How do you know when it's time to step in?

The topic of America's involvement in foreign countries is one of heated opinions and controversial topics. The big question is when to draw the line? As such a powerful country is it our responsibility to help out nations in need? Or do we leave them alone to solve the issue by themselves?

This question has recently become even more pressing as the wars and tragedy unfold in our Southern neighbor, Mexico. I just read an article about the worsening of crime and public violence in the country. As the drug lords gain more power the Mexican government is beginning to lose control. With more and more murders each day, the situation is terrorizing the Mexican people. Innocent citizens are being taken hostage as a way to get money and exhibit their power. In 2008 alone over 6,300 people were killed in relation to the drug wars (that is more than double the amount in 2007). The awful tortures and killings continue as the government loses power. Public displays of the drug lords' power are every where. In 2008, "A 5-year-old boy whose parents had a stall in a [local] market was kidnapped in October. When the kidnappers thought the police were on to them, they killed the boy by injecting him with acid". Another man was beheaded and his body was hung from a bridge while his head was found in the town square.

These crimes cannot continue. I do believe that every country is responsible for themselves and should be capable of solving their own problems, but in this case somebody must step in. The Mexican government can obviously not control the underground power rings and it is crucial to stop the vicious cycle before things get worse. The United States is one of the most powerful nations in the world yet our neighbors right across the border still struggle with control. I think it is America's responsibility to step in and help this country in need. For the good of the Mexican people it is necessary. The drug war is destroying the Mexican population and if it is not monitored correctly the terror will soon cross the border. As a human community we must help each other out. Those with the capability should step in because some day they may be the ones in need.

(link to the article, "Mexico: The War Next Door")

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/26/60minutes/main4831806.shtml