Guest Writer M.Benavidez
The epidemic of violence and human rights atrocities in Mexico officially began in 2006 when, then Mexican President Felipe Calderón, declared war on drugs. This declaration provided for the militarization of the enforcement of the policy. So began the long, brutal war.
One can easily say, “ This has nothing to do with me.” That would be incorrect. The roots of Mexican Drug Violence begin in 1970 with U.S. President Nixon and his declaration of War on Drugs in America. It's no secret that among our not so wonderful distinctions, we are also the most addicted nation on the planet. According to the government website, druguse.gov, “ In 2012, an estimated 23.9 million Americans aged 12 and older – or 9.2% of the population had used an illicit drug or abused a psychotherapeutic medication (such as a pain reliever, stimulant or tranquilizer) in the past month.”
When examining both wars, it is easy for one to draw correlation between the American War on Drugs and the Mexican War on Drugs. Such correlation can be proven with two simple facts: 90% of cocaine, and 80% of all illicit drugs (such as Marijuana, Heroin, and Methamphetamines) enter the United States through Mexico. These facts not only draw correlation between our countries and our two wars, they make them inseparable. Further examination could also lead us to conclude that the War on Drugs, in both countries, are examples of failed government policies and the dangers of the militarization of policy enforcement. It is also quite possible to conclude, that the War on Drugs, is in fact, a war on poverty.
Though most citizens do not directly impact the war, it is our need for drugs as a nation that does. We have watched as our government continues on with a failed drug policy, a policy that devastates (and in some cases, takes) the lives of the minorities and the poor in our society.
This is true of both U.S. And Mexican citizens.
It should be pointed out that drug use among Mexican citizens did not reach epidemic proportions until after the official declaration of war in 2006. This is when the “Battle for the Border” began. The American need for drugs has given birth to the Mexican need for drugs. Since large quantities of drugs were/are being held in border cities waiting to be crossed, drugs are more easily accessed and available to the Mexican people. The social devastation on all levels, in both countries, is immeasurable.
Though it is my not my intention to dwell on the negativity, it is impossible to discuss social issues in my community without discussion of the War on Drugs. There are plenty of news sources covering the Mexican Drug War and the Cartel activity in Mexico. My purpose is not to add to that coverage, but rather to seek the other side of the story. It is my intention to find the light in the darkness. Though some of this blog will give pertinent information about the war, it will solely be for the purpose of understanding the situation. All such topics will based in fact so that you may form your own opinions.
It is my hope to find the people behind and stories of everyday heroes. The people of the United States and Mexico that are positively impacting their communities and making a difference for the generations to come. Enough energy has been focused on the negativity, it is time to start looking for the good, the honorable, the amazing. I believe we find that which we truly seek.