The cartels continue to kill for control of the prime drug pathways to the lucrative U.S. market. Billions are at stake.
The entire cartel battles collapse the day that the U.S.A. stops the flow of drugs from Mexico into the U.S.A. We also begin to take back our cities from the drug lords in the United States.
Yet, we focus on identifying and deporting the poor Mexicans that are doing nothing more than working in the U.S.A. The labor situation will be resolved when hiring illegal workers becomes more expensive and more risky than the potential profit. When companies no longer hire illegal workers, illegal workers will stop coming.
The two prong approach is simple. Smash the companies that give jobs to illegal aliens and focus every other resource on stopping the drugs at the border.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Why the Rush?
Why are so many people in such a rush to forward e-mails, blogs, and information without checking the facts? Half-truths, misunderstood, and lies with a wide circulation are constantly forwarded with a great sense of urgency.
It is so easy to check simple facts through google, fact check, snopes and other sites. Everyone that trusts the media, raise your hands! See! You don't trust the media and most blogs are opinion driven.
Part of the reason we forward information is that the information fits our personal beliefs. If we believe that a minority group is lazy, we quickly forward every story and email that supports our belief about that minority group being lazy.
Most blogs are incredibly idiotic. I just read one where the blogger explained that the president of Mexico could stop the drug violence if he wanted to do so. Somebody find out how so we can also stop our own drug violence!
Reports of 'border crime' in Piedras occurred hundreds of miles from that city. I even hears a news broadcaster reporting on more border violence that happened in Mexico City. What country does Mexico City border???
Please spend 3 minutes checking the facts before forwarding emails. Most are hoaxes.
A close, close friend of mine actually said, "I stopped forwarding emails to you because you always check the facts and explain the emails and stories are hoaxes." Now think about that statement! I guess I ruined the fun in believing something silly is factual and ruined the fun of sending stupid emails to all of that person's family and friends. Don't let facts and truth get in the way of an otherwise great story!
It is so easy to check simple facts through google, fact check, snopes and other sites. Everyone that trusts the media, raise your hands! See! You don't trust the media and most blogs are opinion driven.
Part of the reason we forward information is that the information fits our personal beliefs. If we believe that a minority group is lazy, we quickly forward every story and email that supports our belief about that minority group being lazy.
Most blogs are incredibly idiotic. I just read one where the blogger explained that the president of Mexico could stop the drug violence if he wanted to do so. Somebody find out how so we can also stop our own drug violence!
Reports of 'border crime' in Piedras occurred hundreds of miles from that city. I even hears a news broadcaster reporting on more border violence that happened in Mexico City. What country does Mexico City border???
Please spend 3 minutes checking the facts before forwarding emails. Most are hoaxes.
A close, close friend of mine actually said, "I stopped forwarding emails to you because you always check the facts and explain the emails and stories are hoaxes." Now think about that statement! I guess I ruined the fun in believing something silly is factual and ruined the fun of sending stupid emails to all of that person's family and friends. Don't let facts and truth get in the way of an otherwise great story!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Allende IS NOT Piedras Negras
Once again there was a murder over 200 miles from the border that was reported occurring in Piedras Negras - a border-town. The murder is a tragedy and a terrible act of cowardice. A Canadian was in his vehicle when he encountered a road block. He ran the road block and was pursued by armed thugs. His vehicle crashed and he was thrown from the vehicle. The armed murderers shot him.
With all that is happening in Mexico, it is probably not a good place to drive through to pursue a hobby of bike riding. However, this was not a crime on the border as reported and only adds to the hype about the danger of the border. The fact is that this man and his companion may have driven through Piedras without any problems. He was killed hundreds of miles away.
Why can't the media get it right? Why can't the websites get it right?
With all that is happening in Mexico, it is probably not a good place to drive through to pursue a hobby of bike riding. However, this was not a crime on the border as reported and only adds to the hype about the danger of the border. The fact is that this man and his companion may have driven through Piedras without any problems. He was killed hundreds of miles away.
