clue what should be done to stop or lessen the violence as putting restrictions on things only make the demand more and causes other problems to uprise when dealing with drug cartels. What could be done it get to the root cause of the violence which would mean take out the leaders of these cartels, but that is an extreme option.

    ReplyDelete
  5. -America responsible? no.
    -In Mexico? no.
    -supply and demand, if people want it, someone will do it for the right price. what's really horrible about this is what i heard about the drug deals, after every successful deal in mexico, the gangs will get a girl, rape her and kill her. after every deal, its a horrible thing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think its both the U.S's and Mexico's problem. Drugs are being brought in into the U.S because of the huge demand for them. A way to lessen the violence for the U.S's part, is to take down the people who demand the drugs in the U.S. If you take out the money and the people in need of the product, the seller or distributor will have no buisness with them, in this case, the U.S

    Jose Alvarez p4 Sloan

    ReplyDelete
  7. if they didnt ask for help stay out of it. thats all i have to say to america.
    Samantha white'sloan per 5

    ReplyDelete
  8. I agree with Sam. If they didnt ask for help stay out of it. All we are doing is getting into more situations that we don't need to be in.
    Tori milligan
    Sloan per.3

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hannah Engebretsen/ Bauer P2May 9, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    I agree with Danielle on this one, she makes some good points. The U.S. likes to help a lot of countries in need, and its not a bad thing until it starts to affect our economy. Although trying to help Mexico is nice, i think it would create a bigger mess.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Maria Schmidt, Bauer, Per 5May 9, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    I don't think that America should be held responsible for the drug war violence in Mexico. Like Danielle said, some of the weapons used are from the U.S. and are sold by private gun dealers, but that doesn't mean it's all of America's fault. I think what is happening in Mexico and on the border is unfortunate, but I don't think the United States should get too involved unless there is an overwhelming amount of Americans being killed. Actually, I'm not so sure anymore...maybe the U.S. should get involved because it does affect us to a certain extent.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Should the US get involved? As cruel as it sounds no. Why? I think we shouldn't get involved because this is not our war. If they came over here and picked a fight then yes, but i don't think we should get involved. I also dont think we're responsible for the violence crossing the border because we didnt do anything? Same with the violence in Mexico, thats on them not us. I think we should just wait and see what happens, if something crazy like hundreds of mexican citizens die then yeah i think we should do something but not now i see no point.
    Adilene Vazquez
    Sloan Period onee

    ReplyDelete
  12. The u.s needs to stay out of it for once. Mexico can handle it themselves, the only thing i think the u.s should do is strengthn border security..
    jake beilby

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm surprise that the U.S hasn't gotten involved already, since they get involved in everything. But i believe that the U.S should get involve, simply because Mexico can't handle this problem. I also think that the president of Mexico is sacred of all these cartels, because to this point he had not done thing about it. Overall, the U.S should help.

    ReplyDelete
  14. if both mexico and the u.s are having problems because they are working together and doing secret deals and such, they should just stop. maybe things will get better.
    kim hernandez
    sloan p.4

    ReplyDelete
  15. In my opinion there's to much money involved, to much corruption, but the U.S. has been letting immigrants come over here for years. Mexico is a seller the U.S. is a buyer.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Michael Freeman Per 5 SloanMay 9, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    I think that we are not going to touch mexico in any way as long as we are getting what we want from them. As far as us going over there to put a stop to it, no. We have no reason to go in and there would be no point to put a stop to them because it would just hurt us in the long run with money.

    ReplyDelete
  17. The drug wars and violence happening in Mexico is the responsibility of the Mexican government. They should be more strict and punish those that have gotten involved. Yet, I believe that things may be easier to handle if the U.S. helps. Although it is not part of their problem, US is being effected. Both Mexican and Americans have been injured by the war on drugs, and I think that if the two nations work together they might be able to stop the war. The problem is of what they will do in order to solve the problem.

    Regarding other comments about how the US should not get involved becuase Mexico has not asked, I believe that the US will get involved no matter if Mexico asks or not. The US is known to getting involved in other nations' business, even if it shouldn't. the difference here is that US will have a reason.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Maria Perez
    Sloan Per.4
    I believe that this situation is both the problem of America, and of Mexico, it is hard to be on one side or the other. For one, America is not in good shape like to help Mexico out, but on the other hand, Mexico does need help, and even if they do not ask for help, we should do what we can to help because we are also being affected by it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. richard may mr. sloan period 4May 9, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    yes i believe the U.S.A. should get involved but not so recently after the victory in the middle east. It is in our benefit to help Mexico with this problem. We are a driving force, so we must put stricter restrictions on illegal drugs and also help Mexico in any way we can.

