Now the feds are sending the U.S. military to that general area, but the troops are being sent into Mexico to protect Mexicans, not Americans. (I reported earlier this month that U.S. drug agents were being embedded with Mexicans, so increased involvement is being revealed: Washington Hooks Up Even More with Corrupt Mexico.)
DHS honcho Janet Napolitano approached the news of U.S. troops in Mexico cautiously because she is fearful of offending Mexicans. She obviously doesn't care that it's offensive to American citizens that our soldiers are again not protecting our border:
"Let me be very, very clear (because) this is a very delicate subject. ... Our military in certain limited ways has been working with the Mexican military in their efforts against the drug cartels. But, it is at the request of the Mexican government, in consultation with the Mexican government. And it is only one part of our overall efforts with Mexico, which are primarily civilian in nature."Listen to an audio clip here: U.S. Military Doing 'Limited' Drug War Work In Mexico, Napolitano Says (NPR, March 24, 2010)
A gaggle of high level Washington dignitaries visited Mexico on Tuesday for a powwow on drug violence, where the blame-America theme was strong. The group included Secretary of State Clinton, Janet Napolitano and Secretary of Defense Bob Gates, whose presence emphasized the new military involvement.
There was the usual apologetic diplo-speak that the U.S. shares the blame for Mexico's suffering because of Americans' drug consumption; it's the sort of liberal script which is expected in the culturally relative world of state diplomacy. Secretary Clinton was expected to perform mea culpa on the Mexicans, and she did, essentially saying: "We're as corrupt as Mexico; please take some of our money."
America is broke, but always finds something to give the moocher Mexicans nevertheless. One recently announced goodie is three Blackhawk helicopters for Mexico's drug war. They were purchased with $83 million from the $1.4 billion Merida Initiative created by President Bush. President Obama helpfully wants to add $310 million to that sum. Perhaps Obie thinks he isn't yet spending enough taxpayer money.
The Mexican drugs going across the border are mostly marijuana: more than 60 percent of the cartels' revenue came from U.S. pot sales — $8.6 billion out of $13.8 billion in 2006.
One recent bit of good news is the fact that California will vote on marijuana legalization in November. Its passage is likely to drive down the cost of weed substantially. In fact, the groovy growers of Humboldt County are concerned that the market price will crash ('What's after pot?' Local businesses, community leaders, marijuana industry reps to meet about a post-pot economy).
So if market forces cool the profits of the Mexican cartels and make pot as cheap as cigarettes, great. Anything that gets Mexican criminals out of this country would be wonderful. Since Washington certainly won't take on the job.
