Kramer further stated that some of the US media coverage of the Mexcian drug war against drug cartels “falsely created the impresssion in the US that the area is unsafe for US visitors.” 

While the bi-national effort against the drug cartels is a serious ones, “visitors are not targeted” he said.  Kramer expects efforts by Mexican leaders, including Rosarito Beach hugo Torres, to be sucessful in rebuilding Mexico’s image, but said the country’s economy and many of its people currently are suffering because of the significant loss of tourism dollars, as reported in the Baja Times.

Kramer also discounted concerns related to the H1N1 (swine flu) as it had virtually no impact in Baja.  He cited as an example some cruise lines canceling voyages to Ensenada and diverting them to San Diego, which actually had more confirmed cases of the flu.

The city of Tijuana recorded only 90 homicides in the first quarter of 2009, compared to 421 homicides linked to organized crime during the last quarter of 2009.  

Of the 90 TJ victims, two  were US citizens.   One  a TJ fulltime resident,  and US drug convict,  was suspected of being involved in the  TJ drug trafficking. The other victim, who may have been a US tourist, traveled alone into TJ. His autopsy revealed he was under the influence of cocaine as reported by the Baja District Attorney  Both bodies were found in Playas de Tijuana.

With respect to the rest of Baja California (exclusive of TJ), only 18 homicides  were recorded in the first 90 days, compared with 96 in the last quarter of 2008.   NONE were US citizens, even though 300,000+ US citizens reside in Baja and thousands more visit each day.

In both the city and the state the homicide decrease amounted to 79%.

Despite the hype, spin and unsubstantiated ”drug war dangers “to toursits,  there were no other  tourists incidents reported in connection to the Mexican drug war in Baja from January 1-April 31 . 

AMAZINGLY, there appears to be little OR NO  US media coverage of this significant reduction in alleged violence.  Why bother with the “truth” when there’s plenty of    ”Hogwash Flu  panic-demic” to spread instead???

There may be many situations where a US citizen cannot obtain a passport, lost their passport during travel, or simply forgot to bring their passport with them.  What is likely to happen?

Essentially it is nearly impossible for the Dept. of State to PROHIBIT  a legitimate US citizen from returning the their homeland.  That would be absurd.  Likewise, there is no apparent “criminal” sanction for failing to present a passport, even if the law “requires” one. 

Prior to June 1, 2009, the pending policy requires that, if without a passport, a US citizen needs to present a Drivers License or some other type of authentic government issued picture ID together with a birth certificate.  The idea is to provide sufficient evidence to establish the bearer’s valid citizenship.  Despite the June 1, change, it is likely that travelers who lack a valid passport, will be allowed to return under similar circumstances. 

When one comes into a port, or at a land crossing, the border guard requests a passport (or other acceptable travel documentation) from the traveler.  If the traveler is unable to present the same, the guard will probably refer the traveler to “secondary inspection”.   This is usually another nearby area, where another guard will review any/all docuementation that the traveler may have, to verify status.  They do so via computer database, so it may take 5 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour or more, depending on how busy the station is at that time.

Accordingly, although a passport is “required” , in the end, it is more of a vehicle of convenience than a “do or die” ultimatum, if in fact, you are a legitimate US citizen.  If you do not have a passport, the more documentation that you can provide (e.g. drivers license, birth certificate, social security card, etc.) the faster the procession will be.  It is even conceivable that if you are traveling with a group of passport holders, especially at a land crossing, the guard may let you across upon providing other proof, although this should not be relied upon.

Finally, if you CAN obtain a passport, but simply haven’t as of yet; go to your local Post Office and apply for your passport, (or if you are crossing a land border–a passport card), and keep hold of your receipt.  When crossing into USA, present your Driver’s License, birth certificate AND the receipt from your passport submission.  No Hay Problema!

(It is important for the reader to understand, that this is the author’s “opinion” predicated upon legal research, and practical expericence, but should not be relied upon as legal advice).  However, even a layperson should realize that there is virtually no method for the government to require US citizens to remain in Canada, Mexico or “in custody”, when in fact you are a US citizen returning to the USA! 

