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On a recent weekend, 53 people were killed in Juarez, Mexico, just across the border from El Paso, Texas. The murders were part of the ongoing violence between rival drug cartels--a Dec. 15, 2010 CBS article reported over 3000 people killed in 2010, with almost 7400 killed in the last three years. A quote from that article: "More than 28,000 people have died throughout Mexico in the four years since President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against drug cartels when he took office in December 2006."
When we go down to the El Paso Airport, we usually stay away from I-10, which parallels the border along the Rio Grande for some miles. Although El Paso is one of the safest cities in the U.S., Ciudad Juarez is one of the most dangerous in the world. Stray bullets have been known to hit buildings and cars on our side of the border, which lies just down the slope in the foreground of this photo.
I shot this through our [dog-drooly] car window as we hurried past this place where people live in poverty and unimaginable danger, day in and day out. In spite of the poor quality of the photo, I thought it was important to show you this scene.
I can see why you would steer clear of that area. What a shame that so many have died all in the name of drugs.
ReplyDeleteIt is night and day when you cross the border. I just wonder how long before the violence spills over into the US.
ReplyDeleteSo sad, and so scary. They see no value in human life.
ReplyDeleteWow. I've driven by El Paso three times (on the way to see Carlsbad) and didn't realize how close I was to the border.
ReplyDeleteThe disparity in the world between rich and poor, safety and danger is heart rending. I wish I knew the answer. I’ve been reading Karen Armstrong’s book “Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life”, but that is the answer only if all participate.
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on down there is horrifying.
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