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Should American soldiers be deployed to U.S.-Mexico border?
By GabeSemenza in Crowdsourcing
November 17, 2008

Violence in Mexico has reached unprecedented levels, and the dangers are spilling into the United States.

So, how do you stop it?

Some say the U.S. monetary aid bound for Mexico is a start. Equip the Mexican military and let them handle their own.

Others say we can't sit back and let a neighboring country contain a problem that is quickly and violently becoming our own. Put U.S. soldiers -- even National Guard troops -- there to help the U.S. Border Patrol.

What do you think?

Those I've talked to who oppose U.S. soldiers on the border say:

* It would send the wrong message to upstanding Mexico citizens and politicians and fuel an international incident.

* Drug cartels are Mexico's problem. Give Mexico the help needed to fight powerful smugglers on their turf.

* Positioning soldiers on the border would hurt trade relations. The U.S. depends on Mexico's exports and labor force. A military presence would stymie both.

Those I've talked to who favor U.S. soldiers on the border say:

* The U.S. Border Patrol and border sheriffs are outmanned and outgunned in every way.

* Violence has reached unprecedented levels in Mexico, and it's only time before we're fighting it daily in our own streets. More than 300 U.S. citizens living in Phoenix were kidnapped this year. More than 40 are missing from Laredo and 50 from El Paso.

* Drug cartels are an American problem. They traffic illicit narcotics to every corner of this country and we have to fight the people who deliver the drugs here.

I'm working on a story about this set to publish next week. I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

As always, post your thoughts in here, or reach me at gsemenza@vicad.com or 361-580-6519.

Thanks for your help,

Gabe Semenza/Advocate public service editor