Don't Neglect Mexico In US Foreign Policy Longmont Times-Call
go to original November 20, 2012

When US leaders list off points of emphasis on foreign policy, one is rarely, if ever, mentioned.

Mexico.

One is left to ask why that is. Is it too close? Do leaders have the notion of out of sight, out of mind? Or is the domestic issue of immigration so divisive that the secondary discussion of relations with Mexico is caught in its wake?

Unfortunately, the estimated 60,000 deaths from drug cartel violence in the past decade are evidence of the problem facing both governments, because the United States is the market for those drugs. Those drugs are still flowing over and around our borders with Mexico, along with many people whose intentions are more noble -- to support their families -- even if their actions are just as illegal.

According to recent polls, the majority of Americans feel the border is not yet secure. However, in 2011 President Barack Obama asserted the United States has "strengthened border security beyond what many believed was possible."

With such grave issues facing the two neighboring countries, one might believe discussions about them would have had a place in the recent presidential elections, or at least in congressional races across the country.

Unfortunately, silence was the norm on U.S.-Mexican relations through most of the campaign. The topic was dropped from the presidential debate dedicated solely to foreign policy issues.

In President Obama's second term, this country must work with Mexico's leaders when possible to address the flow of drugs and weapons across the border; and while Congress debates the domestic issues surrounding legal and illegal immigration, work with Mexico must continue to ensure those who might be tempted to cross the frontier illegally have more opportunity if they stay put.

But until leaders acknowledge the issues that face the United States and Mexico, nothing will change.

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