Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jul 2007
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2007 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Zetas
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Mexico (Mexico)

A DIRECT THREAT

Zetas Bring Fear of Violence to Our Back Yard

It's a rare moment when American journalism goes into retreat. 
Reporters have been on the front lines of every U.S. conflict from 
World War II to Iraq. The presses have continued to roll despite 
earthquakes and hurricanes, riots and domestic political turmoil such 
as Watergate.

That's because the dangers and threats always paled in comparison to 
the goal of keeping the public informed. But today, journalists are 
under direct threat and in retreat at America's doorstep because drug 
traffickers do not like the uncomfortable attention U.S. reporters 
are giving to their bloody enterprise.

Last week, newspapers received word that the Zetas, Mafia-style hit 
squads working for drug traffickers, are threatening to kill an 
American reporter in Laredo. The San Antonio Express News decided to 
pull its reporter temporarily from the paper's Laredo bureau. The 
Dallas Morning News, which regularly covers cartel operations in 
Nuevo Laredo, also is taking precautions.

The danger is real. In the past nine months, seven journalists have 
been killed in Mexico, making it second only to Iraq as the deadliest 
country for journalists to operate. Two grenade attacks in April and 
May prompted Cambio Sonora, a leading daily in northern Mexico, to close.

A threat by a Mexican gang to kill an American reporter on U.S. soil 
should send a chill up the spine of anyone who values freedom and democracy.

One can only speculate why a group of killers, rich with drug money 
and obviously unconcerned about public opinion polls, would care what 
the U.S. news media report about them. But it's clear that these 
groups rule by fear. And when the public loses access to information, 
manipulation by fear becomes far easier.

Last month, we decried the closure of Cambio Sonora because it 
signaled the slow death of civilized, sane discourse in Mexico. 
Cambio 's reporters and editors are not to blame because it's their 
government's job to provide for the public safety, and it has failed.

We shudder to think that, now, we must sound a similar alert right 
here in Texas. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake