Joe Rogan | What Americans Don't Understand About Mexico's Cartel Problem w/Ed Calderon

Summary

In this episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, a resident who has lived in the U.S. for four years shares insights on the misconceptions surrounding Mexico and its drug cartel issues. The speaker highlights the interconnectedness of U.S. and Mexican problems, stressing that American perceptions often ignore the realities faced by those in Mexico. They discuss their experiences working alongside politicians combating cartel violence and the evolution of cartel tactics. The dialogue reveals the harsh brutality and corruption prevalent in the region, urging a more nuanced understanding of the crisis that transcends borders.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Takeaway 1: The speaker highlights the misconceptions Americans have about Mexico, particularly regarding crime and cartels.
• 🗳️ Takeaway 2: The speaker's immigration experience coincided with significant political changes in the U.S., particularly during Trump's election.
• 🔗 Takeaway 3: The influence of drug cartels is not limited to Mexico; they are present in the U.S. as well.
• ⚖️ Takeaway 4: The idea that Mexico should solely resolve its problems overlooks the role of U.S. firearms and money in exacerbating these issues.
• 💡 Takeaway 5: The speaker emphasizes that the issues in Mexico are complex and require cooperation from both sides of the border.
• 👮 Takeaway 6: The speaker worked closely with a proactive politician in Mexico who took significant steps against cartel violence.
• 👥 Takeaway 7: There are dedicated individuals in Mexico, such as Lieutenant Colonel Azolla, fighting against cartel influence despite the dangers.
• 💀 Takeaway 8: The speaker recounts witnessing extreme violence and corruption, illustrating the harsh realities in certain regions of Mexico.
• 🚨 Takeaway 9: The nature of crime and policing in Mexico is often compared to the Wild West, with ongoing brutality and lawlessness.
• 🔄 Takeaway 10: Cartels continually evolve their tactics, and the government's responses often feel ineffective, akin to a game of whack-a-mole.

Q & A

How does the speaker view the perception of Mexico from Americans?

The speaker believes that many Americans hold misconceptions about Mexico, viewing its issues as solely a 'Mexico problem' without understanding the influence of U.S. policies, such as the drug market and firearms, that contribute to the situation.

What significant political event coincided with the speaker's immigration process?

The speaker's immigration process coincided with the election of Donald Trump, which shaped their experiences and observations regarding perceptions of Mexico and immigration.

What is the speaker's stance on the presence of cartels in the U.S.?

The speaker argues that cartels are not just a problem in Mexico but have a significant presence in the U.S. as well, contradicting the belief that the issue is isolated to Mexico.

Who is Tsunami Young, and what role did he play in addressing cartel issues?

Tsunami Young was a political figure in Mexico who led counter-cartel operations and developed a collaborative plan involving municipal, state, and army police to combat cartel influence.

What challenges do law enforcement officials in Mexico face, according to the speaker?

Law enforcement officials face extreme violence and corruption, with risks to their lives, as evidenced by attempts on the lives of vocal opponents of cartel activities.

How does the speaker compare the situation in Mexico to the Wild West?

The speaker describes working in Mexico as akin to the Wild West, emphasizing the lawlessness and brutality, where violent encounters and executions are disturbingly commonplace.

What evolution in cartel tactics does the speaker mention?

The speaker notes that cartels have evolved their methods, moving from using drug mules and tunnels to employing unmanned drones and other advanced techniques for smuggling drugs.

What does the speaker imply about the U.S. response to drug trafficking?

The speaker suggests that the U.S. response to drug trafficking has been ineffective, likening the approach to a game of 'whack-a-mole,' where efforts to eliminate cartels have not resulted in substantial changes.

What does the speaker mean by saying there are 'good politicians' in Mexico?

The speaker acknowledges that while many politicians in Mexico are corrupt, there are also individuals like Tsunami Young and Lieutenant Colonel Azolla who genuinely strive to combat cartel influence and improve security.

How does the speaker describe the ongoing violence in Mexico?

The speaker describes ongoing violence in Mexico as a tragic normality, where horrific incidents, such as public shootouts and brutal executions, are part of everyday life.