BloggersBase - Comments for article Gun Control and Mexican Drug Wars – A Misplaced Emphasis

By Killswitch

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:07:18 GMT

Me like guns. Me shoot anybody that try to take guns.

By anonymous in response to Killswitch

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:31:38 GMT

Ya that's a great way to keep our guns.

By anonymous in response to Killswitch

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:28:43 GMT

So you should shoot yourself.

By Nick

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:52:22 GMT

This may be a bit of an oversimplfication but there is 1 very quick and simple way to stop the flow of narcotics. That's give up on an pointless war on drugs. Perhaps not surrender altogether but definitley relax alot of the laws. Think about it. At the moment the mexican cartels are well organised, well funded and can corrupt local and national government. In mexico the firearms control is much much stricter than in your U S of A. If the US was to relax its pointless drugs laws and every tom dick and harry was able to (for arguments sake) grow heroin in mexico and get it into the states for resale with out much trouble then 1) the organisation of the cartels comes under threat 2) they quickly lose an income to continue operations and so have less money with which to corrupt the political system. This, like most needed descions, would not be popular but neccessary.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:58:59 GMT

Yeah, good idea, build a big wall all around and barbed wire and autonomous miniguns (like in Aliens), and hate more, much more, anything outside your borders, and fear, fear limitlessly, probably even fear different colours and accents within this borders...you never know who is cloaked as a truly american citizen....
:) dont sell guns because the profiting from this by the US government is equal to the drug money. Control the narcotics consumption within your borders, if you can, legalize it, that would put a radical stop, I think people are grown up enough to have a choice. An come on, you have been neighbours for decades if not centuries, both peoples are one for long enough, dont cut them out, give them a hand ;)

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:02:45 GMT

So umm... Banning assault weapons isn't a good idea?
lets do an exercise, shall we? lets think of all the uses assault weapons can be used for! But there's a problem with that, i can only think of one, assault. kinda glaring since it's in the name of the type of weapon.
On the fence idea, our border that we share with mexico is 1,969 miles long. We have a fence already running 601 miles, which isn't even halfway. I bet it's already stopped a whole lot of people, mainly tourists who want to go to mexico to buy weed or do some underage drinking. plus it'd divide some native american's tribal lands, but then who cares about them, right?

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:14:23 GMT

This is so narrowmindedthat it is scary..

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:14:59 GMT

i love that whenever you are not pro-mexico in an argument you are automatically painted as racist.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:15:50 GMT

please define an assault weapon.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:24:25 GMT

Gun control is not A Big problem ... If u think u can resolve it so join my academy where shooters generated :-)
www.e-dol.com

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:29:35 GMT

Great article. keep fighting the good fight.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:41:39 GMT

I like old fashion guns like mavrick , AK 47
www.e-dol.com

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:10:47 GMT

Legalize. Boom, no more profit. Oh, and then you'd save billions we spend fighting this ridiculous war. However, locking people up is big business. It also costs us billions. It's the dumbest policy we have. Assualt weapons in individuals hands are useless. But, you could certainly search cars going down as well as coming up. That might help. Again, legalize. It's a frigging weed. Grows every where, the profit lies in prohibition. It's enough already. The right loves war. Any and all types. Very profitable if that's your business. Guns and jails. Schools and health care would do a much better job fighting this fight. Put the money there.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:24:16 GMT

Have some of you people ever read the Constitution? Gun Control is illegal! Drugs ruin peoples lives, period, and some drugs kill. "Assault weapons." I own three AKs, they are semi-automatic, therefore they are NOT assault rifles. By definition an assault rifle is capable of select fire, has a rotating bolt, etc. My rifles only fire in semi auto mode, so they are not assault rifles. I am so tired of the left wing media and liberals labelling guns as evil and part of the problem. People that break the law and do evil are the problem, drug cartels are the problem, not law abidinng, gun owning citizens. With a gun, I am a citizen, ban guns, and we all become subjects! Just look at the former USSR, Red China, etc, and you see the proof. Banning guns only serves to oppress people.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:29:48 GMT

"So umm... Banning assault weapons isn't a good idea?
lets do an exercise, shall we? lets think of all the uses assault weapons can be used for! But there's a problem with that, i can only think of one, assault. kinda glaring since it's in the name of the type of weapon."

