U.S. to blame for much of Mexico violence: Clinton

[Bmarshall91]

This rather upsets me. I don't feel it's OUR problem that MEXICAN civilians are killing OTHER MEXICAN CIVILIANS. The article says our inability to controll illegal weapons being transported to Mexico from the US is a major player in the slayings.... I say, yeah right! Like the old saying goes, "GUNS don't kill people! PEOPLE kill people."

what do you guys think? Here's the article....

By Arshad Mohammed
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - An "insatiable" appetite in the United States for illegal drugs is to blame for much of the violence ripping through Mexico, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday.

Clinton acknowledged the U.S. role in Mexico's vicious drug war as she arrived in Mexico for a two-day visit where she discussed U.S. plans to ramp up security on the border with President Felipe Calderon.

A surge in drug gang killings to 6,300 last year and fears the violence could seep over the border has put Mexico's drug war high on President Barack Obama's agenda, after years of Mexico feeling that Washington was neglecting a joint problem.

"Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade. Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the death of police officers, soldiers and civilians," Clinton told reporters during her flight to Mexico City.

"I feel very strongly we have a co-responsibility."

Clinton said the Obama administration strongly backed Mexico in its fight with the drug cartels and vowed the United States would try to speed up the transfer of drug-fighting equipment promised under a 2007 agreement.

"We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you ... Our relationship is far greater than any threat," Clinton said at a news conference in Mexico City.

Crushing the drug cartels, who arm themselves with smuggled U.S. weapons and leave slain rivals, sometimes beheaded, in public streets, has become the biggest test of Calderon's presidency as the bloodshed rattles investors and tourists.

Washington plans to ramp up border security with a $184 million program to add 360 security agents to border posts and step up searches for smuggled drugs, guns and cash.

The Obama administration will spend $725 million to modernize border crossings and provide about $80 million to help Mexico purchase Black Hawk helicopters, Clinton said.

It was unclear whether this would be new money from the United States or whether the Obama administration had already requested the funds from Congress.

In Washington, Senator Joseph Lieberman said Obama's plans were not enough and he would seek $385 million more from Congress to pay for 1,600 more Customs and Border Patrol agents and bolster law enforcement centers in border areas.

"The danger here is clear and present. It threatens to get worse,"
Lieberman said.

[mikepro8]

Drug-fighting equipment promised under a 2007 agreement?? Like, M4's that we give to their government that end up in the hands of the cartels because the gov is so crooked down there, they sell the military's weapons then use the money for themselves?

Gimme a break. If they were standing shoulder to shoulder with us, there would be NO drugs crossing the border, and they would HELP build the friggin wall.

[Bmarshall91]

I also have a problem with the 80 MILLION DOLLARS of MY MONEY going to blackhawk helicopters being sent to mexico!!!

[son of the revolution]

Theres two great big gaping fucking holes in their " story "

The 6700 murders is 98% Drug Gang vs Drug Gang killings ! Are they technically " civilians " because they dont wear a uniform ? Of course , but calling them civilians is as disengenious as calling 22 year old gangbangers in the States " kids " for the purposes of inflating the numbers of gun deaths here ! I could care less if the animals want to slaughter each other , have at it .

It was just proved a couple weeks ago that the whole "90 % of weapons used come from the US " thing was totally bogus . I'll have to dig around for the exact wording of the rebuttal story , but it was something to the effect that the actual number of weapons used in Mexico is 17% . And the " confusion " was , as always because of a slip of the tongue regarding weapons that were traced by the ATF

[BlackCatRider]

I also have a problem with the 80 MILLION DOLLARS of MY MONEY going to blackhawk helicopters being sent to mexico!!!

I somewhat have a problem with this too but in this case this is a good situation for me. I work for Sikorsky Global helicopters (Keystone Helicopter in Coatesville, PA) and with the economy the way it has been, it is catching up with the aviation industry and we just had a lot of cut backs and no more over time. Sikorsky is a huge company in the US and a deal like this will create and help keep jobs for americans. That money is going to go to someone eventually, at least it come back to us is some way. I am trying to relocate to NY after I get married and transfer jobs. Schweizer aircraft in Horseheads, NY is the new home for HAWKWORKS, owned by Sikorsky, which is a finishing facility for Black Hawk helicopters for foriegn militaries and countries. This deal would bring a major boost to the area. That is where I grew up.

[Bmarshall91]

dude that would be awesome to be able to "finish" blackhawk helicopters. How long have you been with the company.

and question number two... what do they do differently (if anything) to blackhawks that they export? I mean you wouldn't want the enemy getting a hold of our technology would you?

[wa3ra]

was neglecting a joint problem. I wonder if this was an intentional pun?

Typical BS from Washington.
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Let's go to KFC and Get a Hillary Bucket !

It comes with two small breasts, two large thighs, and a whole bunch of left wings.

[sxHarr05]

Well, Hillary, if the US is to blame for the violence in Mexico, then I personally am holding your husband responsible for the World Trade Center coming down. K? Getting sick of "our" elected officials becoming apologists for the world's problems. But I suppose it wouldn't be PC for them to expect anyone to stand up and take the blame for their shortcomings or push back when bullied.

IMO.

[BlackCatRider]

dude that would be awesome to be able to "finish" blackhawk helicopters. How long have you been with the company.

and question number two... what do they do differently (if anything) to blackhawks that they export? I mean you wouldn't want the enemy getting a hold of our technology would you?

I've been with them almost 2 years. They do not get the same technology as our military would get. They do get most of the basics but not too much. There is a difference in Armour and electronics or avionics. It all depends on what the customer or Country wants but our government has some say in it.
Pretty much they get the same helicopter without all our military's bells and whistles.

And the finishing process is simple. They actually build the helicopter in Connecticut with just the basic empty interiors and just enough stuff to fly them. Then they fly to the finishing facility where all the interiors are put in, the fancy cockpit equipment and paint are done. They then get delivered from there.

I do agree that we should not have to give them money to do this but I will do anything right now to make sure I have job security during this economic meltdown.

[Posit]

Yep... my fault the neighbor's kids don't do what their parents tell them.

Don't hear them complaining about the exodus of their people coming here sending money back there... or trying to stop it either. If illegal immigration is my problem, then drug cartels are theirs.