Why can't the media get it right? Why can't the websites get it right?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Violence in Acuna
Another 10 days have passed without a single report of violence. Border security remains tight and vehicles are inspected on the U.S. side as they enter and leave the United States.
The army patrols at night are still frequent, but we do not hear about gunfire or any acts of violence.
Paper Houses continues to assess our options for more mission trips.
The army patrols at night are still frequent, but we do not hear about gunfire or any acts of violence.
Paper Houses continues to assess our options for more mission trips.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I Have no Problems
Today a family in the colonias explained that their 4-year old son has bond cancer. The cancer is in the joint where the leg and hip are joined. He is responding well to chemotherapy and soon will have surgery. They have insurance that will pay for the surgery, but need a little help with the cost of bus tickets or they have no way to return to the hospital in Monterrey. Of course, we will help them.
This family told us about a little girl with almost the exact same problem. The families were sitting together at the hospital while the children received treatments. Anyway, they asked if we could also see this family because "their child is much worse" and she really needs help.
An hour later, we located the family. This child also has bone cancer and it is also very high on her leg, in the joint near her hip. The girl's mother kept wiping tears from her eyes as she explained that the cancer was not responding to the chemotherapy. The doctor is going to try three more rounds of chemo, but said he may have to amputate the leg.
We are providing help. But when I left that little house I again realized that I have no problems; not a single one.
This family told us about a little girl with almost the exact same problem. The families were sitting together at the hospital while the children received treatments. Anyway, they asked if we could also see this family because "their child is much worse" and she really needs help.
An hour later, we located the family. This child also has bone cancer and it is also very high on her leg, in the joint near her hip. The girl's mother kept wiping tears from her eyes as she explained that the cancer was not responding to the chemotherapy. The doctor is going to try three more rounds of chemo, but said he may have to amputate the leg.
We are providing help. But when I left that little house I again realized that I have no problems; not a single one.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Violence In Mexico
Stories of interest on line today:
• Cartel Gangs form Alliance against Zeta
• Kidnapped Mexican journalist found with throat slit
• Mexicans plan smaller meetings for climate summit
• U.S. consulate hit by blast in Nuevo Laredo
MEXICO CITY — Three Mexican drug cartels have joined forces to destroy a ruthless gang of hit men that has grown into a feared trafficking outfit with reach into Central America, Mexican and U.S. officials said Monday.
The shift in allegiances is fueling bloody battles along the Texas border.
Intelligence reports indicate the Gulf cartel has recruited its former rival, La Familia, to crush the Zetas gang in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas, said Ramon Pequeno, the head of the anti-narcotics division of Mexico's federal police.
An official with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said the Sinaloa cartel, Mexico's most powerful drug trafficking organization, has also joined the alliance against the Zetas, whose rise to power has come to threaten all three of the cartels.
How do we react?
Obviously, there are many people with second thoughts about mission trips on the Mexican Border. At this time, we have no public trips scheduled, but hope to add trips soon. These type of stories always translate into more need for the poor. Fewer church groups and charities will visit the colonias and this is completely understandable. However, the need is still there and charities must find ways to still help the hungry.
We continue to be in Acuña, almost every day. Two of our board members live in Del Rio, Texas and work in Acuña. Both have many family members living in Acuña and they have a good feel for what is happening. I will continue to visit every two or three weeks. The trouble is that nobody is sure what will happen. So far there has been no violence in Acuña, but the Zeta cartel is clearly the only cartel in Acuña.
I read these stories this morning and made a quick trip to Nuevo Laredo. Things are eerily quiet. Nobody will even talk about the explosion at the U.S. Consulate and family members are leaving the consulate and returning to the United States.
There was no difficulty in crossing into Nuevo Laredo. I seemed to be the only tourist in town and was certainly the only American shopping at the grocery store. I filled my SUV with everything I could think of for the shelters and people I would visit. Although most of the poor are living in concrete block houses, they are still in great need and the houses are small and in need of repair. Because of our inability to establish a regular presence in this city, our help is limited to simply giving people food, over the counter medicine, clothing and the knowledge that the charities in America are not abandoning them.
