You've seen the headlines describing the violence in Mexico; the beheadings, kidnappings, assassinations, torture, and mass graves. The long-running narco-terror war, the corruption within government, the rise of gangs, the poor economy; all have contributed to what are fast becoming virtual war-zones in many parts of the country.
An article on CNN.com this week reported that one northern Mexican city plagued by violence is taking a novel approach (for them) to the problem: training its citizens to use firearms for self-defense.
Jaime Rodriguez Calderon, the mayor of the city of Garcia, said the training is part of his security program and is aimed at "involving the citizens in defense of the region."
"Many of them want the training and knowledge ... to defend their families and their heritage," he said. "Many people call me because their son or their husband has been kidnapped, or some family member's car has been stolen. I said to myself, 'Wow, how can we, the citizens, defend ourselves?'"
According to the article, the course will be free and will take place in a city hunting club, where students will use .22-caliber guns for training.
Rather than blame the United States for their problems with violence, the mayor and concerned citizens of Garcia have decided enough is enough, and are doing what free people do -- taking responsibility for the protection of themselves, their families and their city.
Bravo!