Dear Dr. O’neil,

I am not sure that Mexico’s cooperation during this swine flu epidemic constitutes evidence that Mexico is not a “failed state”.

One of the common elements of a State–though perhaps stated in different words– is that a State must “…control all persons and things within its boundaries.”

Does the State of Mexico have control over the cartels? Or, if the State of Mexico still has control, is this necessary control to qualify as a State quickly slipping from its grasp? Or do the cartels have control of Mexico?

It is said the Mexican Governments at all levels is thoroughly corrupt.
It is said that the Mexican police forces at all levels are corrupt and under the control of the cartels. (Recently, the Mexican government called in the Mexican Army in an attempt to gain some control over the police forces.)

Recent information discloses that the cartels are forcing their way into Mexico’s oil industry; the life-line of the Mexican economy.

I think one could reasonably conclude that Mexico’s cooperation in the swine flu epidemic is in balance no proof at all that the Mexican State has not failed or is on the verge of failure.

After all, cooperation in swine flu is not something that would necessarily interest the cartels one way or the other. In fact, the cartels may favor such cooperation.

I would appreciate your or anyone elses’s comments.

Respectfully,

Thomas Boise