Is it time to boycott Mexico?

[litebeam]

We love Mexico and been all over the country, but we're more and more concerned (and shocked frankly) at la violencia' across the board there.

We have friends in various cities, who doesn't love some of the incredible staff at Temptations like Germain, Christian and others like Merriam who have since moved on. We hate to see those folks penalized by folks not attending. The country is filled with some fabulous people.
But the bigger picture seems to be a country that is growing more and more corrupt and doing little to stop it.

Right now it is still mostly drug-related. At what point will tourists themselves risk kidnapping for ransom? That happens in some places but not all. Will that change? Will places formerly safe be included in the ongoing border town carnage?
PV, Cancun, Monterey, many great tourist locations have seen terrible increases in violence.

Please don't lecture us on the wonderful people a boycott would affect, we know this. We love the place...we're just wondering if Americans and our neighbors to the north were to boycott the country, the president and powers that be would see fit to make the necessary major changes from the corrupt policia, federalies and judges....

We're now on the fence. We love Cabo, Cancun and the resorts there, but we've about had enough with reading the violent reports. Anybody feel similarly?
Not looking to start a pissing match here, just looking for thoughts.

[Canadian Dos Equis fan]

I'm going to go with absolutely not. And I won't try any of the obvious platitudes you ask us not to use.

1.) The violence and corruption we hear about so much is a direct result of the markets (U.S.A. and Canada) demand for illegal drugs. To lower demand it is up to our governments to either legalize or firmly stamp out the drug trade within our borders. (that is another can of hungry angry snakes)

2.) Everything I have read indicates that the Federal government in Mexico is aggressively fighting the drug cartels. It's probably why the violence is so bad in border regions to begin with.

3.) What would a boycott accomplish? In my mind it would only serve to make a bad situation in the border states of Mexico worse with the loss of jobs.

4.) How would this affect Canada and the U.S.A.? It would be really bad on our economies for one thing. We are all tied into NAFTA and our economies are very integrated. If one economy goes down the other two get dragged down with the first. As an example Canada had the strongest economy in the G8 before the recession in the states and when it happened it pulled Canada in right with it.

5.) Would it be legal? Nope It would definitely go against a lot of agreements (NAFTA being an example).

In my opinion the U.S.A would be better served by getting serious about securing it's southern border and making a decision one way or the other on how to handle its war on drugs.

[desire-66]

We have just as much of a chance getting shot in Vancouver as we do going to a resort in Mexico. I think we will continue to take that chance.

[shalomtou]

We avoid Oakland and pretty much stay away from Los Angeles also but that's part of living in California..... Take the good with the bad. We love going to Mexico and to date have felt pretty safe in Cancun. As a tourist we don't do or go anywhere that we feel unsafe and always stay with a group of friends. Safety in numbers is a good way to travel.

[Andrea&Mario28]

Originally Posted by shalomtou

We avoid Oakland and pretty much stay away from Los Angeles also but that's part of living in California..... Take the good with the bad. We love going to Mexico and to date have felt pretty safe in Cancun. As a tourist we don't do or go anywhere that we feel unsafe and always stay with a group of friends. Safety in numbers is a good way to travel.

IF you really want to boycott somebody is Drugs that is the reason the Mexican Cartel are fighting for the PLAZA(Borders) if the drug wasant in such demand in the States, Canada or the rest of the world lots if this things wont be happeing!

[litebeam]

Originally Posted by Andrea&Mario28

IF you really want to boycott somebody is Drugs that is the reason the Mexican Cartel are fighting for the PLAZA(Borders) if the drug wasant in such demand in the States, Canada or the rest of the world lots if this things wont be happeing!

No question.

Thanks for the candor, everybody...

[Brewster]

Originally Posted by litebeam

No question.

Thanks for the candor, everybody...

I think your heart is in the right place, Litebeam (You are looking for an answer to stop the violence and bloodshed) . But I agree with the other posts.

Mexican officials have been assassinated in cold blood for taking a stand against the drug cartels. Not to mention the numerous police officers who have lost their lives.

I think step one is to remove pot from the narcotics category. It should never have been there in the first place. I lean towards legalization though I do have some concerns in that regard. The bottom line is you are never goign to stop people from smoking it and it's costing billions to fight that, instead of collecting millions in taxes from a legal industry.

