727Sky--
I've concluded the existence of mafias, cartels, gangs etc. is just part of the human experience.
A very ugly part, to be sure, but the constant survival of these criminal networks raises questions as to what people really want to have as a society. There is certainly some truth in the claims that these networks in part represent alternate forms of governance except that the brutality and corruption is much more openly displayed.
When one understands that standing governments exist because they were the most efficient 'operators' in the area, it becomes clear why one doesn't often find 'good men' in government. Government is the gang in charge and likely the one that gained power because they understood how to run their corrupt games without pissing off *too* many people.
Not sure invading central America would do much other than involve us in another multi-decade guerilla war. Our military and diplomatic people do NOT understand nation building in terms of turning out stable societies.
I've concluded the existence of mafias, cartels, gangs etc. is just part of the human experience.
A very ugly part, to be sure, but the constant survival of these criminal networks raises questions as to what people really want to have as a society. There is certainly some truth in the claims that these networks in part represent alternate forms of governance except that the brutality and corruption is much more openly displayed.
When one understands that standing governments exist because they were the most efficient 'operators' in the area, it becomes clear why one doesn't often find 'good men' in government. Government is the gang in charge and likely the one that gained power because they understood how to run their corrupt games without pissing off *too* many people.
Not sure invading central America would do much other than involve us in another multi-decade guerilla war. Our military and diplomatic people do NOT understand nation building in terms of turning out stable societies.
Fire In The Hole