Mexican Poet Gives Speech on Narcoterrorism

Mexican poet Javier Sicilia gave a speech at the Zocolo (town square) in Mexico City on a topic that has become synonymous with Mexican politics - drug cartels and corruption.  There was a march on May 8th that Mexicans used to express how they really feel about their country, that it needs to be saved from the thugs and corruption that has plagued their lives for years.  Recently, the violence has gotten a lot worse and a lot of Mexicans feel helpless to stop it.  Americans should care about this issue because of the human lives that have been lost (first of all), but also should care because it is an issue of American national security.  With so much crime and destabilization south of the border, it is hard to ignore the impacts that this could have within our own borders.


Unfortunately, Mexicans sometimes feel that Americans make their problems a lot worse.  The market for drugs in America is one of the biggest problems - where millions support the terrorism indirectly by purchasing illegal drugs.  I once heard somewhere that marijuana sells for more money per ounce than gold...and when criminals and law enforcement (as well as customs agents) agree on a policy, there should be more questions about the validity of the policy.


That being said, this silent march that occurred on May 8th is an inspiring example of how when people can come together, that there is a possibility for change.  Unfortunately, there has not been that much publicity given to the Mexican citizens that do not support the drug cartels, and Mexicans are facing a new type of revolution within their own country.


Javier Sicilia says in his speech that, "Our Mexico, our house, is shrouded in greatness, but there are also cracks and abysses that expand into the carelessness, complacency and complicity that have driven us to this hideous devastation."  His speech is a testament to inspiring political rhetoric that perhaps could lead to a change in policy, and make others aware of the diversity in opinion of Mexican citizens.  


The speech that Javier Sicilia gave at the Zocolo can be found here: Sicilia's Speech in Mexico City on the Drug Wars in Mexico
Also, here is the Washington Post photoessay on the protest: Photographs of the Silent March from Cuernavaca