Can't afford to visit Beirut? Try Mexico - it's almost as dangerous

The big lie continues that Mexico is a civilized nation that we should embrace with open arms and open borders. The truth is that Mexico is one of the most corrupt nations in our hemisphere and, right now, is very close to a state of total anarchy.

The drug cartels (see map at right), who, for years have controlled many of Mexico's politicians and more than a few American politicians are now in open warfare with the government for total control of the country.

Most recently, a Mexico police chief's head, stuffed into an ice box, was delivered to his colleagues in the country's latest drug-related violence. The incident came as 16 other people were also killed in Mexico's northern state of Chihuahua in attacks the authorities believe are linked to the country's drug wars.

"Hitmen cut off commander Martin Castro's head and left it in an ice cooler in front of the local police station," said a statement issued by the state justice authorities. Along with the head was a warning from the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel.

The police commander, only five days after starting his job, was abducted along with five other police officers and a civilian, . Six bodies in police uniforms bearing signs of torture and gunshot wounds were found in a street in the state capital, Chihuahua.

Along the northern areas bordering the US, more than 5,300 people were killed last year. Nevertheless, the U.S. State Department has, thus far, refused to issue a warning asking Americans to avoid this very dangerous and often deadly part of the world.