It Only Takes One Person to Make a Difference

For the last several years, Northern Mexico has become an increasingly dangerous place for both residents of the City of Juarez and the many American tourists that visit.  Northern Mexico has become one of the most dangerous places around because of competing drug cartels and the corruption of many parts of Mexico’s government. Drug Cartels are criminal organizations that traffic (move) drugs illegally throughout the world.  The business is very dangerous and has led to many cases of kidnap, murder, and violence in Mexico and the United States.  The increase in violence is due to cartels fighting for control of the trafficking routes into the United States. Theses days’ people fear walking down the streets alone because they might become victims of the cartel’s various gangs and the possibility of being kidnapped or murdered.

        I recently read the article “Just 20, young mother becomes Mexican top cop,” that appeared the Sydney Morning Herald.  The article is about a very brave woman that has taken the job of Police Chief for the City of Juarez, when nobody else would.  According to the article, Marisol Valles, a twenty tear old mother, recently accepted the position of Police Chief in Mexico’s dangerous northern region. Valles was studying criminology in nearby Ciudad Juarez - Mexico's most violent city, when she was presented with the opportunity to become Chief of Police. "She was the only person to accept the position," said the mayor's office in Praxedis Guadalupe Guerrero, amid the daily threat of violence here which has claimed the lives of police officers and a former mayor.” The article explains how the state of Chihuahua has “borne the brunt of Mexico's spiraling drug-related violence that has left more than 28,000 dead in the last four years.”

        I think what Ms. Valles is doing is incredibly brave but also very dangerous.  She is trying to make a difference but has to put herself and her son at risk to accomplish her goal.  Last week alone there were at least eight murders in Praxedis. "I took the risk because I want my son to live in a different community to the one we have today. I want people to be able to go out without fear, as it was before," Valles said. Valles said her job will not be to fight drug trafficking because that responsibility falls on soldiers and federal police. Instead, she will focus on rehabilitating public spaces and improving relationships between neighbors in order to improve general security.

        I fear for the safety of Marisol Valles and her son because of the risks she took taking this job. I think she has gotten herself into a sketchy situation that can only bring danger to herself and her family. However, I admire her bravery and pray she will be able to make a difference.

Extreme Courage

I recently read an article published by The Oval titled Obama: 'All Americans are safer' because of Medal of Honor winner's actions. This article was about President Obama awarding the nations highest military award, the Medal of Honor, to a Sergeant serving in Afghanistan. On Wednesday the President awarded the parents of Sgt. Robert J. Miller who died in combat after exposing himself to enemy fire saving the lives of the 22 U.S troops and the lives of 15 Afghans as well.  This fateful night happened on January 25, 2008 when he led a battle damage assessment team into a snowy valley in Afghanistan. Out of nowhere the squad was ambushed by 150 well-protected members of the insurgent Taliban who were rapidly firing bullets and throwing grenades at the squad. “Even under heavy fire, Miller -- wounded twice in the chest -- advanced while firing back and tossing grenades, and reporting on the enemy's position via radio. Miller's actions provided cover as other soldiers pulled out the wounded for medical treatment.”

            After reading about Sgt. Robert J. Miller’s actions I was amazed about how much courage and heart this one man possessed. What came over him to give him so much courage as to charge at the enemy who was shooting at him when he was already wounded? How many people in the world would be willing to do this? The bravery that Miller showed resulted him saving the lives of many Americans who were fighting for our country. He really is an extraordinary man and it makes me feel save that we have such brave kind-hearted men protecting out great nation. Although Miller’s motive is un-clear he showed extreme courage, bravery, and love for his country on the night of January 25^th.