CALDERON INHERITED THE DRUG PROBLEM

In regard to Joseph D. McNamara's letter of June 7 in response to Bret
Stephens's "The Mexican Paradox" (Global View, May 31), we would like
to clarify the following: The increase in crime and violence clearly
precedes President Felipe Calderon's administration; it was a cancer
left untreated for years. To suggest that by fighting crime, with a
commitment no previous Mexican government has shown, we have increased
insecurity in the country is a baseless argument. It was precisely
because of the growing threat to citizens that the government deployed
federal forces to support local authorities in their efforts to combat
criminal gangs.

We are open to dialogue with those calling for legalization of drugs,
but we reiterate that partial measures would not solve a complex
phenomenon that recognizes no borders. The debate must carefully
consider the economic and public health implications of any change.

Turning a blind eye to criminals is not OK, though it might have been
in the past. But let me assure you that this administration is
committed to building a very different present and future for Mexico.

Virgilio Munoz

General Director of Strategic Communications

Secretary of the National Security Council and Cabinet of the Mexican
Government

Mexico City