Mexican Politics, Culture and Drug Wars

Table of Contents Introduction Politics Culture Drug wars Conclusion References Introduction Mexico is a democratic country, whose democracy arose from the elections conducted in 2000, which brought about sharing of power in the government and a more transparent nation. Proliferation and forwarding of agendas by strong grassroots organizations to the forefront of political interests has rubbed the authorities the wrong way.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Mexican Politics, Culture and Drug Wars specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The democracy change increased the labor unions in the country. However, majority of these labor unions are co-opted by the government although the independent ones have become vigorous in protests. Despite the welcoming news of a democratic state and transparent elections, more still needs to be done to straighten up the moral, political and social decay that have engulf the c ountry. Corruption in institutions, weak judicial system, drug wars and the disparity between the rich and the poor are just but a few of the complex problems that are facing Mexico, and whose solutions are yet to be found. Moreover, social movements have arisen from strident voices that test the government’s commitment to change (Foster, 2010, p 241,242) Foster suggested that political assassinations, uprisings, and high levels of corruptions are some of the factors that siphoned the country’s energy despite the country pushing for democracy (Foster, 2010, p 223). Politics The 10-year civil war of Mexico that lasted from 1910 to 1920 is believed to be the key that opened up the doors to the new constitution of 1917. It is approximated that more than 2 million people died because of the war. New political structures were created and the birth of mestizo nation was delivered. The revolution that started at that time destroyed feudalism as labor unions were created, and in addition to this, the revolution gave the people a sense of belonging and pride for their own culture which was referred to as mexicandad (Foster, 2010, p 161) In the 1980s, the Mexican economy was contracting by 6% annually due to international debts. Upon negotiations, the Mexican government committed 53% o its federal budget to the repayment of the debt. This meant no economic growth was to be expected in Mexico in the following decades. The fallouts both politically and socially were enormous; indeed, this period is stated to be the most demoralizing period in Mexican history as majority of Mexicans suffered due to increase to food prices (Foster, 2010, p 215)Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The PRI party had been the ruling party and in 1988, it faced its first challenge politically from Carlos Salinas de Gortari. The country during that time was facing recession and the IMF due to repayments of debts undertook its fortunes. Support for the PRI party decreased from populist groups as clamor for democracy went a notch higher and criticisms mounted by the public on PRI took toll when one key member o//74f the party abandons the party. PRI party later won the presidency amid calls of rigging (Foster, 2010, p 223-224). The first president who was not a member of PRI was elected in July 2, 2000 in an election that was termed as a transparent and democratic. The PRI members cried foul as they fought amongst themselves. The results were declared as Mexico’s victory as they ushered in democracy in Mexico. Although the PRI party had been defeated, it was thanks to the combined efforts of the opposition parties (Foster, 2010, p 242) The politics of Mexico however have been clouded by corruption brought about by the drug cartels. Raul Salinas, the brother to the former president of Mexico is said to have been arrested because of his participation i n the covering up of Ruiz Massieu’s murder. His access to his brother made many to believe that the president was involved in one way or the other. This just indicated how far the levels of corruption could spread within the Mexican politics (Kirkwood, 2010, p 202) Culture The aesthetic realm and the culture in politics are the two cultural complexes that attract foreigners to Mexico. The philosophers and the intellectuals of the nineteenth century were obsessed with the fascinating combination of barbarism and civilization (Henderson, Joseph, 2002, p1). According to Joseph and Henderson, the murals painted on walls of public ministries and the evocative woodcuts of Posada, were all a powerful appeal to tourists (Henderson, Joseph, 2002, p2). Mexico being an extraordinary and unique country has the potential of shedding light on major problems facing it as a developing country once its culture, history, and politics have been examined (Henderson, Joseph, 2002, p4). The Spania rd are said to have introduced new races in Mexico in the course of their colonization. An example of these races was the usage of the Blacks and the Indians to create a race. This mixture of races contradicted the ultimate goals of history of attaining cultures and fusion of people. Joseph and Henderson continue to state that by constructing an English world and doing away with the Indians to have a Northern Europe filled with Whites is one way of combating race (Henderson, Joseph, 2002, p17). Religious cultures and cults are also part of the Mexican way of living. It stated that any Mexican Catholic is focused on the cult of the virgin of Guadalupe. The symbolic meaning this conquest of the two gods meant indicated to the faithful that they should return to their ancient feminine deities (Henderson, Joseph, 2002, p24, 25).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Mexican Politics, Culture and Drug Wars specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Westernization of the Indians was termed as contradictory. This is because a clear line had to be drawn between the colonized and the colonizers. The colonial domination would have ceased to be if the Indians were to be fully incorporated into westernization; indeed, difference and segregation are termed as the basics of colonization. In the nineteenth century, the birth of an independent Mexico state was directed along the path of civilization. Moreover, the independent nation was culturally homogenous when it was conceived (Henderson, Joseph, 2002, p30). At the end of the Revolution, the new political leaders sought ways of unifying the various ethnic groups of Mexico into a national project. In Mexico, ethnicity is basically defined by the culture and not biological; by use of linguistic it has been found that there is approximately 60 different Indian ethnic groups in Mexico thus making their incorporation difficult (Buffington, Pasztor, Coerver, 2004, p17). Drug wars Drug trafficking has been a hot topic in Mexico both domestically and internationally. Although the drug trafficking was a problem in the twentieth century, it escalated even more in the twenty-first century. It is stated that as early as the 1920s, some Mexican workers located southwest in U.S. were associated with the use of marijuana. In addition to this, Mexico produced heroin and was shipment point for other drugs. U.S. drug agents were said to be operating in Mexico informally from as early as 1940s, while growing demand of drugs in the U.S. escalated the drug trafficking in1960s thus causing a concern to Mexico both internationally and domestically. In the long run, the drug trafficking complicated issues like trade and immigration. The â€Å"operation intercept† that was a detail inspection conducted by the U.S. officials on vehicles crossing the international boundary resulted into chaos thus forcing the Mexican government to resolve to a permanent wa r on drugs. Despite efforts put in place by both the U.S and Mexican governments, the drug trade thrived in the 1980s (Buffington, Pasztor, Coerver, 2004, p145). Increase in consumption of drugs in Mexico and drug related corruption in the law enforcement and political scenes led the country in the verge of being branded a â€Å"narco state.