BTW, for those traveling into Baja, Mexico, they have not, and have no plans of requiring a US passport when coming into Mexico.

For more information visit the State Department website pertaining to the same

The CDC and Dept of State rescinded the HOGWASH Flu (H1N1 ) travel advisory which all but shut down all cruiseline visits to the Baja port of calls.  Apparently after the World Health Organization criticized the US action as “ineffective”, the CDC et. al. issued its  bulletin on Friday May 15: 

  ”Mexico- H1N1 Influenza Travel Alert No Longer in Effect

May 15, 2009 

The Department of State wishes to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico that on May 15 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its recommendation that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.  As a result of the CDC’s decision, the State Department’s Travel Alert relating to the 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreak is no longer in effect. ”

The misguided initiative was originally predicated upon faulty information pertaining to the origin of the flu, specifically that it began in central mexico with up to 150 deaths and up to 2000 cases associated with the same.  HOWEVER, upon followup investigation and in depth analysis of the H1N1 strain, it was determined that the death count in Mexico was less than TWENTY,(and less than 800 cases) and that the incidence was no more significant or deadly than seasonal flu which kills up to 63,000 americans each year!   As NOW reported on the CDC website:

“CDC tracks U.S. influenza activity through multiple systems across five categories. The fact that novel H1N1 activity is now detected through seasonal surveillance systems is an indication that there are higher levels of influenza-like illness in the United States than is normal for this time of year. About half of all influenza viruses being detected are novel H1N1 viruses. “

Extrapolating those numbers one could suggest that 20,000-30,000 cases of H1N1 flu may be floating around the USA.  Obviously, if this is the case, the WORLD should issue a travel advisory banning tourism and “non-essential” travel to the USA in light of the Dept. of States’ similar disposition less than 2 weeks ago!

It is also important to note, that many experts now disagree as to the geographic origin of the H1N1, originally blamed on Mexico (as if it really matters once it spreads).  Indeed, many suggest that it originated in the USA and was spread to Mexico, BUT since the Drug war hype was beginning to wane, the US needed another panic to deter US travel/tourism to Mexico to keep US travel dollars inside its borders during this economic meltdown. 

What’s next on the Dept. of State Agenda????  OH YES, NOW ITS TIME TO ENFORCE THE PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS…another ridiculous requirement predicated upon 9-11 paranoia. (As if the 9-11 perpetrators would have attempted to enter the US and carryout such an attack without proper travel documentation (fraudulent or otherwise). …PLEASE….

But one must admit that the 3 tiered plan is working masterfully, First, drug war fallacy (2008-2009; Second Hogwash Flu (just in time to deter summer 2009 travel) Third, passport enforcement delayed until June 2009 to furtther impeded Baja tourism. 

ALL of these measures have little to no impact upon legitimate US tourism in Baja (other than decreasing the numbers)!  Tourist are not being murdered in drugwar; no one died of Hogwash Flu in Baja AT ALL; and the passport requirement is a silly buearacratic requirement that will protect no one from a terrorist attack since such criminals operate at a sophisticated level (ie. the 9-11 terrorist were in the US w/ accepted travel documentation—none were here as illegal aliens!—none came through Mexico!!!)

Ironically, it seems, Mexico’s Premier Drug Warrior:  President Felipe Calderon, HIMSELF, introduced the legislation earlier this year.   According to Reuters, as of May 1^st, both legislative houses of the Mexican Congress had approved of the bill,  and it was awaiting Calderon’s signature:  a foregone conclusion.

The new law allows users to posses up to 5 grams of  marijuana (.50) grams of cocaine, (50 mg) heroin, and small amounts of methamphetamine. 

But before your party posse packs up the pickup to move to “Baja-Lee”, you should strongly consider some other issues:  The new law significantly enhances penalties for those in possession of amounts  larger than those decriminalized (e.g. 6 grams of pot is BIG PROBLEM).  It likewise divests law enforcement from the Federal Judiciary to state and local law enforcement (i.e. Poncho the Pueblo policeman can haul you in) a situation heretofore preserved for the Federales.   Finally, even small time users, can be mandated to drug rehabilitation.  AND I doubt its the Betty Ford clinic!!!

