Dear Sir,
I receive NYTimes headline news online each day. In worldwide coverage, and national coverage, they include only the highlights. Last Saturday, there was someone shooting random motorists in Hollywood, there was murder run wild on the Virginia Tech campus, there was shooting in a Texas middle school, and at least two other headlines I’ve forgotten. Just the highlights, not the everyday occurrences.
I, too, regret the killing in Ajijc, and the break-ins, and the impunity with which these events appear to happen. However, when we panic we overlook the fact that these things occur in greater frequency in times of economic stress. They are happening in the United States and, I suspect, in Canada and Europe as well, never mind the atrocities in the Middle East. If we were to subtract the numbers of drug cartel members killed by their competing fellows (and thank you for thinning the ranks, guys), I suspect that the murder rate in Mexico would drop well below the numbers in our northern neighbors.
Our illustrious mayor listened carefully as we beat our breasts in collective angst, and then announced his resignation to run for higher office. All that was accomplished was an elevation of hysteria (defined as a neurosis, excessive or uncontrollable fear) and a lot more fodder for negative press up north to further scare off tourists and resident retirees. And where would one move to be safer? I doubt you could find a place you would enjoy living that would not be more dangerous than here (unless you are a hermit). Here we look out for each other, our Mexican neighbors (for the most part) care about us and watch our backs. I have lived here over 12 years and appreciate the safety I feel when I walk down a village street after dark, alone, and see people with children sitting around and enjoying the evening and their neighbors’ company. I never did that in the U.S., anywhere, city or rural, and economic times were much better then. I can’t imagine living anywhere that would be safer, kinder and more welcoming (not to mention more affordable or with better weather). I am not happy with the negative press up north and I do not think much was accomplished with the well-meaning uproar created last week to improve our safety or our reputation. I believe a reality check is in order.
Ann Klestadt