A needed crackdown

Orlando Sentinel: The image is dramatic: Mexican President Felipe Calderon dressed in military fatigues while addressing troops and declaring war on drug traffickers.
It's clearly more than a photo-opportunity moment for Calderon, who has sent thousands of federal police officers and soldiers to cities like Tijuana, Acapulco and Morelia to battle drug cartels since taking office Dec. 1.
But this is a war that requires tremendous perseverance.
Any strong anti-crime initiative needs unprecedented resolve from the Mexican government. The thuggish drug cartels have corrupted local police departments, terrorized the public by beheading citizens who reported crimes and bribed prison officials to free some of the cartel's most notorious leaders.
Distrust of police
The public's distrust of the police is strong, and understandably so. A purge of dubious individuals in the police department and courts system would help address many issues. This benefits people on both sides of the Mexico-U.S. border.
For one thing, a significant crackdown on crime would improve the quality of life for Mexican citizens, who would likely become less desperate to cross into the U.S. seeking better opportunities. In turn, there would be less pressure on the U.S. borders.
Calderon already has proved to be a good partner with the United States. He recently extradited 11 men identified as drug dealers to the United States. It is in line with Calderon's policy to "deepen and widen" ties to the United States.
The cartel crackdown indicates he means business.