You clearly lack understanding on the subject, then. Define for me "Assault Weapon". Because my understanding (and marksmanship is a hobby of mine) is that what we are talking about here is simply a semi-automatic rifle! That means one press of the trigger, one bullet comes out the pointy end. The same mechanism target shooters, hunters, and LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY use on a daily basis in rifles, pistols, and shotguns.

I know, I know, "Assault Weapons" sounds so dangerous, so militaristic. But you've got to keep in mind that it is a term that is SPECIFICALLY designed to bring about these thoughts by those that want to limit individual rights in this country.

I think the best possible way to solve this problem would be to bring the army home from Afghanistan/Iraq, and line them up along the US/Mexico border. Just imagine the look on a drug runner's face when they cross a hill and see an M-1!!

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:33:23 GMT

OMGosh just what we need another excuse for "gun control". Gimme a break!

RT
www.privacy.at.tc

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:41:10 GMT

The term "assault weapon" is too broad. I will be damned if you are going to take away my right to protect myself and my loved ones. If you make such weapons illegal, only criminals will have them, leaving good citizens unarmed and unprotected.
The corrupt Mexican government is to blame for the rampant drug related violence. They pay their police and soldiers like dirt, and they dessert.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:06:32 GMT

Jesus Christ, this guy is just an asshole.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:29:30 GMT

jmalmberg your article is so offensive an narrow minded that I hope that you have no realistic ambitions of becoming a credible journalist. This article does offer insight and it neither offers realist solutions. It is only written to mislead people and create fear. It has no more credibility than a campsite ghost story. Where Mexico is the boogie man. Keep your day job and keep blogging for BloggersBase, don't hold your breath for the New York Times.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:00:42 GMT

I completely disagree with jmalmberg, he talks about something that I sure he don't know, he just knows the CNN news, this article sucks like the man who wrote it, of course, now Mexico is in a "War" vs drugs, but that don't affects, American people, and the idea for make bigger the wall won't stop migration, just the governmet will be more criticized for all world and the migration will continue equal or more than now.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:00:59 GMT

The Guy who wrote this article is an asshole, but tell me why the US love to take responsabilities of others (...like bringing "freedom" to all the fucking middle east) but you are so childiss to take action when it comes to something you are actually resposanble for you act like a damn bunch of childs.

Yes there is a lot of corruption, insecurity and danger on Mexico right now, we are fighting hard against it and its difficult and many lives are going to be lost in the process. But the current status in Mexico is not just Mexican fault, the Drug lords are getting some serious firepower last night on the news they captured 3 armed drug cartel assasins among the usual assualt rifles and high caliber firearms, They where packing a 50 Caliber automatic rifle, with capacity to destroy shielded cars, tanks or reduce to shredds any human being, so here is the deal, if I recall correctly you cannot go to any gun store in the US and buy one of these, a gun like this is high anti-tank firepower.

What does that tell us? That there is a high level of corruption in the US and that if Mexico has Drug Lords, then the US has Arms Dealers, also please remember to traffic drugs and weapongs you need corrupted border agents on both sides of the border.

So stop blamming other people for your problems, for your actions, man up and take some responsability.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:14:50 GMT

Wow, Just wow to all the people down playing this and saying lets have a weapons ban. Who was the first country to have a weapons ban...hmmmm could it have been Nazi Germany? The ONLY reason a Gov't would take away gun ownership from it's citizens is because there is fear involved. But why should a democracy fear it's own people?

I have a family that I have the right to protect, I am in the military, as well as a civilian search and rescue unit. Belive me when I say this that it is necessary for our citizens to be properly armed and educated in the safe usage of these weapons. You just can't turn a blind eye to the evils of this world and say "well the police can protect us or the military will step in". These words are genearly spoken by those who's only idea of standing up for themselves and protecting others is by typing on a key board and patronizing the acts, Ideas, and belifes of others from the saftey of their own computer desk.

Take what these people say with a grain of salt, and rember this.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed

This is how America was founded and we must get back to this line of thought.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:22:23 GMT

What's the chance that the cartels took the weapons from Mexico's own army? If there are 150,000 military deserters down there, the chances of them taking their weapon with them when they leave are VERY high.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:28:31 GMT

Yeah also MANY South American countrys have bought the rights to produce the G3 series rifles and some AK variants so why would they pay a premium price to buy a gun from America when there are more deadly guns, cheaper, and more readily available in there own back yards?

