Gotten?

In 1966 I was parking in the city square of Reynosa when a cop came up and said he would watch the car and even put money in the meter for me if I wished. I understood what was going on and gave him $2 to take care of the meter.

When I returned from the market I tipped him $5 and he smiled and saluted me. It was almost like it was a part of his 'Welcome to Mexico' act.

I mentioned this to a guy who went there all the time and was informed that if I had not tipped the cop my car would have been towed and I would likely never have see it again.

However, I must admit I got what I paid for. I have heard that about corporation myself so I just no longer go there.

Gotten? From what I understand yes. Just look at the news. I used to do work for a guy, who took trips to Mexico in the early 80's. He stopped going, as he said it was getting a bit risky.
The one story I heard basically second hand, or maybe even from the source was about 5 years or so ago. The persons son or son in law was enjoying a beer on the street in Mexcio city. There was a beer cart selling beer and other mexican drinking beer. The guy get nabbed by the police for drinking in public. They take him to the police station and threaten a full body cavity search if he doesn't pay X amount. $800 I think. No Credit cards or checks accepted. The mother in-law had followed the police car to the station. Argued to relase the guy. Say's they are messing with the wrong person and she knows the president, Fox I think. The have heard that before. She takes out a picture with her and Pres. Fox. They release the sons. I also hear its fairly common for gangs to snatch people for ransom, then drop them off somewhere. One way or another.
Tom

Mexico is not a good vacation spot anymore. When I was a kid, we used to go down to towns across the border, and when I was in college, Cancun & Cozemel were popular cheap get aways. I wont let my stepsons go donw there now, too many variables and complete unpredictability of who a person might run into not too far from the beaten path. The cartels have destroyed the civility and relative benign atmosphere that used to welcome touristas. I would rather vacation in Cairo or Beirut.....

back in the late 1970's I went camping through both cordilleras doing plant collecting in the alpine. We never, ever had a problem. I love Mexico. It's the ****** oligarchy that has screwed that country since the conquistadores. They are still screwing the people. The druggies are just salsa on the whole enchilada. I wouldn't go there now. But I'd love to.