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Students on spring break cheer at the beach in the resort city of Cancun, Mexico.
Live Poll
Would you visit Mexico given the worsening violence in some areas?
Mexico's drug war has claimed more than 34,000 lives in the past four years. Despite the increasingly bleak headlines that often mention shootouts, beheading and mass graves, Americans have continued to visit the troubled country -- until now.
The Wall Street Journal wrote that several tour operators and hotel chains have seen a decline in the number of Americans visiting Mexico. Travel Impressions, tour operator for American Express, told the paper that it sent 100,000 passengers to Mexico in 2010, but has seen its bookings for non-group travelers drop by 15 percent. Smith Travel Research, a firm that monitors hotel occupancy rates, says that stays in Mexico's mid-range chains are either flat or decreasing. Even the cruise industry has been affected: Disney Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises all canceled their service to Acapulco after two recent violent incidents involving foreigners.
In March, Texas state officials warned college students about traveling to the increasingly violent hotspots of Cancun and Acapulco, a move that frustrated tourism officials in Mexico. Rodolfo Lopez Negrete, the chief operating officer of Mexico's Board of Tourism, told Reuters on Wednesday that the warnings were "ludicrous" and "misinformed." Lopez Negrete was in Austin to meet with Texas state officials in an effort to convince them that it's safe to travel to many parts of Mexico.
The Texas warning read, "Our safety message is simple: avoid traveling to Mexico during Spring Break and stay alive."
In 2010, 107 Americans were murdered in Mexico, according to the Wall Street Journal. The U.S. State Department doesn't specify how many of those victims were tourists, but the number is double what it was before the drug war began.
In an interview with msnbc.com, Pablo Weisz, a security manager for the Americas for International SOS, said Mexico's worsening security situation has led the crisis and risk management company to deem parts of the country more dangerous. Mexico has long been rated by the company as a medium security risk -- by comparison, Norway's rating is insignificant and Iraq's is extreme. Recently, International SOS announced that the northern border states of Baja, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Guerrero are now high risk due to cartel violence.
In these states, Weisz might advise corporate clients and individual travelers to use secure transportation, travel only during daylight, never stop on the road and move in convoys. "If we’re to talk about Mexico in general," Weisz said, "the risks to travelers have not changed that much." Of the 107 American deaths, Weisz said he believes many of them were Mexican-Americans involved in the drug trade.
Related story: 'Anti-tourists' heed the call of danger
Even the safer parts of Mexico, however, can be dangerous for tourists. Mexico City, for example, is known for "express kidnappings," in which a thief poses as a legitimate taxi driver and proceeds to force the passenger to withdraw money from several ATMs, often at gunpoint. Petty and street crime can also be common.
Weisz recommends that tourists report their trip to the U.S. embassy in case of an emergency. He also says those traveling in the less dangerous areas of Mexico should try to schedule their flights so they arrive and depart during the day; take taxis only at official hotel or airport stands; go out in groups, avoid drinking excessively and drink only from beverages that must be opened in front of you; and never share too much information with strangers lest you tip off a potential thief to your whereabouts during your stay. If these guidelines seem disconcerting, Weisz said they're the same ones he suggests for traveling in more secure cities like Paris and Rome.
That may be, but Mexico ranks second only to India in the number of annual inquiries that International SOS clients and members make about security risks abroad.
"There's interest for a number of reasons," Weisz said. "If you're going to Afghanistan, you know it’s going to be a bad place. Whereas if you’re going to Mexico, there’s the importance of nuance and going past what the headlines are saying. It’s a huge country with very different security environments."
Other stories you might like:
- America's crumbling infrastructure a curse for travelers
- Most annoying air travel experience? Survey says...
- NYT: How to avoid credit card problems abroad
Information from Reuters was included in this report. Rebecca Ruiz is a senior editor at msnbc.com. Follow her on Twitter.
Leave a Comment:
Who in their right mind is going to Mexico to get shot (with a gun) or blown up by a bomb, or decapitated????? Get real, visit the Natural Parks of America, and the state parks, plus other fun stuff right here in the USA!!
Good thought since we have no violence in the US. Come on, you wouldn't travel to Mexico to visit Juarez City anymore than you would go to the Watts district in LA
Went to Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas this February. While there was a visible police presence in Cabo, and an Army Presence in Acapulco -- we had no problems and no one we talked to even had a worry. However, seeing sandbagged gun implacements at a couple of intersections was a bit unnerving (Acpulco -- not Cabo)
"Get real, visit the Natural Parks of America, and the state parks, plus other fun stuff right here in the USA!!" like Detroit for example. WRONG. Use your common sense wherever you choose to travel. We just got back from Cabo San Lucas. I feel safer in Cabo than I do in L.A.
"In 2010, 107 Americans were murdered in Mexico, according to the Wall Street Journal."
That's about one American murdered in Mexico every 3 days. You don't see many headlines on this, but that's very scary.
in 2009 15,241 Americans were murdered in America -- THAT is scary
Puerto Vallarta is still very safe. Spent some time there late last year.
" ....................zzzzzzzzzzz...........zzzz..........zzzzzzzz....wha'....who?......(rubs his eyes and yawns)..........Who the hell asked THAT question NOW? It's only been going on for.....how many years now? And someone has to ask THAT stupid question?.........NOW?
Just got back from 7 weeks in Mexico. Its a lot safer than most of the US ! Like who in their right mind would visit Cleveland? New York? LA? Way too much viiolence for me. Vamos a Mexico.......
My girlfriend and just booked a trip to Aruba. We have both been to Mexico a few times and think it is a beautiful place, but there are too many other places we can go and not have to worry about safety.
To those mentioning violence in America,
As horrible and stupid as Americans are with their guns, the Mexican gangs are worse.
Did they say Detroit? Didn't think so...
It's funny how everyone whines about our jobs being sent to Mexico, yet those same people would rather spend their money supporting the tourist locations of other countries, rather then keeping the money here in our own.
I'm confused... Are you trying to say Detroit is in another country? Or am I just reading your post completely wrong?
At least in the US I know where to go and where not to go to have the best odds of survival. I used to live in Baltimore, so I'm pretty well educated on bad neighborhoods. In Mexico there are some Mayan ruins where I'd still feel relatively safe. Everything thing else I simply wouldn't take a chance on. It's too unpredictable and the violence is spreading rapidly.
oh yeah ARJOHN thats scary,, look at the size of the US compared to Mexico. I walk out my house everyday worrying about being kidnapped, decapitated, or a victim of gun fire.