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:29:52 GMT

You want to know what a country where only the crooks have access to guns looks like?

As a Mexican immigrant to the USA, I will tell you that GUNS are the only thing saving the USA from the corruption and the terror that a Cartel, with all it's money, can bring. The right to bear arms is a SAFETY put in place by the founders of this country in order to prevent Tyrants (Cartels) from taking over the country. A home invasion or a kidnapping is not easy to do when you run the risk of being out gunned not by fire power but by numbers. I will go even further and say that Mexico my Mexico needs to allow the people to own guns, then we can see how long the cartels will last. But the root of the problem is the atmosphere of prohibition that monopolizes the gains from drugs and funnels it to the Cartels. Legalize Drugs and take that from them and use that money to fight the Cartels the Corruption and the Addiction, in that order.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:36:35 GMT

I just hope at least most people realize that the "Assault Weapon" ban DOES NOT TARGET MILITARY ASSAULT WEAPONS. It's targeting citizen versions of military-type firearms. They only LOOK like the military versions people. These are not the firearms that the Mexican cartels are using. They wouldn't even waste their time on the semi-automatic (fires ONE round when you pull the trigger) rifles that the ban is targeting. They're buying military assault rifles (full-auto), RPGs and anti-armor weapons from Central and South America (which originally came from China and Russia). Duh, why would they even attempt to get such weapons from the U.S. when they can go to their southern neighbors and buy them cheaper and not have to worry nearly as much about how they're going to get them into Mexico!

Educate yourself. It's a good thing.

By amacgregor in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:40:09 GMT

Ok, you are in the military; please explain me how serious firepower like 50 caliber autoumatic rifle, and I'm talking about a really portable gun not the monster you will see on top of armored car or tanks.

These are not guns you can buy as a citizen, how are the drug cartels getting their hands on weapons like this, easy answer corrupted US military and arms dealers.

I agree on your last paragraph.

By amacgregor in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:43:07 GMT

Yes, but the weapons that the Mexican army has are mostly a joke. The cartels have some of the newest and more powerful weapons available, and I mean military grade, not just Ak47 and so, but some serious weapons you will only see on some of the best armies in the world.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:46:53 GMT

maybe, just maybe... if you (USA) weren�t a country of junkies we (Mexico) could stop careing about drug lords...

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:51:26 GMT

Ok, so you said in your first sentence that there are dangerous people in america....how exactly will taking away our defenses help that situation? I really hate to say this, but I could see America going to civil war over this particular issue. The people who are spouting gun-control are morons who have lived in major cities all their lives and don't have a clue that there are still places in america where you need a rifle for protection from wild predators (to those of you dis-believers, I've lived near Tahoe all my life. I've been attacked by mountain lions on 3 seperate occasions, I HAVE USED MY RIFLE TO SAVE MY LIFE).

Wake up america, get a clue. we need more guns, not less. More proection, not less. In america, people are afraid of getting bombed by afganis, kidnapped by mexicans, or raped by someone standing in a dark alley. All of these horrible events usually happen in the major cicites, yet ironically it's the major cities complaining about the guns.

Wake up america, it's your government trying to take away power from you. Once the only people in the country who have guns are the government, prepare for a dictatorship. The government already ignores the please and requests of just about every interest group or minority, what makes you think it'll get any better once they KNOW that there's nothing we can do to them?

By amacgregor in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:53:06 GMT

Ok,
1.- Not saying they should ban the right to own guns in the US
2.- Is a fact that most of the weapons that enter to Mexico come from US
3.- Legalizing drugs, is not going to work and even less in Mexico, why?

Government Heroin = $xxx + taxes
Cartel Heroin = $xx and no taxes

The cartels are always going to be able to offer cheaper drugs and Mexican are always looking for ways to cheat, to go cheaper, to be "picudos", we are a country where in our culture is teach that being abusive is the right way to go, never heard the phrase:

"El que no tranza no avanza" = "If you don't cheat you don't succeed"

and people can own guns in Mexico, but is a more regulated process that in the US.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:00:24 GMT

Americans and not American's

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:10:27 GMT

Go ahead, ban my assault weapons. Then have to courage to come and get them yourselves instead of sending some public servant to do your dirty work.

