American Missionary Couple Shot for Their Truck

Sad, but true. Article concludes narcos wanted their truck.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/01/26/20110126us-missionary-shot-in-head-in-mexico.html

Thanks for posting this, Stuart. I really do appreciate the info.

It is indeed sad and terrible news and my heart breaks for the family. How awful for Mr. Davis (or anyone) to lose a loved one that way.

And I know that this kind of thing can happen in Phoenix, too, or anywhere for that matter, but it does make me more cautious about traveling to Mexico, just as I would take precautions if I had to travel to the more dangerous parts of Phoenix, so I really do appreciate your providing this info.

On another note, I was surprised to see how Texas Gov. Rick Perry's spokeswoman, Katherine Cesinger, tied this incident to the need for greater border security, when in fact, this issue has *nothing* to do with border security as we understand it and everything thing to do with the out of control violence in the areas heavily controlled by the cartels (in this case, according to the article, the Zetas cartel).

The state of affairs in the areas of the country infiltrated and controlled by the cartels is indeed alarming and the Mexican government certainly has it's work cut out for it in trying to put an end to such violence. Personally, I wish there was an easy fix to all of this, but sadly, I think it will be a long battle.

gringa said:

Thanks for posting this, Stuart. I really do appreciate the info.

It is indeed sad and terrible news and my heart breaks for the family. How awful for Mr. Davis (or anyone) to lose a loved one that way.

And I know that this kind of thing can happen in Phoenix, too, or anywhere for that matter, but it does make me more cautious about traveling to Mexico, just as I would take precautions if I had to travel to the more dangerous parts of Phoenix, so I really do appreciate your providing this info.

On another note, I was surprised to see how Texas Gov. Rick Perry's spokeswoman, Katherine Cesinger, tied this incident to the need for greater border security, when in fact, this issue has *nothing* to do with border security as we understand it and everything thing to do with the out of control violence in the areas heavily controlled by the cartels (in this case, according to the article, the Zetas cartel).

The state of affairs in the areas of the country infiltrated and controlled by the cartels is indeed alarming and the Mexican government certainly has it's work cut out for it in trying to put an end to such violence. Personally, I wish there was an easy fix to all of this, but sadly, I think it will be a long battle.

Do you mean to say that if the cartels could not cross so easily into the US (ie. greater border security) that the cartels would still be hanging out in the border area? That they would not go to a new route into the US, or a new route into europe or china? Or a less risky (read; more profitable) area of mexico?
Why would any business keep employees in an area where they are not making any money?
Do you think that the US border Patrol has zero impact on the drug cartels?

And I think you are right, this is a long uphill battle. To be waged by both the US and Mexican gov'ts. But, saying that it has nothing to do with border security, is not thinking the issue all the way through.

Driving a new pickup favored by gangsters in the hottest area of the border would be a bit risky if you didn't have Jesus in your corner....Oh darn i guess he wasn't watching the flock.

cholla said:

Do you mean to say that if the cartels could not cross so easily into the US (ie. greater border security) that the cartels would still be hanging out in the border area? That they would not go to a new route into the US, or a new route into europe or china? Or a less risky (read; more profitable) area of mexico?
Why would any business keep employees in an area where they are not making any money?
Do you think that the US border Patrol has zero impact on the drug cartels?

And I think you are right, this is a long uphill battle. To be waged by both the US and Mexican gov'ts. But, saying that it has nothing to do with border security, is not thinking the issue all the way through.

To address your first set of comments and questions:

No, that was not at all what I meant to say, Cholla, which is why I didn't say those things, however your points are well taken, especially when you look at this problem from a business perspective.

And although I am far from an expert on the topic, I have given this issue a good deal of thought (and continue to do so) and stand by my original comment and it's intent.

That said, I think the key to understanding where I am coming from on this specific topic can be can be found in the second half of that statement, which is "as we understand it."

Give the fact that illegal immigration is a very hot topic these days, especially in border states like Texas and Arizona, and many associate the term 'Border Security' with securing our borders in an effort to stem the tide of illegal immigrants, I found it interesting that of all the spokeswoman's comments, the writer of the story chose to use a quote regarding a need for 'greater border security', when the issue is truly greater than anything US border security agencies can address exclusively.

That said, the spokeswoman's comments may have been provided out of context or not in their entirety, which is why I found them and the linkage the writer was trying to make, interesting.

And yes, I agree that it will take a focused, cooperative effort between the US and Mexico to address this issue as it affects both sides of the border, but the drive must conntinue to come from the Mexican government as I do not believe that the US Border Patrol (or any US agency for that matter) has the ability to make the type of impact that a dedicated, focused, Mexican based agency has.