Jeremy E. I attend IUS and am majoring in Marketing and minoring in Journalism. I believe that the United States overstepped its bounds in this issue. They used the program to see where the weapons were going and to try and stop it. The mission was called”Operation Fast and Furious”. They didn’t inform the Mexican Government of what they were doing because I’m sure they wanted to actually see where the weapons were going and maybe wanted to see if the Government was corrupt. They didn’t think of the safety of Mexican citizens they were just wanting results. After information came out about the program, the program epically failed. The Mexican government was mad because they were basically given big weapons to the cartels without their knowledge. They felt that the United States was helping the drug lord’s. The Program wasn’t able to succeed because the United States lost tracking of a lot of the weapons so they had no idea where they were going.
Hi Group two! I attend IUS and am majoring in biology and plan on becoming a dentist. This article obviously shows that the United States let guns just “walk” into Mexico where Mexico had no idea about it. They called it “The Fast and the Furious.” I find it ironic that the U.S provided aid packages to help Mexico end the drug cartels, yet they let weapons be sent over there during their war. I believe that the U.S. should have just minded their own business and worried about their own problems. Mexico really had nothing to do with them. I feel like the U.S. just made the situation worse when, like I said, they just could have avoided it and stayed out. –Emily M.
Hey there group. My name is Kyle Roberts. I'm majoring in psychology at IUS. What do you all think about this article? How do we send weapons into Mexico to "track" and then lose them? But after in Mexico do they take over the "tracking" of the weapons? If they are taking over in the "tracking" of the weapons then how do we know that the officials are not being paid off by the cartels to get the weapons? We have seen that cartels in Mexico have been paying off officials. Also the papers in Mexico have been saying that it is our fault that the weapons were lost and found in the hands of the cartels. Are they being paid off to say things like that also? There is a drug problem here in the United States and many people are supporting drugs so is this our fault, their fault, or are we both at fault? i found this link and it has some more insight of the ordeal. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0716/US-gun-tracing-program-in-Mexican-drug-war-comes-under-congressional-fire/%28page%29/2
My name is Makan Kamara I am a sophomore major in computer science
My article title is MEXICO: News of another U.S. gun-tracking program stirs criticism Basically is about the program under President George W. Bush who allowed guns to walk across the border into Mexico during 2006 and 2007, and as a result of that the killing in Mexico was increasing, and the gun that had been brought to Mexico found at the most crime scene, so people was wonder if America was an alley or an enemy. In my opinion America is all about business, knowing what is going on in Mexico and they allow guns to be cross to the border into Mexico. And then tried to help them by sending aid package.
Group Two: News of Another US Gun Tracking Program Stirs Criticism My name is Stephanie Pohlman. This is my first semester at JCTC. I plan to transfer to Berea College and major in English with an area of concentration in Literature. I understand the United States’ goal with the operation to allow guns to be smuggled into Mexico, but I believe that it did more harm than good. U.S. agents should not have allowed this, or at the very least paid closer attention to the guns to avoid this dangerous outcome. Maybe they could have found another way to track the cartel’s, but guns was definitely not the best choice. I’m not saying I have an idea about what they should have allowed to smuggle into Mexico, but their choice was clearly dangerous and they should have known that this could happen. Obviously, the guns were going to be used to kill Mexicans and if the U. S. agents didn’t plan on doing anything to stop that, they shouldn’t have intervened at all. The United States should decide if they are going to try to help Mexico with this war on drugs or hurt them.
Hi all my name is Gustavia J. and I am in the Human Services Program. My career goal is to become a guidance counselor for young children and their parents. I feel that the government and law enforcement are fighting a never ending war. There is no way that they will be able to stop or control the wide spread of drugs between the two because there is too many people involved. If they want to stop them than they need to come up with a better plan because the one that they are using now doesn’t seem to be working.
