by S. L. Wheeler

Created on: May 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 06, 2009

Mexico, a country that in recent years has become a playground for Drug Cartels is one of the closest neighbors that the United States has. How should the U.S. react in response to the escalating drug violence currently plaguing that country?

Perhaps the first step that the United States should to take is to realize that the drug violence that is currently wreaking havoc in Mexico has already begun to infiltrate U.S. borders. The United States must realize that this is a shared problem and one that is going to require an aggressive approach.

The United States has already begun to increase border patrol agents along the United States and Mexico border, and this appears to be a step in the right direction. But, if the drug war continues to escalate at the rate that it has, a U.S. military presence may be the next step in protecting U.S. borders.

Banning assault weapons, a step that already appears to be in the works by the Obama administration, would also be a step in the right direction.

The United States should increase the number of roadside check points along the U.S./Mexico border. Perhaps by doing so the United States may be able to crack down on the numbers of vehicles smuggling illegal drugs, cash and weapons between the two countries.

Assembling a special task force, one whose main focus is on monitoring the activities of the Mexican Drug Cartels, their growth as well as their whereabouts, should be the next step for the Obama Administration.

The United States should also continue in its efforts to warn United States citizens who are planning to travel to Mexico, alerting them of the potential violence that the could encounter if they choose to travel to Mexico.

Finally, the United States needs to take a tough approach here at home when it comes to anti-drug education. Years ago there was the DARE campaign which focused on preventing young people from becoming involved in drugs. Perhaps its time to appeal to the youth of today with a similar type of message, one that warns them not only of the dangers of drugs, but the entire drug culture.

As the drug violence in Mexico escalates and the blood shed begins to run across the border into the United States, the U.S. will need to be prepared to fight. The Mexican Drug Cartels have already taken root in hundreds of cities throughout the United States, and if U.S. officials don't act soon, there may be no hope of winning what might be one of the worst drug wars of this generation.

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