Apparently there is a large constituency of anti-drug war activists who insists that the new law is simply another mechanism to INCREASE the assault against small time street dealers while ignoring the Tony Montanas. 

It is worth noting, however, that in 2006 almost identical legislation was proposed/passed by the Mexican congress.  At that time President Vicente Fox vetoed the measure at the last minute apparently under the pressure of the US.  Fox, has recently come out opposing drug prohibition,  requesting  decriminalization of ALL marijuana usage in Mexico. 

It is beyond the scope/desire of the BTA to engage in the politics involved in the action, but merely to inform. Alas, this is NOT the law—YET —and prudence suggests that its better to “wait and not inhale  too quickly!!!”

  Mexico which had virtually shut down many aspects of community gatherings beginning May 1-6 th actually reopened the same a day earlier than expected in light of significant evidence substantiating that the flu was much milder and less contagious than originally spun by the US media a few weeks earlier. 

Mexico may have been its own worse enemy when prematurely reporting up to 1600 cases of “swine-flu” and perhaps 150 deaths, which later turned out to be unverifiable.  Indeed, when the cases/corpses were later examined by US labs, it was determined that only 19 had died and of the 800+ cases, almost everyone recovered when treated properly. 

WHO also acknowledged that the flu was now worldwide and that restricting travel served little purpose but to disrupt global activity, and imposing travel restrictions would be fruitless.

Yesterday, May 14, in response to such recommendations, Carnival cruise line president,  Mickey Aris0n, wrote a letter to President Obama, and Hillary Clinton requesting that the CDC remove the travel advisory affecting Mexico so that cruise ships could fulfill their itinearies as opposed to being diverted to US ports.  Arison wrote:

“The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s medical professionals “agree with the CDC and WHO officials who have publicly stated that the H1N1 virus is generally no greater health risk than seasonal influenza,”

However, you can bet that the San Diego, and LA press will continue to push for travel restrictions by perpetuating the “chicken little” hogwash fallacy, as tens of millions in cruise ship revenues continue to pour into their communities creating an economic windfall as travelers spend their travel dollars in US ports rather than their original Mexican destinations. 

The Hogwash-flu panic-demic is nothing more than another great American swindle to keep US tourism dollars in the USA, and perpetuate a pharmaceutical investment windfall as the government pours more money into vaccine stockpiles…. sounds like a grand  ole bureaucratic hoot-en-nanny complete with “hogwash flu-stew cookin right up in US  Pork Barrel kitchens!!!

As for Baja Mexico, there are NO reported deaths as of today from Hogwash flu.  Meanwhile 2 people have died in Southern CA.  But even that situation has stabilized. 

The bottom-line is however, you are MORE likely to contract hogwash flu in the USA than in Baja.  You are also at least as likely to get sick (or die) from the common flu in the USA than from hogwash flu in Baja.

Obviously, no conscientious person would consider such a thing (aside from the fact that very few of us know incarcerated drug convicts of which we would consider our friends). 

Yet this is what 3 American youths, and their Mexican friend apparently did last weekend, as attested by the investigators.  The  bodies of  Brianna Aguilera, Carmen Chavez,  Louis Gomez, Oscar Garcia, ages 19-23, were discovered early Saturday morning.  They were found bludgeoned and covered in blankets in an unmarked van abandoned by the roadway. 

Anyone reading this story would ask themselves “what were those people thinking?” –or better yet—”why would they want to go there under any circumstances?”  The answer of which could be hypothesized into various scenarios, none of which would suggest that their motives were entirely “innocent”. 

For most of us, reading such a story, the conclusion would be either: 1) they were just plain stupid or 2) they must have been involved in illicit activity associated with the convict who placed them in jeopardy in the first place.  Some would draw the unfortunate conclusion that they got what they deserved.

However, this crime did not, apparently, take place in East LA, but rather in Valle Dorado area of Tijuana. An area where Abigail Lopez, who lives near where the bodies were discovered, said death from drug dealing is a “normal occurence living here.”

