Trouble Down South, Down Mexico Way

     No, it's not about the "Wall"; no, it's not about NAFTA or jobs.  It's about danger to travelers who are not aware of the crime wave sweeping the country.  The U.S. Dept. of State, the department charged with continuous observation of conditions within the borders of every foreign country, has issued a rare warning in Category 4-its highest alert to travelers.   This is the result of increased risk to travelers from widespread homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery.  The five Mexican states named are Tamaulipason the US border, and Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Sinaloa.
      Violence in Mexico claimed 22,409 lives in 2017(11 mos), the most in 20 years.  The warning level in Baja and Quintana Roo were unchanged at 2.   11 other states had their level raised to 3.  By comparison, the level 4 warnings are identical to the war-torn countries of Syria, Yemen, and Somalia.
     The head of State Tourism acknowledged that there is a problem, but said that tourists should not be afraid to travel.  Yea, right.  The drug cartels are taking over the country from top to bottom.  Unless the government gets a handle on this lawlessness, the entire population will suffer the consequences.   Frustrated residents in Michoacan state rose up against the gangs as vigilantes because the government would not take action.  It is a sad testimony to a lack of concern for average Mexicans.