My drive was a little unnerving when I came upon a new check-point. I honestly do not know if these were soldiers or cartel. However, I've had experiences with both groups and simply explained that I had dispensa for a casa hogar. There was no problem.. Although I have magnetic signs on the SUV (Paper Houses Across the Border), later I was stopped by several police vehicles, but they were simply doing their job. I am in a black SUV, which is typical of the type of vehicle used by the drug gangs. They searched my SUV and then waived me on. (We must remember that most of the guns in this country originate from illegal shipments from the U.S., so searching my vehicle is reasonable).
I stopped at some homes and at two shelters. There were no problems. Everyone was both surprised and glad to see an American delivering some needed food.
Tomorrow I will go to another border town and make sure the people know they are not forgotten.
Some New Approaches to Charity in the Colonia would be a Good Thing!
Although we know that the greatest benefit of mission in the colonias is what it does for the Americans participating in the journey, perhaps some church groups and charities can temporarily shift their purpose to doing the most they can for the poor in the colonias.
I recently read about a church group that build three houses for poor people living in cardboard shacks in Acuña. Naturally, I am happy for the people that received the houses and it was a true blessing. I am certain it was a huge blessing for the youth and youth leaders that sacrificed their time and money to raise the money, travel to Acuña, and build the houses. This group was not from a border state, so airfare or a long drive was certainly involved.
The group's web-posting stated that the total cost of the trip that resulted in the students evangelizing, sharing time with the poor, and demonstrating their love by building the three houses was $45,000. The trip was a wonderful experience for the youth and a very positive experience for the poor of the colonias.
However, if church groups cease making these trips temporarily, they should still hold their year round fund-raisers and send $45,000 to a trusted church group in Acuña. There is one group that builds homes for the poor at a cost of $5,000 per home. That group could build nine homes, instead of three and would use local volunteers and labor.
The H.E.B. Acuña Food Bank is another charity that can use support. Think of the families that can be helped with $45,000 worth of food.
Please no not misinterpret what I am suggesting. The value of people actually walking the streets and working with the people in the colonias is beyond measure. However, if you are part of a group that no longer can travel on a mission trip to the colonias, consider the impact of simply having your trip elsewhere. If you have a history of helping in the colonias, don't break faith with the people you've helped. Today, and in the days to come they are going to need your help more than ever before.
I will be in Acuña within the next few days and continue to make my journeys. I am too selfish to stop going. This next trip will be especially rewarding because I am going to spend two day meeting children with medical needs.
• Cartel Gangs form Alliance against Zeta
• Kidnapped Mexican journalist found with throat slit
• Mexicans plan smaller meetings for climate summit
• U.S. consulate hit by blast in Nuevo Laredo
MEXICO CITY — Three Mexican drug cartels have joined forces to destroy a ruthless gang of hit men that has grown into a feared trafficking outfit with reach into Central America, Mexican and U.S. officials said Monday.
The shift in allegiances is fueling bloody battles along the Texas border.
Intelligence reports indicate the Gulf cartel has recruited its former rival, La Familia, to crush the Zetas gang in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas, said Ramon Pequeno, the head of the anti-narcotics division of Mexico's federal police.
An official with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said the Sinaloa cartel, Mexico's most powerful drug trafficking organization, has also joined the alliance against the Zetas, whose rise to power has come to threaten all three of the cartels.
How do we react?
Obviously, there are many people with second thoughts about mission trips on the Mexican Border. At this time, we have no public trips scheduled, but hope to add trips soon. These type of stories always translate into more need for the poor. Fewer church groups and charities will visit the colonias and this is completely understandable. However, the need is still there and charities must find ways to still help the hungry.
We continue to be in Acuña, almost every day. Two of our board members live in Del Rio, Texas and work in Acuña. Both have many family members living in Acuña and they have a good feel for what is happening. I will continue to visit every two or three weeks. The trouble is that nobody is sure what will happen. So far there has been no violence in Acuña, but the Zeta cartel is clearly the only cartel in Acuña.