Lopez said she fears for her life. “That’s why we never go outside. We’re always inside our house, it is very dangerous.”

But in spite of these reports, the US media is again bashing Baja for what anyone would classify as a stupid error in judgment.  Had this SAME incident taken place in East LA, would there be any blame directed at US law enforcement, or the people of Los Angeles or California?  No, we would all shake our heads and ponder the absurd decision-making process undertaken by the unfortunate 4.  The story would end there.

Meanwhile, the US P-3 spin is all fired up.  Many reports either ignore or downplay the connection among the victims and the convict who sent the letter. 

Many reports are suggesting that all the victims were US citizens which is not the case (calling the “San Diegans”).  Ms. Chavez was a Mexican citizen, which would suggest that perhaps there were familial ties to TJ.

Other reports attempt to suggest that “teens” were killed, yet only one victim was under 20. 

Some are attempting to paint the TJ trip as a simple night out in the tourist-bar area of downtown TJ, however, there has been NO EYE WITNESS REPORTS that the victims ever went to any TJ nightclubs that weekend. 

Having researched the US dept. of State database of US citizens murdered in Baja over the last 6 years, it is clear to me that these victims were murdered in a fashion characteristic of a professional narco-hit.  The victims were not innocent US tourist visiting museums, cathedrals, or vacationing at a beachfront resort.

As reported by channel 6 news (San Diego); Most family friends did not want to comment publicly, fearing retribution from Mexican drug cartels. One said, “you don’t want to mess with these people.”

Obviously, there appears to be more to this story.

The bottom-line is that if you are a US citizen, coming to Mexico “to party” in the dangerous areas of east TJ, or to participate in illicit activity associated with the same, you risk your life….just as you would if you chose to engage in the same activity in East LA, Detroit, New Orleans, or Philadelphia. 

As for most of the rest of TJ, and all of the remainder of Baja,  the first quarter of 2009 has shown a 79% decrease in deaths from drug violence, (although none has been directed at US tourists in the first place).

For the normal, US law abiding tourist, “you have nothing to fear but fear itself!” 

Our condolences go out to the victims’ families and friends.  It’s a terrible tragedy.

If the threat of murder hasn’t succeeded, in deterring ALL US tourism, perhaps CONTAGOUS DISEASE….from a PIG, to a human etc. etc. etc. will. And, indeed, it has!  Mexico has been pressured to close their schools, universities, ports, and even curtailed public gatherings in hopes of staving off an alleged pandemic….BUT its all HOGWASH!

FACT 1: WHO estimates 250,000-500,000 people die each year worldwide from the flu. 

FACT 2; 63,000 US citizens die from the flu EACH YEAR IN THE USA!!! 

FACT 3:  Over the course of 3 months there have been 19 deaths, confirmed as related to the A(H1N1), virus.  That’s 19 deaths in a country of 110 MILLION PEOPLE! 

FACT 4:There have been MORE cases of Pig Flu in San Diego County than in all of Baja Mexico.

Fact 5: The only “pig flu”  US death was in SAN DIEGO.  There have been no deaths in either north or South Baja!

FACT 6:  The “bird flu pandemic” of 2005 caused a total of 276 deaths on a planet of 7 BILLION PEOPLE! Yet government backed pharmaceutical companies generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues to research, produce, procure and stockpile vaccine for the anticipated outbreak that never happened.

Analysis;  Remember the last statistic brings into discussion the recent “chicken little” scenarios of this millennium” the Y2K bug (everything was goinna shut down, so don’t go to Mexico—you may not be allowed back into USA); 9-11  the terrorists are all over the place, and must certainly have come through Mexico—so seal the border;  Saddam Hussein’s Weapons of Mass Destruction which led to the invasion of Iraq and the insuing quagmire that we still deal address;  the SARS virus; and  2005 bird flu… which probably caused more deaths by those taking the vaccine  than actually died from the virus itself! 

Although all this media frenzy, public outcry and paranoia sells newspapers and advertising, it is unreasonable to conclude that many lives have been saved as a result of the remedial measures demanded by the media and implemented after the fact.  But the spin is rotating, and continues to bash Baja regardless of the facts.

