Tell us about Mexico, Loose.

Have you ever been witness to anything like this? I know you hear it all of the time but have you ever actually seen anything like this? What was it like as a child, here?

I've heard a couple of gunshots during the nights, which I assumed have been murders reported the next day. The closest I've come to actually seen is a van pierced with bullets, splattered with some blood and a bloody arm hanging out.

My childhood wasn't bad, I spent evenings/early nights playing hide and seek, soccer, tag, whatever with the local kids outside, nothing too dangerous. It wasn't that bad. Things just turned bad about 3 - 4 years ago, and it got worse about two years ago.

I understand that your family has built a life in Mexico but I'm confused as to why they continue to stay. Are they inelligible to become US citizens? Are they just being stubborn? Do you only go back BECAUSE they're there or is it because your girlfriend is still there (and if so, why is she still there?)

My parents and family are living in the USA (El Paso is in Texas). I'm the stubborn one, wanting to finish my last year of college in Juarez, with my friends. My girlfriend's family is moving to El Paso (Texas) this week, but like me, we'll continue studying in Mexico.

What would you say the ratio of "innocent" citizens (by this I mean ones who aren't involved with all of the above mentioned things) to the corrupt is? It seems like there's a point where you need to take a stand and fight back to get some control over your country and your life. Has anyone attempted a civil movement?

I don't think it'd be very effective to do something like that. It's just not worth it anymore, it's hard to say what would happen. There's too much fear because of what has happened to people that have tried changing stuff. I mean, just look at that detective in your first post, his head was handed to the military in a briefcase. Nobody wants to end up like that.