† The drug trade took a completely new level with the death of cardinal Ocampo in1993, who had condemned the drug trade and the assassination of Colosio, the presidency candidate of the official party, in1994.Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Involvement of key political persons in drug trafficking was evident in the investigation of Raul Salinas: the older brother of the former president of Mexico Carlos Salina. The investigation upon conclusion in 1998 indicated that part of the money owed by Raul was associated with drug pay-offs (Buffington, Pasztor, Coerver, 2004, p146, 147) Military involvement in curbing the drug trafficking has not yield much success as incidents of bribe taking are evident. Optimistic officials both in the U.S. and in Mexico concur that the war on drugs is far from being won. This is due to the shifting of bases and routes by the drug cartels resulting from pressure from the authorities. One thing that is clear is that drug trafficking will continue to be a menace even in the twenty-first century (Buffington, Pasztor, Coerver, 2004, p 147) Kirkwood indicates that violence in the state of Durango has escalated and murder has increased, with 235 murders reported between January and May the year 20 09. The fighting between the various drug cartels caused these murders and violence. However, the alarming issue is that the federals that are entitled with the responsibility of curbing this menace are having a life span of six months before they are corrupted by the drug cartels. The level of corruption is evident from the arrests conducted in May 2009 of 27 government officials, a police chief, 10 mayors, a judge, and a former police chief. Power, influence, and resources are some of the factors that drug cartels have over authorities, which is evident from the escapes that have been propagated by the drug cartels. The astonishing issue is that the drug trade has penetrated the Catholic Church with allegations of donations offered to the church by the drug lords. Indeed, legalizing of some drugs e.g. marijuana is been considered in order to curb drug trafficking (Kirkwood, 2010, p 217, 218) During the presidency of Fox, efforts of addressing the escalating drug production were st epped up and the number of arrests associated with drugs escalated. It is approximated that about 50,000 arrests were conducted as the authorities also destroyed marijuana fields in a bid to curb the drug trade. However, the government also faced embarrassing moments with the news of the drug cartels leaders escaping from jail. In response to the government’s measures of curbing the drug, trade the drug cartels mounted escalating violence throughout the country. In the year 2008, 6,300 people were said to have been murdered by drug related violence. In Ciudad, the situation has been termed as bloody as a record of 1,600 people was murdered in this city alone in the year 2008. In the year 2009, the violence had escalated as 2,300 Mexicans had been murdered as of May (Kirkwood, 2010, p 216) On assuming office in 2006, president Calderon aggressively responded towards the drug struggle, with about 45,000 troops being employed to deal with this menace. In the bloody Ciudad, 8,000 troops were deployed to tackle the city’s drug trade. The policies of the Calderon government in fighting the drug trade earned him assistance from the then Bush government that offered $1.4 billion to aid in efforts of combating drug trade (Kirkwood, 2010, p 216) Conclusion At the commencement of the second decade of the 21 century, the Mexican government faces numerous issues from all fronts. The main attention has been on combating the drug trafficking issue. Critics suggest that government attempts have failed in eradicating the drug war. In political scene, Mexico is striving to create a transparent democratic process since the obstacles surrounding the 1988 elections. Forward strides for a democratic process were marked in the 2000 presidential elections as it was marked as a political transition. The 2006 elections appeals by Lopez Obrador were indications of the long journey a head before Mexico can become fully democratic. The 2000 presidential elections saw a candi date not from the PRI party win, mainly because of collective support from the opposition to oust the PRI from power. The elections were termed as transparent and democratic thus bringing a new dimension to the Mexican politics. The indigenous cultural values of the communities in Mexico have been transformed by westernization culture to modern values. However, some of the cultural values like art have been maintained despite the change to modern cultural values. In addition to this, religious cultures e.g. the cult of the virgin of Guadalupe are still significant to the modern Mexico. It is suggested that some of the tourist attractions to Mexico are the murals painted on the walls of public ministries. Politics and social decays like drug trafficking are two different entities that should be separated for the common good of Mexico. In addition to this, the penetration of the drug money to the Catholic Church is a situation that is not helping but instead justifying the existence o f drug trafficking. However, tackling the drug menace will mean better future in the politics and economy of Mexico that has been engulfed by the drug trafficking situation. The culture of moral decay that had been brought about by the drug menace will also cease to exist, thus liberating Mexico. References Coerver, M. D., Pasztor, B.S, and Buffington, R. (2004). Mexico: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary Culture and History. Web. Foster, V. L. (2010). A Brief History of Mexico. Web. Joseph. M. G, and Henderson, J. T. (2002). The Mexico reader: History, Culture, Politics. Web. Kirkwood, B. (2010). The History of Mexico. Web. This research paper on Mexican Politics, Culture and Drug Wars was written and submitted by user Nextwave to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Turning Point †English Personal Essay

