R.O.A.R.
R.O.A.R.: Boycott Mexico? No, boycott American stupidity
The market vendor handed me the sack of fresh-made potato chips she’d just hauled out of the fryer, and motioned that I should add a bit of salt and lime juice. I told her thanks in my serviceable Spanish (mil gracias, senora) and did as instructed. Then I gently lifted one chip from the sack and took an experimental bite. I’d never tasted made-on-the-spot potato chips until my wife and I wandered by this food cart in the market in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico.
It was the best potato chip ever.
Too bad that one potato chip had more mental acuity than some of our own countrymen. Don’t go to Mexico and spend your money, urge the Americans United to Halt Tourism in Mexico, on the novel theory that the way to discourage Mexican immigrants from coming here to earn money is for us to not go there and spend money.
“Do not give your tourist dollars to Mexico!” AUHTIM fliers growl.
Americans are infamous for witless ignorance (name another country that ever had a political party called the “Know-Nothings”), but this is a particularly egregious example of mush-for-brains activity. Campaigning to collapse one of the healthiest parts of the Mexican economy might not be the best way to discourage its citizens from seeking work elsewhere. Mexico gets 22 million visitors from the United States every year. Tourism is 8 percent of the country’s GDP. It amounts to more than $10 billion a year.
The sponsors of this boycott would actually accomplish more if they stopped driving around--Mexico is the number 3 source of petroleum for the US, at 1.1 million barrels a day--but they’ll give up their Dodge Rams and Jeep Cherokees when someone wraps their cold, dead fingers from around the wheel. Oh, and how are they going to keep selling American machine guns to Mexican drug runners if we curb their foreign exchange revenues?
Aside from the breathtaking stupidity of the idea, boycotting Mexico is yet another example of American bigotry masquerading as righteous populism. Are these cave people proposing we boycott travel to Cuba, Russia, China, Vietnam—all countries that have sent huge numbers of immigrants, legal and not, to the United States? And I presume their own ancestors have been here since they were chasing down mastodons on the Great Plains? Oops—that’s the Oglalla Sioux.
Now, joining in the know-nothing chorus is the danger choir. Don’t go to Mexico—it isn’t safe. Drug violence, kidnappings, rape, assault and other excesses. Why, in Mexico vicious contest promoters force innocent young American women to drink huge quantities of beer and strip off their T-shirts, when these girls really intended to go to church youth group camps and study Bible verses.
Actually, it’s safer there than here. For example, the murder rate in Mexico is about 11 per 100,000 people a year. In New Orleans, it’s almost seven times worse, 71 per 100,000. Atlanta, Cleveland, St. Louis—all have higher murder rates than Mexico.
I’ve been to Mexico more than 25 times, starting with boyhood trips with my family to the Yucatan, up to last year’s marvelous romantic getaways with my wife to peaceful beach resorts. I’ve encountered thousands of lovely people who are happy to share their colorful country with visitors. I’ve sampled handmade tortillas, listened to spicy ranchera music, marveled at the remnants of huge civilizations built while Europeans were flinging sewage out their front doors into the street. I’d much rather go dozens of places in Mexico than dozens of places in the United States, though there are certainly wonderful destinations here, too.
It’s tempting to say we should boycott the hometowns of these nativist US bigots, but that would disfavor some worthwhile places, such as Orange County, California and southern Arizona. So the best idea I have is to urge everyone to go to Mexico. While you’re there, drop a postcard in the mail to the folks behind this stupidity, the California Coalition for Immigration “Reform,” 5942 Edinger Avenue, Suite 113-117, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.
Dear Peabrains: Having a great time. Wish you were here!
Eric Lucas’s travel, business and natural history journalism concentrates on the meaning and purpose of travel and enterprise. His work appears in the Los Angeles Times, MSN.com, Boston Globe, Westways Magazine, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Western Journey, Michelin Maps & Guides, among others. He lives in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, where he grows and sells organic garlic.. He is an expert gardener, wilderness fisherman and downhill skier. To learn more, visit his website at: http://www.trailnot4sissies.com/.
