Tijuana Mexico

[HoosierHelen]

Reading the stories and watching the AP video of the 4 young people from CA who were horribly murdered and left in a van in Tijuana, Mexico really sends chills across me.

Also the little 4 yr old little boy that was kidnapped from his family home last week in CA was found in Mexico according to another AP video.

Mexico used to be such a beautiful place for a short term vacation. The violence down there has left me with zero attraction to visit again in the forseeable future. I know of retired American couples who have purchased homes down there due to the wonderful climate and much cheaper cost of living. I sure hope they will fair okay these days.

[JohnBoy44]

Reading the stories and watching the AP video of the 4 young people from CA who were horribly murdered and left in a van in Tijuana, Mexico really sends chills across me.

Also the little 4 yr old little boy that was kidnapped from his family home last week in CA was found in Mexico according to another AP video.

Mexico used to be such a beautiful place for a short term vacation. The violence down there has left me with zero attraction to visit again in the forseeable future. I know of retired American couples who have purchased homes down there due to the wonderful climate and much cheaper cost of living. I sure hope they will fair okay these days.

We've had plenty of violence in good old safe wonderful wonderful indiana in the last few weeks. I wonder if any mexicans are afraid of going to the Waterloo Airport. And waterloo used to seem so safe.

Another plus is it doesn't look like any good looking blond women were killed such as Natalee Holloway.

"A spokesman for the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana confirmed the identities of the dead as Luis Games Chavez, 21; Oscar J. Garcia III, 23; Brianna Hernandez Aguilera, 19; and Carmen Ramos Chavez, 20. All were U.S. citizens and Southern California residents, the consulate spokesman said. He declined to give specific hometowns or say how long the four had been in Tijuana. Mexican authorities listed Ramos Chavez as a Mexican citizen."

[HoosierHelen]

We've had plenty of violence in good old safe wonderful wonderful indiana in the last few weeks. I wonder if any mexicans are afraid of going to the Waterloo Airport. And waterloo used to seem so safe.

Another plus is it doesn't look like any good looking blond women were killed such as Natalee Holloway.

"A spokesman for the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana confirmed the identities of the dead as Luis Games Chavez, 21; Oscar J. Garcia III, 23; Brianna Hernandez Aguilera, 19; and Carmen Ramos Chavez, 20. All were U.S. citizens and Southern California residents, the consulate spokesman said. He declined to give specific hometowns or say how long the four had been in Tijuana. Mexican authorities listed Ramos Chavez as a Mexican citizen."

You make a good point JB, we've had more than our fair share of violence in this area recently too.

That murder at the Waterloo Airport was a real suprise to me until I read that this poor man was out there alone with guns for sale and a cash register. That is a very bad combination to be tending the store alone at such a isolated location. I surely hope they are able to solve that case.

[HoosierHelen]

This article doesn't relate to Tijuana, but it does relate to the Mexico/USA border problems. So many unique problems in securing this border from illegal activities.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...ryId=104255061

[HoosierHelen]

Not about Tijuana...but sure about Mexico.

I disagree with the proposal by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to open up the United States to Mexican truck drivers. This has the potential to harm our nation on so many levels.

The drug cartels and violence that is thriving in Mexico will have open US Highways into our heartlands.

The skills of their drivers and the safety of their vehicles do not match the requirements of our US truck drivers.

And last but not least, this will take away good jobs from our citizen truck drivers.

http://www.landlinemag.com/Special_R...rossborder.htm

What is he thinking?

[evilkumquat]

Not about Tijuana...but sure about Mexico.

I disagree with the proposal by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to open up the United States to Mexican truck drivers. This has the potential to harm our nation on so many levels.

The drug cartels and violence that is thriving in Mexico will have open US Highways into our heartlands.

The skills of their drivers and the safety of their vehicles do not match the requirements of our US truck drivers.

And last but not least, this will take away good jobs from our citizen truck drivers.

http://www.landlinemag.com/Special_R...rossborder.htm

What is he thinking?

Not to contribute to any fear-mongering, but the illegal drug trade ALREADY has an effective pipeline into the United States. In addition to their tunnels, our border is so long that any drugs coming in have so many areas of ingress that it is impossible to completely seal off (don't forget the miles of coastline for drug runners to land boats at any unwatched port they choose).

I'm not saying there's no merit to any of your other points, but the drug one really shouldn't have much of an impact... or rather, it shouldn't outweigh any benefits the proposal may have.

[HoosierHelen]

Not to contribute to any fear-mongering, but the illegal drug trade ALREADY has an effective pipeline into the United States. In addition to their tunnels, our border is so long that any drugs coming in have so many areas of ingress that it is impossible to completely seal off (don't forget the miles of coastline for drug runners to land boats at any unwatched port they choose).

I'm not saying there's no merit to any of your other points, but the drug one really shouldn't have much of an impact... or rather, it shouldn't outweigh any benefits the proposal may have.

Evil, I need to ask, do you see any benefits to the USA in this proposal? Maybe cheaper freight charges...but at the cost of American jobs again and safety on our highways?