The Turning Point – English Personal Essay Free Online Research Papers The Turning Point English Personal Essay Once upon a time, my life changed forever. A person, who suddenly came into my life, changed it. This meeting was like a revolution that happened in Russia in last century. At that point in time, that revolution completely destroyed the old lifestyle and created a new one. Old valuable lost their meaning, and values appeared. So, the person, who changed my life, is a beautiful girl, who became my wife, and an event, that changed my life, is my marriage. Irina, it’s my wife’s name, and I met each other a few years ago. From the every beginning our relationship wasn’t an easy one. In spite of the fact that we spoke the same language, we couldn’t communicate with each other. It was because we lived in different countries. I lived in Russia, and Irina lived in the U.S. This fact influenced the frequency of our meetings. We could have meetings only once or twice per year. Even those meetings were being organized with many difficulties because we needed entry visas. It was hard to get those visas, but it was much hard to not see each other. I had a girl friend that lived in another country. There were a few tousand miles between us. For every quarter of a mile we had an ocean between us. We lived in different time zones. When I was going to work in Russia, my girl friend was sleeping in the U.S. When my girl friend woke up, I had to go to bed because in Russia the night had already begun. It seemed to me that nature was saying, â€Å"You two must break up!† But Irina never gave up even in her thoughts. She was always full of optimism and energy. I got a part of her energy inside me. In Russia people often say that problems only give rise to solutions and make you stronger. It happened in our case, too. We found a good way to communicate. It was the Internet. I checked my e-mail every free minute. We spend in the Internet all day and night long. It gave a power to us. Finally, we won. We got married. We got married, but we still lived in different countries. Irina lived and worked in the U.S, and I lived and work in Russia. In that time, I was also trying to get my Ph. D. in science. Neither of us wanted to leave his/her country. After a lot of speculations, I made up my mind. I decided that I could leave my work, my school, my friends and my country. Why did I decide to do it? I did it because I love my wife. She is a part of my life. She is a part of me. She is a part of my brain. She is a part of my heart. She is a part of my soul. I am able to live without my work, without my friends, without my country. Of course, I miss it, but I still can live without it. On the other hand, I can’t live without my wife. So, it was my decision, and I have never regretted it. The story of my life has thought me of many things. Now I know that our planet is not so big as it seems. Now I know that borders between countries are just conventionality. Now, I know how to choose among real and imaginary values. I know how strong feelings can be. I know for what I’m living. I learnt all that from my wife. Thank you, Irina, and I love you! Research Papers on The Turning Point - English Personal Essay19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows EssayEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenQuebec and CanadaNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NicePersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Honest Iagos Truth through Deception

