"They think we stole their precious land, back after that little fracas we call the Mexican-American War."
If another country did to its neighbor what we did to mexico territorially, that is exactly what our government might say today.
I don't have a problem with annexation through military conquest, but a spade should be called a spade.
If Americans found highwaymen and thugs in charge. We wouldn't put up with it. We, the people, would either shoot the bastards or hang them.
But, of course, we've always had our own firearms. (Sounds like a good way to avoid tyranny to me).
If Mexicans had the balls, they could certainly get their hands on some firearms and try to clean up Dodge City. You can get anything else in Mexico.
We had early concepts in America, acted upon by our founders, of choosing liberty even in the face of death.
As a boy, I studied Montana history. Before there was well established law in Montana, the ranchers found a way to deal with the cattle rustlers, thieves and general criminals. They would gather together and ride out to find the offending party. They would then hang the bastard on the spot. After something like forty-three hangings, most of those inclined to lawless behavior got the message.
Yes, they were vigilantes and it worked.
Dramatic problems require dramatic solutions.