Racism's coat of many colors

THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE ^ | November 28, 2003 | Joseph Perkins

[G.Mason]

Joseph Perkins
THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

November 28, 2003

The young couple and their 9-year-old son were detained by police on the evening of Oct. 7 after having crossed the U.S.-Mexico border earlier that day.

Two officers walked the husband and the son to an ATM, relieving the husband of the cash they forced him to withdraw.

Meanwhile, two other officers escorted the wife to a police station.

She was ordered to take off her clothes – the better to strip search her. Then one officer allegedly raped her as the other kept watch.

Had this crime occurred in San Diego, had the young couple and their son been Mexican nationals, it would have touched off a firestorm. There would have been demands for justice by a rightfully angry Mexican community. There would have been marches and demonstrations organized by activist groups like MEChA.

There would have been declarations by politicians – like California state Senate President Pro Tempore John Burton, who suggested last week that anyone opposing driver's licenses for illegal immigrants is "racist" – that the police are hateful toward brown-skinned people.

But there have been no demands for justice in this case. No marches or demonstrations in support of the victims. No blanket condemnations of the cops by politicians.

That's because the crime took place in Tijuana. And the victims were Americans.

So the husband and the wife, a 32-year-old with an Iowa driver's license, are left to the tender mercies of the Mexican judicial system.

After filing a criminal complaint with the Baja California Attorney General's Office, four Tijuana municipal police officers were charged with crimes against the American turistas.

The most serious charges, including rape, extortion and abuse of authority, were made against officer Héctor Manuel Arias Campos. He's a supervisor on the Tijuana police force working in a unit assigned to assist tourists.

Talk about the fox guarding the henhouse.

Baja California's top state law enforcement official promises to throw the book at Arias Campos and his three subordinates if they are found guilty.

"In this case," said Attorney General Antonio Martínez Luna, "the punishment has to be more severe. Police officers are the first ones who should obey the law."

But Mexican officials have been anything but severe with Tijuana police officers who prey upon the border city's 26 million yearly visitors.

Earlier this year, in fact, the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana beseeched city officials to follow up on complaints from American tourists who said they had been shaken down by the border city's crooked cops.

Tijuana's internal affairs unit responded by recommending punishment for 16 officers involved in eight different incidents. And a six-member commission – including two Tijuana City Council members, two city government employees and two private citizens – acted upon the recommendations, suspending the 16 officers 30 days without pay.

That, apparently, is the going punishment south of the border for shaking down Yankee turistas.

Indeed, the leniency with which San Diego's Mexican neighbor deals with its corrupt cops explains why, as a spokeswoman for Martínez Luna's office acknowledged, "Police extortion is common among tourists."

Let us consider again if the situation were reversed, if Mexican nationals were shaken down by cops in San Diego or Nogales, Ariz., or Columbus, N.M., or El Paso, Texas.

You can bet your last peso those police officers would not get off with a mere 30 unpaid days away from the force. They'd be fired. They'd be thrown in jail. They'd be vilified as racist, xenophobic cops on the evening news, on the front page of the morning paper.

Yet there hasn't been even the slightest suggestion in any quarter that the Tijuana police officers who allegedly raped an American women, who shook down her husband were either racist or xenophobic.

That's because, under the liberal orthodoxy, only white folks can be racist. Only Americans can be xenophobic.

Well there's at least one young American couple that knows better. They've learned firsthand, from the Tijuana police, just how hostile some brown folks can be against non-browns, how contemptuous some Mexicans can be toward Americans.

Perkins can be reached via e-mail at joseph.perkins@uniontrib.com.

[Lazamataz]

Do NOT go to Mexico for ANY reason.

It is as dangerous as going to Syria.

[jimtorr]

Why do we let Mexican authorities get away with it?

The U.S. State Departments would be issueing tourist advisories if this was happening anywhere except Mexico.