Comparison of Three Books about Vietnam War Essay

Comparison of Three Books about Vietnam War - Essay Example While different authors appreciate the occurrences during the war, they portray the war and the US interference in different ways. This paper will examine three such books, comparing the description of the Vietnam War in all the books. The Vietnam War was a memorable event in the history of the US. A People's History of the United States In the book, A People’s History of the United States, Zinn presents the history of the Vietnam War in a simplistic manner that common people can appreciate. Zinn provides this history through the eyes of the common folk instead of the economic and political elite. For instance, he focuses on the US citizens’ resistance to the Vietnam War, as well as the people of North Vietnam who though deemed insignificant, were able to defeat the US-backed South. Zinn terms the US involvement in the Vietnam War as a mission in futility. He exemplifies that regardless of its military and technology superiority, the US was unable to defeat Northern Vie tnamese whose main weapon was human strength and tactical thinking capacity. According to Zinn, US victory in Vietnam was impossible because North Vietnamese dejected colonial imperialism after Japan’s failed attempt to capture Indochina. He argues that the US was fighting a war it could not win. This is because the people of Vietnam favored the government led by Ho Chi Minh and were against Ngo Dinh Diem’s regime. This allowed the people of Vietnam to maintain high morale throughout the war. On the other hand, morale among US military fighters in Vietnam was quite low because most of the American soldiers revolted against the atrocities they inflicted, like the My Lai massacre. Zinn describes the Vietnam War as a war between â€Å"the wealthiest and most powerful nation in global history† and â€Å"a nationalist, revolutionary movement in a peasant nation†. This description paints the picture of a fight akin to a cat and mouse fight where the insignifica nt revolutionary people fought against a mighty nation such as the US. Normally, one would expect that the stronger party in the fight wins, but in the Vietnam War, Zinn asserts that it is the small, insignificant humans who won against the technology of the US. In addition, Zinn speaks of the impact the US citizens had on the culmination of the Vietnam War. Zinn talks of the impact of the US movement against the Vietnam War as having, â€Å"played a critical part in bringing the war to an end†. Nonetheless, Zinn attempts to dispel the common belief that US opposition to the Vietnam War was amongst college students and intellectuals from the middle class. He uses statistics from the war period to show evidence that considerable opposition also came from the US working class. For instance, poet Robert Lowell refused to attend a luncheon at the White House, while singer Eartha Kitt spoke out against the war in the presence of the first lady. Zinn maintains the stance that it is the common people that brought change in Vietnam. The assertion â€Å"the revolutionists fought against the Japanese† and defeated the superior nation speaks of the impact of Vietnamese on the going on within their country. Zinn’s description of the war also holds that the troops also opposed the war, citing refusals and desertions to progress to war, as well as movements like Vietnam Veterans Against the War, which subsequently covered US invasions

