Yesterday I saw a report about organized crime in Mexico which made me think about many things. The pictures and reports that were shown were shocking and scary.
The cartels seem to have a firm grip on the country and terrorize the citizens. Even from a small age on, low-income citizens /children are recruited by luring them with money and fame. The poverty that prevails in Mexico leaves many not long to hesitate and they agree to work for the cartels. The cartels, in turn, threaten those who want to escape the crime with the execution of their family and friends. So the circle closes and it will continue forever.
Trade of cartels
What began with drugs developed over decades to a multi billion dollar empire. The business fields now range from drugs, trafficking in human beings, prostitution, trafficking and blackmail to arms trafficking. Each year several billion dollars are generated, more than most large international companies.
Since all this is not enough for them, they are slowly penetrating into the legal economy
Financial resources are indeed enough.
Although many police successes have been won over the last few years, including the arrest of the notorious "El Chapo", nothing will change, as the next bosses are already on the doorstep and are pushing their business and wars.
What can we do?
I wonder what can be done about it? Can I do something and change the prevailing situation?
I am born in the happy situation in the middle of Europe in one of the richest countries in the world. I have everything I need to live, and much more than that.
A car, a motorcycle, go on holiday annually and monthly "rewards" such as new clothes or video games are part of our everyday life. Flowing, potable water and enough food, as well as an apartment, are a matter of course, and peace is assured.
The countries in which so much injustice happened are thousands of miles distant. The idea of not being able to help is therefore close. Of course, there is the possibility to donate money and donations in kind, but to be honest, it is against me to do so, since you never know if the ones who need it really get your donation.
I think the first steps would have to be done by the country and its inhabitants.
Two statements which appeared in the article I found particularly frightening
Is it worth for money ($ 500) to kill someone?
Yes
Why are these things/crimes happening in Mexico?
Because people here are like that. Mexicans are greedy. If someone has something you want, you just take it.
Of course, these statements are driven by poverty, but the first approach would be to change this.
What people from more affluent countries can do is boycott the products and service of the cartels. If the people did not buy drugs from Mexico, the cartels would have less money and their influence would fall, at least as long as no legal transactions are running. If the Mafia bosses are in the first legal company, its influence will continue to grow.
Conclusion
The situation is difficult. I think I can not do much to improve the situation of millions of Mexicans. This realization is hard because I can probably not forget the pictures of the reportage.
Mexico was always on top of my travel list, but to be honest, this has now changed drastically. The fear is greater than the desire to discover and experience Mexico.
Today's post is short but I think very important and you may think about your life and of those of others.
Please leave a comment and let me know how you feel about it or what are your living conditions like.
As always - thanks for reading my post!
Stay tuned and
Cheers,
bon3s90