Collins Report

By Bruce Karlson

The original Phony War was the period between mutual declarations of war in September of 1939 and the German invasion of France in May of 1940. There was almost no fighting as neither France nor Britain was prepared and each simply waited. Perhaps they thought it might simply go away.

It did not.

Similarly the US is apparently hoping that the “Gathering Storm” from the Rio Grand South will somehow resolve itself thinking: Perhaps if we simply avert our eyes, the Mexicans/Columbians/ recently pilloried Hondurans and others will handle it. As one learns early in any leadership program, hope is not a strategy.
Before taking a look at the prospects for the entire area, a definition of terms is in order. If we take a step back, the distinction among the Crips, Gambinos, Taliban, and narco trafficantes becomes blurred. They are all gangsters and spend their days in the quest of money and power. Each also has some inchoate rational for the most horrendous behavior.
Each also prospers by providing something that is not easily available to users. They sell drugs and/or sex at exorbitant prices to persons that are willing to buy. In most cases, the buyer hurts him or herself only and could get along reasonably well if these things were sold at market prices.

Our laws against prostitution, for instance, are responsible for the sexual bondage of between 50 and 100 thousand girls, many imported and sold for that purpose. Laws that prohibit selected recreational drugs are responsible for death, mayhem and corruption all over the world. THE PROBLEM IS MONEY, NOT DRUGS OR SEX!!

Seventeen thousand persons have been murdered in Mexico since 2007 with 70 in Tijuana this past January alone. Tijuana abuts our southern border!! Violence has spilled over already and Phoenix is now the kidnapping capitol of the US by a wide margin. The kidnappings are all related to drug money or immigrant smuggling money. THE PROBLEM IS MONEY, NOT DRUGS OR SEX!!

There are two solutions to this potential disaster: We can, at the Federal level, repeal ALL drug prohibition laws and states can do the same along with laws against prostitution. The other is to declare that a state of war exists and treat drug sellers and those profiting from prostitution here or abroad as enemy combatants. That paves the way for unlimited incarceration (suspension of Habeas Corpus) and summary execution.

“Dishonest Abe” Lincoln jailed persons during his war of expedience for “suspicion of Southern sympathies.” The Chicoms find a dealer, convict and condemn him in the AM and put a bullet in his head in the PM: Very efficient.
One can imagine, however, where all conservatives would be if the latter were enacted during the Obama administration. We would be in the slams or worse.

When the narcos, gang bangers, and flesh-peddling gangsters find common purpose, our pretend war will be lost along with either our liberties or our nation. In the meantime, let’s pretend that somehow it will all go away…

It will not.

About Bruce Karlson: Born New Jersey, enlisted in the Navy 1960, discharged in 1964, Kean College – BA, Fordham University – MBA. Sold computers in NYC’s financial district, retired 1992. Divorced, two high school aged children. Interests include bridge, history, politics and cooking.

Yesterday’s Rasmussen Presidential Index had Obama at -12

This day in history February 6

1922: The Washington Naval Treaty is signed in Washington limiting navy strength. The signers included Japan which had no intention of abiding by it.

Have you read this week’s “Betcha didn’t know this..” page? It’s loaded with interesting little “bite size” items you’re bound to enjoy.

Comments on this or any other Collins Report essay can be sent to kcoachc “at” gmail.com