I see those fun places in the USA I also see those uncrowded places in Baja, driving down the penninsula in Sept. to Loreto! Goto San Felipe once a month! Just another perk of San Diego living.
We have become a nation of cowards! Remember this is the birthplace of the greatest generation, people who spat in the face of real danger (Hitler) and kicked his butt! If your not involved in the drug trade your safer in Mexico than most major city's in the US.
Detroit is another country all to itself.
3 places to never visit
Our national parks our closing but these morons would rather spend their money in mexico.
All you people that say not to visit Mexico, are quite stupid and out of it. You have no idea what you're talking about. Are there dangerous parts of mexico? Yes. Are there dangerous parts of the United States? Yes.
The fact is, you're just as safe in a mexico resort town, as you are in New York City. GO to a border town, and things could go wrong. Go searching for drugs, and you are putting yourself into it. If you're a US Cop, expect to be killed. If you are border patrol, expect to be killed. If you are trying to interfere with the Mexico drug trade, expect to be killed. If you are vacationing in Mexico, don't expect anything but sunny skies and people that are far nicer than the people at the national parks.
I just got back from Mexico about 6 days ago, and was there for two weeks. Never felt safer. However, last year I went to Yellowstone, and was treated like crap by every ranger and person we had to deal with. It was boring, and I wondered why I had even spent money on taking the trip. It was just another camping trip in the forest. I could have done that here at home. Lame. I'd go back to Mexico, and expect to be brutally murdered, before I'd go back to a national park. At least Mexico would be worth being murdered. I was wishing someone would put me out of my misery while we were in Yellowstone.
If you really think that Mexico is more dangerous for your average american, than places like NYC or LA, then you are just an addition to the stupidity of our nation.
LeftLeaningLisa
Yes, this article fails to point out that foreign travel has reduced significantly to all countries. Could it be from violence? Not likely since travel to countries in Europe has reduced more than travel to Mexico. Could it be from the recession? Most likely.
Just like in the US, you have to look for trouble to get trouble. If I want to get shot, I'll walk into a gritty neighborhood and harrass a street gang. If I don't, I'll stay away from such places.
Dave and not necessarily in that order!
Lisa what do you libs like best about OLD MEXICO is it the dog and pony shows or the drugs get a real job. You think they give a sh*t that you love them. No Its because of your money honey!
Why would anyone deliberately go to a country where it is common knowledge that the police and the politicians and just about anyone else in authority are about as corrupt as corrupt can be? Why would you go to a country where you risk being kidnapped - with various parts of your anatomy cut off to prove the "sincerity" of the kidnappers and/or shot - as is common in Mexico City?
There are plenty of nice places to visit that are just as economical or nearly so as Mexico; where you don't have to worry about their endemic murder and mayhem factor.
If, I had been at Yellowstone when you were there, I probably would have treated you like crap too. You seem to attract that kind of attention. Move to Mexico, we will miss your tax $'s but it is a price we'll have to pay.
Notice how nice I was about it and I made no nasty political remarks.
Yeah... that's like saying I'm not visiting the U.S. because there's violence in the hoods of LA. People that are afraid are people that have not been. PV is great... but shhhhhh... we don't want any more loud-mouthed Americans anyway.....
Dred44, why make this a left and right issue, why are you guy's always looking for a fight!? The real issue is the drugs and they should just be legalized, thats the under lying current of crime in the Northern Hemisphere. Most countries that have legalized it's use have seen their crime drop dramatically and best of all just like Booze you can tax it! Take the money and redirect it into education programs aimed at the very young. You don't see 13 year olds walking around with a pack of camels rolled up in their t-shirt sleeves anymore. I know that there will always be the ones that break from the new way of thinking and try to smoke and drink, but you can't buy them as a teen anymore, I live in the third safest community in the country where crime is virtually nonexistent, but their are always a few who get caught stealing beer from dad or smokes from mom's purse, but generally the parent suspects or knows about it and an attempt is made to stop it.
We need to be realistic, The war on drugs was lost the day it started, there is a market for drugs in America and just like the Kennedy's, who made their fortune off the illegal drug at the time, Booze, someone is going to make a fortune supplying it. It is a risk reward issue, Doesn't anybody remember the gangs and guy's like Scarface, Al Capone? there is absolutely no way to stop the flow, as long as were buying, someone is selling or making it themselves.
Legalize it, control it's manufacture and quality control, tax it to death because it takes pennies too make. Release the non violent drug offender's from prison. Fire the unnecessary corrections officers and now unneeded police and drug interdiction deployments of the Coast Guard and Military and virtually over night all we are talking about would evaporate completely and you can all visit Mexico any time you want!
Leftlisa.
I have had some great trips to Mexico. Road trips that started in the Colorado mountains to the Mexican Baja. Why do you have to drag down Yellowstone to make Mexico sound better? You are no better than the people who are afraid of Mexico. I love travelling to other countries. But I also think that our National Parks are amazing if you are willing to hike them. In order to enjoy Yellowstone, you will have to get out of your car and walk. Yes, it is crowded, but you have to be willing to get away from the crowds. Yellowstone is an amazing treasure of our country.
no worries ole Mexico is safe. You can do 7 days all inclusive there for the price of one night stay in a beach front hotel on the east coast
Dred44
And this is coming from a person that thinks political affiliation has something to do with peoples' opinions about Mexico.
Americans should be boycotting Mexico and Mexican goods until the Mexican authorities manage to control illegal immigration into the US. Until the Mexican government figures it out i WILL NOT EVER VISIT THE CESSPOOL AGAIN.
I am taking my family in a few weeks to a resort in Mexico. I choose not to live my life in fear that something somewhere may happen someday. I don't understand why this is such a hot button for so many people. If you don't want to go there then simply don't. My family and I have a vacation in the states one year and out the next. It is a good balance and my kids can see a different part of the world. I will save this page and report back when we are home.
Totally off subject here but...
to Chris Wanker (Post 1.12)
you realize this implies you are sexually self sufficient don't you?
Really? that´s a shared problem, Mexico-USA, in mexico the drug is produced and in US it is consumed!! Just for your info America is not just US but since Brasil until Alaska, America it´s a continent as Asia, Africa and Europe, come on!!! Mexico is safer as you decided, come to enjoy the wonderful places that we have: History, beaches, antrophology, amazing meals, churches.... History!!! But don´t loock for troubles, or visit odd places; just touristic places with professional tours as you do in any other places. Now the WORLD is different, not just Mexico, take care of you in any place and enjoy Mexico. VIVA MEXICO!
