This piece outlines a perspective on U.S.-Mexico relations that argues for stronger actions to address several ongoing issues. The central criticism is that Mexico has been exploiting U.S. resources and tolerating harmful activities, like drug trafficking and illegal immigration, without significant consequences. The author points to several key points:
- Mexico’s Actions and Assumptions: The piece suggests that under the Biden administration, Mexico has been emboldened by a perceived lack of consequences. The writer references incidents like cartel members crossing the border to attack Americans and Mexico’s refusal to cooperate on deportations, implying that Mexico feels it can act with impunity.
- Fentanyl and Drug Trade: The article highlights the devastating impact of fentanyl, mostly trafficked through Mexico, on American lives. With tens of thousands of deaths annually from fentanyl overdoses, the piece argues that Mexico’s government is either unable or unwilling to stop this deadly trade, which disproportionately affects the U.S.
- Economic Exploitation: The author emphasizes the massive flow of remittances from the U.S. to Mexico, which they argue is subsidized by U.S. taxpayers supporting illegal immigrants. They suggest that this outflow, combined with a trade deficit, creates an unbalanced economic relationship between the two countries.
- Proposed Solutions: To address these issues, the article advocates for a more assertive U.S. approach, such as taxing remittances and imposing tariffs on Mexican goods. The writer also suggests taking a harder stance diplomatically and economically, arguing that stronger enforcement and direct actions would force Mexico to change its behavior.
- The ‘Frenemy’ Relationship: The term “frenemy” is used to describe the complex, often antagonistic relationship between the U.S. and Mexico. The piece suggests that Mexico’s government has failed to act in the best interests of the U.S., and the U.S. needs to stop appeasing them and instead hold Mexico accountable.
The piece ends with a call for more aggressive actions, including military operations if necessary, to curb the cartels and reduce the flow of illegal immigration. In this view, the U.S. should stop worrying about being seen as overly aggressive and instead take decisive steps to protect its interests.