Comments
Don't be ridiculous, there is no way to regulate whether or not a country will use our assisstance for guns and weapons. That's why it is not wise to continue giving money to these countries corrupt governments. There has to be a better way and better system to get help to the people of the needy countries without having to go through their corrupt government who steals everything we give for themselves.
I say boycott both USA and Mexico. You both suck.
Little Johnny G. I thought you were about to cry by the end of your comment.
"The land of the freee and the home of the brave." Yeah, right. America may have been a brave country many years ago, but now it is just a collection of infantile, flabby whiners with a wounded inner child and in contact with their feminine side. A fat, old, black woman decides who gets to be the president of the USA, hermaphroditic characters decide the popular culture for america's youth, and the US women's soccer team puts the men's team to shame. If Mexico stirs fear in your cowardly bones, don't go there; scared little birdies don't spend much money anyway.
Welcome to Mexico all big, burly, macho men with big wallets and big thirst, (for tequila and adventure) and the gorgeous babes that accompany them. Stay home you sensitive, effeminate pseudo-men, and feed your little gerbils and have nice, sweet dreams full of nice little fluffy bunnies.
You probably have never ventured into some places in the USA either. Go to to downtown Detroit ans stay a week. Make sure you walk on the streets a lot. If you dare to do it, then don't be afraid to visit Juarez. If you are afraid to stay in Detroit, then keep your girly behind well away from Mexico. They don't like wimpy mamby-pambies like you over there.
You statistics are technically correct but in practice, flawed. The murder rate in the US is about 5 percent, or HALF the Mexican rate. I'm sure you could find insanely high rates in individual Mexican towns. Stupid analogy.
As for boycotting the towns of us US bigots "Go ahead, make my day!" I wish about 40 million illegal alien Mexicans would do just that, so please keep pushing your stupid philosophy.
And please keep visiting Mexico (stupid idea, or in your case a great idea). Statistics have a way of catching up with you.
Don't go to Mexico......why risk the chance let the DRUG IDIOTS kill themselves and ruin their countries reputation for Hospitality.
"Actually, it’s safer there than here. For example, the murder rate in Mexico is about 11 per 100,000 people a year. In New Orleans, it’s almost seven times worse, 71 per 100,000. Atlanta, Cleveland, St. Louis—all have higher murder rates than Mexico."
You misconstrued the facts.
While New Orleans does have a higher murder rate than the whole of Mexico, I'll admit, you're comparing a city to an entire country. Urban areas do generally have more homicides.
In reality - Mexico has nearly double the homicide rate.
Shove that up your pompous know-it-all asshole.
The best way to find the real truth about Mexico is for Eric Lucas to walk over the bridge into Juarez. If he feels brave, he could show it by wearing a sign that identifies him as an American.
I suspect it would be his last vacation to Mexico, or anywhere in this life.
His serviceable Spanish (mil gracias, senora) will work just fine as as he asks them to please stop shooting, stabbing, punching him.
There is no debate about the dangers of Mexico or the havoc that the illegials cause by their criminal actions. They kill our dogs, cut our fences, steal anything not nailed down and steal anything that is nailed down. We are prohibited from protectiong our property and the cost of it all is putting us out of business. I sold my ranch as have many of my friends. Those who couldn't sell, just walked away. As American citizens who work hard to make a living, we deserve to be safe on our own property. Unfortunately, that does not work if you live next to the border, either in Arizona, New Mexico or Texas. I can not speak for California but Mexico in our area is a real problem.
I am not a bigot, just an American that is tired of being run over by the so called friendly Mexicans.
How DARE you call these Americans stupid and bigoted. They are simply fed up. Arizona has to deal with drug dealers and other criminals slipping across the border while Janet Napolitano quietly ends deportations and Obama gives speeches on why everything happening in the world is someone else's fault. If the Feds cannot do their job and protect Arizona citizens, someone has to. Sure, the "Boycott Mexico" is a kind of knee-jerk "tit for tat" reaction. But again, Americans are extremely frustrated with a government that does not listen to them, or probably just does not care. Obama/Napolitano have their own agenda, and that agenda does nothing for Americans. They are not interested in border security, only in protecting the "rights" of those who commit the crime of entering the U.S. illegally. Give me a break. They are, and you are, the STUPID AMERICANS.
Self-hating, anti-European Eric Lucas is a complete fool.
