There will be an armed conflict of some sort on the US-Mexico border .......

[Stinky The Clown]

Poll question: There will be an armed conflict of some sort on the US-Mexico border .......

If you think there will be, what sort of armed combat do you foresee? Between our government and Mexico's? Between us and drug cartels? Between Mexico and our vigilantes? Something else?

[havocmom]

1. Already have been. Border Patrol is a dangerous gig in the Southwest

[MajorChode]

11. Not really

I have worked with Border Patrol lately and I had a chance to speak to a few agents about the current situation. They said that while the cartels are quite violent, they don't mess with the US and prefer to keep a very low profile. In the few instances where someone has ran off the reservation and openly confronted the Border Patrol, that behavior has been corrected quite quickly. They have even been provided with suspects by the cartels themselves.

The reason is quite simple. Confronting the Border Patrol is counterproductive to their interests. Given the scope of the border, there is simply no way the US is going to intercept much more than 5% of their product. So there is absolutely no need for confrontation as it only temporarily increases the government resources in that area.

So while there is an occasional incident, overall there really isn't much violence towards the Border Patrol.

[havocmom]

12. Lived over 16 years in Tucson with friends on the border

and I beg to differ. There have been many shoot outs.

[MajorChode]

13. Relative to what?

Don't forget the Border Patrol is a law enforcement agency and as such will always be subject to the occasional shoot out. They actually have more to worry about from rock throwers and automobile accidents.

I lived in El Paso for a number of years and I've lived most of my life in Texas. Just being close to the border does not make you a subject matter expert, especially compared to actually working with actual agents and listening to what they have to say about it.

[vadawg]

2. Their already is a conflict of sorts being fought out in the streets

between the mexican cartels, the police and other street gangs and dealer organisations. Its gonna get a whole lot worse.

[msongs]

3. if drug users' supplies are cut off they might attack from the US side lol nt

[luvspeas]

4. Agreed. It's already happeneing...

And has been for some time. I know Latinos that live in the valley, and it's been bad for a while now. It just doesn't get lots of attention because many people are fairly poor, and since they are not white, it matters little to the media. Ask the women of Juarez if things are bad.

[dusmcj]

5. first 'other' vote - there already is one. nt

[Wiley50]

6. The stupidity is it could be stopped almost overnight by ENDING THE WAR ON DRUGS!

The prohibition is the whole problem

It's how the cartels got the money to hire, train and arm their armies

It's their reason to be

Al Capone knew the situation well.

[tyedyeto]

7. The questions you pose and your poll options are not in sync

I am acquainted with some of the 'minutemen' who 'patrol' the southern Arizona border. They are, for the most part, a bunch of racist assholes ready and armed to 'protect' our country from those seeking a better life than what they have. Yes, there are some drug dealers who are dangerous but mostly the undocumented are just trying to come here to work and hopefully send some of their earnings to their extended families to provide them with a few more dollars or pesos so their life can be easier than what it's been. But the 'minutemen' don't give a shit about anyone seeking comfort for their families because their mentality is : 'I've got mine and I don't want to share any small piece of what I have'.

You have only offered a timeframe in your options, therefore, I did not answer any of the poll options.

[luvspeas]

9. Reno 911 portrayed them right!

Oh god! this is my favorite show! Two of the guys go to the border to help build the fence, and end up getting drunk and letting the helpful Mexicans do all the work for them!

[lonestarnot]

15. Saw that. Cracked me up, crazyfuckers they.

:D

[silverojo]

14. I knew some idiot would whine "Racist!"

What's racist is expecting ONE RACE not to be prosecuted for something people of other races would be deported or jailed for.

You have the minutemen's mentality all wrong. Here is what they (and I) believe. You want a better life in America? Great! Learn English first, as that'll help you get better job opportunities. Second, become a citizen legally. Yeah, it takes a long time. But you know what? It takes just as long for people who aren't Hispanic. Hispanics expect (and too often get) special privileges.

They refuse to learn English and come here legally for one reason only: The Reconquista movement. (Google it, to find their websites, and what they're teaching the Mexican illegals to do, when they come here). They believe this is "their" land that we "stole" from them. They believe those of us who worked to build this nation are "illegal Pilgrims" who should be "sent back to Europe". Well, y'know, that's what happens in a war. One side wins. Borders are drawn. Laws are made. End of story.

Oh, yeah...I'm Irish, and my people didn't come over on the Mayflower, so quit calling me "Pilgrim". They came here legally, via Ellis Island.

If these people think they have it bad, they should have endured REAL injustice, the way Native Americans did. They should walk a mile in a gay man's shoes. Or be homeless in America.

You want to offer comfort to Mexican families? Stop buying marijuana, cocaine, etc. That will reduce the gang activity, and make it safer for Mexicans to live in Mexico. Encourage Congress to pass laws to stop hiring people illegally, forcing them to work in subhuman conditions. Help convince them to learn English and come here legally, so they won't have to worry about being deported.

All this would offer more comfort and a far more stable life than this nonsense of calling people racist and wanting to allow a sub-group of people to live in America.

Of course, I know I've lost 99% of people with this post, by suggesting that they stop poisoning their brains with dope.

[G_j]

8. already is

including all of the above

[ProgressiveProfessor]

10. The Cartels currently out gun the the Border Patrol and the current ROE

handicaps them as well. Short of giving the BP more firepower (or at least scoped rifles) and permission to use them, things will continue as they have. Sooner or later there will be an incident, BP people will die and then the cartels will be facing helo gunships...

[ColbertWatcher]

16. Soon, very soon.

The Mexican government sent over 1,000 troops to "patrol" Ciudad Juarez already.