It is rather amusing to read the level of ignorance expressed in some of the postings, I am by no means surprised, got over that some time ago. I have lived in the States and now I live in my native country, Mexico. It is irritating to encounter articles such as this based on the crap that someone else wrote.
I bet that a lot of people writing articles advising tourists not to travel to Mexico, have not been to Mexico themselves. There are troubled areas in Mexico, no doubt about it, but there are also troubled areas in the States and "every single country in the world". Who that lives in L.A. goes for a walk in Watts or Compton at night? Who does that at the projects in New York? ... Either someone that lacks of common sense or is too stupid to know better.
Has anybody bothered to get the statistics of how many people are murdered on a daily basis in major cities such as Chicago, N.Y. or Los Angeles? ... people get killed "everyday" in those cities and it's not one a day. Yet, why isn't any noise about "DON'T TRAVEL TO N.Y.!" it's not safe! We are quick to render our opinion about what's going on on the neighbor’s yard but we don't talk about what's going on inside our our own home, I wonder why ... there might be a long tail someone can step on.
My advice to tourists that want to travel "anywhere" is that they should do a research from people that have visited that destination before and can provide "accurate" information to them, vs. hearsay or ludicrous statistics given by some unreliable source.
People that look for trouble, will find it sooner rather than later. People that have gotten killed in foreign countries have either exposed themselves to unsafe locations or bad people or have been “very” unfortunate to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and you do not need to travel for this to happen, it could happen anywhere.
Use your common sense when traveling. Mexico is a beautiful country with the good and the bad. Puerto Vallarta, the place I call home, is one of the safest that offers all kinds of amenities for you to relax
or enjoy a well deserved vacation. Do not believe everything you read or hear on the news, they always have the tendency to exagerate the facts. Educate yourself about where you are going and have a good time.
come on jaaja its only on some areas of the country !!!!!!lets say juarez like l.a. sinaloa like chicago same sh..T, the only thing is that in mexico we can tel who is a tourist and who is mexican we take care of our tourism so please say adios to this f... question !!!!! while this people ask ill be drinking on the beach with some nice and hot blonds ahhahaha
Susie.
I have just read everything on this blog and have never made any comment myself, but feel I must say something regarding this issue. My husband and I are English and retired here to Baja six years ago. We have never felt safer than here in our lovely home. Everyone has been very welcoming and friendly. We are sick of hearing all this media hype about the troubles in Mexico. We feel it is only done to keep the dollar in the States..........yes of course there are problems if you go into the wrong area and if you are involved in drugs but if you just want a nice quiet life with good food and sunshine you could not ask for anymore. We lived in South West France before coming here and there were areas there that you would not want to walk around, the same as the UK and every other country in the world has its problem spots but if you are sensible you are very safe. Thanks to all of you who have made positive comments about Mexico and Baja in particular, yes we are just an extension of California and as soon as people realise this the better.
@LeftLeaningLisa
Yes, I'm sure the 100 or so people that were murdered there last year would say the same exact thing.
CaliCoast214
We'll leave it to you to get comments from dead people. Would you feel safer near a development project in Detroit or by a police station in the Bel-Air area of L.A. In most circumstances you have to be looking for trouble to get trouble and that holds true in all countries. Keep in mind even if you aren't looking for trouble, many innocents die from gun violence here, Mexico is not the only country where this happens, just read our national news.
Don't you see how foolish you are? To brand a whole country as a crime-ridden hell-hole makes no sense at all. But I can't expect people like you to understand it since you are a product of the media's incessant attempt to fear mexico and mexicans. They fed you fear and you gobbled it up like the good sheep you are.
it's a shame they do not want to travel to Mexico because it is one of the countries most beautiful and rich in culture and naturalbeauties that the information given in your country United States ofAmerica is a mess because only at specific locations and there has been violence worth noting that worldwide there are placeswith much violence there is Spain with car bombs yourself who want to start war in any place just to take possession of somethingthat is not theirs and no one made much trash as you expect us tostop and think stupid things just a little
Well, if you come to mexico and get shot, most likely it'll be with a weapon smuggled from the states The weapons come in by thousands through the Mexican border, the drug gangs and the Mexican government get their weapons from the same source: The US. So, this is a double moral game, just feed the beast, and in the mean time, get advantage, keep the tourism money in the US and keep affecting a country that is doing it's best to get rid of the drugs cancer.
After reading this blog:
Never argue with an idiot... anyone reading it might not be able to tell the difference.
Come to Mexico if you want and don't, if you don't. You will be just as safe here as anywhere else.
I visit northern Mexico 2 or 3 times a year, sometimes just my wife and I with adult friends, sometimes the whole family. I know people who drive back & forth almost every weekend, like the American couple I usually rent the beach house from. Not to mention the thousands of Americans who live there.
Granted, you would have to be an idiot to visit Ciudad Juarez, and not just because of the drug war violence, but really, who would go there as a tourist anyway?
But the U.S. State Department alerts that warn us to avoid travel to Mexico, the whole country, are just irresponsible. There are pockets of violence that sane people should avoid, but the vast majority of the country is safer than many places in the U.S.
I have visited many countries in this world, but I have never met a nicer, friendlier and more hospitable people than the Mexicans. Although I personally benefit from these cheaper prices, even deep discounts on Mexican vacations, I have seen the effect on the honest, hard-working people of that country who are just trying to get by until this all blows over. It's tragic, and it couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of people.
I've been to Mexico (Mexico City, Acapulco, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun) 9 times and just across the border (Tijuana, Mexicali) 7 times.
Only once out of all these times did I feel threatened--and that was by the border police at Mexicali.
The people I have met in Mexico have all been great--both other tourists and the locals. Yes, they may want to sell you things (timeshares, local wares, special tours), but they need to make a living and they were never overly pushy if you politely told them "no". My next door neighbors have been to Mexico 15 times and have two timeshares there. They love it--and what's not to love--especially the beautiful resorts, fantastic archaeological sites, interesting events and tours (fiestas, jungles, small fishing villages, floating gardens), and great food finds.
The effects of the drug war are a sad thing--but considering it mostly affects Americas who either do drugs--or else those who live near the border (and thus may have their cars stolen and taken to Mexico for use by Mexican drug runners), the danger of travel to places like Puerto Vallarta is essentially almost zero. One I've also learned;--when everyone else is afraid to travel, that's the best time to go. Back in 2001, when everyone else was afraid to travel after 9/11, I decided to upgrade my already purchased trip to Cancun from a 4-star resort to a 5-star resort. Being one of the few families at the hotel at the time made for a great trip--and good pricing on everything around town. Also, all the airplane employees were thankful for those of us still flying and helping them keep jobs.