Lucas tells people to reduce driving to make an economic effect on Mexico and then says, "I’ve been to Mexico more than 25 times, starting with boyhood trips with my family to the Yucatan, up to last year’s marvelous romantic getaways." Isn't that cute? Little Eric's taken vacations! How fascinating. Yawn!
And he says, "I’ve encountered thousands of lovely people who are happy to share their colorful country with visitors. I’ve sampled handmade tortillas, listened to spicy ranchera music.." blah blah blah. I'm just glad I don't have to look at this peabrain's "How I spent my summer vacation" pictures.
I suggest little Eric stand at the border and greet the thousands of lovely people who throw trash, commit crimes and smuggle drugs.
Eric Lucas is an anti-American, loud-mouthed windbag and bigotted bore.
We are calling for a boycott of Mexico and anything having to do with that country. They refuse to let Americans into their country to live without proper documentation and proof of citizenship! They will not allow our gangs to live there while we traffic in illegal drugs and assault weapons nor will they allow us to shoot, kidnap, maim, murder, behead and destroy their land. These hypocrites also refuse to support us and our families with free healthcare, housing and education, assistance with food and clothing while we do all of those things. Not only do they threaten deportation, but guarantee steep fines, imprisonment or they just shoot to kill. What a bunch of RACIST, terrorist hypocrites!! We say boycott Mexico!!
DON'T GO TO MEXICO! You Are At Risk For Extortion.
My family lives in San Diego and a visit to TJ is regular thing for many San Diegans, whether it is cheap smokes or booze or even medical prescriptions.
My 52 year old sister went to get her prescription for a non narcotic drug filled at the pharmacy that she had been doing for years. When she left the store two Officers grabbed her for no reason and put her in a police car. The one male officer took her purse went into the store and came back out holding different pills that she never saw. They were narcotic. A muscle relaxer for the back.
They drove her around for 4 hours. She said" I only have $23 dollars on me".
They then took her to jail and charged her with drug trafficking.
At the trial that we spent $10,000 for the ass wipe lawyer who did nothing, another police officer showed up who wasn't even involved with the case and testified. The woman officer who was involved didn't say a thing even when my sister told her to confess that this guy wasn't with her. They called my sister a liar. The woman officer kept her head down. We have no rights in this country. You are guilty until proven guilty anyway. The USA won’t help you. Trust me on that I emailed every Politian in this state and they couldn’t help.
My sister was sentenced to 5 years at La Mesa prison.
She was released last week after 3 1/2 years in that hell hole.
Wanna know the conditions in that place are like?
She shared a 8x8 cell with 7 other woman and there was only six bunks. They were fed stew every day. They were let out of their cell three hours a week. There was no hot water or heat and they had to put cardboard on the bottom or the bars to keep the rats out.
When you go to prison the Wonderful country of Mexico doesn't pay for you to be in there. We had to pay over $200 a month to keep her alive in there. That pays for personal needs and maybe the warden’s house payment.
We couldn't visit her because the guards shake you down for money and that would guarantee you a visit. We had a church in San Diego bring supplies and money.
Go to channel 10 in San Diego’s web site and see the news story we did on my sister. Go to videos and type Mexican prescription. http://www.10news.com/video/19033315/index.html
This story aired a year ago in 2009.
We are not the only family that this has happened to. It is an extortion scam and they hurt many people.
We lost many nights sleep thinking what was happening to our family member in that horrible place.
Please don't visit Mxico. If you do and you see the police go the other way. Keep extra money in you sock just in case.
Remember you have no rights in other third world countries. Our laws don't apply there.
Lucas, I totally agree with you, these losers dont know what they're missing! ;) Viva Mexico Putos
I love Mexico but have not been in 2 years. Prior to that I went every year sometime several times a year. I have been almost everywhere in Mexico. I like Mexicans, tacos, etc. I don't mind Mexicans coming to the USA. BUT I will probably never go back to Mexico aganin because IT IS VERY UNSAFE!
Fine, go! But just because you have been to the tourist mecca of Cancun and have probably never ventured beyond those safe confines, doesn't mean that all of Mexico is safe. Go to one of the border towns and stay a week and let me know how you feel then. Mexico is not safe!