Great job on the article everyone! You all made some great points regarding the main issues in the article. Stephanie, Makan, Emily, and Kyle made some great comments as to how sending weapons into Mexico (beginning with the Bush (II) Administration and still occurring under the Obama Administration) hurt the situation with Mexican drug cartels rather than helped. Gustavia flat out said this plan isn't working, and Jeremy felt Operation Fast & Furious was an example of blatant disregard for Mexico's sovereignty. I also liked Emily's comment on the irony of the amounts of arms AND aid we give Mexico. All of you seemed to be directing your ideas toward a main sentiment of "I don't think the US knows what it's doing."
One of the more compelling parts of this article came from a reporter from a Mexican newspaper: "In sum, the gringo (white people - slang, not necessarily mean-spirited) government has been sending weapons to Mexico in a premeditated and systematic manner, knowing that their destinations were Mexican criminal organizations," wrote columnist Manuel J. Jauregui in the daily Reforma newspaper."
Jauregui makes a good point; he feels that the US's actions in regard to moving guns through Mexico - never mind the reasons why - is inappropriate and negligent. It is deplorable that the US "lost" the guns it was essentially arming the cartels with, and it would do the US good to try to operate more responsibly in regard to their handling of the drug wars. What else could we do, however? Could we sell drugs back to them, or perhaps crack down on financial sectors so drug money doesn't get laundered? Remember how money laundering worked in the *Two Escobars* film - what are the Mexican drug cartels investing in? Do they own, like Pablo Escobar, things like soccer teams? Do these cartels help our poor communities? It might be interesting for your group to find out how the US is viewed by the Mexican people - do they see us as helping or hurting? - as well as how the Mexican people view the cartels.
Hey group two this is Kyle R reporting in again. Mrs. McCoy asked if the drug lords help the poor. in a sense they do. this article tell how the drug lords use places like the Indepenencia to find their "disciples". the streets of Independencia were filled with violence and mayhem. but with drug cartels the situation is now more of just a drug base. they keep a certain order there. but we don't know who the drug lords are could the officials we are sending the weapons to be the drug lords and could they just be trying to keep order?
also in a side story, ATF agents were apparently ordered to stand down and not to follow where the guns they were tracking were going. could this be coming from within our own government. could a drug lord be among our government and top agents. could we ourselves be a drug cartel and send weapons to aid in us getting our drugs from Mexico to here? take a look at this article and give me your opinions
My name is Meir and I apologize for showing up late to the party. I am a Culinary major at JCTC. I read the article and I feel that it makes sense. I mean the whole situation with America placing themselves in a location that is unnessarary. Some places we go have a reason, but if they say this would help stop drug trafficking, WOW!?!? The Mexican people have a right to be upset. How would Amerca feel if a country did it to us? We would probably retaliate and go to war with them. It is interesting that they call it "Fast and Furious," becuase of the movies that have come out. The fourth movie "Fast and Furious" dealt with trafficking of heroin under the border. Overall I understand that this is the country that is. What you take that last statement to mean, is your choice. Until next time...
I think in response to this I would say we should look into where the money goes. I think if we do more like in the United States were we requiring them to say where they are getting the money from to sponsor these big teams. I mean for them to all of a sudden have all this money is a red flag. The United States could have not let them participate in the World Cup and said that they believe the money to start this program was from drug lords. That would start an up roar with the people. They can’t compete with the world because of where they are receiving there money from. I believe that the drug cartels own a lot of different things. I believe they probably only shipping docs and boats all around the world to help smuggle in drugs and also cover their money trail. I also think they recruit the most unlikely people to carry these drugs so they won’t be as easily suspected. A lot of the drug lords help the communities by giving them money to help carry these drugs but they don’t do it out of the kindness of their heart like Escobar. They do it to help run their business more smoothly. They don’t care about the people, they care about the money. Escobar was one of a kind drug dealer in my opinion. The reason he got into the drugs was so he wouldn’t be so poor not because he wanted power he wanted his people to have good homes and food. He built whole communities and people loved him for it. They didn’t like his drug cartel side but they loved what he was doing and overlooked that. He built soccer fields for kids and made Columbia a better place. I believe the main reason he was killed was over jalousie. He was one of the most power men in Columbia. When he died Columbia went into a slump. I would say they see us as hurting their community. After all Escobar gave them homes, food, water, soccer fields. What did we give them in return for killing him? Nothing so I would say they look at us badly. Jeremy E.
