Mexico is in the grip of tragic and escalating violence, fueled by rival drug cartels fighting for territorial control. The human toll is significant. More than 43,000 people have been killed since President Felipe Calderón took office in December 2006. The violence continues to escalate, and cartels continue to become more bold. Mexicans face threats from cartels to remain silent about their plight. The strength of the rule of law in Mexico is waning.
Citizens of the United States are not unaffected by this violence. Murders and kidnappings occur in border states. Cartels are boldly advancing networks further north. The Merida Initiative has been ineffective. Though we are over-deployed globally, we need to defend our border, and our Mexican friends. This needs to be a priority.