We live just 25 miles or so north from the Mexican border, at Tijuana. We learn of some new assassination in that garden spot far too frequently. We have warring drug factions, trying to wrest control of the distribution of both contraband and illegal border crossers. Police, judges and others are shot down in the streets, so it takes a brave person to accept those jobs.

Endemic political corruption has deep roots and long and sinuous tentacles. It rarely impacts tourists directly, although attacks on visitors have been increasing, many by what appear to be para-military types with heavy weapons. Surfers and off-road racers, many of whom have enjoyed visiting the country for many years, are staying away because of thefts, rapes and police shakedowns. Ironically, firearms are banned in Mexico.

Mexico, like many Latin American nations, has a few very rich people controlling most of the economy. Upward mobility is not an option for most. This is a country with abundant resources which benefit only the few at the top. Crime and corruption are the result. If folk music performers have become targets, follow the money to find out why.