Perhaps the shakedowns by Mexican police have gone on for so long that it's now considered traditional and part of their culture, so to complain about it would be seen as racist.

[G.Mason]

"Do NOT go to Mexico for ANY reason."

That's for sure.

I was struck by the inhumanity of the act, and lack of publicity about it.

Where is John Joseph Pershing, General of the Armies, when we need him? There should be a few Mexican police scalps on some belts about now.

[FreedomPoster]

I don't like leaving Southeastern states where I have concealed carry reciprocity, let alone the U.S.A.

You don't need to convince me.

[G.Mason]

"Perhaps the shakedowns by Mexican police have gone on for so long that it's now considered traditional and part of their culture, so to complain about it would be seen as racist."

Perhaps an attitude adjustment is needed, like about 5,000 "Hells Angels" paying Tijuana a visit?

It's for sure our State Department won't dare help "we the people".

[Vigilantcitizen]

"Do NOT go to Mexico for ANY reason."

"It is as dangerous as going to Syria."

That's what I told my aunt,over and over, whose letting her 19 year old, naive, and very pretty daughter go to Mexico with a church group.

[buffyt]

We went to Ensenada several years ago. We made a wrong turn and ended up in Tijuana late on a Sunday night, after dark. There were four adults and my three children. We got out of there, and back to US ASAP. Tijuana is NOT a good place to go. Ensenada is nice, though. Beautiful area. Too bad there is so much poverty and crime! But corrupt cops are NOT helping the matter.

[Tired_of_the_Lies]

under the liberal orthodoxy, only white folks can be racist

What a truism in today's America!

White, non-liberal, males particularly are considered, by definition, to be racist, sexist and every other "-ist" of the day.

[gunnedah]

American leaders are selling American citizens out daily for votes,wealth and power. It is getting to the place that our elected officials turn blind eyes and deaf ears to American citizens and their problems to cater to some foreigner.If they spent half the time trying to solve problems that they do arguing,obstructing and filibustering, we as a country would be much better off.
America needs a good revolution before it is too late if we havent already reached that point.
Those in Congress only care for self and to hell with the rest of America.They need to be turned out into the streets to live like the rest of society.They need to get a real job and go to work away from their pampered lifestyles and down off their thrones.

[Lazamataz]

That's what I told my aunt,over and over, whose letting her 19 year old, naive, and very pretty daughter go to Mexico with a church group.

EEESH! Good luck to your cousin!

[Lazamataz]

Perhaps an attitude adjustment is needed, like about 5,000 "Hells Angels" paying Tijuana a visit?

As poorly equipped and corrupt as the Mexican army is, they'd still win over the Hells Angels.

[dagnabbit]

What a wonderful society we are merging with our own!
Let's hope Bush's stealth matricula amnesty doesn't get slowed down by so-called "patriots"

[Oldeconomybuyer]

I went to Metamoros in 1974 and have no desire to go back.

[Vigilantcitizen]

"EEESH! Good luck to your cousin!"

Thanks.

I tried to get the point across that Mexico makes Atlanta look like Disney World.

[Amelia]

FYI.

[Lazamataz]

I tried to get the point across that Mexico makes Atlanta look like Disney World.

Dude, Atlanta *IS* Disney World.

[G.Mason]

"As poorly equipped and corrupt as the Mexican army is, they'd still win over the Hells Angels."

You are no doubt correct. I certainly dated myself.

[RippleFire]

bump

[G.Mason]

"America needs a good revolution before it is too late if we havent already reached that point. "

Well stated.

[PokeyJoe]

The civil war starts next year. Hold onto your seat and buckle-up. The ride is going to get bumpy.

[Lazamataz]

You are no doubt correct. I certainly dated myself.

Now back in the day, when the Hells Angels were young and spry, and they dealt in 'surplus' military weapons... THEN I'd say even-odds. :o)

[WorkingClassFilth]

"Why do we let Mexican authorities get away with it?"