Mexico does nothing but export its poverty to the United States. We're the only country in the world that refuses to protect it's own borders on the basis that said protection would violate the rights of the invaders.

The United States is being invaded by Mexico. That's not fear, it's fact. We're being culturally and economically taken over by a third-world country.

Go ahead, call me a racist or whatever. That's the liberal way of trying to shut us up, and some of us are getting TIRED of it.

And no, banning "assault weapons" is not a good idea. We already did it once, and it did NOTHING. Look at the crime stats compiled during the anti-gun Clinton adminstration.

The Second Amendment was crafted to allow for the citizens of the United States to have a means to protect themselves from the government. I would think that liberals, who cried for 8 years that Bush was destroying their freedom, the Constitution, etc. would recognize that ability as important. The second amendment is the ultimate relief valve - our founding fathers were the only guys in world history to craft a government in which the people's ability to overthrow it was built in - INTENTIONALLY.

And y'all want to just give it away. And for what? To make Mexico safer?

What the heck happened to this country anyway?

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:19:40 GMT

You are absolutely correct. International arms dealers will supply Mexico with weapons no matter what laws are passed in America. Perhaps our countries can come to an amicable solution. I'm thinking give them back California, New Mexico, and Texas which was rightfully theirs until our army's crossed the Rio Grande to force a land war so heinous Senator Lincoln resigned in disgust.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:21:08 GMT

I hope they ban all guns because I am a knife master...like Chavez from Young Guns.

By amacgregor in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:21:14 GMT

Ohh man, I don't know where to start ... but I'm not going to call you a racist, redneck, intolerant, etc ... I believe that you as many people in the US, in Mexico and in the world, are ignorant and I mean misinformed or unaware of a lot of things.

You have the right to have your weapons, assault or not its your right, but please thats not the issue here the cartels don't cross the border and go and buy their stock to your local gunsmith, they are buying it from your army, from mercenaries, arms dealers, etc.

And please be man enough to recognize Bush screwed up big time during 8 years, that the war in the middle east is a waste of time, money and human lifes.

By amacgregor in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:22:02 GMT

:D Well said

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:28:42 GMT

Aw, the hard-line right wing nut jobs want to keep their guns. Nobody is advocating revoking the second amendment, just note that the second amendment does not guarantee assault weapons to all citizens. If you can't defend yourself with a handgun, go take some time at the range. Anti-personnel weapons are not to be trusted in the hands of racist religious fundamentalists.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:48:26 GMT

Misplaced emphasis indeed. The solution is simple. You will not like it. But it's for the good of all. Listen to the scientist, the economist, the people, legalize the use and sale of everything on the black market(except slaves of course).

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:48:37 GMT

how can u tell people should bear guns... thats the stupidest thing its like saying children that are going to be raped, should carry condoms so even if they're fucked at least they'd not get THAT fuck... people carrying guns its not the solution, even if u can afford a gun, what kind of gun could u get?... a 9mm.. a .22 riffle... durg lords are carrying army guns, are carrying guns that can fire up to 70 rounds in 10 seconds.. compare that to the fire power of a shotgun or a beretta... the only solution and its the hardest one its erradicating corruption.. in Mexico and in the US... Mexico and the US controlling ALL traffic from/to the borders... but hey its a bussinnes and the US its all about bussinnes am i right?..

By djmb

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:56:00 GMT

Who in the US is selling Military grade weapons that are so easy for them to obtain? Wake up they are not getting fully automatic weapons and grenade launchers and grenades from the US. Hello! People for the ban guns in the US are just ignorant!

By amacgregor

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:02:50 GMT

Woke up!!! They are getting from the US, they are weapons that you cannot get anywhere else, it's true there are a lot of AK, and grenades coming from the south but, .50 caliber Automatic rifles, modern submachines guns, M16 fully equipped.

As much as you want to blame Russia, China or "International" arms dealers, the US is the main manufacturer of weapons in the world with some of the most advanced available.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:03:23 GMT

"Aw, the hard-line right wing nut jobs want to keep their guns. Nobody is advocating revoking the second amendment, just note that the second amendment does not guarantee assault weapons to all citizens. If you can't defend yourself with a handgun, go take some time at the range. Anti-personnel weapons are not to be trusted in the hands of racist religious fundamentalists."

