Mexico's Drug War Moves North

Ninety percent of the cocaine in the U.S. comes in through Mexico, most of our imported marijuana, and tons of methamphetamines. That flow has created giant drug cartels and a drug war in Mexico: murders, kidnappings, beheadings, police station shoot-ups.

On this side of the border, in places like Dallas and Phoenix, there is evidence the violence is spilling over. Meanwhile, a big U.S. aid package is in the works to pump up the Mexican governmentâ€™s war on the cartels. Some call it "Plan Mexico," after Americaâ€™s earlier gung-ho drug intervention, "Plan Colombia."

But the story is complex, politically loaded, and dangerous. With the U.S.-Mexican border already white-hot politically around immigration and trade, drugs and guns and violence are now cranking up the tension.

Listen to an On Point discussion about the drug wars moving across the border and â€œPlan Mexicoâ€ in the wings.

What should the U.S. do about the Mexican drug cartels? Can millions in new military aid to Mexico solve the problem? Is it time to get tough?

Comments: 8

Brian E. Aug 23, 2007, 1:15pm UTC

I doubt it will happen any time soon, but the US should legalize marijuana. I heard Anthony Coulson's assertion that marijuana is a gateway drug, but the two biggest gateway drugs are alcohol and tobacco. Marijuana is no worse than either of these drugs, and the current prohibition on marijuana is working more poorly than the prohibition against alcohol in the US from 1920 to 1933. Mr Coulson's position is specious an is not supported by scientific research. Keeping marijuana illegal finances drug smugglers and organized crime. Marijuana can be a revenue source in the same way alcohol and tobacco are.

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tammy b. Aug 23, 2007, 2:07pm UTC

These two drugs are being pushed out so I am pretty sure the insurance companies would do the same for marijuana. and the next they will be hitting is caffeine. Maybe if our government would back up our border patrols and inforce deportation laws we might be able to get a handle on some of the harder drugs coming into this country.

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Bill's Spirit Aug 24, 2007, 12:31am UTC

Tighter border security would certainly stop a lot of flow of both illegal drugs and illegal immigrants.

There's your win-win scenario.

But I have to agree that marijuana should be legalized in this country. The economics of it are so shiny that I can't believe it hasn't happened already. Think of the revenues!! New industries, new jobs, new revenues from oversight...

And, as someone else stated, the effects are proven to be no worse than alcohol or tobacco; as well as having a general calming effect on users. Alcohol, as we know, inspires many to violent, lustful or injurious foolhardiness.

But as someone else stated, tobacco is being targeted. Alcohol may be targeted again, but it looks like sugar and trans-fat are vying to be next.

Making old fashioned jelly filled doughnuts could be a first degree misdemeanor; selling them a felony.

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Rose S. Aug 24, 2007, 7:52am UTC

I agree that we should leagalize marijuana.

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Donna Spirit Aug 24, 2007, 8:37am UTC

What a bunch of hooey! The drugs may be coming from Mexico, and further south, but they are not crossing our borders at trditional gates. Planes, boats and, just this week, submarines , are being used for transport vessels. I say, legalize it all, and put those cartels to work for us. They may be brutal and secretive in their illegal trade, but wouldn't that be translate into savvy businessmen on Wall St. ?

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Bruce K. Aug 25, 2007, 4:06am UTC

I agree that marijuana should be legalized as well.
This country is ridiculous in so many ways.
Drugs are illegal so billions of dollars are unregulated money
can be generated for those who run things and they can
throw just about anyone into jail they want or tarnish
their names if they ever threaten the political establishment.

Legalize it.

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DIANE D. Jul 7, 2008, 12:01am UTC

This has to be stopped, I konw first hand how drugs wreck familys, everything. Marijuana yes, is a drug, but so is alcohol. My doctor said if he could , he would give it to me. I have M.s. I do think it should be legal here, if not abused, like acohol, It has alot of bennifets and our country good also profit from making it legal.

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maureen s. Jun 21, 2011, 10:05pm UTC

think why MJ hasn't been legalized. Who loses money and has powerful lobbyists? Pharmacutical companies. Who else suffers? Alcohol companies. others?

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Mexico's Drug War Moves North

Comments: 8

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