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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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6

Clinton in Mexico: US Demand Fuels Drug Wars

Envoy frank on Mexico violence, promises more American help

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(Newser) – America’s “insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade,” Hillary Clinton said in Mexico today, striking an unusually blunt tone in addressing the US role in that country’s disastrous drug-related violence. “Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the deaths of police officers, soldiers and civilians.”

During her trip, the secretary of state is expected to address Mexico’s concerns about what that country sees as flagging US commitment to fighting drug trafficking and cooling enthusiasm for free trade between the neighbors, reports the New York Times. Her comments are a departure from the previous Washington line, notes one political commentator. “It is shocking to hear an American politician admit there is an issue.”

Mexican soldiers check the identity of a man during an operation searching for drugs and weapons in Reynosa, on Mexico's northeastern border with the US last week.
Mexican soldiers check the identity of a man during an operation searching for drugs and weapons in Reynosa, on Mexico's northeastern border with the US last week.   (AP Photo)
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives at Mexico City's international airport today or an official two-day visit.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives at Mexico City's international airport today or an official two-day visit.   (AP Photo)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton waves as she arrives in Mexico City today.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton waves as she arrives in Mexico City today.   (AP Photo)
A soldier escorts alleged Mexican drug cartel lieutenant Hector Huerta Rios after a press conference to show him to the media in Mexico City today.
A soldier escorts alleged Mexican drug cartel lieutenant Hector Huerta Rios after a press conference to show him to the media in Mexico City today.   (AP Photo)
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6 comments
VIEWING:
 
TerrifiedCitizen
Mar 25, 09 4:08 PM CDT
People are suffering or dying all over the world because self-centered euphoria is something we just gotta have? Find something useful to do. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
gregconquest
Mar 25, 09 8:59 PM CDT
Or -- People are suffering or dying all over the world because of a self-righteous attempt to stop other people from experimenting with euphoria. Find something useful to do.
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bunn16
Mar 25, 09 6:06 PM CDT
I guess we lost "the war on drugs." Reply
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kansas1946
Mar 25, 09 7:26 PM CDT
The violence is created by money, not drugs. Legalize marijuan, decriminalize the rest of it, and the violence will go away. If you don't want to face that fact and if you want to continue this ridiculous war on drugs, then expect the violence to continue. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Mad
Mar 25, 09 7:38 PM CDT
Solid, sound advice, Kansas.
Vote up! Vote down!
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