March 14, 2011

Wanted: Officers to Retake Mexico

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/world/americas/13mexico.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=Mexico&st=cse

In the past 4 years 34,000 people have been killed due to issues with the authorities on the local, state, and federal level. In Mexico the federal and the state officials deal with drug trafficking and other serious crimes, while the local police force focuses only on smaller cases. On the local level the weapons are old, the gas is rationed and the officers receive about $400/ month. It is because of this system that there is a lot of corruption within the police department and many are bribed to overlook the narcotic affairs going on within the small towns. President Felipe Calderon wants to do away with these small local police department and implement state troops in place of them. Until then the motto is still "Plata o plomo," meaning do the police officers want money or silver, bribes or a bullet.

Lord,

Take over this situation. I know it must be so hard for the officers to be bribed and overlook issues that they know is going on right under their noses. Lord, give them strength and wisdom to decide what is right. It a very tough situation to live a small town and to know that if you try and stop gang members that it might be their last day. Lord, be their provider and encourager. Let the officers be bold and courageous. Also be with President Calderon to be wise in his decisions. He has so much pressure on his shoulders, Lord only you can show him how great you are. I know you are in this situation and your hand is upon the police officers and the criminals. You are unchanging God, and your power is evident.

Amen.