Just came across this message from the Nogalas warden's office. Anyone have insight into this security issue and is it a big concern?
U.S. Consulate Nogales
Warden Message
Warden Message – Security Issues
May 19, 2010
This Warden Message is to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico of security
concerns for travelers driving on Highway 8 between the U.S./Mexico border and Puerto
Peñasco (Rocky Point). There have been unconfirmed reports that unauthorized checkpoints
have been set up by unknown persons at night. Reports from those passing through these
checkpoints indicate that the operators of the checkpoint only requested to see identification
before allowing them to pass. U.S. Consulate Nogales strongly advises any traveler who must
take this route do so during daylight hours.
The Consulate's Security office has advised Consulate personnel to limit travel to major roads
during daylight hours. Further, Consulate staff on official travel between cities must use
armored vehicles.
I became aware of it yesterday when a friend sent it to me, and I passed it on to a few people to see if we could get a little more info on this deal BEFORE posting it on here.
Where did you find it, on the border reporter? If that's where, it still hasn't been verified.
I became aware of it yesterday when a friend sent it to me, and I passed it on to a few people to see if we could get a little more info on this deal BEFORE posting it on here.
Where did you find it, on the border reporter? If that's where, it still hasn't been verified.
I've known about this before it hit the street, ~~~ but rather than to be accused of stirring the ~~~ "CACA POT" ~~~ I thought I'd play
the wait & see roll ~~~ now I got it about 2-wks. ago from a very good friend ( 30 yrs. + - ) that is a native of PP ~~~ and anything that he, she tells me ~~~ I can take to the bank !!! ~~~ and don't ask me his, her ID ~~~ cause you ain't getting it, ~~~ & he, she told me with a sad heart,
~~~ but I will tell you that since ~~~ the new law came on board things in PP ~~~ I'm sorry to say, ~~~
~~~ are a ~~~ LOT HEAVIER ~~~ than what any article tells you, ~~~ WATCH YOURSELVES ~~~ DAY OR NITE !!!
That's not what I wanted to hear, but there it is.
OK, why in the hell haven't any of us heard anything about these roadblocks with as many people we have on this forum who go down regularly, plus others who have rcently gone down?
Jim, can you give me the US Nogales Consulate website link?
Warden Message May 19, 2010: Security Issues.
The U.S. Consulate in Nogales would like to advise U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico of security concerns for travelers driving on Highway 8 between the U.S.?Mexico border and Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point).
Quote: from Warden message;
At some checkpoints, motorists who have not stopped at unofficial checkpoints have been shot at and killed.
I would think some one being shot and killed would have received media attention. Who is this Warden? He has to explain himself, this does not make sense, it assumes stops on the US side by a citizen militia?
That's not what I want, I had that yesterday. I want the link to the US Nogales Consulate website where this link seems to have come from. It might be nice to ask someone there if this came out of their office, or not.
Again, where exactly did this come from? It's not exactly a press release. As far as I can tell, it's just being passed around at this point, with no real proof of where it came from.
That's not what I want, I had that yesterday. I want the link to the US Nogales Consulate website where this link seems to have come from. It might be nice to ask someone there if this came out of their office, or not.
Reading it, it seams that no one has been injured....people have just been asked to show IDs. The warning about people being killed was generic and appears to be referring to other incidents, not along Highway 8.
I was wondering if this was some kind of protest because of the AZ immigration law. Real surprising no one hear has heard or run into this.
That's not what I wanted to hear, but there it is.
OK, why in the hell haven't any of us heard anything about these roadblocks with as many people we have on this forum who go down regularly, plus others who have rcently gone down?
Jim, can you give me the US Nogales Consulate website link?
Lady, you are right, did not know Highway 8 was also on the Mexican side.
My initial reaction is a Puerto Penasco private task force wanting to protect their bread and butter, American tourists.
But the "shot at" comment by the Warden is inflammatory and out of context.
He must refer to the killings reported on this same stretch months ago.
Those definitely where not Tourists but Drug and Mafia killings.
This is what the private militia wants to keep out of Rocky Point.