P.S. I've already booked my next trip to Mexico (Puerto Vallarta) with my wife--which will be in April.
I have heard little good about traveling to Mexico outside the established tourist areas. I have also been advised by people who have been in greater Mexico (not the tourist traps) not to go there, period. There is too much corruption and violence. An American is an easy target for corrupt law enforcement and drug gangs. Just don't go there!
My boycott of Mexico began in 1985. I will never visit that toilet of a country again.
Great! and you haven't been missed.
danisav83...................But I'll bet Landtuna's money has been missed. You go right ahead and visit Mexico,,,,,,,we will no doubt read about you in the news.
The country is beautiful. Don't confuse the terrain with the government, population or political philosophy.
The third world doesn't need us to tour it, nor the $$ which go with us.
Amen. If I want something from Mexico, I will go to WalMart! If I want to see Mexicans, I will go to the nearest construction project.
Turbo- if you want to see mexicans here in Texas, you go to the Wal-Mart for that as well.
Yeah, and they don't want you either. Stay out. And while you're at it, you should stay out of the rest of central america. Don't ruin it for the rest of us
ANDROLOMA and Landtuna
what? did you guys turn down an invitation from the mexican president to visit them? If not, most likely nobody cares that you didn't visit.
@Optomyst... glad you mentioned! I was just there a month ago and it went by smoothly. I had a blast! I came back and my business had been mugged and there was a shooting right on the parking lot of the mall where my business is at, killing a 13 year old. The U.S. economy is so bad that i'm sure that the ones begging for tourist money are gonna be us, very soon. You keep on using your credit card...
I'm sure you are just an ignorant white trash.... Mexico is safe, the people who are being killed are the ones involved with drugs, Mexico is a wonderful place to live, even the neighboors become part of your family and I'm pretty sure you don't even say Hello or know your neighboors name! Mexico the culture, people, history, travel destinations are the best in the worls...you should travel more and learn!
Landtuna, what happened to you in Mexico? Did you murder someone? Smuggle some drugs, or what? You sound awfully bitter. It's really a shame that you have missed out, but hey, in 1985 there was no internet, no cameras everywhere recording digital video, so whatever crime you committed, maybe they've forgotten about it already and don't even know who you are.
The chances of me getting shot here in Mexico are far less than it is in the states. The violence is drug related and unless you are involved in that trade, you are safe. Granted there are a few cases of collateral injuries, but no where is perfect. Personally I am safer here than I was living in Orlando. At least when I pull up to a light, I do not have to look around and see if I am going to be car jacked. I moved to Mazatlan 4 years ago and have never looked back, except to visit a couple of times a year. Come on down, the water is warm, the beer is ice cold and the women are smokin' hott.
we Love The Maz! and you are right!
Oh boy are you wrong. Drug violence in Mexico takes out thousands of innocent bystanders every year. No more Mexico for me.
Yeah, they're smokin' hot because they're trash! Why go to Mexico when I live in L.A.!! You can have that trash bucket of a country that has to send representatives here to try to convince the people of the U.S. to go over there and maybe get your head chopped off! They also send all their throw-aways here and now we're stuck with more poverty and babies out the ying yang! I'm Latino. And when a Latino is just as pissed off as a white or a black person is then there's a real problem.
Al SANCHEZ
Al,
On behalf of all Latinos, please keep your insults to yourself. You dont get to call Mexican women trash just because the females in your family are...
Poverty in the US has nothing to do with immigration, please educate yourself so you dont post any more embarrasing, ignorant comments...
Al is also ignorant to the fact that the actual term is "YIN Yang."
I have to agree. You can get shot and killed right here in the good ole USA just as in any other part of the World. We are animals after all. A higher form, but still biological, living and breathing animals!!!
You're an idiot! "Collateral" injuries? When entering a county with M-60's pointed at my black heavily guarded SUV with my children in the back enroute to Bucerias, there is something VERY un-nerving about this! I spent 12.9 years in the Army too so I tend to not be afraid of weaponry! If it were safe, there would be need for these armed checkpoints!
It's "Ying-Yang," not "yin-yang..."
Al was right the first time.
Wonderful comments, Larry!
What a shame it is that Everywoman and AL posted such ugly comments. I know they have a right to their opinions, but I wish they would keep them to themselves!
I lived 3 years in Mexico. I fell in love with the country, the people, the geography, and oh those gorgeous flowers! What I didn't fall in love with was the political situation.
We have many friends who have moved back to Mexico--to Guanajuato, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Merida, Acapulco, Aguascalientes, and other places including Mexico City and Mazatlan. They are so happy that they made the move.
It costs less to live in Mexico than it does in most places in the US, the people are so sweet-natured and giving, and the flowers and trees are truly amazing!
Yes, there is crime in Mexico. There is also significant crime in the US. Consistently in the top 10 crime cities you'll find Washington, DC.; Oakland, CA; Detroit; East Saint Louis; Saint Louis and many others. Going to some of those places frightens me MUCH more than going to Mexico! I wouldn't want to go to any of the border towns (on either side), but I wouldn't have a problem going to many of the other places in Mexico.
It's a wonderful country. I certainly hope they can get it together to get rid of the cartels.
Al Sanchez you are an embarrassment for Hispanics and also for Americans.
I am an American citizen, born in Mexico. Parents came here when I was 9 years old. My parents came here so I could have a better future. I'm a senior in college, I speak English, Spanish, French and I have three years of Chinese Mandarin. Mexicans are not trash, in fact no human being is trash. The only trash if the garbage that comes out of your mouth when you try to express yourself. Please refrain of using fallacies and do something useful for the better of humanity as a whole!
教育是成功的关键
fail
I've been to Mexico twice in the last 4 months and never once felt anything but safe, including walking the malecon in Acapulco on a Saturday night. Vast majority of people getting killed were in the wrong place at the wrong time, the average tourist may see armed guards in Mexico but there's also armed guards at the Vatican. This article is wrong in pointing at Cancun, the Riviera Maya area is one of the safest areas in Mexico. Go to Mexico and enjoy friendly people, great food, outstanding beaches and world class resorts. Just stay the hell away from the back alleys, the folks wanting to sell you dope or the border states.
Oh, to put it in perspective, last month in a 3 day period there were 13 shootings and 8 deaths, in Atlanta. So I guess we best stay away from Georgia too.
AZstudent,
Translation: "Education is the key to success"
I'd sure like to know how you became a citizen, and who paid for your education. I've been Mexico, and yes, there are a lot of nice people there. And some not so nice. The point is, we don't want either the nice or not-so-nice entering the US illegally, gaming the system, bringing drugs or crime, and using our services to the point of bankrupting them and closing hospitals, etc. Would Mexico give ME a free education? Free healthcare?