    ReplyDelete
  20. mallory Lemieux mr sloan pd 4May 10, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    I think America should keep to ourselves and stay out of Mexico's problems. The drug war is violent and would possibly put American citizen lives in danger. The Mexico government needs to handle there own issue and need to get there country under control

    ReplyDelete
  21. America needs to stay out of it, its Mexico's problem,not ours. Mexico's leaders need to handle it, not America. We just need to secure our borders to make sure that the illegal drugs don't come into America. Sloan per 1

    ReplyDelete
  22. The U.S. should help Mexico with the government problem. Although this is not a direct problem for the U.S, they have contributed to the issue by selling guns and demanding drugs to Mexcio. The U.S should help put a stop to the problem because they are a more powerful country. If they do not, the problem will likely continue to worsen.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This isn't America's fault, it is the fault of those in the U.S. who are demanding the supply of drugs to cross the border. Those who are involved are at fault for the violence as well, because if there was no demand or crossing of the border, there would be no problems. The best the U.S. can do is crack down on border crossings and make sure to check everyone to make sure no drugs get across.

    Melody Morphis
    Mr. Sloan
    per. 1

    ReplyDelete
  24. Cierra Gonsalves, Mr. Bauer, Period 2May 10, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    By getting rid of the drug cartel’s power over Mexico, I believe there will be less violence across the border in all directions. If there are problems in Mexico, then obviously those issues will soon become that of American involvement. Maybe the Americas who are part of the problem should cut back on the ILLEGAL drug use to spare those who have been murdered due to the need of a “quick fix.”

    ReplyDelete
  25. Joeylee Maimone, Sloan 4
    I don't think that the U.S. should get involved in this situation. We already have enough problems to deal with and it would just be adding onto the list. I also think that this isn't our fault at all, Mexico is out of control to begin with.

    ReplyDelete
  26. No i dont think that its the americas responsibility for whats happening in mexico.Yeah the US are being blamed for the weapons but i still think it isnt their fault.We really cant do anything to stop this unless we find who ever is selling the weapons and drugs being passed thru the border.

    tania hinojosa
    sloan p5

    ReplyDelete
  27. i think that we should only get involved because it is bringing drugs here to the US and that is a problem. yes we should help them get rid of the problem. the things that we sell shouldnt matter yes we sell guns but that doesnt make this event our fault.
    erika oropeza
    mr.sloan
    p.4

    ReplyDelete
  28. In this situation I believe it's Mexico's issue since the violence is in Mexican territory, however, America has somewhat of an influence on this matter since America wants their cup of coffee, they're the one's increasing that drive for more drugs and the rise of slaughtering. Yeah the drugs come from Mexico or whatever but America is supplying the weaponry which is obviously being misused and used for miconduct. On another note, if this is such a huge matter then America might as well step in and help, since they're out their helping all these other countries.

    Christina Luna
    Bauer

    ReplyDelete
  29. America does more drugs than any other country in the world. Most of these drugs come from Mexico, and if we intervene in the violence we will also decrease the amount of drugs entering the country, which will help America be a more sober society.

    Sloan Per. 3
    Bauer Per. 4

    ReplyDelete
  30. The United States has the right to get involved in issues that it is affected by. If a majority of illegal drugs are being smuggled in from Mexico, then the US has the right to put an end to it. The drug wars in Mexico shouldn't be blamed on America and the Mexican government should take responsibility for the violence ensued by its citizens.

    Devin Smith, Mr. Bauer, P.1.

    ReplyDelete
  31. The wars gong on in Mexico are not the US problems unless then Mexican gov askes the US for help in fighting off the drug cartel.Now the drug wars spreadng in the the US is 100% the US governments falt . They saw knew what was going n in Mexico an that if they didn't do anything it would soon come in to the US .

