We know of the war against the Taliban and Ben Laden, but there is a hot war raging close to we Texans, even spilling over into our streets. It is the drug war, or wars, being fought among those who value the lucrative trails that bring the dope across our borders. In today's (Saturday) Caller-Times the Department of Public Safety is advising spring breakers to avoid Mexican border cities because there is so much violence there. A State Department Web site also lists a travel alert concerning Mexico. Ciudad Juarez is the city across from El Paso. Juarez has been the most dangerous of all border cities. The drug cartels and corrupt police are fighting over the control of the trade in cocaine, heroin and marijuana. In the past year over 2,000 people have been murdered in Juarez! The citizens are frightened to go into the streets after dark. The President of Mexico has ordered 9,200 soldiers and federal officers into the city.
Over in Nuevo Laredo there is also violence. It reaches from there to Reynosa across from McAllen, Texas, and extends to other border cities. Last Tuesday a warning was issued in Nuevo Laredo of an ongoing gun battle taking place near the Zoo. US citizens were urged to take shelter and follow precautions until the fighting subsides.
So what is the solution? A wall? More Border Patrol? Legalization of these deadly drugs? Stricter law enforcement backed by the courts? Capitol punishment for major offenders? Close our eyes and hope it will go away? Stricter penalties for those who purchase these drugs in the US? Even if I had the answer no one would listen to it, but everyone needs to be aware of the increasing dangers. We have drug battles almost every day in Corpus Christi between rival gangs. They often take innocent lives.
We all know the ultimate answer lies in changed hearts and lives. That can and does happen. Those caught up in this war can be rescued by the Lord. It is not an easy rescue, and even poses dangers to the rescuers.
Be aware this war is close and it is violent and dangerous.