Good for you Larry! I just got back from a trip to Mexico a week ago, and it was great. Actually better than the last time I was there about 4 years before. People who say it's dangerous, don't travel there. People who say it's not dangerous, travel there without issue.
There's a reason why everywomanUSA has USA in her name... She knows of nothing else. Poor uneducated bastards
Everywoman USA
Yeah because we all know that in the US we rarely have any innocents die from gang violence. Learning more about the country you mention in your screename won't hurt.
AL, you got all the trash stirred-up. L.A. that is in Mexico isn't it. It is a shame that people think they are so damned smart but can't comprehend what they read.
APM is obvious one of those Hispanics that defend illegal immigration as these are my people. Every person I have met with that attitude are the very people that exploit the illegals for their personal gain.
All of you that advocate Mexican Vacations, enjoy yourselves. The next time on the vine don't be the one squawking about Corporations leaving the country for cheap labor, you did for a cheap vacation, but that's OK because it's you. Don't whine about the bad economy, you chose to spend your money in another country, hell just move there, you will help reduce the jobless rate by one.
Actually, Mexico is a beautiful Country, when you get away from the trash that Al was speaking too. The Mexican people are really neat people and I love them but I don't want them or their culture here illegally nor does AL Sanchez.
Seriously???!!!! Get real! It is no safer to walk down the streets of New York, LA, Dallas or any number of places in the United States than it is in Mexico. I came from a small town in Nebraska, born and raised there, and I've been living in Mexico for the last 2 and a half years. I am fine, and I'm happy here!!! I've seen thousands of tourists come and go in that timeframe, and all of them had a fantastic time and had no trouble.
dont u have anything else to do.. do u know how many mexicans die everyday in america??? and thats a safe country.. huh???
There are many unresearched facts in this article. Any where you go its about beng safe in any country anywhere. The decline in tourism to Mexico is due to the economy and media as usual blowing everything out of proportion and not having all the information before reporting or randomly selecting facts to use when reporting to make it have more sale appeal. But here are US statisitcs.
Crime in the United States
2009
2008
2007
Total 2007-2009
Population
307,006,550
304,374,846
301,290,332
912,671,728
Violent crime
1,318,398
1,392,629
1,421,990
4,133,017
Violent
crime rate
429.4
457.5
472.0
452.8
Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter
15,241
16,442
17,157
48,840
Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rate
5.0
5.4
5.7
5.4
Forcible rape
88,097
90,479
91,874
270,450
Forcible rape rate
28.7
29.7
30.5
29.6
Robbery
408,217
443,574
447,155
1,298,946
Robbery rate
133.0
145.7
148.4
142.3
Aggravated assault
806,843
842,134
865,804
2,514,781
Aggravated assault rate
262.8
276.7
287.4
275
Property crime
9,320,971
9,775,149
9,872,815
28,968,935
Property crime rate
3,036.1
3,211.5
3,276.8
3,175
Burglary
2,199,125
2,228,474
2,187,277
6,614,876
Burglary rate
716.3
732.1
726.0
724.8
Larceny-theft
6,327,230
6,588,046
6,587,040
19,502,316
Larceny-theft rate
I have believed for some time that the only way to force the Mexican government to declare all out war against the drug cartels was to have travelers boycott Mexican tourism. The government needs to commit the military machine's resources to rid themselves of this infested scourge. Their mission should be cartel elimination just as if it were an outside enemy attacking their country. Who in their right mind wants to go on vacation to a country where an element of their society kills with impunity whenever and wherever they want? Where you have to be constantly looking over your shoulder concerned for your family's security. I'll travel somewhere else thanks.
You are clearly clueless and have no idea what you are talking about. I suggest you check your facts.
Darn you are stupid! Been to Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Cozumel, and Mexico City. Being Colombian and having lived in the US for 13 years, I can speak with authority and a certain unique vantage point about the situation there. Mexico is navigating the same turbulent waters we experienced in Colombia some 20 years ago. Unfortunately, the war on drugs is not a war you can win like say, the ass-kicking we gave to Iraq during the first 3 days we were there. Dangerous? Certainly not anymore than walking in upper Harlem after 2:00 AM. Do you have to exercise caution? Won't you have to do the same in South Side Chicago too? Violent? Have you been to South L.A. or East Point in Atlanta? Kidnapping? Try walking around Moscow flashing a stupid lost face. The world is a dangerous place, but hey, why would anyone want to admit it.
Looks like LeftLeaningLisa has her panties in a twist.....shes all over this thread like flies on @!$%# telling everyone they're wrong.
"Oh, I'm still alive so everything bad being said about Mexico must be false and everyone else in this thread must be lying through their teeth!"
That's her argument in a nutshell.
Way to research and write an article...not much for facts...I like to travel to Mexico and have never had an issue in cities like Cancun, Mazatalan, Puerto Vallerta..people are not dying or being murdered there so i don't know why this writer elected to write such a vague article with no backing. Of course deaths have doubled since the drug war...stay away from the border. But to act like someone can't travel to a tourist city and be safe is..well naive and stupid. I probably have a higher chance of dying traveling to NY city, L.A. , or any other American city than I do in mexico. Way to go MSNBC
"I probably have a higher chance of dying traveling to NY city, L.A. , or any other American city than I do in mexico" Sorry that is a bit of a stretch. The problem is that you don't have any police safety net, and often they are even against you. In Cancun my friends were in an accident (broken arm and leg) and police weren't interested in following up. My whole family including pregnant wife were in jail overnight in Mazatlan for refusing to pay a bribe to a cop for jaywalking. I've been pressured for bribes from police many times. I'm not a partier -- just a professional family guy who doesn't drink at all. So the simple things that happen in any city (like you say same as LA) are MUCH worse down there -- you will eventually end up in a situation where you realize the danger of an inept police force. Mexico seems safe until it isn't. (By the way I was born in Mexico).
I just love the "I'm not dead yet, so everything I do must be safe" mentality.
I agree this article is generalizations that have been around for the last couple of years. I have been going to Mexico for winter vacations since 1990. This past Jan we were in Huatulco and Mexico City. Both places very safe. Tourism from the US has been down but not from Canada, South America etc.
Will be booking in Sept another Huatulco trip for winter of 2012. A new Secrets resort will be opened by then and we will be there!!
You're very naive. Please, please go down there, by all means if you think your head will stay on your shoulders!
