The title of the article grabbed me pronto. A short story. A man and family moved across the street from me roughly ten years ago. In Houston in what could be described as an affluent neighborhood. I lived there since 2003. I presently enjoy life in North Texas with few neighbors that I can easily describe as very rural. I reached out to Orestes when I noticed his license plates were from Quintana Roo. They had just moved from Playa del Carmen where he had a beautiful house where in also he had his medical practice. He was a family doctor with many years in the practice. over time he explained why he moved away. Several years ago, he started receiving correspondence from some sketchy people. They wanted a floor tax or piso to continue his practice. He was adamant that he would not be extorted. In a short time the correspondence became violent and full of threats to himself and family and home. He landed in Houston. His medical credentials were worthless here so he worked on an off with hospitals in positions below his abilities. Definitely a rude transition from him.
What an excellent piece, Ioan. All encapsulated from the sad Michoacan start to present. Whew. And the extortion -- simply everywhere. On MX east coast occasionally they'll shut a gang down, but it takes forever to do so. And you're so right. This problem certainly is under-addressed. A not so secret secret.
Wow is that some great reporting of a scary situation. I wonder how you gauge an opportunity to report in situations where your personal safety is at risk?
Great article! I know of a village in EdoMex / Tierra Caliente where pharmacia chains gave up there local presence due to extortion. Villagers have now to go to Toluca for their pharamcies which is a 90 minutes car ride. Up to now the governement did not respond to this.
That is a very strong anecdote my friend - and really shows the social impact of this and how it is such a big deal. All best there Juan and great to have your voice here.
The title of the article grabbed me pronto. A short story. A man and family moved across the street from me roughly ten years ago. In Houston in what could be described as an affluent neighborhood. I lived there since 2003. I presently enjoy life in North Texas with few neighbors that I can easily describe as very rural. I reached out to Orestes when I noticed his license plates were from Quintana Roo. They had just moved from Playa del Carmen where he had a beautiful house where in also he had his medical practice. He was a family doctor with many years in the practice. over time he explained why he moved away. Several years ago, he started receiving correspondence from some sketchy people. They wanted a floor tax or piso to continue his practice. He was adamant that he would not be extorted. In a short time the correspondence became violent and full of threats to himself and family and home. He landed in Houston. His medical credentials were worthless here so he worked on an off with hospitals in positions below his abilities. Definitely a rude transition from him.
So was that extortion in Playa del Carmen and he moved to Texas to escape? A tragically frequent occurrence I think. Best there Greg.
What an excellent piece, Ioan. All encapsulated from the sad Michoacan start to present. Whew. And the extortion -- simply everywhere. On MX east coast occasionally they'll shut a gang down, but it takes forever to do so. And you're so right. This problem certainly is under-addressed. A not so secret secret.
Thanks so much there Jeanine. And yeah, the coasts have really suffered on this issue. All best and take care there friend.
Wow is that some great reporting of a scary situation. I wonder how you gauge an opportunity to report in situations where your personal safety is at risk?
Thanks much there Jerry. It's a constant and tough calculation trying to figure out how to report in Mexico. All best there my friend.
Great article! I know of a village in EdoMex / Tierra Caliente where pharmacia chains gave up there local presence due to extortion. Villagers have now to go to Toluca for their pharamcies which is a 90 minutes car ride. Up to now the governement did not respond to this.
That is a very strong anecdote my friend - and really shows the social impact of this and how it is such a big deal. All best there Juan and great to have your voice here.
Good writing. Thanks to your collaborators, too!