Something needs to be done about the arms finding their way south of the border, as well. Normally, a country is far less concerned about what is going out than they are about what is coming in. In this case, I think it is in America's interest to be checking what is going into Mexico as well as what is coming in from there.

[Steve]

Have to say that (fortunately) not a single tourist has been harmed let alone killed as a result of the drugs violence that is going on in certain parts of the country, as far as I know. And Mexico, Cancun in particular, attracts millions of tourists each year.

Certain parts of Mexico (less so Cancun) are currently very dangerous if you're a politician, a drugs gang member, a drug seller, a drug user, a policeman, a soldier, a lawyer, a big business owner, a journalist.... I could go on.

But if you dont get involved in illegal business, high profile business or law enforcement then the risk is no worse than anywhere else in the World.

I have lived in Cancun for 6 years now and as a little guy that taps away on his computer all day long in his house I feel no risk whatsoever, and feel much more safe than I did back home in the UK where random violence and anti social behaviour are much more common place and much more likely to affect people like me and my family.

I'm a husband and a father of two, my foremost obligation is my family's safety and well being. I can do my job and support my family from anywhere in the World that has an Internet connection, but I choose to do it in Cancun. The moment I feel our situation becomes remotely dangerous we'll be on the next flight out, I can assure you.

[alcabopareja]

Cabos is pretty safe, in the 15 years I have lived here, there is like 0 violence compare whit any other city in Mexico.......I'm sure there is more violence in front of the White house than in Cabos......

[diamondheaded]

i think what typically happens with most americans is they hear about issues in another country and instead of researching to determine just exactly what the deal is - they just automatically assume because somebody mentioned trouble in that country that it applies to everyone in every location in that country at all times in every possible way in any given scenario.

rob

[Canadian Dos Equis fan]

Originally Posted by diamondheaded

i think what typically happens with most americans is they hear about issues in another country and instead of researching to determine just exactly what the deal is - they just automatically assume because somebody mentioned trouble in that country that it applies to everyone in every location in that country at all times in every possible way in any given scenario.

rob

For that reason I am glad I only have FOX news on sirius radio. I have a nice TV and am sure that Sean Hannity would force me to throw something at it on a nightly basis. By the reporting on FOX I have learned that I am going to die a horrible painful death in Mexico either by drug cartels or under a stampede of illegal immigrants.

[diamondheaded]

Originally Posted by Canadian Dos Equis fan

For that reason I am glad I only have FOX news on sirius radio. I have a nice TV and am sure that Sean Hannity would force me to throw something at it on a nightly basis. By the reporting on FOX I have learned that I am going to die a horrible painful death in Mexico either by drug cartels or under a stampede of illegal immigrants.

i hear ya

i have two wishes when it comes to news

(a) people would make a conscious decision to try and not be so gullible
(b) media would quit sensationalizing every story and report facts only (see gullible above)

rob

[rdubnpk]

rdubnpk
What LITEBEAM was proposing was a boycott by tourists to put pressure on the powers that be in Mexico to put a stop to the violence. From the outside, it looks like the cartels are running the country (and ruining the country) and she is saying that, if we put financial pressure on Mexico, it could be a force in making the government take a firmer hand. Tourism is surely a significant part of the income for their economy, so she may have a point. Don't get me started on the failed "war against drugs" as a solution.

[diamondheaded]

Originally Posted by rdubnpk

rdubnpk
What LITEBEAM was proposing was a boycott by tourists to put pressure on the powers that be in Mexico to put a stop to the violence. From the outside, it looks like the cartels are running the country (and ruining the country) and she is saying that, if we put financial pressure on Mexico, it could be a force in making the government take a firmer hand. Tourism is surely a significant part of the income for their economy, so she may have a point. Don't get me started on the failed "war against drugs" as a solution.

would make sense for tourists to boycott if it was adversely affecting tourists but the reality is this ------------------ there is basically no impact on them and i think that is why most people (who have a brain and research the facts as it relates to mexican crime) make the decision to go to mexico and enjoy themselves on vacation there............instead of going to say memphis or cleveland (places where they have a far greater chance of facing violence i must add -------- but we dont boycott america because crime in those locations do we?) than mexico

the best

rob

[Steve]

