Whack-a-mole: West Virginia asks, "Is Mexican instability a threat to the United States?"

Two columnists in a paper in West Virginia debate what the U.S. should do about Mexico: address the complex interrelationships of being neighbors or wall it out. Another example of the intense interest the issue has in the hinterlands. 

FACEOFF: Is Mexican instability a threat to the United States? - Keyser, WV - Mineral Daily News-Tribune: Charlie Meyer: "For all the conflict, the fact remains that a more prosperous Mexico benefits us north of the border. “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

We’re neighbors, like it or not, and we had better accept and make the most of the fact. We must be more willing to do the “heavy lifting” to address the complex issues of neighboring, interdependent nations. We still have a long way to go."

Stephen Smoot: "Mexico is falling into a crisis that could end in a costly and destructive upheaval. Only by being prepared and acting if necessary can we ensure our nation’s safety and security. That means securing the border now and preparing for what hopefully will not happen, but might." Nov. 7, 2010