I can think of about a ten million reasons.

The proper question is: 'Why do we let our local, state and federal authorities get away with doing nothing?'

[Lazamataz]

The civil war starts next year. Hold onto your seat and buckle-up. The ride is going to get bumpy.

Sh*t. My ex-wife sold all my guns during the divorce.

Got a spare assault-rifle for a crack shot?

[B Knotts]

The most amazing thing about this story is that it actually was reported in a major daily newspaper!

[Jakarta ex-pat]

The Liberals have won.

The "Multiculturalists". The Media. "Education"

Conservatives will not beat the above.

The battle may not be over, but numbers alone say the up hill task has already become a mountain.

Yes, the pendulum swings and GW will win the presidency again. Some consevatives are winning elections in Europe.

However, the die is cast.

And few are interested.

Many insult.

President Bush showed balls in going to Iraq.

I guess he can afford to.

With 24 hour security, we could all become heroes.

Not that Democrats and Liberals ever could.

However, the Western World is running out of time.

[Hildy]

I was going to go to Rosarita on Tuesdasy of this week. My friend knows of a guy who does wonderful ironwork and I am looking for a bed. My husband, who knows better than to EVER tell me what to do, strictly forbade me to go. He's lived in San Diego his whole life and knows that once you enter Mexico, you're life is up for grabs.

[Lazamataz]

f.Christian, I would like to introduce you to your possible successor.

You'll need to make him or her a little more obtuse and incomprehensible, but we have a good foundation here.

;^)

[Jakarta ex-pat]

f. Christian knows me Laz. We are good FRiends.

Keep smiling,

Philip.

[G.Mason]

"The most amazing thing about this story is that it actually was reported in a major daily newspaper!"

Bingo! Will wonders never cease?!

I read it in the Citrus County Chronicle, which is a small paper in Florida.

I could understand it being printed in San Diego as it is so close to Tijuana.

Perkins, a black reporter, did such a great job on the piece, I was compelled to e-mail him of the fact.

[TexConfederate1861]

I go to Mexico on a REGULAR basis. Usually, if you stay in the border towns and don't do something stupid, you won't have a problem. In my Navy days in San Diego, I went to Tijuana almost every weekend, and I can tell you that the only problem I ever had, was when a sailor buddy of mine was being rude and insubordinate to a police officer. Just like in this country, they will NOT tolerate such behavior. Now, that doesn't justify the alleged behavior of the police in question, but I have to wonder if maybe something was done to antagonize them......

[Lazamataz]

f. Christian knows me Laz. We are good FRiends.

Could you ask him what gives with his messages? I mean, most of them read like this:

Pythagorus?? Evolution dictates. IF???????

The solution! Eggs???? Not if sunspots.

Gnomes? Underwear??? It is!!!!!

[G.Mason]

Stay the course Philip.

There's more than a few of us that still have our heads screwed on straight.

[vetvetdoug]

The Post Office needs to put a copy of this article up in every one of the Post Offices in the US.

[Lazamataz]

Usually, if you stay in the border towns and don't do something stupid, you won't have a problem.

So would shooting at Mexican army troops, plotting publically the violent overthrow of President Fox, and openly conspiring to transport drugs to America qualify as stupid?

Was that my problem(o)?

[vetvetdoug]

Laz, you are welcome to my arsenal anytime!

[Lazamataz]

Cool. If the balloon goes up, there's lots of patriots who'd come to my aid.

Bastard ex-wife anyways. Don't get married, you lose all your guns.

[Tacis]

Hey, Mexican police, under the command and in the pay of Presidente Fox, only rape and rob gringas that American police won't touch!

[G.Mason]

"The Post Office needs to put a copy of this article up in every one of the Post Offices in the US."

That wouldn't hurt, but I'd like to see it on the headline of every newspaper, and be the "Peterson / Kobe " story for a month or two, on all the "news" networks in America.

That would get some attention.

