Drug Cartels are "Insurrectionists," Aren't They?

United States Undersecretary of the Army Joseph Wesphal is doing the "Westphalia Waltz" on his statement from Monday that the drug cartels were so powerful that they were "insurrectionists" and that he could personally see where it might be appropriate for United States armed forces to support the current government of Mexico by committing combat units to Mexico's War on Drugs. 

Apparently certain people both in the United States and in Mexico were upset by the Underscretary's words.  For one thing, Wesphal seemed to disparage the Mexican government's power and strength to overcome the cartels.  But the second, and possibly most alarming aspect, is the gentle hint that American forces might join the fray.  The Mexican government and the Mexican people may well be more wary about an American incursion into Mexico than they are about the Cartels' power.  The memory of the War of 1842 and the Expeditions of the early twentieth century probably still leave a sour taste in the mouths of many Mexicans.  Remember, most of the southwestern United States was taken in the 1842 war.  Okay, I know it was "purchased" but let us call it what it really was - a land grab that was followed by a ten million dollar payment to ease this Nation's conscience.

I propose that the United States withdraw its armed forces from most of the endless and non-productive conflicts in which we are currently involved, return most of these forces to the States, and then militarize the southern border.  I have confidence that the legitimate government of Mexico will prevail, or the people themselves will eventually rise and overcome the cartels.  In either scenario, armed forces of the United States would and should remain on the northern side of the Rio Bravo.  If the Mexican government needs U.S. military intervention, let it request such aid, then determine what specific missions the United States military would undertake, and how long U.S armed forces would operate in Mexico.  And, I would like to see Congress stand up, use their war powers and stop the US-Mexican operations on a specific deadline.

I personally would not like to see the forces of ANY nation occupy cities or the country side in the United States.  I am reasonably sure that Mexican citizens feel this same sense of hesitation and distaste for any prospect of United States troops occupying Mexico, regardless of the pretext or the need to do so.  The Undersecretary of State called the cartels "insurrectionists."  He apparently did not have the blessings of those above him to make these statements.  But the truth is, the cartels are challenging the very existence of the legitimate government of Mexico.  I don't know about you, but the last time I checked, this was indeed the definition of being in a state of "insurrection."  I am proud of Joseph Westphal for saying what he really meant, but I am not pleased with his resort to the "Westphalia" waltz to save his skin and save face for those who are not dealing successfully dealing with the problems of Mexico in a decisive way.