Extortion in Mexico shuts down schools
Extortion has tripled in Mexico since 2004, and the latest victims are teachers in Acapulco, one of the country’s biggest tourist spots. Gang members are plaguing teachers there with threats demanding they give over half their pay by October 1. Hundreds of schools have closed because of the threats, but thousands of teachers are not sitting quietly, and instead are taking to the streets in protest. Elisabeth Malkin of The New York Times reports on the latest details. Jorge Castaneda, former foreign minister of Mexico, Global Distinguished Professor of Politics and Latin American studies at New York University, and author of “Manana Forever?: Mexico and the Mexicans” discusses the U.S.’s responsibility and how the Mexican government is dealing with the threat.
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