1. By definition any weapon that is designed to eliminate people is "anti-personnel". It's not like we're buying anti-tank missles here, or SAM's.

2. Define "Assault Weapon", and then explain to me how it's any more dangerous to the public at large than a lever action rifle that's been in use for over 100 years.

Your arguments are inconsistent and invalid. Do us all a favor and remove yourself from the internet at once.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:05:57 GMT

I realize that the old adage applies "when you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail". You probably look at every issue as a way to justify a border fence whereas I look at every issue as a way to justify more sane drug laws.

That being said, you should consider that the most effective way to bankrupt these Mexican gangsters is the same way that we ended the reign of this country's Al Capones - legalize illegal drugs.

This doesn't mean that children can buy Oxycontin at a 7-11 - people who sell drugs to school children always deserve the death penalty. But a scheme where drug users and addicts can get a prescription under a doctors care - with extra taxes on each drug to pay for people who need rehab - would be a better solution for everyone. Currently the "land of the free" has the largest prison population in the world - 50% of which are there because of the black market for illegal drugs.

By anonymous in response to amacgregor

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:07:31 GMT

Peru makes modern submachine guns, many countries have .50 caliber machine guns, how exactly do you think these devices (which are HIGHLY controlled in the US, just try to go purchase ANY full auto weapon and you'll see what I mean) are getting across the border? M-16 fully equipped, what does that even meand? And how are they being smuggled out of our military bases? Because they sure aren't a civilian production model.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:09:46 GMT

Excellent point! Why can't we do both? Legalize drugs and wreck the illegal trade market, AND secure our borders! I'm all for immigration, but only controlled, LEGAL immigration. There is no reason we should let everybody in.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:22:20 GMT

I find it amazing that in an attempt to make yourself patriotic and talk about rights you completely miss the point. The demand of drugs comes from the US, that alone creates all these drug lords, and then these drug lords want more guns which are then supplied by the Gun Lords of the US. So, who's creating the problem for Mexico?? Well, the junkies that demand their drugs and the gun lords that supply the guns. Control or end the demand and there is no problem, so who's damaging who?? Why do you want so badly to build a fence? To do what? Will that end the demand?? Please do it then and see how Canada turns into the #1 supplier and cartels move there for the easy access to their main customers, America.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:24:01 GMT

You all stupid gringos, stop sniffing cocaine, taking pills and smoking pod, that's the main problem, if u take drugs, someone is going to sale u the drugs. Or why don't u make and sale your drugs legal on a drugstore

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:24:35 GMT

Regulation of firearms in any fashion is illegal per the U.S constitution, so look to the current laws how you wish. And
Mexico is not the United States' problem. We do not exist to solve your problems. Our border needs to be secured, via Unmanned Ariel Vehicles, security posts, patrols, and in many places a secure fence will help. For those of you about to complain about the middle east, some bad intelligence and bad decisions, but you in that position probably wouldn't have made any better. But hat is not related to this. This is about Americans keeping America safe. And quite frankly the fact that illegals who get hurt crossing someones land can sue them in the us? Well quite frankly if it was my property I'd probably spend some nights on my border property and remind the illegals that this is MY land, not theirs. Gun Control is only useful if you want a cartel controlling it just like the drugs. But In the end I'll be fine, because no one will come for my guns, well they don't do so and walk away I should say.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:27:30 GMT

Maybe, just maybe... if you (Mexico) weren't a country of greedy slobs we (USA) could stop caring about your law enforcement corruption problems...

By amacgregor in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:30:15 GMT

Not .50 caliber machine guns, .50 caliber rifles like Model 82A1 .50 BMG semi-automatic, Model 95 .50 caliber rifles, M4A1 Carbine.
etc
etc.

You named we have seen it here in hands of the drug cartel, yes there are guns from Europe and south America, but the majority are from the US.

Yes M16, fully equipped or modified; M16A2 and M16A1 and although the standard M16 is used in over 80 countries and produced in about 40, Mexican authorities have stop large shipped of M16 and similar variants coming from the north border.

But probably you are right that weapons didn't come from the US, damn Canadians!!! :D get real the are a lot of decommissioned weapons from the army and navy that end here.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:32:50 GMT

"So, who's creating the problem for Mexico??"

Corrupt Mexican politicians, law enforcement, and army members. If it wasn't for these peoples' greed, maybe you guys would have handled the issue better.

