Job Discussion Forums

[Prof.Gringo]

Even places which people deem safe are not:

Lake Chapala

During the mid-morning hours of 29 November, an American citizen living in the Lake Chapala area of Jalisco was murdered outside his home during an apparent robbery attempt. Lake Chapala, a popular retirement community located 30 miles south of Guadalajara, is home to approximately 18,000 American citizens.

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/embassy-messages.html

[Prof.Gringo]

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens from U.S. Embassy Mexico City� Veracruz OCTOBER 11 2011

In recent months, the state of Veracruz has seen an increase in violence among rival criminal organizations. In response, the Government of Mexico has sent additional military and federal police to the state and recently announced the start of an operation called �Veracruz Seguro� that will be carried out by Federal and State security forces and focus on combating organized crime.



Based on the increased activity, the U.S. Embassy advises all American citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant when traveling in the State of Veracruz. Due to the unpredictable and fluid nature of organized crime-related violence, keep in mind that serious crime can occur at any place and at any time without warning. American citizens are reminded to be conscious of their surroundings, maintain a high level of self-awareness, and report any suspicious activity immediately to Mexican authorities.

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_emergency_messages/emergency-message-for-u.s.-citizens-from-u.s.-embassy-mexico-city-veracruz

The US Embassy warned US citizens about the increase in narco violence well before the attack which left 3 Americans dead.

[Prof.Gringo]

More info about the bus attacks:

Early in the morning of December 22, several vehicles, including three ordinary passenger buses, were attacked with gunfire in northern Veracruz state, resulting in several deaths. One of these buses was traveling on Highway 105 between the municipalities of Panuco and Tempoal.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City reminds American citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant when traveling in the State of Veracruz. American citizens residing in, visiting, or traveling through the northern portion of Veracruz that borders Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi should maintain a heightened sense of alert. Americans in this area should monitor local news and information to stay informed about situations that could affect their security. The Embassy also reminds American citizens to avoid intercity road travel at night.

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_emergency_messages/bus-attacks-in-northern-veracruz.html

[Tretyakovskii]

I've always shrugged off State Dept warnings which, so far as I'm aware, only relate to foreign countries and their problems with violence and crime. If they were issuing warnings for the territory of the U.S. they would be busy indeed, with such things as-

"Citizens are warned of deteriorating security conditions associated with the holiday season. Those traveling in north Texas in particular are warned to be vigilent and avoid anyone seen in costumes resembling those of Santa Claus or his helpers. In a small village near the Dallas metroplex six people were gunned down in their home, Saturday, by a man posing as Santa Claus. Such incidents can be expected to continue until inroads are made on level of violence that prevails in the country at this time. In the meantime, remain alert."

[Prof.Gringo]

[Tretyakovskii]

Well, start looking at the total number of people murdered each year in the U.S., and the numbers can easily compete with the numbers you gave for Mexico.

Here's the official, U.S. Government figure for 2007- 18,361 dead; add just a few years of that and you can easily get to Mexico's numbers, such as those you mentioned.

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/homicide.htm

We're so used to killings in the U.S. that we hardly ever stop to think about what it adds up to, over time. It's far worse than the average annual of deaths suffered by U.S. troops during the ten years of the Vietnam War.

You really don't have to leave the country, to get killed.

[Prof.Gringo]