Al Sanchez
Where are your facts?
All of Al's facts are straight from Zeneida Fernandez Gonzalez via Casey Anthony. She's in hiding now because of his comments about her being trash.
Al
Just went there. With my family. All body parts returned intact. Stop trashing an entire country and its people based on your narrow view.
I think Al may be a "Wannabe" East LA George Lopez.
Come on down to El Paso, Al..... I'll show you a LEGAL border crossing and wish you well. Bring your greencard with you....
ps....don't stop in AZ...
Al Sanchez, I call b.s on your so-called Latino heritage. Nobody could possibly hate their own people so much, and nobody could be so misinformed as you about the truth of what's really going on in their home country.
Aren't you actually a conservative old white guy who has no Latino heritage at all? The question is being asked by a not so conservative old white guy who goes to northern Mexico all the time, has been doing so for 20 years, and has never had even a hint of a problem or anything other than a fabulous time with those wonderful people and their unique culture.
I use to go to Mexico about 4 times a year, which included Christmas shopping in Mexico City. I always stayed in at least 4 star resorts, in fact while in college lived in McAllen for a summer so I went across the border on a daily basis. I wouldn't go there now for free (except if I had my own security team traveling with me), which is a shame since the country & most of the people are great. I now view it in the same light as India.
Hahahahaha. There are many American Companies and business travelers to India year round. The last I heard, they all came back to America with their heads intact. What are you babbling about???
Why wouldn't you? Because you're so gullible as to believe some news story that ONE american was killed on a jetski?
I'm sure you have no reason at all other than you're just scared.
I fly to Mexico at least once a year, usually to Cabo San Lucas. I love Cabo, the Mexican people, the lifestyle, the food, the weather, and especially the prices. I will be going again in two months, and I urge all of you to join me in Cabo San Lucas--you will not regret it! (P.S. I'll buy each of you a half-dozen shrimp tacos and a bucket of beer!)
Cabo San Lucas has absolutely nothing to do with a MEXICAN lifestyle. You might as well go to Vegas except for the ocean.
the internet is such a dissapointment. Sure its good to do your banking, pay bills, order stuff and obtain quick information on local restaurants, etc. But no stories are believeable because the references of the sources of these stories are very questionable, contain poor grammer and the facts are not accurate.
I spent a month last winter going to the "best" BBQ joints in Texas. In a month I found one decent place (Krietz Market) the rest of them I wouldn't have been able to tell the diiference between frozen store bought meat and the stuff they served in the "best bbq in texass. Prez Bush's favorite place was tasted so bad I wouldn't feed it to a hog. What do they do pay of these people to write a good article? 9 out of 10 places reviewed were terrible. I found better places that were located by chance. San Antoine and Austin had some good places but it wasn't worth a month of staying in Texas.
because I am NOT involved. 99.999% of the deaths and violence are drug-related.
factor in the economy as a major cause of reduced travel by Americans to ANY
destination? If she had compared THOSE numbers with the reduction in travel to Mexico, I wonder if her assessment would have been different. Sheeesh! Now THERE'S a challenge Ms. Ruiz!
You make a good point, but the media can't scare americans talking about the UK. That's how the media gets people to consume their product: by articles that bring about fear, anger or other strong emotions.
I am in Afghnaistan working and supporting our troops on Operation Enduring Freedom, One of Medics and his wife working with us over here in Afghanistan lease property in the Playa Del Carmen, CanCun area and have told us it is perfectly safe in that area with the nice beaches, Hotels and Cold beer, they just returned back to AFG from a three week trip and told us they had a super time, the pictures dont lie folks. If your not invloved in the Drug trade, Looks like Cozumel, CanCun and Playa Del Carmen are the place to be gang. Those of you back in the Land of the Free and home of the Brave, have a safe Summer. J.A. Esquivel Former U.S. Marine
I went to Cozumel last June and had a blast. I was invited by some friends who had already purchased their trip. We did stay at a resort and there was 7 of us and we never went anywhere alone outside of the resort. I was fearful before going but for some reason I felt I would be safe in Cozumel. We took the ferry over to Playa Del Carmen and that is where I will go the next time. Staying in a resort was okay but I would rather stay in a nice Hotel right on the beach and right in town. Playa has that. Its all about where you go.
Your homeland has turned into the land of the greed and the home of the slave since you've been gone. Former marine? Good luck in being a veteran and trying to find a decent job when and if you ever get back to the States.
From a fellow vet. I wish you better luck and empathy than I got when I returned.
Javier,
Keep up the good work. God Bless You !!!!!
Just got back from there, and I felt safer walking in the middle of the night by myself, than I'd feel in my bulletproof car driving through a small part of Compton.
mmm...a lot of misguided facts in this poorly written story. The drug war is heavy in the border states, and mexico city. Other parts of the country are free from these problems. In fact, since guns are illegal- most of the country is safer than the USA.
I have a home in Merida, in the Yucatan. Thousands of gringos have vacation homes in the Yucatan peninsula, and 10's of thousands across the country. We know the truth, its safe as you make yourself, fun, inexpensive and a life time of adventure.
I strongly suggest time on the Riviera maya, from Akumal- puerto Morelos, skip the hotel hell of Cancun. If your only traveling to see a resort beach and swimming pool, why would you fly to another country to do that? I avoid cancun, has little to offer but high prices and all the problems of tourist trap.
The trend for cruise ships, and what city they go to has no bearing on what cities i might fly to. They are the cattle of tourism, those stops often are avoided by fun loving tourists. But do go to Cozumel, and scuba/snorkel.
One of the things I like about vacations is returning---alive. No thanks.
Shows just how clueless and lost you are. I hope you enjoy living your boring life in your boring country and never leaving it to go somewhere you've obviously NEVER been or experienced. You Americans are SO gullible. Stop believing the media hype.
I assume Lisa you are not an American as you referred to sig1249839 as you Americans. Perhaps that's why you need a bulletproof car in the southland (Compton), but as for walking by yourself at night you are full of SH*T sweet cheeks which gos for your posts.
LEFT: I have been to Mexico, and I liked it, I would like to go back. I am not clueless, but have followed the situation closely. The 40.000 dead already, the many severed heads perhaps to others, the missing, and weekly reports of massacre are not hype.
I love to travel, and I meant no disrespect. It's just that if something happened to my children iright now, knowing what I know, I could never forgive myself.
.LEFT: A separate issue is the kidnappings. I do not know the average and mean price of a promised return, what percentage are returned alive and unharmed, and what percentage are returned.
Your response to my concern for the safety of my children and others was a "clueless and lost" response to "hype".