By amacgregor in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:32:56 GMT

Bravo!! well said :D

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:35:41 GMT

I live right on the border of texas/mexico and from somebody that actually knows what's going on I can say this is nonsense...you have some valid thoughts but overall this is a failure. A wall is not the answer...people are dying, every day, from this war that we created by our laws and our demand for drugs. It doesn't matter what side of the "border" they're on, people are dying. When are we gonna get over this "It's okay if non-americans die" ego filled nonsense that this country has. this is a problem, a humanity problem, a drug problem...not a mexico/US problem. PEOPLE ARE DYING...Not just drug dealers but innocent people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:41:29 GMT

"a wall is not the answer"

Why not? A wall isn't the ONLY answer, but what's so bad about having a wall to keep people out?

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:44:09 GMT

"You probably look at every issue as a way to justify a border fence whereas I look at every issue as a way to justify more sane drug laws."

Looks more like you look at every issue as a way to justify legalization. Then you also look at every issue as a way to not build a fence, for whatever reason. There's this think called taking multiple approaches, you might want to check it out.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:49:25 GMT

I would just like to say that this is a simple problem of supply and demand! There is a BIG demand for drugs in the US, and there is BIG money to be made. If the US would legalize drugs, there would be no need for smugglers to try to bring drugs into our country. You would essentially cut off the money supply and the rest will take care of itself.

Also, does nobody realize that it does not matter whether guns are legal or not! Drugs are illegal and they are still readily available to anyone that wants them.

Bottom line, its all about Supply and Demand. If the US can supply its citizens with safer and cheaper drugs than the Mexican Drug Lords can, and I know they can, then there is no money to be made by the drug lords. All the drug money would go to the legitimate companies operating in the US and they would in turn have to pay taxes on their revenue which would also help out the US economy.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:00:17 GMT

There are several problems with this article:
1) you fail to even address the underlying issue: the need to smuggle drugs into the US in the first place. Smuggling is a very expensive operation, and there is definitely the demand to support it.
2) Building a 'bigger, badder' wall will not solve the problem either, ESPECIALLY if your main motive is to protect yourself from the collapse of the Mexican govenment. A somewhat distant yet relevant example is the wall in gaza between Israel and palestine. Although the circumstances are different, the wall and division has failed at serving its purpose: guarded heavily and still people cross and frequent attacks occur.
3) Mexico is not just a neighbor, its a major trading partner with the U.S...loosing it as an economic ally will not speed up the recovery process of the current state of the economy.

By amacgregor

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:12:06 GMT

Anyone that doesn't believe that the US is supplying Cartels with high powered weapons just look at the picture http://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/v3/bin/foto.php/420281#f120599 that ladies and getlemen is a Barrett XM109 (I might be wrong though, but I think is a XM109) if I'm correct and the rifle in the picture is a XM109 then this is very interesting because the XM109 is still underdevelopment.

Please anyone confirm or deny if it is a XM109, regards.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:15:01 GMT

When are we going to realize that no matter what the U.S. does, somewhere in the world, people are going to keep dying, because people aren't immortal? I don't wish ill will on foreigners, but I'd put American citizens in front of Mexicans in my list of priorities any day of the week. Unless I was Mexican.

By anonymous in response to amacgregor

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:19:08 GMT

Nope, just a short-barreled M82A1. Somebody made a straw purchase, and they should be punished for it. However, to claim that the U.S.,as an entity, is supplying the cartels with arms is a stretch, as this is a commercially available model.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:22:22 GMT

So, how does stemming the flow of illegal immigrants across our border (by a fence or other means) affect trade with Mexico. If they promote the breaking of U.S. law by their citizens, then we probably need to rethink our relationship with them.

On a related note, Mexico will not improve until their brightest and most motivated citizens decide to pursue their dreams in their own borders. Just imagine if all of that work and productivity went to building Mexico, not the U.S.? Then we might truly have a neighbor that was worthy of serious partnership.

By anonymous in response to amacgregor

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:25:56 GMT

Also, Brazil and MEXICO both use this weapon in their armed forces.

By amacgregor in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:40:38 GMT

You are right, is actually a M107CQ, don't know if its commercial or not, but this is serious firepower and I didn't tried to imply that the US government or agencies are supplying cartels directly, but this are US designed and manufactured weapons.