Hello again Group 2. Instructor McCoy had a few interesting questions. Do I think the drug lords are helping the poor? I do. I feel like they mean well, but go about it in the wrong way. They shouldn’t involve drugs if they are just trying to help, because in the end, the war over drugs gets innocent people hurt. I like how Jeremy suggested that we as a country should look into where the people like Pablo Escobar got all of their money. It indeed should strike some suspicion as to how he has become so wealthy so quick. How am I as a citizen supposed to feel safe when the U.S. acts so carelessly? They lost weapons that could potentially used against us! In regards to acting more responsible about drug wars, the U.S. needs to think before they act. We have so much technology these days that there has to be a way to come up with a working strategy. As far as laundering drug money goes, I think our country needs to mind our own business. The part of the drug wars that affects the us, is what we need to concentrate on. If a drug lord wants to launder his money into perhaps a sports team in Mexico, we should let Mexico deal with that situation. Our country worries too much about other countries problems when we need to open our eyes and see the problems that are right in front of us. This link goes perfectly with how the U.S. let firearms get into the wrong hands. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0716/US-gun-tracing-program-in-Mexican-drug-war-comes-under-congressional-fire -Emily M.
Group Two: News of Another US Gun Tracking Program Stirs Criticism If the United States is continuing to smuggle weapons into Mexico intentionally (which astonishes me still), then the Mexican people have every right to think badly of the United States. Actually just the U.S. government, a whole country can't be judged based on the actions of one organization which is what was happening in the film, The Two Escobars. The world judged Colombia because of Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels which led to the deaths of many innocent people. Anyway, I wouldn’t blame the Mexican people at all for judging the Unites States government. Sure, at first the government was supporting Mexico and trying to help, but they couldn’t possibly think that handing over weapons to criminals would help. -Stephanie Pohlman
I feel that judgement is a problem with the modern world. It was written in G-d's Holy Torah that speaking about someone (positively or negatively) is like murder. This is becuase of the connotation that is perceived by the people that here the comment second, third, fourth... hand. As bad as these drug lords and cartels can be, the brightest light (greatest good) comes out of the darkest darkness (worst evil). They did things to help those in need when the government could careless. Such as when our government is somehow persistant that those who are richer should pay higher taxes. They should, becuase they don't need all that money and they could house many homeless people. Also, as you see from the money of the two Escobars, when there is a drug lord as powerful as Pablo, ppl die, but only by his orders. As soon as he was killed, people couldn't walk straight without having to watch each and every one of their backs. Unless the government takes complete control, it might be better for these cartels to be around. Just don't do the wrong thing to the wrong person. ITS LIFE... Sry if I offended anyone... Peace out.
BTW: what was the second post suppose to be about? was that ok?
Wow, I kind of don’t know what to say. I mean im sure that this ‘fast and furious’ plan was created in order to try to help the Mexican authorities, but would it have not been better if they would have been imformed and involved as well. With both countries working together, I bet that would have been more effective. Because simply just allowing these couple of hundreds of guns\weapons to cross into mexico was very risky. Because it was obvious that they were going to be put in to the assisting of violence and drug related cases. So in a way, it was a clever Idea, yet should have been done in a different manner. – Beatriz M.
hey group its makan again does drug lords help the poor the answer is of course yes, especially in Mexico where drug lord try to laundered their drug money,that makes me wonder if they make the drugs legal then the drugs lord wont help the poor as much they helping them now so the poor will be on their side when the government start to investigate them.i have found some interesting news about el chapo Mexico drug lord who became one of the most powerful person in the world by making billions of dollars on drug but he also helped poor a lot just like Pablo escorbar.
Jeremy E.
