¡Viva Mexico!: Mexico, beyond the drug violence

What is said here about the cultural richness of the city of Merida, in the Yucatan, is true of many other places in Mexico. But Mexico won't win the drug war until the U.S. changes its drug prohibition laws. 

Mexico, beyond the drug violence: "When President Obama sits down Thursday with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, they might want to take heart about a part of Mexico that won't be on their agenda. A vibrant, peaceful area in southeastern Mexico underscores why America's neighbor has to win its fight against drug traffickers and why Mexican society may be strong enough to do just that.

One million people live in Merida, the capital of Yucatan state, set between the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Uzmal. ... This is the Mexico rich in social capital, tradition and culture that we should cherish and defend, and that is almost blotted out amid news of drug violence and economic woes." Washington Post