Drug war is not only Mexico's problem

Re: "Mexico losing its war with drug cartels," Jan. 19

This article sadly falls prey to trite and unsubstantiated analysis. While the story apparently relies on "numerous U.S. officials" to sustain its thesis, not a single one of said officials is quoted by name.

Moreover, the author did not care to ask the Mexican Embassy or anybody else from the Mexican government for our take on this issue in order to provide your readers with the indispensable balance that any piece of solid journalism must include.

To lead the public to believe that what is undoubtedly a common challenge for Mexico and the United States can be solved in four years is disingenuous at best. Success will take time, a sustained effort, leadership, discipline, trust and shared responsibilities, both within Mexico and between Mexico and the United States, the largest consumer of illegal drugs in the world and the source of the majority of the weapons used by organized crime in Mexico. Our two nations are joined at the hip and will either fail or succeed together.

Ricardo Alday

Spokesman, Embassy of Mexico in the U.S.

What Metro riders spend on fares, they save on repairs

Re: "Metro lost riders precisely because it raised fares," from readers, Jan. 19

Instead of whining and complaining about Metro fare increases, let's put a dollar figure on time and money invested with an auto repair shop. Even with 70,000 miles on it, my nine-year-old automobile is a happy camper. It's never been stuck in rush hour and never had an unscheduled shop repair.

And I haven't cursed out loud because some idiot driver cut me off. So tell me, what's not to like about Metro?

G.L. Gimble

Gaithersburg

Quality entertainment is hard to find

Re: "Gervais stands his ground over Globes performance," Jan. 18

British comic/writer/actor Ricky Gervais' sharp-edged hosting of the Golden Globe Awards was a refreshing series of stabs at the shallow, self-congratulatory entertainment industry and its narcissistic players. He deserves praise, not condemnation, for his courage to say what most of the public is thinking.

With few exceptions, films have been reduced to unbelievable scripts of tripe, ugly plots, extreme violence, crude special effects, unrecognizable remakes, and incoherent story lines, with either a complete lack of imagination and original thought or drowned in political correctness. Independent films used to be unique, thought-provoking, informative and genuinely entertaining. Now their lack of redeeming value cast a toxic cloud over the film industry.

Television is even worse, with its unreal reality shows, stupid sitcoms, hollow dramas and trivial talk shows. Fortunately cable has managed to come up with a few riveting exceptions, even some with educational purpose.

Is it any wonder that our culture is turning into a superficial society of selfish interests, over-reaching government, failed public education, social aggression, political rancor and vile extremes?

Daniel B. Jeffs

Apple Valley, Calif.