Yes Brazil, Mexico and Half other countries armed forces use this weapon the problem is that in Mexico the are very few of this, the Mexican army is mostly armed with Heckler & Koch G3, sniper rifles, and the FX-05 is being produced by Mexico right now.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:48:30 GMT

This whole thing is stupid. I am sick of people trying to revoke my rights because of the actions of others. Mexico needs to take care of their own problems and stop pandering to the US for help.

Also, this call for banning assault weapons has been tried and it did NOTHING to curtail crime. The ATF even released a report circa 2004 indicating this. Reinstating it is just a liberal wet dream to trick the sheeple into feeling safer. The entire ban was rediculous anyway because it basically banned firearms that looked scary. Gun control is not the answer. Police our borders and find anyone that is illegally selling weapons across the border and imprison them. What does taking away guns from the average civilian have to do with anything? It is just backwards liberal logic.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:05:15 GMT

Lately in M�xico there has been a big fight against narcotics. I can remember a few victories against it. As I recall there was a big one in march 2007 against Zhenli Ye Gon. With
205 million U.S. dollars
18 million Mexican pesos
200,000 euros
113,000 Hong Kong dollars
11 centenarios (Mexican gold bullion coins made of 1.20565 oz t (37.5 g) of pure gold[9])
A great amount of jewels, of unknown value

And there has been a several other strikes against crime in these years. These strikes cause violence from the organized crime.

These are my thoughts about some of these comments, I can't understand when you talk about your right to own an ak-47 to protect against Mexican crime, because I live in Mexico, and I have never seen any real gun of any kind in my life I don't mean there is not, I mean I have never had one, never used one and even never seen one. But I really don't care much if US citizens have any kind of weapons. What would be nice is to enforce the US laws ( i don't know them but I'm sure they don't involve selling guns anonymously to any guy from other countries who wants one) so there would be less US guns for the criminals in Mexico. And good programs to reduce consume of drugs in the US.
It would affect Mexican economy, but there is a lot of legal business going on between both countries.
About the wall, I don't see how could it stop the heavily corrupted authorities on both ends.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:12:11 GMT

The narcos are trying to support the american economy.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:55:21 GMT

by the way, way to legitimize your argument with proper use of an apostraphe: "Mexico wants American’s to think of them as victims"

By jmalmberg in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:08:24 GMT

Yes, I realize that I didn't catch the grammatical error.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:31:11 GMT

Stupid Wetback solve your own problems, Don't blame us for the corruption in YOUR country. But I guess it's just easier for you to be like all the Europeans and blame everything on the US and discrass us with your comments. That is at least untill you need our help and aid...

BTW AMERICA IF YOU WANT MORE JOBS, Bring Back American automotive manufacturing from Mexico....your cars will be better assembled my a more compotent people.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:15:38 GMT

Have you considered the option of you folks in the US respecting your own laws and stopping buying any more illegal drugs?

By amacgregor in response to jmalmberg

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:22:57 GMT

Let alone the grammatical errors, your article doesn't provides any solutions, or any value whatsoever you are only creating polemic and that is deplorable.

Mexico and US, are neighbor countries, they have strong economical, political and social relationships, like it or not Mexico influences the balance of your country.

You can bomb a complete country killing hundreds of civilians in the Middle East, but when is about helping to fight on of the must bloody, long and difficult wars against the drugs and cartels (for which you are partially responsible) you simply don't have the balls to act.

By anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:05:01 GMT

Are half of these comments serious? This article is so slanted. It doesn't talk about the desperate "Straw" gun buyers that can walk into a gun store or convention in Texas, buy an automatic rifle designed to kill people.. and the $1000 that the cartels will pay no questions asked for these guns.

I can't argue with the securing the border argument.

But what the hell is wrong with people arguing against any sort of ban or regulation on assault weapons? This isn't a 2nd amendment argument. You can keep your handguns and rifles that have a purpose other than killing human beings. But for God's sake, start thinking about someone other than yourself and start to question why the US has the highest murder rates in the world and if it's worth that submachine gun you have hidden under your pillow.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:42:40 GMT

You cannot just walk into a gun store or convention in Texas and buy an automatic rifle. Automatic rifles, and all other automatic weapons have been so heavily regulated that they are unavailible to the common person since 1934.