Originally Posted by rdubnpk

....and she is saying that, if we put financial pressure on Mexico, it could be a force in making the government take a firmer hand. Tourism is surely a significant part of the income for their economy, so she may have a point

What people need to understand is it's precisely because the Mexican Govt is taking a much stronger line than they have in the past that the violence is happening - they are actually standing up to the cartels and trying to dismantle them rather than turning a blind eye in exchange for cash. For years it went on unchallenged and I dare say lots of top officials had a financial interest in the drug trade flourishing. This in itself should form a reason to support the Mexican economy via your tourism, not boycott it.

So, if the Govt were to go back to doing nothing and let the drugs trade continue unopposed once again the violence may well reduce and you'd be happy to support the Mexican economy with your tourist dollars once again?

(thats a hypothetical you, not aimed at anyone in particular)

[rdubnpk]

Originally Posted by diamondheaded

would make sense for tourists to boycott if it was adversely affecting tourists but the reality is this ------------------ there is basically no impact on them and i think that is why most people (who have a brain and research the facts as it relates to mexican crime) make the decision to go to mexico and enjoy themselves on vacation there............instead of going to say memphis or cleveland (places where they have a far greater chance of facing violence i must add -------- but we dont boycott america because crime in those locations do we?) than mexico

the best

rob

rdubnpk
Wouldst that we were all as intelligent as you!!

[litebeam]

Originally Posted by Steve

What people need to understand is it's precisely because the Mexican Govt is taking a much stronger line than they have in the past that the violence is happening - they are actually standing up to the cartels and trying to dismantle them rather than turning a blind eye in exchange for cash. For years it went on unchallenged and I dare say lots of top officials had a financial interest in the drug trade flourishing. This in itself should form a reason to support the Mexican economy via your tourism, not boycott it.

So, if the Govt were to go back to doing nothing and let the drugs trade continue unopposed once again the violence may well reduce and you'd be happy to support the Mexican economy with your tourist dollars once again?

Interested point, Steve. Thanks for positing...

[litebeam]

Originally Posted by diamondheaded

would make sense for tourists to boycott if it was adversely affecting tourists but the reality is this ------------------ there is basically no impact on them and i think that is why most people (who have a brain and research the facts as it relates to mexican crime) make the decision to go to mexico and enjoy themselves on vacation there............instead of going to say memphis or cleveland (places where they have a far greater chance of facing violence i must add -------- but we dont boycott america because crime in those locations do we?) than mexico

the best

rob

Well, "brains" notwithstanding, Rob, we couldn't decipher some of what you were alluding to in the beginning of your posting.
But...per the latter: we are Americans and therefore we live here.
Make no mistake, we do indeed boycott (perhaps better words would be completely avoid) places like Cleveland, Memphis and Oakland due to the insane crime rates there.

It is also why we don't vacation in Tijuana, but rather Cabo and Cancun...


PS...capitalization and punctuation....catch the fever! lol...

[diamondheaded]

Originally Posted by litebeam

It is also why we don't vacation in Tijuana, but rather Cabo and Cancun...

There you have it.



rob

[diamondheaded]

Originally Posted by rdubnpk

rdubnpk
Wouldst that we were all as intelligent as you!!

lol

thanks for the compliment but you are sorely mistaken there

im not so much intelligent as much as i am just a smart ass



the best

rob

[rdubnpk]

Originally Posted by diamondheaded

lol

thanks for the compliment but you are sorely mistaken there

im not so much intelligent as much as i am just a smart ass



the best

rob

rdubnpk
But, a loveable one. Best to you as well.

[B & B]

Originally Posted by diamondheaded

would make sense for tourists to boycott if it was adversely affecting tourists but the reality is this ------------------ there is basically no impact on them and i think that is why most people (who have a brain and research the facts as it relates to mexican crime) make the decision to go to mexico and enjoy themselves on vacation there............instead of going to say memphis or cleveland (places where they have a far greater chance of facing violence i must add -------- but we dont boycott america because crime in those locations do we?) than mexico

the best

rob

UH OH, What's wrong with Memphis, we just booked a 3 day vacation there, it looks pretty cool, 6 of us going, Beale St on a Saturday Night sounds pretty cool, that Trolley System, Graceland, is there something I am unaware or naive about?

