The Drug War

In Mexico, drug violence is the topic most reported on by the international media. In my travels, however, I have not witnessed any of this bloodshed – thankfully. The only experience I have with these events is from the random roadblocks set up by the Mexican army.

On many of the smaller highways the army sections off short detours. Cars are directed off the main road and through a lane of traffic cones and sandbags toward awaiting soldiers. As you approach, one of these soldiers either waves you by or tells you to stop for questioning and a possible search of your vehicle.

I was nervous the first time I drove up to one these checkpoints. I heard all the stories about Mexican law enforcement extorting money from tourists and I was ready to go into a diatribe about corruption and the rule of law. But these soldiers turned out to be both professional and courteous. They asked where we were headed and where we had come from, and then said, “buen dia” and waved us by. Every subsequent encounter has only reaffirmed this impression. These guys are serious about their mission of finding drug traffickers and have no interest in bullying the random citizen or tourist.

I am not well enough informed on this issue to say whether this battle is a wise idea or if it’s being carried out properly. I can say, however, that an overwhelming majority of people that I have spoken with are not in favor of president Felipe Calderon or how he is carrying out this fight. This is understandable considering the frequent bloodshed suffered by innocent civilians especially in the city of Juarez. The recent massacre of sixteen teenagers there is one of the most dreadful examples.

Recently in Mexico City, citizens have displayed signs saying “todos somos Juarez,” or “we all are Juarez.” This show of unity is powerful and I think it is necessary for everyone in the country to take this problem on as their own. But there also an international element to this conflict. Americans, for example, should understand that the demand for drugs is what’s funding this battle. One that is currently concentrated in Mexico but could easily spill over the border.

A "todos somos Juarez" campaign amongst those in the United States would change the perception of this conflict from a foreign event to a domestic one. Let me be clear, however, I am not in favor of militarizing the US border. I would prefer to see local efforts to combat this problem.

For example, anyone who uses marijuana should find out the origin of their drug and boycott any that comes from south of the border. I think a buy local campaign with marijuana could work and, consequently, make a significant dent in the revenues of those who are committing these atrocities in Juarez and elsewhere.

Quick snippet about Walmart of Mexico

In the US, we know Walmart for its Supercenters and Sam’s Clubs. In Mexico, not only can you find these big box stores but also Walmart banks, restaurants, grocery stores and mini marts.

Like in the US, these Walmart stores earn market share because they are big enough to set the price of production. They are not one actor amongst many following the direction of the invisible hand. Rather as they drive out smaller businesses they become the invisible hand and wages, for example, are set arbitrarily low rather than by market forces. Up until 2008, many employees were even paid in store credit, similar to the coal miners in early 20th century West Virginia. Thankfully, the Mexican Supreme Court declared this practice unconstitutional a year and a half ago.