The rifles that have been confiscated from mexican drug gangs are automatic, and not availible for over the counter purchase in the US.

The RPGs, grenades, and mortars which have been confiscated from mexican drug gangs are completly illegal in the US, and are unavailible for purchase by civilians.

As the weapons in question are already illegal, how would banning semiautomatic weapons, which are not mentioned in the press as being used by mexican drug gangs, help stabilize the situation in mexico ?

By anonymous

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:42:06 GMT

This talks about the country itself not about "Gun control and Mexican Drug wars". Stick to the topic please.

By anonymous

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:46:05 GMT

"A little over a year ago the Mexican government even printed a comic-book-like pamphlet with instructions for those coming to the US illegally. The book provided information about how to elude the US Border Patrol and police. Any country that would do this is no friend, but what do you expect from a country that has encouraged 10% of its citizens to live in a neighboring country illegally."

You do realize this leaflet was meant to dissuade crossers, and educate those who decide to come on the dangers of a desert crossing - a route that claims the lives of hundreds a year. Given the bias of your blog, it's only natural that the humanitarian gesture is construed as endorsement. I suppose the border patrol is also "endorsing" illegal immigration by setting up stations with floodlights and basic aid supplies & water, right!

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:02:27 GMT

Oh please. If the Mexican government had wanted to simply avoid deaths or "educate" people, they could have simply said "don't cross into the US illegally. What the hell is it with people who don't understand the word "illegal" when it is used with "alien". If they were a good neighbor, they would tell their citizens not to break US law. But they're a lousy neighbor.

By anonymous

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:54:22 GMT

sir half a$$ed opinions in politics have never helped solve any problems, you compare US addicts to Mexicans trying to put bread on their table with jobs lazy Americans wont do, if some Mexican who cant even speak english just took your job, just how stupid and useless are you?? you try to make this way bigger than it really is, SIMPLY PUT, IF THERE WASNT ANY CRACKED UP US CONSUMERS there wouldnt be this whole problem in the first place,ANSWER: STOP CONSUMING ILLEGAL DRUGS shouldnt you also argue on following American law and not taking illegal substances? you should research how the British East India made profits or the opium wars it held, Mexico hasnt been in the game long enough to pull the real strings here, and please dont try to cloud one thing with the other, your rights have nothing to do with this, the only reason anyone noticed this is because now it is in America's backyard, but the US armsmakers have been running this kind of thing forever in third world countries around the world, its about time you felt a bit of the heat, sorry if you felt scared about your "rights" but there are other things your small mind will never comprehend like the fact the Bellic industry lives off of 9 year olds handed guns and trained to kill other 9 year olds in countries

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:45:12 GMT

Excuse me but illegal aliens in the US hold down wages and have a significant impact on violent crime here. As for "lazy Americans", we fought a revolution to gain our independence, and installed a government of people who were accountable to the law. Mexico's problems are their own and until their citizens demand change, it will not happen. They may need fight their own revolution.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:03:16 GMT

I gather that you're not an American.

By anonymous in response to anonymous

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:29:04 GMT

Yea, the misinformation on the news has confused most people. I first think a comment like this is from an idiot but, just an uneducated comment is really what this is. Most people don't know the difference between an automatic "machine gun" or a semi-auto so-called assault rifle. The other reply is correct that you cannot have a TRUE assault rifle (machine-gun) as a private citizen. Do some research on crime in Australia and England after their bans. It makes violent crime a lot worse. Mexico has a problem... close the border. Solves all problems.

By talkingroosterz

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:19:53 GMT

Arms are not the real culprit. If anyone recalls the Alabama shoot-out, the 17-year-old German kid and the Chimp who attacked her owner - they were all on DRUGS (anti-depressant)!

Someone once told me when 911 volunteers needed free health care (due to injuries), they had to get FREE health care at New Mexico! What an irony!

If you're sick and you're totally reliant on drugs, you NEED to get out of those drugs. Most of them are synthetic and at worst, contains trace elements of mercury.

Look in the health category - someone I just got to know wrote something about unsafe vaccinations. Vaccinations are also drugs. Another worthy blogger to check out is SHARI. There's another one (3rd lady) but I can't recall her name outright (will need to check!)

Some of the things this Anonymous (not sure how many people there are or is it just one person) wrote are true. People are DYING everyday from the evils of the law who allow drugs to be "legal".