Mexico's president says he won't fight drug cartels on US orders, calls it a 'Mexico First' policy

They are, and normally I'd agree with you, but they just recently legalized abortion and that SHOCKED me. So who knows?! Mexico might do anything!

Technically, Mexico has had only two presidents from a right-wing party. Before, they were from the centrist party. The current president is a very well known leftist.

The country was bombarded with religion for centuries, so maybe you are thinking of that, but even so, the majority support a version of religion that mixes a "social concern for the poor and political liberation for oppressed peoples" with spirituality. It is similar to the recent declarations of Pope Francis about Marxists and Christians having a common goal It is called liberation theology.

Also, Mexico tried to legalize drugs back in 1940. It was promoted by a psychiatrist that informed the government that substance abuse was a mental disorder, which was very progressive for the era. Here is the story.

Of course, if you dig deeper, you'll know the United States basically coerced Mexico into criminalizing drugs again.

Around half the population still supports drug legalization, even after years of propaganda. The commenter below was shocked about abortion legalization. Abortion is legal in many places. Same-sex marriage is also legal, even in some more right-leaning states. A couple years ago, a transgender clinic with free care was opened in Mexico City. Similarly, free healthcare and many other welfare initiatives such as free education (including universities) are common and not negotiable for the average Mexican.

So, yeah, I guess you'll find homophobic old people, religious nuts, or lately, U.S.-influenced right-wing supporters, but Mexico is overall progressive as I see it. Even historically:

Slave abolition was one of the first things Mexico did as an independent country, around 1810-1817. The first black president in 1829. Safe place for U.S. slaves to escape and live as free people during the 19th century. First native (indigenous) president in 1858. The Constitution has been protecting native populations' rights since 1917. During the 20th century, there were big movements in favor of socialism (e.g., agrarian socialists called zapatistas, or students' movements in the National Autonomous University of Mexico). The list goes on... The first woman president is probably happening this year.

I hope this puts things into perspective, and sorry for infodumping!

The reason fentanyl is so prevalent is because it's easy to smuggle. The reason it's so deadly is it's hard to accurately dose. Legalization immediately solves both of those problems.

Mexican police went to America to be trained by their military. When police were sent back, they abandoned the government and became one of the most vicious and capable cartels on the planet.

I'm aware. And I think that's a US cultural thing not neoliberal. Most of Europe wouldn't contribute to the weapon issue if they were next to Mexico.

But on the main topic, sure there is some crazy footage but he still is using a padded stick.

How is this “fight” being represented? I ask, because in more than one occasion he’s been seen being close to El Chapo’s mother, do you mean he’s “fighting” cartels by negotiating with them? Or does this fight mean rather things like shouting “more hugs, less shootings”, or his menacing “I’ll tell on you to your mothers!” to the cartels?

I don't believe that. Other Central and South American countries have had success meeting the cartels head on.

Sure some short term death spikes but the long term result is a drastic reduction in violent deaths.

If Mexico won't address them, the U.S. should be given the green light to handle it and put them down where they live.

That wouldn’t help

The problem isn’t drug use in Mexico, the problem is drugs going to the US

Adding to your comment, I think they should have different percentages of taxing as well. For example heroin should be taxed way higher than cannabis.

I'm judging from the back benches like everyone else here. I know enough to say "policy declared by Mexico's president" is not necessarily equal to "the best policy for Mexico."

In no small part due to the fact they have cartels running the countries right next to them.

You can only win the war on cartels, if you kill the demand for (illegal) drugs first. Then they will go away on their own.

I like your take kid, but unfortunately you need to web search "cartel avocados", or "cartel limes".

There's demand for illegal drugs in the entire world. Only Mexico is weak (and pathetic) enough to let themselves be ruled by loser drug dealers.

I don't think partnering with the cartels is a good idea. They already do what they want why would they take orders from the government.

Right now, you might be the only person on .works who doesn't sound like a slavering, blood-thirsty ghoul. Honestly and sincerely, keep that shit up.

I have the feeling you were born and raised in the US and have never experienced life outside your own town/ city and just spew your opinion about places and situations you know absolutely nothing about. So let me enlighten your narrow anglo vision a bit:

Have you ever lived through something like what is described in the article? Have you ever experienced what a narcoestado entails? Have you ever been in a protest along searching mothers outside Palacio Nacional because ten thousand people disappeared in your country due to organized crime for this fool to keep having breakfast saying "they only want to destabilize my regime" and not even acknowledge your presence? Have you ever been blackmailed and had to pay organized crime to keep your business open for this president to say "abrazos, no balazos" ( hugs, not bullets)? Has anyone from your family been kidnapped for ransom money? If so, did you get help from governement agencies? With all of the above, how would you feel about your president saying the things in the article? I have experienced all of the above scenarios so kindly, stfu.