Though it might not make the evening news in the U.S. there is still much danger in Mexico to those who try to fight against the drug cartels.
Maria Santos Gorrostieta, a physician, stood up to the drug gangs when she was mayor of her district. Even after surviving two assassination attempts the 36 year old woman continued to fight against the violence of the drug cartels. It was her mission to stand strong in the face of such danger, teaching her children through example.
‘Despite my own safety and that of my family, what occupies my mind is my responsibility towards my people, the children, the women, the elderly and the men who break their souls every day without rest to find a piece of bread for their children.
‘Freedom brings with it responsibilities and I don’t dare fall behind. My long road is not yet finished – the footprint that we leave behind in our country depends on the battle that we lose and the loyalty we put into it.’
Read the entire story of this iconic woman’s heroism at the Daily Mail UK. Look at the photos, showing her scars. This is what bravery looks like.
From the UK Daily Mail: She had survived two assassination attempts which claimed the life of her first husband and left her with horrific wounds that never really healed.
But despite being a marked woman, Maria Santos Gorrostieta remained defiant to the very end.
With unimaginable courage, the 36-year-old stood up to the drugs gangs that had ravaged Mexico and Tiquicheo, the district where she once served as mayor. When some doubted that she had been shot, Gorrostieta bared the scars that riddled her flesh and swore she would never give in.
It was almost inevitable that she would eventually pay for her bravery with her life.
…What’s more, this is not the exception anymore, it’s the rule of what regularly happens…& more on THIS side of the border than is generally known or at least, reported. I have worked with & am in contact with Border groups in Arizona & Texas. I also live on the I-20 corridor that regulary is used by traffickers of human & drugs. An increasing number of ‘busts’ include OTM’s (other than Mexican) The so called ‘dream act’ mandated or voted on are without any redeemable value until WE CLOSE THE BORDER by applying the THE laws on the books already. Only when the illegal infiltration of our broders is under control can any “comprehensive” reform take place. These ‘poor’ ILLEGAL trespassers DO NOT live in the shadows…you can check the welfare office & Wal Mart for proof. There are no figures, stats or info on how many “student visas” have expired & where the ‘students’ are.. (& these are the more desirable characters) How about moving United States Troops that now are on MEXICO’S SOUTHERN BORDER (defending Mexico from violence from the Guatamalan*sp side? Yes!!It’s true, at least in ’08. There will be more Marias as long as we have open & unsecured borders.
As easy site to see current videos is on TexasBorderVolunteers….Amenesty is not the answer. remeber how miserable Regan’s attempt in the 80’s worked.
Thanks for your comments Jan. I was looking at a map yesterday that was marked with deaths of mayor/police chiefs in Mexico. Many, as you mentioned, happened right along the border.
Your idea of choking the drug runners from the Guatemala side might have merit. Unfortunately, we did not elect a president who seems to have much interest in what is happening in our neighboring country.