ReplyDeleteI attend IUS and am majoring in Marketing and minoring in Journalism. I believe that the United States overstepped its bounds in this issue. They used the program to see where the weapons were going and to try and stop it. The mission was called”Operation Fast and Furious”. They didn’t inform the Mexican Government of what they were doing because I’m sure they wanted to actually see where the weapons were going and maybe wanted to see if the Government was corrupt. They didn’t think of the safety of Mexican citizens they were just wanting results. After information came out about the program, the program epically failed. The Mexican government was mad because they were basically given big weapons to the cartels without their knowledge. They felt that the United States was helping the drug lord’s. The Program wasn’t able to succeed because the United States lost tracking of a lot of the weapons so they had no idea where they were going.
Hi Group two! I attend IUS and am majoring in biology and plan on becoming a dentist. This article obviously shows that the United States let guns just “walk” into Mexico where Mexico had no idea about it. They called it “The Fast and the Furious.” I find it ironic that the U.S provided aid packages to help Mexico end the drug cartels, yet they let weapons be sent over there during their war. I believe that the U.S. should have just minded their own business and worried about their own problems. Mexico really had nothing to do with them. I feel like the U.S. just made the situation worse when, like I said, they just could have avoided it and stayed out. –Emily M.
ReplyDeleteHey there group. My name is Kyle Roberts. I'm majoring in psychology at IUS. What do you all think about this article? How do we send weapons into Mexico to "track" and then lose them? But after in Mexico do they take over the "tracking" of the weapons? If they are taking over in the "tracking" of the weapons then how do we know that the officials are not being paid off by the cartels to get the weapons? We have seen that cartels in Mexico have been paying off officials. Also the papers in Mexico have been saying that it is our fault that the weapons were lost and found in the hands of the cartels. Are they being paid off to say things like that also? There is a drug problem here in the United States and many people are supporting drugs so is this our fault, their fault, or are we both at fault? i found this link and it has some more insight of the ordeal. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0716/US-gun-tracing-program-in-Mexican-drug-war-comes-under-congressional-fire/%28page%29/2
ReplyDeleteMy name is Makan Kamara
ReplyDeleteI am a sophomore
major in computer science
My article title is MEXICO: News of another U.S. gun-tracking program stirs criticism
Basically is about the program under President George W. Bush who allowed guns to walk across the border into Mexico during 2006 and 2007, and as a result of that the killing in Mexico was increasing, and the gun that had been brought to Mexico found at the most crime scene, so people was wonder if America was an alley or an enemy.
In my opinion America is all about business, knowing what is going on in Mexico and they allow guns to be cross to the border into Mexico. And then tried to help them by sending aid package.
Group Two: News of Another US Gun Tracking Program Stirs Criticism
ReplyDeleteMy name is Stephanie Pohlman. This is my first semester at JCTC. I plan to transfer to Berea College and major in English with an area of concentration in Literature.
I understand the United States’ goal with the operation to allow guns to be smuggled into Mexico, but I believe that it did more harm than good. U.S. agents should not have allowed this, or at the very least paid closer attention to the guns to avoid this dangerous outcome. Maybe they could have found another way to track the cartel’s, but guns was definitely not the best choice. I’m not saying I have an idea about what they should have allowed to smuggle into Mexico, but their choice was clearly dangerous and they should have known that this could happen. Obviously, the guns were going to be used to kill Mexicans and if the U. S. agents didn’t plan on doing anything to stop that, they shouldn’t have intervened at all. The United States should decide if they are going to try to help Mexico with this war on drugs or hurt them.
Hi all my name is Gustavia J. and I am in the Human Services Program. My career goal is to become a guidance counselor for young children and their parents.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the government and law enforcement are fighting a never ending war. There is no way that they will be able to stop or control the wide spread of drugs between the two because there is too many people involved. If they want to stop them than they need to come up with a better plan because the one that they are using now doesn’t seem to be working.
Great job on the article everyone! You all made some great points regarding the main issues in the article. Stephanie, Makan, Emily, and Kyle made some great comments as to how sending weapons into Mexico (beginning with the Bush (II) Administration and still occurring under the Obama Administration) hurt the situation with Mexican drug cartels rather than helped. Gustavia flat out said this plan isn't working, and Jeremy felt Operation Fast & Furious was an example of blatant disregard for Mexico's sovereignty. I also liked Emily's comment on the irony of the amounts of arms AND aid we give Mexico. All of you seemed to be directing your ideas toward a main sentiment of "I don't think the US knows what it's doing."