Strategic Management of DL Limited Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Strategic Management of DL Limited - Assignment Example The researcher states that the term ‘strategy’ is defined as the plan or the action of the organisations designed to achieve the vission of an organisation. It is performed with the help of all available organisational resources at efficient and effective manner so as to attain the objectives of the organisation. Strategies are developed or planned in order to enhance the strength of an organisation thereby reducing the potencies of the competiting firms. Thus, strategies might be of varied types such as corporate, businessunit and operational approaches among others. Strategy facilitates in augmentation of the sustianability and corporate image of an organisation in the long run among other competitors. Therefore, proper examination, selection and execution of a strategy are basic constitents of strategic management. Strategic management is odten referred as a term that deals with projected and evolving initiatives taken to augment the performance of ï ¬ rms in the ma rkets. It involves identification of the organisation's mission, vision and goals, policies and plans, intended to accomplish the future objectives thereby utilising the avalilable resources in an efficient manner. Strategic management is a continuous procedure of developement of strategies and policies that facilitates to compete with the existing rivals in the market thereby ensuring the market share and the brand distinctiveness among others in the market. ... This is a report highlighting the preparation of a strategic plan for ‘DL Limited’, thereby utilising varied ideas and knoweledges of strategic management so as to make the plan more proficient and effective. Discussion Strategic management refers a collection of decisions and operations which is accepted so as to improve the performance of an organisation.. The strategies are formulated after taking a descriptive knowledge and understanding about the environmental conditions of the market. This can be attained after conducting a SWOT analysis so as to acquire a detailed idea about the strengths and weaknesses thereby maximising the opportunities and minimising the threaths. Thus, strategic management includes planning for both present and future prospects of an organisation. Strategic management includes strategic analysis, planning and implementation so as to enhance the profitability and the marketshare among others. This can be possible only through proper decision m aking process and proper analysis of the market along with the rival competitors’ approaches and product lines so as to ensure positive future prospects for the organisation (Wells, n.d.). In this era of globalisation and industrialisation, it is essential to implement strategic planning process in order to enhance the business and its market identity among other competiting brands. Strategic planning is referred to as an organisation's procedure of defining its policies, or trends necessary for decision making so as to utilise its resources to attain the future strategies. In order to determine the future courses of an organisation, it is essential to realise the existing position and financial condition which would facilitate the

