MEXICO'S PROBLEM IS CORRUPTION

Corruption is an accepted way of life, embedded in the mindset of its citizens

Chivis Martinez is a Borderland Beat reporter. For the past several weeks, Borderland Beat has been following the Zetas money laundering trial that has been taking place in an Austin, Texas federal courtroom.

Martinez, given the opportunity, stepped on her soapbox with some scathing comments on Mexico’s corruption. What she said surely rings true.

From Borderland Beat
May 9, 2013

[In his arguments] Attorney David Finn representing José Treviño Morales, made the point that the timing of the money laundering investigation should be noted.

"The horse, zeta money laundering conspiracy investigation was politically motivated, the timing of the indictment coming three months before the American presidential election and a month before the Mexican presidential election....in the US everyone was in an uproar about Fast and Furious, Eric Holder and the shooting of [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] Agent [Jaime] Zapata.. Mexico's problem is corruption."

To which Chivis Martinez responded:

Finn surely hit the nail on the head in that last statement, it is one I often articulate, and strongly have confidence in. Cartels are the byproduct of corruption, but it’s the corruption that permeates every social, judicial and political system in Mexico and the basis for their inability to solve serious issues.

Corruption has allowed crime to thrive and expand into an uncontrollable entity. However, Mexico has an even greater issue, as corruption is an accepted way of life, embedded in the mindset of its citizens.

This is not saying that organized crime groups are not to be held responsible for their actions, it is simply making a statement that Mexican society, its people, must change their standards and demand integrity in their social structure the greatest difference between a fully developed nation and one that is struggling to develop is a strong system of law and order.

In Mexico, there is a system that is so weak, and corrupt, society is fearful to call for assistance, for bad guys wear uniforms intended for good guys.