Thanks

[diamondheaded]

its ok if you go to memphamphetimine just make sure you come with us to cabo in april ............. you guys are one of the main reasons we decided to go to cabo in april .................so im going to allow this memphamphetimine trip...........if you will - but im expecting you guys in cabo come april

rob

[litebeam]

Originally Posted by B & B

UH OH, What's wrong with Memphis, we just booked a 3 day vacation there, it looks pretty cool, 6 of us going, Beale St on a Saturday Night sounds pretty cool, that Trolley System, Graceland, is there something I am unaware or naive about?

Thanks

Just follow the crowd and you'll be fine.
And don't research crime stats...

[twinimini]

Well, I sure am glad that noone singled out Newark as a place to not go for a vacation. I'm so looking forward to spending a fun filled couple of days in Newark, NJ.

[B & B]

Originally Posted by diamondheaded

its ok if you go to memphamphetimine just make sure you come with us to cabo in april ............. you guys are one of the main reasons we decided to go to cabo in april .................so im going to allow this memphamphetimine trip...........if you will - but im expecting you guys in cabo come april

rob

Thanks Rob

We are still planning on going and have your week pencilled in, assuming the stars align themselves (and 3 weeks out of 4 within a month), we'll be there, looking forward to it.

Thanks

[B & B]

Originally Posted by litebeam

Just follow the crowd and you'll be fine.
And don't research crime stats...

Thanks, that's good to hear, it sounds like a fun place to visit, any must see, must do stuff that you are aware of.

[litebeam]

Originally Posted by B & B

Thanks, that's good to hear, it sounds like a fun place to visit, any must see, must do stuff that you are aware of.

Mud Island maybe?

[backs13]

Originally Posted by twinimini

Well, I sure am glad that noone singled out Newark as a place to not go for a vacation. I'm so looking forward to spending a fun filled couple of days in Newark, NJ.

Newark, ahh yes, Glad no one mentioned Newark.... Let me know how that trip goes, and Ill let you know how I made out with my romantic getaway in the Bronx haha.....

On a serious note about the other posts, I agree with most... with reading a lot about the situation in Mexico, The government is trying very hard to make headway in the war on drugs, thats why in some areas the violence increases, cuz its the drug cartel and gangs way of trying to bully the system and say if you do this , then we will do that... a pissing match so to speak... so because I personally believe the government in Mexico is doing what it can so far , in order to try to clean it up and keep the country and tourism in place....
I also agree with DOS, if people begin to boycott and tourism starts to plummet, Resorts will begin to lay off people (as witnessed during swine flu when people stopped going to mexico) and once people loose their jobs and have no money, thats when they resort to making money any way they can, buying and selling drugs and other illegal activity to make money..its the nature of the beast, an unemployed broke person is desperate.... So in my humble opinion, a boycott will have the reverse affect for which it was intended...

[Brewster]

Originally Posted by backs13

Newark, ahh yes, Glad no one mentioned Newark.... Let me know how that trip goes, and Ill let you know how I made out with my romantic getaway in the Bronx haha.....

On a serious note about the other posts, I agree with most... with reading a lot about the situation in Mexico, The government is trying very hard to make headway in the war on drugs, thats why in some areas the violence increases, cuz its the drug cartel and gangs way of trying to bully the system and say it you do this , then we will do that... a pissing match so to speak... so because I personally believe the government in Mexico is doing what it can so far , in order to try to clean it up and keep the country and tourism in place....
I also agree with DOS, if people begin to boycott and tourist starts to plummet, Resorts will begin to lay off people (as witnessed during swine flu when people stopped going to mexico) and once people loose their jobs and have no money, thats when they resort to making money any way they can, buying and selling drugs and other illegal activity to make money..its the nature of the beast, an unemployed broke person is desperate.... So in my humble opinion, a boycott will have the reverse affect for which it was intended...

Are you taking a break from "training"??? That was way too well thought out....lol.