An article by Peter Leeson discusses how changes in the law were a vital element in 18th century British success against pirates. By allowing the trial and execution of pirates on location, and making conviction easier, "the Caribbean pirates’ flourishing community was brought to a screeching halt," according to the article.

Perhaps similar measures are necessary for success in the war against organized crime in Mexico. I'm reluctant to support such measures because I suspect that government officials have used the drug war and a terrified public in order to put away innocent folks who were "politically inconvenient" to said officials. In general I'm uncomfortable with putting aside anybody's basic human rights, even to achieve a desirable end -- I was not a big fan of the USA PATRIOT act or other measures taken in the U.S. war against terrorism; I don't intend to support similar efforts in Mexico. Nevertheless, we are fast approaching a time where all people will have to decide what sort of balance they want to strike between freedom and security, and government officials in search of more power are reluctant to suggest that there may be a way for the two to coexist...

IPS has an interesting article touching on the link between poverty and conflict, and its ecological effects. The article focuses particularly on Baja California and the drug wars:

Driving along a deserted highway, Plopper laments the losses he’s witnessed. "First came the Spanish missionaries, then the miners, and now the land speculators, they all went bust," says Plopper.

Most Mexican residents and activists invested in preserving Mexico’s rich natural heritage hope the cartels meet with similar success.

The entire article is a worthwhile read.

WiLDCOAST is seeking support for a bill in the Senate to help deal with some of the waste that flows into California from Tijuana every year:

Storm water flows carry thousands of waste tires every year across the border from Tijuana into California creating significant environmental, public health, and economic impacts. The most efficient and cost-effective way to deal with these waste tires is to develop cooperative projects in the Mexican portion of the watershed. Yet, despite existing funding, there is no mechanism to allow state agencies to support these projects. WiLDCOAST and Break the Tire Cycle Coalition are sponsoring SB 167 (Ducheny) to solve this problem by giving the state the authority to support cooperative bi-national projects. SB 167 could go to a floor vote in the Senate as early as Thursday, May 14.

Read the whole thing. The article includes a link to contact your legislator to show support for this bill.

I've been keeping track of the water crisis in Mexico City and other areas via the Mexican media, but Frosty Woolridge has an interesting writeup of the issue in English at the National Writers Syndicate:

In a scorching report from the desert bowl of Mexico City, we find water shortages at desperate levels. In many places in Mexico, because of terrific toxic pollution of existing water supplies, mothers feed their babies Coca Cola in order to make sure their children do not suffer poisoning.

Read the whole thing. San Diego may be facing a similar disaster, thanks in part to its corrupt, inept, and self-serving politicians.

On Saturday May 2, 2009, I visited a Tijuana that was distinct from the Tijuana I know and loathe. As a frequent visitor to Rosarito, I regularly pass through the bustling border town on my way down, but this time it was different: it was during the swine flu scare.

For starters, Tijuana was bereft of tourists. I spent 11 hours between Tijuana and Rosarito without seeing a single white person. Although tourism has dropped dramatically over the past few years, it had never hit absolute zero. Tourists willing to brave the drug-related violence were apparently unwilling to brave the flu.