    Thomas Shelton
    Mr. Sloan
    P.5

    ReplyDelete
  32. Dominique Jimenez, SLOAN, 5thMay 11, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    i believe that it is both sides fault for the deaths and loses. America sells the weapons used for the mass distruction in mexico. &the drug supply coming into America is supplied by mexico. There is both sides adding to the chaos and one stopping or narrowing down would reduce the death rate dramatically.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Janeiry Balderas, Mr. Sloan, Period 4May 11, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    i believe that this is a problem that involves both of the nations. first what affects the situation is that Mexico has corrupt government. yet if there was no demand for these drugs there would be no need for the cartels to fight over for who should be able to control the American market. but they should just try and support each other by further stopping the use of people using illegal drugs. also there needs to be more sincerity from the nations, and they need to be able to look at what their weaknesses are and what they need to do so that this drug war may end.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Asher Maroot- Sloan p.1May 11, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    The US should not be held responsible for Mexicos actions. Mexico does not have all the same laws that the US does but people still like to bring parts of Mexico into the US. The US is not responsible for their actions as individuals. The US is simply trying to rid all those illegal things for this country

    ReplyDelete
  35. If we had a competent leader as president our troops would be deployed along the border instead of in the Middle East. This is a national security issue that is being ignored by the federal government, and as a result states have to deal with the problem. Our government has failed us.(Sloan P.3/Bauer P.4)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Miriam Bejines p.5 Mr.SloanMay 11, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Well if Mexico is having problems with all the cartel, the United States should be more involved to try and help this to an end because the US has a strong military that wasy it can be beneficial for Mexico's problems with all the killing of innocent people.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I dont believe that the u.s is at fault for the drug wars in mexico, but because we are allies i believe that the u.s should help mexico become a safer place to live. I believe that the u.s and mexico should work together to stop the selling of drugs.

    Trista Dowdy
    Sloan per.5

    ReplyDelete
  38. The United States should help Mexico with the governmental problem because it looks like they need help. The U.S should help Mexico and put a stop to there problem because U.S a pretty powerful country. If they dont, the problem will likely continue and the problems can become a lot worse.
    Santiago Naranjo Diaz
    Mr. Sloan
    period 1

    ReplyDelete
  39. The problem of Mexicos drug cartels are very serious. The cartels are extremely dangerous and wont stop for nothing to get what they want. The cartels do not only affect Mexico but America aswell. We should help out Mexico but if so we need to be careful. If we go about the issue in a wrong way the Drug Cartels may wage war on the U.S.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I personally think that the US has enough problems and we don't need to encourage or not stop them. I also think that America does play a little bit of a role in the trading wars because we are the ones with the high demand for the drugs. Im not exactly sure what the people of the US should do to help stop it but something has to be done. But I don't think that involves the US increasing their involvement. We have other more important priorities to worry about. Mexico isn't our deal.

    Steffanie Eisenga
    Sloan
    Per.5

    ReplyDelete
  41. Jacqueline OlympiusMay 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    The U.S. can get into any other war it wants to put its nose in but plain and simple, you don't mess with gangsters and their drugs. There's really nothing we'd be able to do and the situation will never be ceased 100% no matter what we do. We might as well dedicate our efforts somewhere else, or even, hey, just keep to ourselves for a bit and save a few dollars... Crazy idea I know.

    --Sloan
    AP Econ, Period 3

    ReplyDelete
  42. Honestly I believe that this problem belongs both to America and Mexico. Although the United States and Mexico is loosing citizens, with all due respect I believe that the United States should stay out of this war. America has enough to deal with just as it is, and the United States could just possibly cause more trouble to this.

    Brian Leiva
    Mr. Sloan
    Period 5

    ReplyDelete
  43. well I think that since mexico is our neighborer we should interferer with this problem because all the drugs and bad people end up at the US so we should find some way to help .

    richard manzo

    pr5 sloan

    ReplyDelete
  44. Chelsea Ray, Sloan p1May 11, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    I dont think that the US should get involved in this. Its not in our country so its not our problem. We get involved in so many countries problems and the drug cartels are a serious issue that isnt going to be fixed easily. I feel as if it would cause more issues than anything.

