Viva Mexico?

What I am going to talk about today is a topic which I am directly affected and moved by; the current drug war happening in my country, Mexico.

When I was little my favorite past time was to go out on Sundays with my family, walk in the central city “plaza” and eat my favorite street food “tacos al vapor”. As I grew older, these Sunday activities became a routine along with other activities like going out, and hanging out in different places of Monterrey Mexico; City in which I was raised. 

My grade eleven year of high school, Monterrey was not a place you wanted to live in. Streets were invaded with military men armed with large, intimidating weapons. Mexico, but Nuevo Leon in particular (a northern state in Mexico) was dealing with a drug war. Things started getting ugly, and all of us northern Mexican citizens were living under fear;  We didn't like it. My Sunday routine with my family started to stop happening, clubbing and partying with my friends was not an option, and living a normal life seemed impossible.  I was sent to British Columbia, Canada to a boarding school to finish high school. I can truly say I had the most amazing time and made the most amazing friends, but leaving my life behind was hard. I missed my family, friends and school, but I knew going back was jeopardizing my safety. I hated the fact that I had to leave not by choice but by an unfair situation. I hated reading the news and learning about a new fight, more death, and even worse, more kidnappings.

Mexico is awesome, I mean come on, everything is cheaper, the people are kind and friendly, the beaches are beautiful, the parties are amazing and the food is even better. I have always been really proud of my country and our achievements, until now. The situation has gotten out of control and we are in serious need of help. Over the years, the drug lords have become the new government. It is them who decide what is done, and they are the main authority. The rule with fear, and that is their biggest weapon. Citizens and politicians are scared of them so there is not much that we can do. I believe that the only solution is to get help from other major powers like the US. The U.S could bring an army, fight the drug lords.  It is only with the help of others that the drug war can finally be ended.


 It hurts to know that a place you loved so much has become a war and death zone and it only makes me think “how could this happen?”, “why us?”.

Since when did it become okay to kill innocent people, to take away someone’s freedom until you get their money? The situation disgusts me. It makes me feel helpless as there is nothing we can do to help. Corruption between the government and police forces overpower the goodness in the citizens, and an act of kindness and initiative can get you killed. 

I hope one day this will all come to an end, but for now the question is Viva Mexico! Really?