ReplyDeleteOne of the more compelling parts of this article came from a reporter from a Mexican newspaper: "In sum, the gringo (white people - slang, not necessarily mean-spirited) government has been sending weapons to Mexico in a premeditated and systematic manner, knowing that their destinations were Mexican criminal organizations," wrote columnist Manuel J. Jauregui in the daily Reforma newspaper."
Jauregui makes a good point; he feels that the US's actions in regard to moving guns through Mexico - never mind the reasons why - is inappropriate and negligent. It is deplorable that the US "lost" the guns it was essentially arming the cartels with, and it would do the US good to try to operate more responsibly in regard to their handling of the drug wars. What else could we do, however? Could we sell drugs back to them, or perhaps crack down on financial sectors so drug money doesn't get laundered? Remember how money laundering worked in the *Two Escobars* film - what are the Mexican drug cartels investing in? Do they own, like Pablo Escobar, things like soccer teams? Do these cartels help our poor communities? It might be interesting for your group to find out how the US is viewed by the Mexican people - do they see us as helping or hurting? - as well as how the Mexican people view the cartels.
Hey group two this is Kyle R reporting in again. Mrs. McCoy asked if the drug lords help the poor. in a sense they do. this article tell how the drug lords use places like the Indepenencia to find their "disciples". the streets of Independencia were filled with violence and mayhem. but with drug cartels the situation is now more of just a drug base. they keep a certain order there. but we don't know who the drug lords are could the officials we are sending the weapons to be the drug lords and could they just be trying to keep order?
ReplyDeletealso in a side story, ATF agents were apparently ordered to stand down and not to follow where the guns they were tracking were going. could this be coming from within our own government. could a drug lord be among our government and top agents. could we ourselves be a drug cartel and send weapons to aid in us getting our drugs from Mexico to here? take a look at this article and give me your opinions
http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/lets-arm-the-mexican-drug-cartels-with-thousands-of-guns-and-continue-to-leave-the-border-completely-wide-open
Hey Gang:
ReplyDeleteMy name is Meir and I apologize for showing up late to the party. I am a Culinary major at JCTC. I read the article and I feel that it makes sense. I mean the whole situation with America placing themselves in a location that is unnessarary. Some places we go have a reason, but if they say this would help stop drug trafficking, WOW!?!? The Mexican people have a right to be upset. How would Amerca feel if a country did it to us? We would probably retaliate and go to war with them. It is interesting that they call it "Fast and Furious," becuase of the movies that have come out. The fourth movie "Fast and Furious" dealt with trafficking of heroin under the border. Overall I understand that this is the country that is. What you take that last statement to mean, is your choice. Until next time...
Sorry again,
Meir
I think in response to this I would say we should look into where the money goes. I think if we do more like in the United States were we requiring them to say where they are getting the money from to sponsor these big teams. I mean for them to all of a sudden have all this money is a red flag. The United States could have not let them participate in the World Cup and said that they believe the money to start this program was from drug lords. That would start an up roar with the people. They can’t compete with the world because of where they are receiving there money from. I believe that the drug cartels own a lot of different things. I believe they probably only shipping docs and boats all around the world to help smuggle in drugs and also cover their money trail. I also think they recruit the most unlikely people to carry these drugs so they won’t be as easily suspected. A lot of the drug lords help the communities by giving them money to help carry these drugs but they don’t do it out of the kindness of their heart like Escobar. They do it to help run their business more smoothly. They don’t care about the people, they care about the money. Escobar was one of a kind drug dealer in my opinion. The reason he got into the drugs was so he wouldn’t be so poor not because he wanted power he wanted his people to have good homes and food. He built whole communities and people loved him for it. They didn’t like his drug cartel side but they loved what he was doing and overlooked that. He built soccer fields for kids and made Columbia a better place. I believe the main reason he was killed was over jalousie. He was one of the most power men in Columbia. When he died Columbia went into a slump. I would say they see us as hurting their community. After all Escobar gave them homes, food, water, soccer fields. What did we give them in return for killing him? Nothing so I would say they look at us badly.