I read these stories this morning and made a quick trip to Nuevo Laredo. Things are eerily quiet. Nobody will even talk about the explosion at the U.S. Consulate and family members are leaving the consulate and returning to the United States.
There was no difficulty in crossing into Nuevo Laredo. I seemed to be the only tourist in town and was certainly the only American shopping at the grocery store. I filled my SUV with everything I could think of for the shelters and people I would visit. Although most of the poor are living in concrete block houses, they are still in great need and the houses are small and in need of repair. Because of our inability to establish a regular presence in this city, our help is limited to simply giving people food, over the counter medicine, clothing and the knowledge that the charities in America are not abandoning them.
My drive was a little unnerving when I came upon a new check-point. I honestly do not know if these were soldiers or cartel. However, I've had experiences with both groups and simply explained that I had dispensa for a casa hogar. There was no problem.. Although I have magnetic signs on the SUV (Paper Houses Across the Border), later I was stopped by several police vehicles, but they were simply doing their job. I am in a black SUV, which is typical of the type of vehicle used by the drug gangs. They searched my SUV and then waived me on. (We must remember that most of the guns in this country originate from illegal shipments from the U.S., so searching my vehicle is reasonable).
I stopped at some homes and at two shelters. There were no problems. Everyone was both surprised and glad to see an American delivering some needed food.
Tomorrow I will go to another border town and make sure the people know they are not forgotten.
Some New Approaches to Charity in the Colonia would be a Good Thing!
Although we know that the greatest benefit of mission in the colonias is what it does for the Americans participating in the journey, perhaps some church groups and charities can temporarily shift their purpose to doing the most they can for the poor in the colonias.
I recently read about a church group that build three houses for poor people living in cardboard shacks in Acuña. Naturally, I am happy for the people that received the houses and it was a true blessing. I am certain it was a huge blessing for the youth and youth leaders that sacrificed their time and money to raise the money, travel to Acuña, and build the houses. This group was not from a border state, so airfare or a long drive was certainly involved.
The group's web-posting stated that the total cost of the trip that resulted in the students evangelizing, sharing time with the poor, and demonstrating their love by building the three houses was $45,000. The trip was a wonderful experience for the youth and a very positive experience for the poor of the colonias.
However, if church groups cease making these trips temporarily, they should still hold their year round fund-raisers and send $45,000 to a trusted church group in Acuña. There is one group that builds homes for the poor at a cost of $5,000 per home. That group could build nine homes, instead of three and would use local volunteers and labor.
The H.E.B. Acuña Food Bank is another charity that can use support. Think of the families that can be helped with $45,000 worth of food.
Please no not misinterpret what I am suggesting. The value of people actually walking the streets and working with the people in the colonias is beyond measure. However, if you are part of a group that no longer can travel on a mission trip to the colonias, consider the impact of simply having your trip elsewhere. If you have a history of helping in the colonias, don't break faith with the people you've helped. Today, and in the days to come they are going to need your help more than ever before.
I will be in Acuña within the next few days and continue to make my journeys. I am too selfish to stop going. This next trip will be especially rewarding because I am going to spend two day meeting children with medical needs.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Francisco
He worked as a ranch-hand. He lost his leg in an accident, lost his job on the ranch and lost his bunk at the ranch. Francisco is 73-years old and lives in an 8 foot by 6 foot wooden box. The box is furnished with an old cot, an old wheel-chair, a makeshift bedside table, and a small chamber-pot. His neighbors bring him food.
He has no family and few friends.
It was raining and cold. Francisco is alone. He hopes a neighbor will brave the wind and rain to bring him a meal. He forgot to fasten his wheel-chair to the cot last night and it rolled out of his reach. He placed his hand against the wall to support himself and began inching his way to the wheel-chair.
Is it a crime to grow old?
He has no family and few friends.
It was raining and cold. Francisco is alone. He hopes a neighbor will brave the wind and rain to bring him a meal. He forgot to fasten his wheel-chair to the cot last night and it rolled out of his reach. He placed his hand against the wall to support himself and began inching his way to the wheel-chair.
Is it a crime to grow old?
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