Also, I don't feel like I'm being a fear monger when I refer to REAL facts of the violence in Mexico and on our border. I have friends who live in Austin, TX and Brownsville, TX. Both of them say the media has not given this issue 1/2 the coverage it deserves. None of them leave home without their guns. They say it is very unsafe down there.

Here's a few links to what my friends call 'under reported stories'.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29404699

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29156211...framenumber/1/

www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/us/23border.html

[kingster]

Are they requiring their trucks to comply with U.S. standards that are costing U.S. drivers thousands of dollars a year.

[evilkumquat]

Evil, I need to ask, do you see any benefits to the USA in this proposal? Maybe cheaper freight charges...but at the cost of American jobs again and safety on our highways?

Also, I don't feel like I'm being a fear monger when I refer to REAL facts of the violence in Mexico and on our border. I have friends who live in Austin, TX and Brownsville, TX. Both of them say the media has not given this issue 1/2 the coverage it deserves. None of them leave home without their guns. They say it is very unsafe down there.

Here's a few links to what my friends call 'under reported stories'.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29404699

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29156211...framenumber/1/

www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/us/23border.html

Sorry Helen, I didn't make myself clear.

I wasn't attempting to accuse you of fear-mongering, but just pointing out that drugs are a non-issue when discussing the opening of trucking lines from Mexico.

Many people in this country have a kneejerk reaction to anything involving our southern neighbors and I just wanted to stress that, while there are certainly good economic reasons for denying Mexican freight traffic from using our highways, fears of the drug trade or illegal immigration are not one of them.

[HoosierHelen]

Are they requiring their trucks to comply with U.S. standards that are costing U.S. drivers thousands of dollars a year.

Kingster...you have as much info as I do on this. I see nothing to indicate that they (Mexican Truckers) are being required to comply with our US standards for trucking. I do feel our USA truckers need our support in continuing to be our primary truckers.

Just my opinion.

[HoosierHelen]

Sorry Helen, I didn't make myself clear.

I wasn't attempting to accuse you of fear-mongering, but just pointing out that drugs are a non-issue when discussing the opening of trucking lines from Mexico.

Many people in this country have a kneejerk reaction to anything involving our southern neighbors and I just wanted to stress that, while there are certainly good economic reasons for denying Mexican freight traffic from using our highways, fears of the drug trade or illegal immigration are not one of them.

Evil, I always respect your thoughts and opinions, on issues, I must ask that everyone do their own 'google' on these facts. I honestly believe that Mexico has become a greater threat to our nation than Iran. (NO...I'm not buying into Republican thinking...I'm reading the news and corresponding with my friends on the boarder). It is serious and we are far enough removed that we enjoy the benefit of ignoring the truth. I'm asking that we do NOT make this mistake?

This is a very REAL threat marching into our country and we are denying it exists until it effects a family member. I wish I knew how to convince you... BELIEVE me..this is REAL! Please people..do your 'googles' and decide for yourselves.

[kingster]

Before I was laid off we built suspension systems for large trucks.After the stricter emissions requirements went into effect U.S. production slowed but we still had a good export business with Mexico.These new milage requirements might sound like a good idea for the enviroment but they might be shooting themselves in the foot as far as Detroit is concerned.If people are hesitant to buy cars now some might spend the money for the higher priced cars that get better milage but if they can't afford them now how is that going to help the slow sales

[HoosierHelen]

Within the follow posting and links, I hope I can get my concerns across. Commercially influenced media are playing down the REAL violence boiling on our border towns between USA and Mexico. Until Mexico is able to contain their violence and crime, I do NOT believe we need to opening our boarders to allow their truckers to carry their cargo into mainstream USA. Please pay attention to what we are opening our door to when we open our doors to their trucking commerce. I sincerely believe this is a serious issue for all of us.


A teacher relays her students' stories, destruction of a culture, country in El Paso, TX.

http://ncronline.org/news/justice/in...mexican-border

Thankfully, this little American boy was recovered walking the streets of Mexico and retrieved by the Mexican police. His head had been shaven, however, he was alive and healthy.

http://clintvanzandt.newsvine.com/_n...an-drug-cartel

Tourists warnings still in effect.

http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/ind...?topic=18823.0

CULIACAN, SINALOA: Here's the question, why was it that MSNBC felt it was more important this evening to run the story on the eleven people killed from the sewer gas accident rather than the ten people executed in the drug war? Go figure.

DURANGO: Nine executed in the past three days, seven of theses were burned.

http://marjorieanndrake.blogspot.com...d-roundup.html

[burgundystar77]

Texas is as close to Mexico as I ever plan on going. But that's only to visit my sister! I love Angola, I've met alot of pretty cool people here, even though there are a few bad ones; and even though I'm sure I will enjoy Texas's 4th of July festivities, I will miss the parade and goings on at the Common's Park, here too !
There's good and bad everywhere; nowhere to really hide....it's fate that calls the shots. Yes it is sad that people are murdered and children sexually abused and the like, but those who commit such crimes, will eventually have to face the ultimate consequences (sadly, I'm not talking about this joke of a justice system).