Yesterday, Reuters reported the current Morelia massacre, in which 21 more victims were either shot or asphyxiated. This adds to the "more than 38.000 deaths." http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE75861520110609. (Thus my approximation of 40,000--taking into account the undiscovered mass graves, other bodies, and the missing who are deceased--was more precise than the figure of "more than 34,000" in the thread article, and not "clueless and lost."
If you would able to provide the going rate for the kidnapping and return of an American--alive and well-- it would would be helpful in an area in which many of us, including myself, are "clueless and lost."
From the standpoint of tourism, my guess is a response which is less condescending than yours would be more hospitable. Thank you.
I think that in any other place gives you that warmth!
Besides when the spring breakers arrive they always do what they want and nobody says nothing if they do any disaster, unless we don't have children in schools fighting with guns like you have!
But if you don't like such a beautiful place like México is up to you, with our exceptional and unique culture! It bothers me that always you have to publish the worst of México!! and when you arrive here you treat us like we were different no no, the things are not like that, but if you want to travel to France I could observe that french people don't treat good to americans.
I'm very proud to be Mexican thanks God...
The thing is that you can get the experience (the good parts) of cheap, tropical, latin american country in so many places that are safer. If you just want palm trees and beach you can stay in the US (Hawaii, Virgin Islands, etc.), if you want cheap you can go to Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cuba, many Carribean countries, etc. which are all safer (still need to be cautious as they are all developing countries).
Hello Julian, i understand what you are saying about mexican police and i totally agree, but thats a thing in mexico that has been there since ever and thats even a reason americans like to go to cancun for example, because theres no hard rules like in the u.s and you can just party and have a good time no matter what, Ive been to the u.s and i had pretty bad experiences with the police also, but thats totally diferent to the danger of getting killed or being in between a drug war, i live in mexico and i have never been close to anything like that, it all depends on where you go and obviously tourist places are safe, get your facts right. I know a lot of european people that spend 6 months in my country, traveling and geeting to know wonderfull places, but i guess they have diferent ways of thinking than some americans.
and the thing you said about Belize, Nicaragua etc you should really go to those places they are beautiful, but then you will see Mexico by far is the best option, not just because pf the beautiful places, but also the way people threat you and the facilities you will find.
One other problem with Mexico safety that people who say it is perfectly safe are missing -- there is absolutely no effective policing or judiciary. If someone does mug you, assault you, or you get in a car accident, there will be no follow up at all. I have friends who were hit by a taxi and broke a leg and arm, and there was no police interest at all. I've regularly had police ask for bribes for minor "infractions" like not wearing a shirt on the beach (technically they have bylaw about being shirtless on the sidewalk) and jaywalking -- I've spent the night in jail in Mazatlan for refusing to pay a bribe for jaywalking. So like any city, even home in the US, you have a chance of getting robbed, in altercations or trouble, but here you can be confident that police will generally pursue the case whereas in Mexico you have no recourse at all (and the police can actually be against you). Things can get weird or go south really fast. Basically, I'm saying that Mexico is safe until it isn't. People who believe it is safe are naive.
Julian,
Is there some reason you decided to repeat the essence of your comment #5.1 here? Do you think if you will post it again additional people will see it and be influenced by you even more?
It really isn't necessary to re-post the same stories. In fact, for the reader(s) (me at least) it is very annoying . . . not just because I disagree with you, but also because I've already spent enough time reading your . . . drivel. Once is (more than) enough!
Mexico is a beautiful place to vacation.Sure, there are bad place in mexico just like all over the world but this article does not aply to all of mexico.
Maybe it's time to say Adios to MSNBC for publishing such hogwash. This is the most disgusting piece of garbage I've read in years.
we live in puerto vallarta .. this article is so much crap .. unbelievable, they just want people to stay and spend their money in the US ! .. come on MSNBC people ..stop that crap and do your job, get out of your desk and come visit us here, it is so peaceful ! Stop scaring people with bad bad bad information, this kind of journalism is really low, everybody who travels a little bit knows it is misinformation !!!
Some places are more dangerous than others for sure, it is like everywhere, and yes there is drug cartels, mafia and organized crime .. like many places I ve traveled to in the past .. would you stop traveling to France or visit Paris because there is very very violent drive by deaths in the city of Marseille in the south .!!!
Stupid article, bad journalism !!!!!!!!!! shame on you !!!!!
christophe-3605459, I agree, shame on the writers of this article. And to add further insult, the title is "Time to say ADIOS to mexico travel". Why do they have to rub it in?
Furthermore, travel has decreased everywhere. The biggest reason is the economy, not because of fear.
Media - stop trolling
According to the reasoning in this article I should be afraid to go anywhere in the United States because of all the crime in Detroit, and Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, therefore the enitre country is unsafe.
Mexico is a large country. doesn't anyone know Geography anymore???
Cabo is hardly Mexico. Full of touristas. Try going to Chiapas. Hell......try going to Tijuana.
Hawk Fan,
I live in El Paso.... Juarez, just a fence post width to the south, averages 8 murders a day.... that's because most of the shooters live in El Paso or Chapparal... violence is way down in El Paso....just stupid drunks killing themselves and innocent other folks, with the occasional knifing in a bar and a few drivebys, and some random shots from Juarez landing in El Paso... cartel shooters don't lke to live in violent neighborhoods....... that's just their day-job.
And they're probably illegal immigrants shooting into their own country.
Optomyst
uhh no thanks
I was in Tijuana last month, I'm still here. Great city full of culture and arts. I've been there many times, many. If you have no clue about what comes out of your mouth, I would suggest for you to remain quiet.
danisav83
My reasons for not going to Tijuana:
1. Too close to the border so the city caters too much to tourists. I don't like being looked at as yet another gringo in their country.
2. Too crowded, polluted and smells pretty bad along the beach because that's where they dump all their sewage. Which is why I rather go to cities just to the south, like Ensenada.
3. I didn't feel very safe. There's a lot of poverty in the city, also there are some pick-pockets that take advantage of all the tourists there. With all the drugs going in through that area, it gives me an uneasy feeling. There is official data that most of the drugs enter the country through the California border.
4. It's like being a Canadian and going to Detroit. Why go to Detroit just because it's the closest big city? The way I see it, there are a lot better places in Mexico to be in, why cheat yourself?
The answer to the drug problem is to end the spectacularly failed costly Drug War.
They say the Drug War is over. Don't be fooled. As long as drugs remain criminalized the Drug War will never be over.
