Has anyone on any side of our political spectrum advocated for a high-level, highly publicized summit between our two Presidents, at which a wide range of experts and decision-makers look at this problem comprehensively, from all aspects? One at which each side commits to making positive immediate changes for which they will be held accountable? One at which we carefully identify and explore the root causes of this problem and how we can specifically address them as friends and allies? Maybe take a month. Or two. Or three.If that really is what he would actually do -- and there is plenty of reason to doubt it -- I think that blackmailing and punishing such a close neighbor and ally is really a fabulous idea.Trump has repeatedly stated that he will put a tariff on imports from Mexico and a tax on remitances, plus he can take the Mexican foreign aid we send them and use emergency powers to reapropriate it.
Maybe we should send the army down there and really show him we mean business. Park a few tanks outside the President's office and point the turrets at his freakin' desk.
Then, after he surrenders, we can all go out for tacos and burritos.
I mean, why Mexico, Mexicans and Latinos don't like Trump really is a mystery.
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Mexico is not acting like an ally. They are massively taking advantage of US, and we need to stop it.
Letting Mexico get to the point where they take it for granted that they get to take advantage of US was a bad idea over the last 50 years.
Standing up for ourselves is going to cause conflict, that is unavoidable.
Blackmailing and punishing a unfriendly nation that is causing your nation and citizens real harm and refuses to stop?
Really is a "fabulous idea".
Before we (a) continue doing what we're doing now, which is very little, or (b) resort to simplistic, Yosemite Sam politics, perhaps we could find a few intelligent, mature adults from both countries and give that a shot.
I know that sounds crazy, but I have been a loon for a long time.
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We have real and very large Conflict of INterest with Mexico.
They benefit hugely at our expense.
They have convinced themselves that they have a Right to the Status Que based on their Historical claim to US territory.
Could two Great Men of History have peacefully and politely addressed this terrible problem at some point in the manner you suggest?
Perhaps.
But no one did.
So now we have a choice.
1. Hillary and the Status Que which greatly benefits Mexico and the Democratic Party at the expense of America and American citizens.
or
2. Trump, who has stated that his form of Negotiation it to open with an outrageous demand. And who seems prepared to use heavy handed tactics, if necessary, in the pursuit of the interests of the American people.