Cody Rodgers

U.S. Mexico Relations

Section 04

Part I. The Current Event

Reed Karaim, U.S. Mexico Relations, CQ Researcher September 2, 2016

http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2016090200

As neighbors, it has always been in our best interest to be cooperative and

internationally friendly with Mexico. In recent years however, and in the wake of one
of the most sideways presidential elections in our countrys history, our relationship
has suffered. On the Mexican side they have their own problems to deal with.
Namely, guns, drug lords and slightly less than half, of their population under the
poverty line. In America we have spent decades going back and forth on
immigration and labor policies, now siding with the idea that illegal immigrants are
a problem that needs to be readdressed; Not to mention the Drug War and a slew of
other border concerns. The article examines many aspects of this international
relationship, taking an unbiased look at what should be done about the issues
involved.

Part II. Chapter Summary

Activity in Government almost always has a direct impact on our economy

Americas market economy is a hybrid of Free enterprise capitalism and
socialism, called welfare state capitalism
Policies to influence economic activity have always been a part of the
American political landscape
Government intervention in economies is mainly used to slow down
monopolies, regulate inflation and provide public service
NAFTA has been an important piece in helping trade growth throughout North
America (A topic of debate among experts, however)
With the enormous size of our government in recent decades, deregulation
efforts are becoming more and more common in an effort to increase free-
trade
While a perfectly stable economy is a fantasy, governments, corporations and
entrepreneurs alike are constantly finding new ways to create an
environment in which the economy succeeds

Part III. Analysis

Americans can forget at times, but there are parallels between the United States
and Mexico. We are both conquered lands from the Age of Exploration, we share a
common friend (democracy) and we both dislike the cartels. I think we lose sight of
these similarities because we are fighting different battles. In Mexico, they are
fighting against guns produced in the United States. In America, we are fighting
against drugs produced & distributed from Mexico. How will this international
downward spiral be stopped, you ask? At the source, of course Legislature!
Implementing laws and regulations in an effort to accomplish the tasks at hand (i.e.
reduce smuggling, monitor gun exports, etc.) will help all parties establish good
communication and trade. Furthermore, it is likely to boost the economy especially
in areas near the border.

It is interesting to note that the two sides of the border are essentially intertwined,
and in order for us to create constructive legislature we must cooperate with
Mexico. Eric Hoffer states, It is easier to love humanity than to Love your
neighbor, and although this may currently resonate with some of our elected
officials on both sides, I believe we can tolerate one another in an effort to resolve
border issues regardless of our past differences. If we do not, Trumpty Dumpty
may be sitting on top of the wall in the near future, and then what will we do?