Mexico is Evolving (Or at Least is Trying To)

Los Angeles Times
Richard Fausset
April 27, 2013
President Enrique Pena Nieto is setting up a new Pact for Mexico where there will be reforms involving their tax system, telecommunications industry, the state-run oil companies, and any other system that seems too powerful and corrupt. The teachers' union has been having trouble agreeing to the presidents plans of weakening the union and giving the educators evaluations. For years, it was said by critics, that the union has "dragged" down the education system of Mexico, but that did not stop the teachers in Guerrero from rioting on the streets, burning buildings, breaking windows, and blocking freeways. Many of these teachers have worn masks to keep their identities discreet. Recently, much to the president's relief, the union leaders have decided to take a five day break in hopes of settling the deal once and for all with the government instead of continuing the riots.  “For those Mexicans who want a different Mexico, who want to transform the current reality of our country, and make it a place with better opportunities for all, violence should in no way be the instrument for the transformation and attainment of that end,” President Nieto said. Mexico, with the help of its president and the new pact, can move forward and become a better country, if the people will just listen to reason.
http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-mexico-teachers-reform-pact-20130426,0,1478512.story

Mexico Breaks Up With America

Los Angeles Times
Shashank Bengali and Tracy Wilkinson
April 28, 2013
America and Mexico are allies that share a common enemy, drug traffickers. America has spent about two billion dollars on assisting Mexico, by providing aircraft drones, intelligence agents, and even police trainers, to help Mexico take down the drug cartels. Actually, American intelligence managed to take down twenty five kingpins, or capos, in six years. Recently, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and his governmental officials believe that it is time for America to take a step beck when it comes to Mexico's security affairs. This is a great act on Mexico's part for wanting to be able to depend on mostly themselves instead of relying on America for something as important as their own security. While beneficial to Mexico, all of the American governmental workers must let go of their jobs, and even though America is not too excited about Mexico's decision, America really has no choice but to fall back. Instead of having America closely knitted in their security affairs, Mexico plans on expanding the economic relationship with America, making this two great decisions on Mexico's part.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-obama-mexico-20130429,0,7444757.story

Legalizing Marijuana

Huffington Post
Gavin Newsom
There is more talk going around about how California should legalize marijuana. Huffington Post's Gavin Newsom suggested "It is time for California to decriminalize, tax and regulate marijuana and decide who sells it, who can buy it legally, and for how much. When California became the first state to approve medical marijuana, we led the nation on progressive drug policies, and now it is time to lead again." This statement is completely wrong and illogical. Just because marijuana will be legalized, it does not mean that California will be able to regulate who can get their hands on a bag of weed. Vendors off the street make most of their money selling illegal marijuana to minors. Even if marijuana was to be legalized, people will still go to find the cheaper and easier provider. The only plus side to legalizing marijuana would be to have less prisoners in our jails, but, which is the more ideal city? One where people are able to grow weed in their backyards where their children are exposed to it, or a city that has a jail full of people who can cause harm to those around them? Marijuana, no matter who argues that it is not addictive or does not cause permanent harm, still affects your perception and your mind. That, in itself, is the most dangerous thing about drugs.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gavin-newsom/time-for-california-to-de_b_3134929.html

Coachella Accident

Huffington Post
Coachella. Three days of nonstop entertainment. A music lovers dream. One man's end. Coachella employee, Monte Gardner, was run over by an intoxicated driver while riding back home on his motorcycle from work. David Brennan, the driver of the Toyota Corolla, did not stop at an intersection, thus causing Gardner's death. Many remember Gardner as a man who always smiled and who had a great heart, but because of one man's irresponsibility and illogical actions, he will not smile again. A man literally died just because another person decided that it would be a good idea to drive while they were drunk. Coachella was not created to be an alcoholic's or a drug user's paradise, but a place where people who love great music gather to hear their favorite bands and artists play their music. Stories like this are fuel to my parent's ongoing fire in refusing and casting away my cries and pleas to be able to attend one night of Coachella.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/22/motorcyclist-killed-coachella_n_3133607.html?utm_hp_ref=los-angeles#slide=more291827