Meanwhile, the economic boon for US tourism, yet again reaps huge rewards.  For instance, as a result of the closure of  Mexican ports to cruise ships–the diverted cruise line traffic–, into San Diego alone, re-directed over $2million/week in tourism revenue!  As for Mexico, they lost far more than San Diego’s revenue as ports throughout the southwest received a much needed injection of tourism revenue during this recession!  God bless the American P-3 spin, as it has successfully brain-washed its readership that Mexico is responsible for this flu, and US citizens should not travel into Mexico except for essential travel.

However, when one extrapolates the ongoing flu-related deaths (separate from the pig flu), more than 120 people died TODAY in CALIFORNIA, than all of Mexico from the pig-flu! 

Bottom-line: You have a greater likelihood of  contracting or dying from the flu in your own backyard than you would traveling to Baja!  As for the silly mask people have been wearing…they don’t deflect flu virus anyway, they only serve to keep the wearer from spreading their infection…. aka “LET THE WEARER BEWARE”

Spring break generally begins in late February and runs through mid April, depending on which university one attends. The  peak of activity falls around the Easter weekend, and drops dramatically thereafter with 90% of travel in process or completed by Easter Sunday itself. 

So here we are, the day after Easter, and 90,000 people have visited Mexico in the midst of the media frenzy sourrounding the Mexican drug war…So where’s the stack of US bodies of innocent spring break bystanders murdered in Mexico?

Where is the  media coverage???

There is NONE because there is nothing to report.  No one has died, as of yet, or WE WOULD ALL KNOW!!!

Meanwhile, Palm Springs, San Diego, Las Vegas, are experiencing unprecedented spring break BOOMS of tourism in spite of a recession compared to the GREAT DEPRESSSION…now isn’t that just predictably wonderful???

The fact is, with the US economy in a slump, major travel brokers found it much more “feasible” to divert their customers to US resorts, as opposed to losing them over the media spin that has attacked Mexico, and especially Baja over the last 2 months.  And why would the media engage in such conduct, when there is absolutely no statistical correlation between the Mexican drug war deaths and spring break?

Here’s the equation:
US resorts spend lotsa $$ months/years in advance to buy advertising in US media. 
US depression = less $$ for US resorts.
Less $$ for US resorts = less advertising revenue for future ad buys in US media. 

THEREFORE, US media bashes Baja, Mexico, and travel agents divert customers to starving US resorts who will cut incredible deals for agents, and in turn spend more $$ ON US MEDIA!!!

The sum of this equation is easy, make Mexico the fall guy and no one north of the border gets hurt…they all profit, in spite of recession.

Upon reading this you might think “well its about time they do something about all those deaths in Baja”….BUT WAIT!!! This isn’t about Baja and its not even about the Mexican drug war….its about MASS MURDER ON THE STREETS OF THE USA!!!

Indeed a little more than 3 months into 2009, and there have been 57 executions of US citizens in mass murder shooting sprees in the USA.  These stats do NOT include the everyday homicides connected to drug violence on US city streets.  These 57 deaths are random acts of violence, the latest of which claimed 13 victims at an immigration center in New York. 

IMPORTANTLY those 57 executions in 95 days represent more  innocent US citizen-victims than have been allegedly murdered in all of Mexico during the so called Mexican drug war, since the violence began SIX YEARS AGO!!!

Has anyone noticed that the news has no longer focused, in the last couple weeks, upon the “dangers to US tourist” traveling to Mexico?

The reason is two fold:

1) With regard to this article it would be nothingless than overt-complete hypocracy to suggest that Gringos should be deterred to travel in Mexico, when they stand a greater chance being murdered at a government office, attending church, or sitting on their front porch in the USA;

2) The media bashing of Mexico (and Baja) travel has succeeded in destroying Spring Break vacations, and thus will back down a month or so, before renewing their assault in time to attempt to wreck havoc on Summer vacation planning;

CONCLUSION: American citizens are far safer touring/traveling in Mexico than they could ever reasonably expect to be in USA! 

source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-08-shootings_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Posted by BajaBrent at 4/9/2009 10:17 AM | Add Comment