Comments about ‘In search of hope along the U.S.-Mexico border’

I don't think it is a fair to blame everything on the government and claim they have failed to secure the borders. An army division couldn't secure a border stretches from CA to Texas. The drug cartels are a huge problem. They are nothing more than modern day gadianation robbers. The article correctly pointed out that it is demand for illegal drugs that keep them in business. Isn't it interesting how so many probems are economic in nature. It is to bad this immigration issue has become so politicized. I totally understand the need to secure our borders and end illegal immigration. On the other hand I don't blame people for wanting out of a country where violence, poverty and corruption permeate their daily lives. Illegal immigration is a complex problem rooted in economic disparity between two bordering countries.

I found it interesting Pionke thinks the border is safer than where he lived in Chicago. I don't want to visit where he came from in Chicago.

The Cartel's income is varied. Drugs are just a part of their income. Blaming the problem on Americans is an old ploy. Without their production of drugs, the problem would be solved. Kill the chicken or the egg?

The Cartels use drugs, prostitution, human trafficking, extortion of business, black mail and kidnapping (second-most-lucrative venture source-NYTimes), oil theft, pirated goods, and legal business interests in the US and Mexico. They would exist without the drug trade.

Mexico needs to take responsibility for it's actions as does America. And blaming some dishonest business owners and government officials, does not excuse those who come here illegally for breaking our laws.

The best thing we could do is to close the border for several years and force Mexico into solving it's own problems. Same with the other Latin American countries that ask for our help, then complain.