Did You Know...

**Written by Doug Powers

The State Department’s previous warning from last April advised against travel to all or part of ten states in Mexico. In the new warning, the number of states has increased by four:

Americans should avoid all but essential travel to all or parts of 14 Mexican states, the U.S. State Department warns as violence has spread.

Shootouts, kidnappings and carjackings have climbed, as have cartels, also known as transnational criminal organizations (TCO), the State Department said this week in a broadened travel warning.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico every year, the country’s ongoing violence and security concerns pose risks for U.S. citizens, and travelers should take precautions, the State Department advises.

No matter where you’re traveling in Mexico, the State Department recommends that you “lower your profile and avoid displaying any evidence of wealth that might draw attention.” It’s the same advice State gives to Wall Street millionaires planning on walking through “Occupy” encampments.

This map really puts the scope of the problem in perspective (h/t Tammy Bruce and Gretawire):

If you’re not good at reading maps, just remember that it’s like choosing which wine to have with fish: Avoid the red.

Doug Ross:

Say, I’ve got an idea! Let’s have the ATF deliver thousands of weapons to the Mexican drug cartels. Maybe that will help!

**Written by Doug Powers

Twitter @ThePowersThatBe