Ha Ha - not funny

mmsailor · May 27, 2014

kamper said:
Not sure if this has been discussed, but I suggest no Baja Ha ha event this year as protest against holding our soldier in Mexico's prison.

An American alternative can be organized eg. San Diego to San Francisco or somewhere else that keeps our resources here thus putting some economic pressure on Mexico.

semper fi translates to always faithful- don't leave one of ours behind
Your thoughts?
Kamper

Just saw that on the news , horrible . I say stay away , keep money at home ,

Stu Jackson · May 27, 2014

Useless post without a link to what you are talking about.

oldragbaggers · May 27, 2014

I like it. Money talks.

Stu, this is one of the most talked about stories in the news right now. I'm surprised anyone wouldn't be aware of it, unless of course they were out cruising with no access to news at all.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/05/27/marine-held-in-mexico-set-to-tell-his-story-to-judge/

Stu Jackson · May 27, 2014

Becky, thanks for the link. I am not out cruising, I do have I connectivity, but I hadn't heard of it til now. We're both pretty active on this and other boards. Thanks again.

UHM... Fox News and poorly marked crossing at San Ysidro (sp). There's an oxymoron if I ever saw one. Ever been there?

Rick D · May 27, 2014

Yea, it was lousy. Of course, I wonder what we would do for a Mexican national who made a bad turn and got caught in our border check with prescription drugs sold over the counter in Mexico? The wheels of Mexican justice turn very slowly, witness the dumb "audit" of vessels last Ha Ha. I guess I'm of two minds about the suggestion. One is that a statement expresses our collective outrage. The other is that pressure will harden positions and make the back channel negotiations more difficult. And, the burden falls on all the small Mexican guys who benefit from the Ha Ha.

Benny17441 · May 27, 2014

One single cruise ship brings more tourists to Mexico than the Ba Ha Ha. I think the well intended efforts are misdirected.

Wisp · May 28, 2014

It's not the fiscal impact that matters, it's the signal you send by not showing up. It's standing with one of our own. It's being able to tell this young Marine that you didn't party with is captors.

TS.

Benny17441 · May 28, 2014

I thought the intent was to put "economic pressure" on Mexico. The news of any Marine in captivity in Mexico have not yet filtered to the East Coast or has not been prominently displayed. Perhaps informing more people of the details might render better results than hurting the small Mexican guy that might benefit from the Regatta.

Jackdaw · May 28, 2014

The personal tragedy that this is for this family aside....

I'm amazed how naive the average gun-owning American is to the risk of being in possession of a firearm ALMOST ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE PLANET. Outside the USA you are in foreign jurisdiction and being American rightfully means nothing. I own a handgun but will not cross state lines with it, let alone go anywhere near Canada. Mexico?!?!?

Stu Jackson · May 28, 2014

Jack's right.

But "poorly marked crossing"???

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/ne...arine-entered-mexico-by-mistake-difficult-to/

How he made the wrong turn is beyond me.

A dumb guy, regardless of his past affliations, with guns in his truck, should be more careful around border crossings, and shouldn't be a catlyst for hurting the HaHa or the support it provides to those participate in it, have spent sometimes years preparing for, as well as the Mexicans who benefit from servicing the flotilla.

This idea is just bassackwards thinking.

LuzSD · May 28, 2014

Really, it isn't that obvious!

Actually this is not as strange as it sounds. Years ago I was making a sales call in San Ysidro, an unfamiliar area for me, although I grew up going to Mexico through these borders all my life. I can't recall now if I actually DID miss that 'last exit before entering Mexico' or if I realized I needed to take that one. But it was a surprise and close! It is not at all as obviously a border as it is coming the other way, into the US.

cephius (Dave) · May 28, 2014

I used to service systems at this border crossing. There are plenty of signs. However, it is easy to get confused or forced into a wong lane. Its no different that trying to get out of an airport you have never been to.

This gentleman made a mistake. One made multiple times a day at this crossing. One I've made knowing the crossing well.

Wisp · May 28, 2014

He may have made a dumb mistake but I think its pretty clear he wasn't trying to smuggle guns across the boarder. Obviously participation in ba ha ha will be a boat by boat discussion but I'm with Kamper on this one.

TS

Chief RA · May 28, 2014

Being a retired soldier I am most concerned with the Marines welfare and freedom. How dare Mexico to jail one of our servicemen on such a weak pretense! What's wrong with our government? Is everyone in Washington DC gutless? This isn't new, this man has been down there for months.
No soldier or sailor is dumb, we are all well educated and pass difficult tests to get to be a military person! Most of us are honored to serve our nation!
He made an honest mistake and needs respect and help.

Chief Warrant Officer

Benny17441 · May 28, 2014

Unfortunate incident but can't really blame the Mexican government for trying to stop the influx of guns into their country and don't see a reason for boycotting the Ba Ha Ha regatta. Creating a fund for this gentleman's defense would be more productive.