Mr. Lucas the all knowing, all seeing wise man really needs to get a grip on reality.
After visiting his website I believe he lives in his own fantasy world. People that do not agree with his point of view are branded "bigots" and stupid Americans.
Well Mr. Lucas let me put you on notice you are wrong. Your statistics are flawed. I just read today that four Americans 19-23 were found murdered in Tijuana. Stick that in your analysis!
My feeling is this, if you have such disdain for Americans; move to Mexico and you can eat all the homemade tortillas you want to.
I personally do not like people like you. You disgust me and NO Mexico is not safe!
I think he has OD'd on his own organic garlic. Wake up, garlicbrain! Our country is being overrun by illegals bringing crime and disease, and stealing our jobs and culture. We are then forced to pay for free medical care and education for these same criminals. Then we have to listen to America-haters like you call us bigots. Enough!
Good point... very true...
Wow... another American bashing Americans. I don't get it. If there are so many greater places for people like you to be, why do you insist on being an American and living in the United States? I doubt we will miss you. I'll trade one legal Mexican immigrant for a trader like you any day...
You're an idiot...
So when can I help you pack? You are moving soon, right? The mayor of one border town just moved his family to the US side because of drug violence, I am sure his house is available. The US State Department issued a cautionary statement to travelers-because of drug violence. Not bigotry.
Other than that, I have no clue about what you are babbling about, having never seen one of those bulletins. They aren't common in my town 75 miles from the border. You must have been scraping the bottom of the 'topic barrel' that day, eh?
I wouldn't go to Mexico at this time due to the Swineflu.
I believe Eric Lucas' comments are right on. We had a friend that says AUHTIM type people should put a bag over their head and sit at home. We plan to go to Cancun in JUne and take our granddaughters. Been there many times since 1975 and have friends that have gone recently and there have been no problems.
I guess I am one of those bigots. My wife and one of our kids just got back from Mexico. I don't see any need to to navigate my way around pint sized mestizos and fat, arrogant, lazy, loud, American tourists. 25 times to Mexico! What a fine consumer you are! Take it all in then again, and again. WTF? I think I have better things to do with my time.
But then, your "article" wasn't really about travel in the first place, was it? You couched it that way to make a political statment about those who would work to keep America.....american. I don't see that as bigotry. But, you do.
I agree with the idea of making your own decisions on where to travel and there are certainly worse places to see.
Whenever I travel, my family tells me they don't understand why I travel to 'those places where there are war or terrorists'. My response is the same--I have a better chance of getting killed or mugged in Dallas, Washington DC or NYC than in Israel, Egypt, China, Turkey, the 'Stans' or any of the other places I like to visit.
The is one thing I don't understand about Mr Lucas's article and that is about selling machine gun parts to drug runners. The news is full of claims that we Americans are selling guns to Mexico, specifically automatic weapons. Mr Lucas mentions selling machine gun parts. I'l like to know where anyone can buy a machine gun or parts for a machine gun to sell? Machine guns and any parts that can be used in a machine gun are restricted and your normal gun dealers can not even get parts for them without a special license from BATF. For a citizen to purchase a fully auto weapon (AKA machine gun), they have to apply for Class III approval from ATF, pay a hefty tax and are subject to severe restrictions. It's just not practical to believe that a regular person is supplying arms to drug runners unless they break into a secret Government Armory and steal the weapons. (Only on TV)
Even your average criminal gun seller can not obtain quanities of automatic weapons, except on TV of course.
Now, as to who is supplying weapons, I would not put it past our own Government to be involved. Think Iran-Contra, Think of the Talaban during the Russian invasion of Afghanstan, and what about Noriega in Panama. We gave weapons through covert agencies to people now considered bad guys. Who is to say its not happening now with Mexico?
Thats just a thought. I don't believe in most of the conspiresy theories but our Government has a record of supporting people and countries without our knowing about it. Our Government has shipped hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of assault rifles to various 'allies' over the years that they have absoulute no idea where they are now and who is using them. Just remember that before you start assigning blame for the suport of the bad guys.
So visit the interior of Mexico if you want to. Its much safer than most of our big cities. And remember, leave your illegal stash of fully automatic assault rifles at home.
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