RakuraiTenjin
Tank
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2003
- Messages
- 8,099
- Reaction score
- -2
Living here, dealing with the people I do, watching the national news it all makes me laugh.
It seems people have no idea the underdealings that go on day to day in this state and with federal agents deployed at the border.
Those of you that think corruption is somehow rampant only across the imaginary line that is the US border are idiots. It's a regional spread that recognizes no boundaries and spreads with culture and literal 'area.'
People like the Sheriff of Pinal County and Maricopa Sheriff Joe Arpaio will make a big ruckus in order to be reelected, but people need to realize those are elected officials in a LEO capacity and do so just for the votes of the "GET THEM MESSICANS OUTTA MY SIIIIIIGHT" constituency.
As far as the border is more secure than ever before. Technically that is somewhat true. If you're talking resources and infrastructure deployed for both leaving AND enterring the United States. There is more technology there, infrared, planes, "digital walls" etc. It isn't a cakewalk to export and import contraband anymore like it was just two years ago. Even when you're trying to bring contraband to Mexico now you have to deal with US customs first, then the Mexicans with their X Rays of your vehicle, etc. However, the volume of contraband leaving and enterring the US has increased dramatically. The federal government will not stop this, because they know the cartels have a stranglehold on the Mexican government. That shipping corridor is more important than you could ever believe and the cartels could essentially close it at their whi,. If you are still in the mindset that cartels are a band of bandits or some cheap drug dealers you're off your rocker. They hold major political influence and stand to negotiate (not in traditional terms but through other means) with the US federal government.
The biggest threat of all to cartels is the legalization movement. You'll find that some of the money pumped into these anti drug groups and PSA's, and money against initiatives like California's to legalize marijuana comes from drug cartels (Mexican or S. American donors.) Decriminalization and other efforts also help them, because it keeps smuggling illegal while making consumption on the US side of the border easier and quicker. They make a faster return on their investments.
Until the US approaches legalization, nothing will change. As far as the 'problem' will only get 'worse' (if it is a bad thing to YOU, anyway.)
LEO groups and agencies will never support legalization because it means a dramatic cut to their funds and a loss of a lot of RICO funds. The end of the status quo means an end to the huge over employment of officers. They'll claim crime will be rampant, but its not true when such a large percentage of the officers are dedicated to drugs themselves. They should be dedicated to the byproducts of drugs instead to make a REAL difference (rapes, petty thefts, auto thefts, etc) all of which are going to happen whether drugs are legal or not.
I hope you learned a little something from this long rant from somebody who lives here in Arizona, who's in the know, and who deals with all sides of this issue on a regular basis. As you can see I'm not really taking a stance on the issue, but trying to make it clear. The national news media is making it about illegal immigration, when its not the disease, just a symptom. Its like waging an all out effort to combat nausea in somebody who has a fatal disease. Wrong tactic.
Thanks for your time,
RT
It seems people have no idea the underdealings that go on day to day in this state and with federal agents deployed at the border.
Those of you that think corruption is somehow rampant only across the imaginary line that is the US border are idiots. It's a regional spread that recognizes no boundaries and spreads with culture and literal 'area.'
People like the Sheriff of Pinal County and Maricopa Sheriff Joe Arpaio will make a big ruckus in order to be reelected, but people need to realize those are elected officials in a LEO capacity and do so just for the votes of the "GET THEM MESSICANS OUTTA MY SIIIIIIGHT" constituency.
As far as the border is more secure than ever before. Technically that is somewhat true. If you're talking resources and infrastructure deployed for both leaving AND enterring the United States. There is more technology there, infrared, planes, "digital walls" etc. It isn't a cakewalk to export and import contraband anymore like it was just two years ago. Even when you're trying to bring contraband to Mexico now you have to deal with US customs first, then the Mexicans with their X Rays of your vehicle, etc. However, the volume of contraband leaving and enterring the US has increased dramatically. The federal government will not stop this, because they know the cartels have a stranglehold on the Mexican government. That shipping corridor is more important than you could ever believe and the cartels could essentially close it at their whi,. If you are still in the mindset that cartels are a band of bandits or some cheap drug dealers you're off your rocker. They hold major political influence and stand to negotiate (not in traditional terms but through other means) with the US federal government.
The biggest threat of all to cartels is the legalization movement. You'll find that some of the money pumped into these anti drug groups and PSA's, and money against initiatives like California's to legalize marijuana comes from drug cartels (Mexican or S. American donors.) Decriminalization and other efforts also help them, because it keeps smuggling illegal while making consumption on the US side of the border easier and quicker. They make a faster return on their investments.
Until the US approaches legalization, nothing will change. As far as the 'problem' will only get 'worse' (if it is a bad thing to YOU, anyway.)
LEO groups and agencies will never support legalization because it means a dramatic cut to their funds and a loss of a lot of RICO funds. The end of the status quo means an end to the huge over employment of officers. They'll claim crime will be rampant, but its not true when such a large percentage of the officers are dedicated to drugs themselves. They should be dedicated to the byproducts of drugs instead to make a REAL difference (rapes, petty thefts, auto thefts, etc) all of which are going to happen whether drugs are legal or not.
I hope you learned a little something from this long rant from somebody who lives here in Arizona, who's in the know, and who deals with all sides of this issue on a regular basis. As you can see I'm not really taking a stance on the issue, but trying to make it clear. The national news media is making it about illegal immigration, when its not the disease, just a symptom. Its like waging an all out effort to combat nausea in somebody who has a fatal disease. Wrong tactic.
Thanks for your time,
RT
