More bad craziness from Washington regarding Mexico. That country has plenty of money to finance its own internal law enforcement efforts; Mexico's GDP consistently ranks about #15 in national listings. American taxpayers shouldn't be dinged for a penny to support wealthy, corrupt Mexico.

The U.S. government finally released the first part of a $400 million aid package Wednesday to support Mexico's police and soldiers in their fight against drug cartels.

The money comes at a critical time: Mexico's death toll from drug violence has soared above 4,000 so far this year, and drug-related murders and kidnappings are spilling over the U.S. border as well.

U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza formally released $197 million at a signing ceremony in Mexico City, calling it "the most significant effort ever undertaken" by the U.S. and Mexico to fight drugs. The rest will be disbursed throughout the year.

"The Merida Initiative is not just about money. It is about a closer and more collaborative effort by the United States and Mexico to work more effectively together to share information in a more timely fashion," Garza said. [US releases first part of drug aid for Mexico, By Traci Carl And Frank Bajak, Associated Press, December 3, 2008]

See my 2007 VDARE.com article about the Merida Initiative ($1.4 billion over 2 years), A "Marshall Plan For Mexico"–Sending Welfare To A Crack House.