Musings from and about living in Mexico
A Dangerous Life
On several expat forums there is ‘conversation’ about some recent robberies and killings. Not a cheery subject. But, then rose colored glasses have never been a fashion statement of ours.
Two Canadian citizens were killed here in Mexico in the last couple of weeks.
Still closer to home, a friend came by the casa the other day. The amigo lives in Missouri. He traveled down to Puerto in his pickup with a motorcycle in the back like he did five years ago when we met him. But this time he was badly beaten and robbed roadside where he pulled over to rest (not recommended by the way).
Our friend is 63 years old. Five days after the beating the looks of his blackened, blue and purple face lead us to believe he was brutally beaten. His report from behind large sunglasses was sad and frightening to think about. A first for us – actually knowing a victim.
As one would expect the responses to robbery, home invasions, and subsequent deaths is varied. Some suggest the dangers know no boundaries. What happened here could have just as easily happened there. Others are literally packing up and heading to perceived safer areas – probably ‘home’ for frightened and disgruntled expats.
The Calypso Couple is not ready to pack it in. Our home(s) is in Mexico. The only difference we see being here as opposed to the United States is we chose to be here rather than having been born here. Other than that technicality we are home.
We need to make life work right here. Where for many rational reasons Mexico was chosen as home base, ground zero or no place like….
We feel freer here. Freedom does not come without a price.
In the more sensible amongst us there are two opposite principles fighting each other: the instinct of freedom and the instinct of security. These principles are especially dynamic here in Mexico.
Truly freedom can challenge security. Living in Mexico can challenge security. The playing field is not equal when the innocent are rendered defenseless by inane gun laws and corrupt police forces. We would feel better if we could own a gun or two – now there is a muck stirring statement.
We do have several metal baseball bats. The kind that surely would leave a lasting impression on a robber and would be murderer.
There are always those that suggest just giving up whatever the thieves/murderers are after. Do not resist because more often than not those that resist are the death victims. And admittedly there are those that simply must give it up like most women and the elderly (common targets for these monsters).
For us it is just hard to cotton to the idea of just graciously turning over our things to people making threatening demands to have those things. It is just our fabric to not want to comply; thieves please take note: you will not find an easy time of it here.
Up there north of the border where freedom is mostly a fond memory, it certainly does not smack of warm and safe. One commenter reported having been issued a map of the safe streets one could travel when disembarking a love boat cruiser for Mexican shores. Their comment was WHY would they get off the boat to that – to a place where you needed a map to avoid dangerous streets.
Here we were thinking we know plenty of streets in the good ol’ U.S. of A that we would not travel on. Plenty of places where one might encounter unfriendly s.
And as we all know if you will not go to them they will come to you. Unscrupulous people may break into your house and take your stuff, threaten your life and perhaps even kill you. They call it a ‘home invasion’ now. It pretty much matters not what part of town you live in. In fact the higher end or ‘safer communities’ may actually be at greater risk.
We all have heard the warnings about not flaunting your wealth. Keep those diamond rings and pearl necklaces under cover! Better to wear a Timex than a Rolex – hmm.
As foreigners we do not have the right to defend ourselves here in Mexico. Perhaps most would not arm themselves even if it were a legal option. We would even that playing field – just saying.
History shows us freedom does not come without cost. It seems like too many are willing to give it up without a whimper let alone a fight.
When a society allows prominence to voices claiming that individual freedom is evil – the Dark Ages are standing on its threshold. How many civilizations must perish before people realize this?
There are the lowest elements of man – those that without conscious steal and harm others for gain. Occasionally they choose the wrong victim. The tables are turned and they lose and even die. When those risks are in the equation second thoughts often prevail. So I for one will not be turning my stuff over with a smile if you come knocking on heaven’s gate or my door.
We should mention that if you do carry one of those marvelous metal baseball bat equalizers, you should also have a ball and glove nearby. Otherwise the policia might consider it a weapon and punish you for its possession. Anyone want to play catch? I have a ball and glove – oh and a nice shiny metal bat. Stay Tuned!
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ivan