Dave: Most people that opine about Mexico do so from ignorance. I spent three years in Central America in the 1980s and I can tell you that the level of violence in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador during those years was unbelievable, especially in comparison to countries like Costa Rica and Mexico.
Mexico, while horribly corrupt and badly mismanaged, is a fairly safe country and the people are wonderful. I spent quite a bit of time there in the southern provinces, specifically Chiapas and Guerrero, and in spite of the insurgency and political tension, was very well treated by the average citizens. These people were dirt poor, mistreated by the government and subjected to awful privations and yet were generous, decent and law-abiding, so I’m not worried that California will turn into “Soylent Green” overnight.[/quote]
Indeed, I also remain unconcerned. My girlfriend is from Guadalajara and grew up in Tijuana and still has lots of family there, so I’m down there on a very regular basis. Friends say to me, “Don’t you read the news – it’s like the wild west down there. Aren’t you worried?” I answer, “No. I have no connection to the drug trade. And I’ve never felt the least bit threatened down there. Nor am I concerned about catching the fucking flu.”
Mira, tu sabes que es el problema: es que gente aqui en los EEUU se miran las noticias en la television sobre los problemas y la violencia (con los narcos) en Mexico y se piensan que el pais es peligroso para todo. Pero esta gente no se viajan and no sabe nada sobre Mexico o otras partes del mundo porque viajando es demasiado trabajo. Es mas facil para tener opiniones sin conocimiento o experiencia.