[HoosierHelen]

I'm glad to hear you aren't going into Mexico Mary. Most of our US citizens are numb to understanding what's happening down there. You can be a total innocent visitor and find yourself kidnapped for a ransom in a heartbeat from what my friends have conveyed to me.

I used to visit Mexico and enjoy it...no way I'm returning until things are more controlled.

[evilkumquat]

I'm glad to hear you aren't going into Mexico Mary. Most of our US citizens are numb to understanding what's happening down there. You can be a total innocent visitor and find yourself kidnapped for a ransom in a heartbeat from what my friends have conveyed to me.

I used to visit Mexico and enjoy it...no way I'm returning until things are more controlled.

While not trying to lessen the impact of what you are saying about Mexico, I remember a lifetime of similar warnings to anyone from the Midwest journeying to New York, Los Angeles or any other big U.S. city (i.e., you'll get mugged, raped, murdered, etc.).

When I was in high school, I was very worried about my girlfriend (eventual first wife) and her plans to move to Miami for schooling.

[HoosierHelen]

While not trying to lessen the impact of what you are saying about Mexico, I remember a lifetime of similar warnings to anyone from the Midwest journeying to New York, Los Angeles or any other big U.S. city (i.e., you'll get mugged, raped, murdered, etc.).

When I was in high school, I was very worried about my girlfriend (eventual first wife) and her plans to move to Miami for schooling.

For what it is worth Evil, I don't really recall beheadings in New York, LA, or Miami. Truthfully, I am not concerned about safety in traveling to any of our larger cities in the US right now...except for the towns on the border with Mexico.

I do admit when I stay in a New York City hotel...I check the headboard of my bed to be sure there are not bed bugs.

I really do reject the need for us to allow Mexican truck drivers free access to deliver products into the US commerce stream. The levels of corruption in Mexico and it's inability to control their gang violence does not need to be spread into the US.

As far as I'm concerned the risk is far greater than the return for this change in transportation laws for our country.

[JohnBoy44]

For what it is worth Evil, I don't really recall beheadings in New York, LA, or Miami. .

oh stop it. Police find chopped up bodies all the time in the US, quit being disingenuous.

[pixiegirl]

I can honestly say I am qualified to enter this discussion on Mexican trucks coming into the states

I'm a Logistics Broker. I make a living moving freight and brokering trucks. They have made a tremendous impact on the industry.

First of all, they do NOT have to meet the same standards as American trucks. They are usually older, which means bad emmisions, and poor tires, which can be dangerous if they are driving 60 miles/ hour and the retread flies off.
They also do not need to carry a lisence from any U.S. State. American drivers have to have a CDL and each trucking company has to have an MC number and a DOT number, these are tracked for safety and insurance. You can check out their safety records on the government based web site. There is no way to check on the safety records of Mexican trucks because they are not required to be listed.
Alot of them are also not fluent in English, it's bad enough that we have drivers in cars that can't read road signs. Do you want to be in close proximity of a 30 ton truck with someone behind the wheel who can't read a road sign? I don't
With the economy the way it is right now, no is spending, which means product is not moving. Loads for trucks are getting scarcer and alot of American drivers are sitting for days in one spot, just waiting for a load to appear. It hardly seems fair to give it to a foreign entity, when our guys/ gals need the work. Many owner/ operators are going under right now because they can't get enough loads to make the truck payment, insurance, and still provide at home.
I will NOT broker a mexican truck, and thank God alot of my counterparts feel the same way!
AMERICAN TRUCKERS HAVE MY SUPPORT!! God Bless them all for the great job they do.

[HoosierHelen]

I can honestly say I am qualified to enter this discussion on Mexican trucks coming into the states

I'm a Logistics Broker. I make a living moving freight and brokering trucks. They have made a tremendous impact on the industry.

First of all, they do NOT have to meet the same standards as American trucks. They are usually older, which means bad emmisions, and poor tires, which can be dangerous if they are driving 60 miles/ hour and the retread flies off.
They also do not need to carry a lisence from any U.S. State. American drivers have to have a CDL and each trucking company has to have an MC number and a DOT number, these are tracked for safety and insurance. You can check out their safety records on the government based web site. There is no way to check on the safety records of Mexican trucks because they are not required to be listed.
Alot of them are also not fluent in English, it's bad enough that we have drivers in cars that can't read road signs. Do you want to be in close proximity of a 30 ton truck with someone behind the wheel who can't read a road sign? I don't
With the economy the way it is right now, no is spending, which means product is not moving. Loads for trucks are getting scarcer and alot of American drivers are sitting for days in one spot, just waiting for a load to appear. It hardly seems fair to give it to a foreign entity, when our guys/ gals need the work. Many owner/ operators are going under right now because they can't get enough loads to make the truck payment, insurance, and still provide at home.
I will NOT broker a mexican truck, and thank God alot of my counterparts feel the same way!
AMERICAN TRUCKERS HAVE MY SUPPORT!! God Bless them all for the great job they do.

Good for you Pixie! I had no clue that is what you do. I have a cousin who is a truck driver and he's been bending my ear on this topic (which is where I get my disingenuous attitude).