this post was submitted on 23 Mar 2024
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[–] PowerCrazy@lemmy.ml 64 points 7 months ago (4 children)

Sounds like the proper answer is to legalize the drugs, nationalize the cartel's, and call the US drug policy out for the farce it is.

[–] SSJ2Marx@hexbear.net 29 points 7 months ago

nationalize the cartels

Something tells me that the cartels wouldn't just let the government do this, and then you're right back to square one where the Mexican government is fighting against them.

[–] andrewth09@lemmy.world 16 points 7 months ago

nationalize the cartel

You and what army?

[–] CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org 8 points 7 months ago (2 children)

Mexico is pretty socially conservative, I think. I can't see that happening.

[–] bibliotectress@lemmy.world 10 points 7 months ago

They are, and normally I'd agree with you, but they just recently legalized abortion and that SHOCKED me. So who knows?! Mexico might do anything!

[–] Katrisia@lemm.ee 8 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Technically, Mexico has had only two presidents from a right-wing party. Before, they were from the centrist party. The current president is a very well known leftist.

The country was bombarded with religion for centuries, so maybe you are thinking of that, but even so, the majority support a version of religion that mixes a "social concern for the poor and political liberation for oppressed peoples" with spirituality. It is similar to the recent declarations of Pope Francis about Marxists and Christians having a common goal It is called liberation theology.

Also, Mexico tried to legalize drugs back in 1940. It was promoted by a psychiatrist that informed the government that substance abuse was a mental disorder, which was very progressive for the era. Here is the story.

Of course, if you dig deeper, you'll know the United States basically coerced Mexico into criminalizing drugs again.

Around half the population still supports drug legalization, even after years of propaganda. The commenter below was shocked about abortion legalization. Abortion is legal in many places. Same-sex marriage is also legal, even in some more right-leaning states. A couple years ago, a transgender clinic with free care was opened in Mexico City. Similarly, free healthcare and many other welfare initiatives such as free education (including universities) are common and not negotiable for the average Mexican.

So, yeah, I guess you'll find homophobic old people, religious nuts, or lately, U.S.-influenced right-wing supporters, but Mexico is overall progressive as I see it. Even historically:

Slave abolition was one of the first things Mexico did as an independent country, around 1810-1817. The first black president in 1829. Safe place for U.S. slaves to escape and live as free people during the 19th century. First native (indigenous) president in 1858. The Constitution has been protecting native populations' rights since 1917. During the 20th century, there were big movements in favor of socialism (e.g., agrarian socialists called zapatistas, or students' movements in the National Autonomous University of Mexico). The list goes on... The first woman president is probably happening this year.

I hope this puts things into perspective, and sorry for infodumping!

[–] CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 7 months ago

Thank you, I have been infodumped. Did you know that Amlo has also been pretty upfront about his opposition to feminism?

Look, I have no issue with Mexico specifically, but let's not pretend being economically leftist is the same thing as being enlightened on social issues. Or even that being enlightened on something like race means that you have cool ideas about gender.

[–] jonwyattphillips@lemmy.ml 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)
[–] doubtingtammy@lemmy.ml 14 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

The reason fentanyl is so prevalent is because it's easy to smuggle. The reason it's so deadly is it's hard to accurately dose. Legalization immediately solves both of those problems.