When is the U.S. government going to finally realize that it can't legislate morality? Many people believe the answer to solving our drug problem is to simply tell people to say "no" to drugs but after being in practice for decades now the evidence shows this has failed miserably. People have been doing drugs for thousands of years and it's never going to stop. There will always be people who do drugs and those who become addicted.
Didn't we learn from the mistakes of Alcohol Prohibition in the 1920s/30s? It didn't work then, and drug prohibition certainly isn't working now. The failed Drug War has cost the U.S. taxpayers over a trillion dollars and has been in force for over seven decades. And the real tragedy here is all of the violence that has been associated with the Drug War and illegal drug trafficking. Drugs are more readily available and the Drug War has created a black market, gangs in every U.S. state, and powerful violent cartels south of the border and in other countries.
The laws have done more damage to this country than the drugs themselves. We have created more criminals out of drug users/addicts who should really be treated as medical patients. Wouldn't we be better off spending the Drug War funding on education, drug treatment and rehabilitation instead of failed law enforcement and incarceration? And not having to build more prisons?
We need to reevaluate our position on drug use in this country. I firmly believe we should decriminalize all drugs. Legalize marijuana and regulate it like alcohol in regards to the law, and create an atmosphere that doesn't stigmatize the drug user. I would never advocate anyone use dangerous hard drugs like meth, cocaine, heroin, etc. But the fact of life remains people will choose to use such drugs and become addicted. Countries in Europe have tried different strategies that have reduced the problems associated with drug use. Why can't the U.S. take these same approaches? We should adopt programs for hard drugs (meth, coke, heroin,etc.) like the Swiss heroin program (where addicts can get their drugs from medically supervised clinics) which has shown positive results in reducing violent crime and HIV infections and helps drug addicts to become stable and productive members of society.
Locking people up and throwing away the key is not the answer. When someone has a real drug problem and is addicted their main focus will always be to obtain and use drugs, regardless of any law. And putting a mark on someone's permanent record that will follow them for the rest of their lives will only hinder them to become productive members in society in getting jobs, student financial aid, etc.
There are many people against legalizing and/or decriminalizing drugs and have expressed many fears and dooms day scenarios but evidence has revealed this would simply NOT be the result. Portugal decriminalized drugs in 2001 and none of the nightmare scenarios touted by preenactment decriminalization opponents have become a reality.
And what are the ramifications of manufacturing, importing, and selling the drugs right here in the U.S? Wouldn't that create a new industry? Jobs? Tax revenue? And stop funding the violent cartels and eventually take away their power?
These are questions that I think once answered, will solve our drug problems and the days of the Drug War will be history.
One Dirty Rat,
You got it. I think for me the biggest factor is the vast sums of money involved just in marijuana trade. If we legalized it, US citizens could grow it legally and sell their product, thereby keeping that money in the US (or at least in the hands of "honest" business people) whereas right now we are funding the cartels. The numbers I have seen indicate that 60% of cartel revenue comes from marijuana. The fact that these groups keep getting stronger and stronger with each sachel of cash they collect is scary. I don't think it will be long before they decide they will front some politician 50 million for a senate campaign. I am sure they would like to buy a few politicians, and I am sure we have a few that are corrupt enough to be bought off.
It is a shame that we are wasting so much money trying to prevent something that cannot be stopped, while at the same time criminals reap the profits. It is a huge double whammy (scientific term) in my view.
At the very least, marijuana should be farmed legally here in the US, either by companies or even individual citizens with little garden out back.
JohnLaz:
The cartels are so powerful now that I believe it is going to take U.S. military intervention to eradicate them. We should pull our troops out of the middle east and work with the Mexican government to take down the cartels. I'm all for drug decriminalization and pot legalization but we still need to remove the criminal element out of illegal drug trafficking. Even if drugs were decriminalized/legalized, yes it would help to eliminate the cartels profits but its going to take more than that to erase them from reality.
This is very poor reporting. Many US cities are more dangerous than most of Mexico. There are only a few areas close to the border that one needs to worry about. It is very sad what this kind of poor reporting is doing to the country of Mexico. Also all the people that actually believe this are missing a real treat not traveling to places that are paradise on earth like Puerto Vallarta, Mx. Shame on you MSNBC!
Tiny Tijuana has 200,000 addicts due to the ready avaiability of heroin and cocaine. Is that how you want the U.S. to look?
It already does go to any "ghetto" in your local city while more so with prohibition being our mantra. Legalization does not equate to higher usage this has been shown in Amsterdam and Portugal quite clearly. Legalization legitimizes the market therefore stemming the violence and profitability from the resulting criminality and criminal control. That's why the Mafia doesn't sell Alcohol.
Adios to the drug war=Adios to cartel profits, Adios to black market control, Adios to the violence over the black market shipping lanes.
"That's why the Mafia doesn't sell Alcohol."
They now sell cigarettes, oftentimes with fake tax stamps or counterfeit smokes.
That's because US laws and tax policies have virtually made smoking cigarettes a crime. The real crime is $40 a carton for $2 a carton cigarettes.
@Midnight taker: I completely 100% agree with everything you just said. It's been proven that decriminalization leads to LOWER drug usage. But the US sadly, will never get on board because the "Moral Crusaders" from congress will never let that happen. Plus, many conservative families in America would be outraged if drugs were legal, because it would conflict with their values. "I don't want my little Johnny to buy drugs at the corner store legally." News flash, he's already buying it from your neighborhood ghetto! If you legalize it and give it out for free at a government clinic, suddenly drugs won't be as cool, and usage will go way down.
tiny tijuana is a 2 million + city. 200, 000 addicts really? get your facts down. portland, or. has far more crack addicts and meth labs.
Everywoman USA
Don't post what you don't know and what is definitely wrong. 1 in 6 are drug addicts in Tijuana? what drugs are you doing to say something like that?
As you laud about how many mexican drug addicts there are, $30 billion worth of drugs crosses into the U.S. and gets consumed here every year. - (and that is just from Mexico)
who do you think uses all the drugs that go into the US? US citizens!
when will people wake up and realize this is a US problem also?
Just a comment, anyone who lives in the Pacific North West, doesn't buy Mexican herb. Mexican is the lowest grade out there!
Somebody's busted THAT code !!
I smoke plenty of pot, and I buy locally. Nothing beats Colorado Homegrown. Mexican dirt is what high schoolers smoke.
As someone else said, if pot were legal, it would be of better caliber, and it could be imported legally. Granted, that's not the only drug that is a problem.
You couldn't pay me to vacation in Mexico!
You must not like money, there are actually safe areas in Mexico.
That's because you're guillible.
@!$%# that @!$%#hole country!!!!!