The Fashion Industry of Lebanon, SWOT Assignment

The Fashion Industry of Lebanon, SWOT - Assignment Example This paper will examine the strategies incorporated into fashion and will analyze the strengths and weaknesses that are a part of the culture. The fashion industry is one that is continuing to grow in various regions, specifically because of the growth and changes in the economy. Currently, the movement into global capitalism and the focus that is incorporated into different industries is the central focus. The fashion industry began to change with the industrial revolution, specifically because it allowed for mass production and exploitation at an international level. Industry leaders in fashion are known to have two components. The first is based on global trends that are reaching different regions. The second is from ethnically diverse types of clothing, all of which help with a combination of trends and fashion forward thinking that is based on regional concepts. This is further combined with different regions that combine industrial materials that are available as resources with the fashion that is available (Chandler, 303, 2004). The several changes that are a part of the fashion industry at large have also affected t he fashion industry structure in Lebanon and the different concepts that apply to this. The Lebanon fashion industry has over 92 companies that produce different levels of fashion. The fashion is divided first by accessories, design, footwear and overall fashion. This is further divided by the expected industry that is based on global expectations, specifically which combines the economic scale of fashion with the production. Haute couture is the most expensive. This is followed by luxury items for those who still require high quality but want a lower price. Affordable luxury is the next target market followed by  mainstream brands and discount brands. The most fashion-forward area is in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.  There are over 5,000 artisans working in this area as well as a Beirut Art Center, which includes exhibition spaces for artists.   Schools specifically designed for the visual arts are also a part of the culture.  Ã‚  

Terry Kay’s To Dance With The White Dog Essay -- Dance With The White

Questionable Existence in Terry Kay’s To Dance With The White Dog In Terry Kay’s novel, To Dance With The White Dog, the main character Sam Peek befriends a snow white dog. The dog, affectionately called White Dog by Sam, helps to save Sam’s life many times. She is spoken of throughout the book by Sam’s children as well as by Sam in his journal entries. The main question throughout the book asks if White Dog is in fact real or is she just an illusion? There are strong facts all through the book that support White Dog’s realistic nature. Many facts throughout the duration of this book support the theory of White Dog’s existence. At the beginning of the book no one but Sam can see White Dog; however, as the book continues â€Å"his children and his grandchildren began to see White Dog, but always at a distance† (Kay 90). If White Dog had not been there when Sam passed out, he could have died in his own vomit. This is the point when the children first see White Dog. Another fact that supports this theory is the food that White Dog consumes throughout the book. B...

The launch of the BIC

The launch of the BIC women underwear is the best example that it was not. The brand products are known as disposables and have a similar way to distribute and use the same outlets. The new line on disposable underwear had no link with the other products BIC was operating with. There was no link connecting underwear and pens or lighters. So in order to introduce such a different product a huge campaign should had been introduce. This campaign showing more than one product the underwear to show the new line or products the company is going to introduce.The marketing for the underwear was very poor instead and the underwear buyers did not want them at all. BIC was not flexible enough in order to enter a new unrelated product category. The difficulty existing to connect two different categories of products with the same name was not argued by BIC. The powerful existing brand perception for one style of products it is almost impossible to change. The brands name can have a lot of power w here they have credentials.If you take the name of the brand out of these credentials it loses its power. BIC tried to find a new product to sell so desperate that they did not think how to introduce it in the market. The BIC underwear also requires a new distribution channel and ifferent technology in its production. The main BIC products use different materials such as plastic and metal. The BIC underwear needed a new production material. All these made the BIC underwear fail and disappear really fast.I would have done a different campaign to launch this product. First by using the many sources of communication that BIC has. Place in every sell cage of BIC pens and lighters a pre-launch awareness. Market the people that already know the brand and create a perception of a change in the brand. With this source of marketing you could ntroduce them to social media of BIC offering incentives. With this you will have feedback before launching. The underwear must have quality and BIC mai n products do not fulfill this perception.Let the customer tell you what they will like in the underwear's. Place yourself in the street and introduce the product, get feedback and advertise it at the same time. In order to launch the new product place the product and focus in a particular sector. Quality, price and easy to buy must be the main features of this product to get the customer satisfaction. Find the way to distribute the product and promote it. This product cannot be sold in the same distribution channel of the other products BIC has.The women underwear is a product that you want to place in the right stores, the stores where women buy their underwear. In the stores big promotions and easy perception must be place. For the underwear with the other brands. With this BIC underwear will focus in the ages between 14-26 year old women. This age group is more open to changes and convenience. Also a change in the brand logo for this product must be done. With this brand awarene ss exists but also a differentiation from the main products of BIC.