BajaNomad

Rosarito Beach story on national broadcast news last night

k-rico - 9-16-2010 at 08:40 AM

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/module.html?s=news01s437fq...

sanquintinsince73 - 9-16-2010 at 09:25 AM

Great piece. I knew Hugo Torres was mayor but I did not know he owned the Rosarito Beach Hotel. I am surprised the cartels haven't whacked him because he goes after corruption with prejudice.

24baja - 9-16-2010 at 09:48 AM

A feel good piece....I feel like going to Baja right now!

Woooosh - 9-16-2010 at 10:41 AM

I think it is a fair PBS report. It doesn't offer any solutions- just that economic change will come when Mexico is seen as safe- and the tourists return. It does show the tourist police and mentions half the police in Rosarito were fired recently for working with the drug cartel. Lots of military and police presence in the video which the reporter interprets as security, but I think vacation-planning viewers will interpret it as a red flag... where there is smoke there is fire.

"none of the country's social and economic problems can be helped as long as so much money is spent on the drug war."

"Obviously those dollars will be taken from education, from social programs, from economic growth. I think there is little incentive for change or little leeway for this administration to do something effective."

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by Woooosh]

mtgoat666 - 9-16-2010 at 10:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh

"none of the country's social and economic problems can be helped as long as so much money is spent on the ---- war."

"Obviously those dollars will be taken from education, from social programs, from economic growth. I think there is little incentive for change or little leeway for this administration to do something effective."

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by Woooosh]


swooshie,

that has always been the problem in the USA. spending on DOD makes our social services, health care and education 2nd world.
we want to be 1st world in these areas, and meet european standards, we need to cut defense spending.

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by mtgoat666]

k-rico - 9-16-2010 at 11:41 AM

True the guy from the "opposition party" did say:

"none of the country's social and economic problems can be helped as long as so much money is spent on the drug war."

"Obviously those dollars will be taken from education, from social programs, from economic growth. I think there is little incentive for change or little leeway for this administration to do something effective."

Maybe he's just playing politics.

I thought the United States was financing this war via the Merida Initiative.

Woooosh - 9-16-2010 at 11:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh

"none of the country's social and economic problems can be helped as long as so much money is spent on the ---- war."

"Obviously those dollars will be taken from education, from social programs, from economic growth. I think there is little incentive for change or little leeway for this administration to do something effective."

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by Woooosh]


swooshie,

that has always been the problem in the USA. spending on DOD makes our social services, health care and education 2nd world.
we want to be 1st world in these areas, and meet european standards, we need to cut defense spending.

[Edited on 9-16-2010 by mtgoat666]


That's true goat, but I think there's simply not enough money raised by taxes in Mexico to go around. Maybe a revision of Mexico's tax system could create more funding where it is needed. Or they could adjust their oil policy. Tax the expats living here more too- Mexico needs it and we can afford it.

I don't agree on the EU comparison though. They are going down the tubes fast- economically and socially. The USA is just 200 years old too- not thousand like Europe. Viva Mexico and let's hope for more money for Mexican society so everyone can progress. Mexico's strength is her people and her strong families- at least that's why I'm here.

shari - 9-16-2010 at 12:13 PM

I think Mexicos strengths are the natural resources including beautiful coastlines and beaches...dont get me wrong...I too appreciate the wonderful people and strong family values BUT the people, thier apathy, unwillingness to dare to voice any oppositon or speak out against injustices and those strong family ties and loyalties have caused many of the social/corruption issues plaguing mexican society today...nobody wants to rat on a family member and sheesh...nearly everyone is related!!!

Bajahowodd - 9-16-2010 at 02:02 PM

Any comparison with EU notwithstanding, goat makes a valid point. Ike warned of what might happen over 50 years ago. Once the military and the captains of industry get into bed, the politicians soon follow. Seems like the US, at least those in government, have no will to cut back on what stands today as twice as much defense than we need to still be number one. Going to be interesting to see whether Mexico, if and when they get this cartel thing behind them, will have also fallen into the same trap.