Sergio Aguayo, Reforma, 1/21/2009
Sergio Aguayo
In the United States, Mexico has already been put on the black list of “failed states.” Felipe Calderón’s government rejects the label with indignation, yet the stubborn reality sews doubts.
Social sciences are imprecise because, except for life and death, human existence lacks the predictability of cells observed under microscope. There are some concepts that are particularly gelatinous such as the “failed state,” first made popular by the annual index provided by the magazine Foreign Policy. A failed state is characterized by, among other traits, having lost control over portions of its territory, over its monopoly on the legitimate use of force and for the incapacity to provide adequate public services.
Some think Mexico falls into that category; others that it is on its way there.
The fact of the matter is that neither Felipe Calderon nor Tijuana’s Mayor or Baja California Governor have the training, knowledge, or courage to fight the violence and death that currently affects that region of Mexico. I say this because my family lives there, have friends in the government, media, and business community. The standards and qualifications to become Tijuana’s Mayor and Baja’s Governor should have been higher and should now become high. Baja needs a strong hand, international attention, and full US support.
“Indignation”, the Mexican Government and public officials from all parties should feel shame and indignation for all the innocents who continue to lose their lives due to their ineptness and lack of leadership of the government. Some people say, but they are trying,; In Mexico trying is not good enough- if they cannot do their job, they should have the dignity to step away and give the opportunity to those who can. Mexican public officials need to ask the international community to help, allow US more access to information and intelligence, and better train and provide resources to their people on the ground.