DRUG WAR

How Did It Come To This?

Shootings, executions and mutilations continue to be common in the
drug war, which claimed 3,000 lives in Juarez since it started in
January 2008. This is unacceptable. It's time the city takes
responsibility for the safety of its citizens.

There are 6,000 soldiers and 1,500 federal police in Juarez as part of
Joint Operation Chihuahua. This helped violence diminish because of
the 24-hour military presence, but tensions remain high. August ended
as the deadliest month ever, with more than 300 homicides.

Apparently, the military presence isn't enough to quell the violence.
The appropriate government entities need to take it up a notch in
stopping the drug war and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

As an American, I believe that every man is entitled to life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness. It's nearly impossible for the people
and victims of the drug war in Juarez to enjoy these inalienable
rights when they have to live in constant fear.

We all know how cruel the cartel can be and what they're capable of.
That's more reason to do whatever it takes to stop them. Too many
innocent lives have been taken to let this injustice continue.

Arturo Guzman

East El Paso