Raul Rodriguez speaks at UNC about reform in Mexican drug trade

Raul Rodriguez said American drug use is supporting government corruption in Mexico — and it’s time for reform.

Rodriguez, former CEO of the North American Development Bank, spoke Tuesday about the issues impeding economic growth in Mexico.

“The drug trade … is a major component of economic volatility,” he said.

Cartels, dangerous drug gangs that control portions of local governance of Mexico, are exporting a healthy portion of their crop to adolescent addicts and recreational users in the United States, he said

Americans’ purchase of these illicit substances entrench corrupt regimes that are impeding progress of Mexico’s young democracy, he added.

Rodriguez demonstrated that Mexico, which abandoned six centuries of autocratic rule in the 1980s, is having trouble stoking a stagnant economy.

These drugs and arms cartels, corruption in higher levels of government, flimsy educational infrastructure and an aging working population are to blame for economic woes, he said.

“We need a comprehensive social platform for change,” Rodriguez said.

One student who attended the lecture said he believes the U.S. has a duty to intervene in the cartel problem Mexico.

“There should be more U.S. government intervention at the border — but peaceful,” said Senior Will Thomason.

However, the democratic reforms made in the 1980s have still not terminated ongoing social ills, such as gang wars, and many Mexicans are now yearning for the old regime.

“Violence brews nostalgia,” stated Rodriguez.

Sophomore Jenna Kazmaier said she doubts that Mexico will step in to solve cartel corruption because of the income that the drug trade provides Mexico.

“Economics trump human rights,” she said.

Kazmaier’s classmate, sophomore Hayley Booterbaugh, said there should be more focus on the cartel’s gun trade.

“Arms are the biggest problem,” Booterbaugh said.

Rodriguez said American demand for marijuana and cocaine might be to blame for cartels flourishing — but a war on drugs is not the answer.

“Even without American demand, cartels will still control things.”

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