    ReplyDelete
  45. karina ramos mr sloan period 1
    i think that the us should really stay out of it because as everyone says the us has enough problems. economically wise. if mexico is hvaing these problems and it is influencing violence and drugs to other countries such as ours then maybe we should out a hault to this. by what i hear how bad mexico is right now maybe the us should take some kind of action to this. i guess it just depends on how bad this situation gets.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Ricardo VillalpandoMay 11, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    I think that problem should belongs to mexico and the US the reason why is because most of the drugs are brought in to the US but with the economic problems going on right now the US should just wait and watch maybe the drug lords will kill each other and it will all be gone so the US should just play it by ear .

    ricardo villalpando
    pr5
    sloan

    ReplyDelete
  47. I think the United States should stay out of it. As many have said we already have problems of our own. But then again many of the criminals are only on the other side of the border so it would be bad if they came over to our country. To be honest i really dont know what we should do.

    victor alvarez
    sloan 5

    ReplyDelete
  48. Let's not get involved. The U.S. Getting involved with drug lords will make so many more problems than drugs.

    Daniel Ruiz
    Sloan per. 5

    ReplyDelete
  49. We are a country of freedom. We belive that to be the greatest thing given to us. But our freedom truly does not breach the borders of any other country. The deals being made arent good. The way other countries may be doibg to fix the situations may not be right either. But until those deals cause our nation to fall under another attack we have no business being the "go to" people to fix the problem. Joeliane muegge, mr sloan, p. 5

    ReplyDelete
  50. haley collins sloan period oneMay 12, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    Honestly this crisis in Mexico is a frenzy. The copious amounts of drugs that circulate between the United States and Mexico is absurd. Our nation needs to set a border and increase drug searches when entering. Mexico has some of the most intelligent drug cartels and obviously the violence and various aspects that coincide will not be stopped until we cut off their profits by decreasing drugs in America.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I dont believe that the U.S should get more involved with this situation, yes we all know the U.S loves to play hero but they should just back off and let mexico's government handle it themselves...

    Danielle Barros
    Sloan p.4

    ReplyDelete
  52. Sarah Richter, Period 5, BauerMay 15, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    I deff dont think that the US should get involved in the situation, its not our war. We could help us by strenghing the border so there are no drugs coming into the US. It may cause more problems if we were to get involved and could cause more of our men dead, fighting over a drug problem.

    ReplyDelete
  53. My opinion is that I don’t think America should be getting into Mexico’s problem; we have already tried to fix other problems which they have not been fixed. And also I think its pretty stupid how people would fight over drugs all it really does is make a person not smart and its not cool either.

    Aniscia Silva
    Sloan
    per 5

    ReplyDelete
  54. I think the u.s should get involved in ending the drug problem thats going on in mexico because it is a problem that is affecting america too, it just brings more issues here that we really dont need, it also brings down our state and brings up more crime in our state
    Brooke Hubert
    Sloan P.1

    ReplyDelete
  55. This is definitely not the U.S's problem for sure. Its not necessarily our problem to fight. Only thing we should really do is more security at boarders, stoping the trafficking of illegal matter from making it's way to America.

    Sloan P|2

    ReplyDelete
  56. i believe that the drug problem is both the U.S. and Mexico's problem. This a major problem the U.S. is dealing with because the more drugs that come in the state and causing crime rates to rise in the states surrounding Mexico and some states deeper into the U.S. There is no full proof way of stopping it because when you shut down one organizations more sprout up because drug dealing has no taxes which causes more people to attempt this form of trade in our declining economy.

    EJ Keller
    Per.4
    Sloan

    ReplyDelete
  57. story time! Long ago my grandfather who is white, lived in the town of El Paso , Texas. HE speaks of mexicans not liking the white man . He would go to mexico to get drunk.He would go to the city of Jaurez. Which you can hit with a rock if standing in the center of El Paso. So your telling me that the U.S should fight with the cartelwho is our neighbor ,lets not. I mean an American ship got highjacked 5 somali pirates. If the U.S cant handle five black men how are we going to handle hundreds of mexicans.
    Jordan Elzie per2 sloan

    ReplyDelete
  58. I think that it isn't our problem but the US could help out Mexico in little inexpensive ways. We may send some of our soldiers or troops to help control the drug violence. But we shouldn't just abandon them.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I think that the US should not get involved. If there are problems in Mexico, then the U.S. should not get involved because the will created more problems then the ones the U.S. has already. Like Sarah said we should strength the border so there are no drugs coming into the US.
    Stephanie A
    Mr.Sloan
    Per.4

    ReplyDelete

All comments will be reviewed before they are published. Make sure to leave your name to receive credit.