Discussions

 
In Mexico a situation is developing that we should be aware of. A nationwide experiment is taking place, in part by necessity, but what are the consequences? I speak of the use of Army Units in their Drug War.  
 
Already increased reports of rape, murder, and assault are coming in as that nations army takes a lead role in attacking the Drug Cartels. However, those increases are actually coming from the Army itself, if victims allegations are to be believed.  
 
Death tolls in total are certainly down, but should that be held as an excuse to ignore or play down possible Army Atrocities?  
 
Whats more is that if it is not acceptable, what should our response be when Army units are being used to police us? The Canadian situation is different surely, however the grand picture in North America is just as surely changing. Already a division has been mobilized specifically FOR police duties in the northern States (A violation of the Posse Comitatus act). Driving around the states and you're sure to notice a roadblock/checkpoint or two manned by army units as well. What I think is more worrisome is that this Army as Police pattern is combining with the Private Security as Police. Several US cities are already hiring private security and giving them police powers. These guards have half the training, a quarter of the salary, but all of the deadly power.  
 
If in the first parts of basic training, in the States at least, there is an exercise involving stabbing dummy with bayonet and yelling. I don't think we train our police to shoot first, so why should we give police powers to an organization that is trained to shoot first?  
 
My general question is this: What consequences can we foresee from current situations and the continuing development of these patterns?  
 
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-army30-2009apr3007349393.story,