Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:28:58 -0800
Reply-To: Bernie <berniej@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bernie <berniej@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Fw: MSNBC.com Article: Tourists shun crime-hit Mexico beaches
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2008011323324524@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
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You seem to think some of us love the country any less than you do because
we are aware that have been some major problems in the first 200 miles south
of Tijuana.
To pretend this is not happening is foolish.
It is happening!
Many more incidents this past year than any other year that I know of.
I have been to the Baja 7 times and love it.
People that LIVE there say there have been major issues in this past year.
When racers connected with the Baja 1000 who have been going down for
decades
are being robbed at gunpoint and having trucks stolen we have a problem.
When people who have been going down for 25 years say there not returning
..we have a problem.
If you want to pretend there is no problem go ahead.
The Baja knows it has a big problem and have sent hundreds of troops to the
Baja.
I wouldn't knock people for sharing accurate information about travel in a
area that we love very much.
One fact seems to be very accurate and that is for the area about 200 miles
south of Tijuana things have changed
Sharing this information is important for us to make an informed decision
regarding our personal well being and that
of our loved ones.
We have been to the Baja the last 5 years but we didn't go this year.
We like stability.
If that makes me scared of my own shadow so be it.
At sixty-one I love adventure but the kind of adventure I have been reading
about taking place
on west side of Baja I can do without.
We are not talking about crime where you are at the moment, we are talking
about a specific
area on the Baja, not on the mainland, that seems somewhat out of control.
How many time have you been to the Baja been?
I don't think you have ...have you?
I think it could be a little early to declare you a expert on the area.
Secondly, most of us travel on our own not in a group of several vehicles as
you are doing and
therefore I think we are more conscious of personal safety.
Thirdly, thanks for your advice "to get rid of my bus" but I think I will
keep it and continue to make
decisions on where to go on the most accurate information available.
Fourthly, as lot of us have significant others and we have to consider the
situation we are putting them in.
The wife of the Baja 1000 mechanic had here face and her children's face
pushed in dirt and
guns place to heads she thought they were all going to be executed. They
were terrified.
The other fellow who's wife was sexually assaulted at a campground after
bullets where shot
into camper to get them out has been going to Baja for 25 years and has
forgotten more about
Baja then you and I will never know. No more Mexico for them!
This are just a few.
We aren't making this stuff up Ben, that part of the Baja has changed.
Have a good trip,
Bernie
Vancouver
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