Been all over the news. Had a co-worker tell me today that he cant believe we would still go to Mexico knowing they are holding a US Marine in prison for inadvertently crossing the border and having a weapon in his vehicle. To be honest, kinda torn on this issue. Trips already paid for though.
Hmmm...yeah, also torn. Mainly, because I'm assuming you are flying in, therefore not bringing a weapon for sure, so it's an apples and oranges thing. Unless they were speaking from a boycott perspective vs. a safety perspective. Then, well, yeah...that's a big debate. P.S. I'd also still be going.
So your co-worker thinks you should boycott Mexico for doing something that the US would do? I just don't get it. If someone was caught illegally entering the US with an illegal weapon what would happen? Mexico is fun, and you can get away with things you can't do in a lot of other places, but guns and drugs are a no brainer, pay the mordita or go to jail.
What would happen here? Well, they would eventually be given amnesty, free medical, housing, food, and education. Thats what would happen. Apples and oranges the way each country deals with crossing the border illegally.
I would most definitely not cancel our trip because of this. I used to live in Yuma, AZ and I can tell you that you can't "accidentally" wander across the border. And a U.S. Marine is going to be especially cognizant of his location. I think there is more to this story than will be told.
I'm a big fan of not doing illegal things in (or entering) a foreign country. Or my own country for that matter. If I were border security then I would want to question someone (marine or not) trying to enter canada with an undeclared weapon. Oh wait...they do that. They either make the person surrender the weapon or we don't let them in the country.
Oh...we are still going, I just know from living in Southern Ca. that it is very possible to make a wrong turn and end up in Mexico. Its not rare. Also, the Mexican judicial system is guilty until proven innocent.. I mean, we just traded 5 of the worst terrorists on the planet for a US Army deserter. We cant get one guy out that took a wrong turn? Anyway...we will be at the sexy pool at 3pm on July 13!!:biggrinbandit:
I live 15 minutes from that border crossing, it's the busiest land border crossing in the entire world. It's really not something you just miss. Also, he's an ex Marine, not a current one. Also just to add to the story here, he was down in mexico all day beforehand eating and drinking. He had parked on the US side of the border and walked across for that. Came back and then says he took a wrong turn. I've done this exact thing and never had a problem, I do wonder if he may have been a bit drunk when he did it which might maybe make more sense. Either way, it's a crap deal, but it's clear to not bring them down. He knew that, and should have just stopped and refused to even drive thru if he couldn't make the turn around lane in time. The above posting that the US boarder patrol coming back the other way would do similar if a Mexican was caught bringing guns into the US. I always triple check there is no loose ammo in the trunk or my backpack when we cross the border for this very reason. Either way, it's really not some crazy political issue where you shouldn't even have to justify to anyone going on vacation to cancun. He made a number of very bad decisions and is now paying for that. Hopefully they let him go soon, it's dumb how it went down, but really that has no affect on our travel to mexico plans.
Nope, wont stop us from going. Just kinda caught me off guard when a coworker asked me about it. This is Texas. People here take patriotism and loyalty very seriously. And you are probably right, he most likely made a couple of bad decisions. As a side note, there are no "ex" Marines. Semper Fi. 39 days until the TTR Texas Titties and Beer Tour!:headbanger:
