In Mexico, Corruption Is Rampant and Pervasive

During his two years in office, Mexican President Felipe Calderón has made a valiant attempt to expel corruption from his government, but many think his efforts are quixotic at best, the Christian Science Monitor reports. “I don't think there is ever a point that Calderón can claim 'mission accomplished,'” one expert said of the president’s internal probing. During his tenure, 11,500 state employees have been fined for corruption.

“He is trying to carry out the transformation of Mexican law enforcement,” the expert continued, “which is not the sort of thing that can render tangible results in the short term.” With bribery rampant in local police forces dealing with cartels, Calderon ordered the military to join the war on drugs, but some think corruption will soon enter the army as it did the police. Calderon remains stoic. The road may be “long and difficult,” he said, “but we will not give in.” (More Mexico stories.)