[spodefly]

PING

[spodefly]

PING

[LibertyAndJusticeForAll]

The police (& governments) of Mexico have been corrupt for decades. A traffic violation is usually the contents of one's wallet. And, that was true 40 years ago as well as today. Travellers learned to have 2 wallets; one they took out for the Mexican police and one that was hidden.
I still remember when half the cars belonging to the Tijuana police were stolen vehicles from San Diego. They were found in the parking lot of the Tijuana police and all were "owned" by Tijuana policemen.
Incidents like the one detailed in this article have never seemed stopped Americans from visiting Mexico. I've heard that the border cities are the worst, but who knows, given the lack of reporting.

[Scenic Sounds]

Once you get past Tijuana, Mexico isn't too dangerous. I haven't spent too much time in Tijuana in the last few decades. We had a lot of fun down there in the sixties, though. Tijuana has always been a big attraction for young folks because, at least when I was young, there was apparently no age limit in the bars. And it always seemed like, no matter what we did wrong, the fine (at least on the street) always seemed to be twenty-six dollars. Maybe that figure came from a treaty, or something. LOL. ;-)

[MissAmericanPie]

Question. When those that lived in Texas, rose up and toss'ed the Mexicans out and took over, did they check with Washington to ask permission?

Why can't we the people saddle up and drive these leeches past the Yucatan Penn. into Brazil and seal that little bottle neck off and claim Mexico for ourselves?

Heck, there is barely anyone there to defend against such a thing as it is. They are all up here. Of course they would rush home to defend their precious momma land and that would be a good thing.

[onyx]

Everything was different LAST CENTURY when SS and I were kids growing up in America's finest city --- a sleepy, little Navy town bordering Tijuana, Mexico.

Sneaking across the border to partake in under-age drinking, must have been a "guy thang" --- I wouldn't know about such things. :)

Seriously, Joseph Perkins is our best locally-based, syndicated columnist and this particular column is spot-on. This horrid incident has been given the short-shrift by the national media, and we all know why.

[G.Mason]

"Why can't we the people saddle up and drive these leeches past the Yucatan Penn. into Brazil and seal that little bottle neck off and claim Mexico for ourselves?"

With the risk of sounding racist I see no reason not to.

Many of our southern states are becoming overfilled with retirees, and why waste a perfectly good climate on Mexicans.

Yes, I think that's a good solution. I would stipulate that those of us who drive them into the So. American continent be given Mexico, as many Civil War soldiers were given land after that great conflict.

[FITZ]

Once you get past Tijuana, Mexico isn't too dangerous. I haven't spent too much time in Tijuana in the last few decades.

It's not too safe either --- not anymore. Twenty years ago it was pretty safe to travel around in Mexico but kidnappings for ransom are common now, buses get held up and the passengers robbed on the highways, American tourists are targeted by thieves. The society over there is being unglued.

[FITZ]

The police (& governments) of Mexico have been corrupt for decades.

There is no doubt about that. In Mexico, being a policeman means you are given a uniform and allowed to rob people. Most Mexicans will tell you exactly that. Illegals have told me that if they are right on the border --- with Mexican agents coming to them from the south and the US agents waiting for them from the north, they'll go with the US agents who will treat them fairly.

The only thing --- I have dealt with Mexican law agents and some of them are good, honest and fair people ---- it's kind of sad that they try hard but the system overall is pretty bad.

[Travis McGee]

I wonder what the response would be if Roger Hedgecock organized a radio call in donation campaign to buy a billboard just before the border at San Ysidro repeating the facts of this case, and warning Americans of the danger they face in Mexican police hands? Can you imagine the fury?

[Scenic Sounds]

I still remember when half the cars belonging to the Tijuana police were stolen vehicles from San Diego. They were found in the parking lot of the Tijuana police and all were "owned" by Tijuana policemen.

You're right about that - Mexico is decades ahead of us in terms of privatizing governmental functions. ;-)