ReplyDeleteJeremy E.
Hello again Group 2. Instructor McCoy had a few interesting questions. Do I think the drug lords are helping the poor? I do. I feel like they mean well, but go about it in the wrong way. They shouldn’t involve drugs if they are just trying to help, because in the end, the war over drugs gets innocent people hurt. I like how Jeremy suggested that we as a country should look into where the people like Pablo Escobar got all of their money. It indeed should strike some suspicion as to how he has become so wealthy so quick. How am I as a citizen supposed to feel safe when the U.S. acts so carelessly? They lost weapons that could potentially used against us! In regards to acting more responsible about drug wars, the U.S. needs to think before they act. We have so much technology these days that there has to be a way to come up with a working strategy. As far as laundering drug money goes, I think our country needs to mind our own business. The part of the drug wars that affects the us, is what we need to concentrate on. If a drug lord wants to launder his money into perhaps a sports team in Mexico, we should let Mexico deal with that situation. Our country worries too much about other countries problems when we need to open our eyes and see the problems that are right in front of us. This link goes perfectly with how the U.S. let firearms get into the wrong hands. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0716/US-gun-tracing-program-in-Mexican-drug-war-comes-under-congressional-fire
ReplyDelete-Emily M.
Group Two: News of Another US Gun Tracking Program Stirs Criticism
ReplyDeleteIf the United States is continuing to smuggle weapons into Mexico intentionally (which astonishes me still), then the Mexican people have every right to think badly of the United States. Actually just the U.S. government, a whole country can't be judged based on the actions of one organization which is what was happening in the film, The Two Escobars. The world judged Colombia because of Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels which led to the deaths of many innocent people. Anyway, I wouldn’t blame the Mexican people at all for judging the Unites States government. Sure, at first the government was supporting Mexico and trying to help, but they couldn’t possibly think that handing over weapons to criminals would help.
-Stephanie Pohlman
Meir again!!
ReplyDeleteI feel that judgement is a problem with the modern world. It was written in G-d's Holy Torah that speaking about someone (positively or negatively) is like murder. This is becuase of the connotation that is perceived by the people that here the comment second, third, fourth... hand. As bad as these drug lords and cartels can be, the brightest light (greatest good) comes out of the darkest darkness (worst evil). They did things to help those in need when the government could careless. Such as when our government is somehow persistant that those who are richer should pay higher taxes. They should, becuase they don't need all that money and they could house many homeless people. Also, as you see from the money of the two Escobars, when there is a drug lord as powerful as Pablo, ppl die, but only by his orders. As soon as he was killed, people couldn't walk straight without having to watch each and every one of their backs. Unless the government takes complete control, it might be better for these cartels to be around. Just don't do the wrong thing to the wrong person. ITS LIFE... Sry if I offended anyone... Peace out.
BTW: what was the second post suppose to be about? was that ok?
Wow, I kind of don’t know what to say. I mean im sure that this ‘fast and furious’ plan was created in order to try to help the Mexican authorities, but would it have not been better if they would have been imformed and involved as well. With both countries working together, I bet that would have been more effective. Because simply just allowing these couple of hundreds of guns\weapons to cross into mexico was very risky. Because it was obvious that they were going to be put in to the assisting of violence and drug related cases. So in a way, it was a clever Idea, yet should have been done in a different manner. – Beatriz M.
ReplyDeletehey group its makan again
ReplyDeletedoes drug lords help the poor the answer is of course yes, especially in Mexico where drug lord try to laundered their drug money,that makes me wonder if they make the drugs legal then the drugs lord wont help the poor as much they helping them now so the poor will be on their side when the government start to investigate them.i have found some interesting news about el chapo Mexico drug lord who became one of the most powerful person in the world by making billions of dollars on drug but he also helped poor a lot just like Pablo escorbar.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/18/el-chapo-mexico-drug-lord_n_810512.html