Thanks Chari, I overlooked it thinking it was the same link as before. Again, I would have thought that as much input that we have from people traveling down, we would have heard something.
Nogales, and Hermosillo are the only real accounts of trouble in Sonora.
Notice how similar the account of the travelers from South Padre Island, several shots where fire when the vehicles refused to stop. That was in Nueva Leon. (You have to travel through MEX, to get to South Padre?)
Well, Thank Goodness! Now, back to my regularly scheduled laundry! LOL!!!!!!!!!! AND PACKING FOR 5 DAYS IN MY FAVORITE PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!:woo::woo::woo:
What is it dog? You mouthed off about who did what, now what is that? You sure are quick to call people out, and names, but it sure looks like it's the http://nogales.usconsulate.gov/ site that messed up, not someone who posted it here.
Who's calling who a girl...yeea yea going to kick my a s s. knock my teeth out..all talk kenny I'm still here..
I've never said anything about doing violence to you, or anyone else on this forum, ever... You dog, are one sick puppy... Maybe you need to sober up before you step in it, again.
Mr. innocent for one you said to meet you at your dentists office when you were down, that he was looking for new patients. Remember,
does that not mean you want to knock my teeth out?
Mr. innocent for one you said to meet you at your dentists office when you were down, that he was looking for new patients. Remember,
does that not mean you want to knock my teeth out?
For all I know, it may mean your a paranoid schizophrenic.
Okay, back on track you guys.....................not that it is going to make any difference, but I emailed KGUN 9 news (Tucson) because this morning, as well as last night, they reported on this. Their report was as vague as the statement issued by the Consulate in Nogales. The media has once again scared people away from RP (as I'm typing this, they just did the report again on the news) with unsubstantiated reports. I asked them where these people are that got shot at and killed and why have they not come foward with their stories (obviously, if they're dead they can't come foward, but you and they know what I mean!). I also told them that of all the people on this forum, no one has heard anything about this. Not that they give a rat's ass what I think, but I let them know that I do not appreciate such reports until they can be confirmed.
Okay, back on track you guys.....................not that it is going to make any difference, but I emailed KGUN 9 news (Tucson) because this morning, as well as last night, they reported on this. Their report was as vague as the statement issued by the Consulate in Nogales. The media has once again scared people away from RP (as I'm typing this, they just did the report again on the news) with unsubstantiated reports. I asked them where these people are that got shot at and killed and why have they not come foward with their stories (obviously, if they're dead they can't come foward, but you and they know what I mean!). I also told them that of all the people on this forum, no one has heard anything about this. Not that they give a rat's ass what I think, but I let them know that I do not appreciate such reports until they can be confirmed.
I understand the report (bullshit) came from a tea-party type that put it in comments on the Border Reporter a few weeks ago.He was banned along with a few other racist newbies.This was made up by allies of Arizona Republican crazies to run our relationship with mexico into the ground.
Use this letter and send it to the Warden in Nogales, obviously insert your name and change whatever you want to personalize it. The message from the :Warden" is a lie and is just to instill fear.
Disturbed and disappointed by the Warden Message dated May 19, 2010 published by your organization, I consider the message to be erroneous, inflammatory and uninformed, and I am forced to believe that an unsupervised consulate employee, who has an ax to grind with either Mexico or Mexicans, or both, published the message without proper supervision. I can imagine how embarrassed you must have been when you read the message.
With the current delicate state of relations between the USA (in particular Arizona) and Mexico, and in consideration of the large number of American visitors and property owners in Puerto Peñasco/Rocky Point, my expectation is that the office of the Consul General will assure that everything published by his organization will be informative, factual, and of value. The Warden Message dated May 19, 2010 is none of these. If the announcement were not so harmful to tourism in Puerto Peñasco, and in all the communities along both sides of the border, and therefore to the livelihoods of thousands of people, it would be laughable, and we would all be asking, “This warning is a joke, right?” Sadly, the warning is not a joke, and is clearly intended to incite fear in travelers, and to keep them from visiting one of northern Mexico’s most beautiful, friendly, and safe destinations.
Since reading the message in question, I have spoken to a large number of people from Arizona, Texas, Colorado and California, all of whom have driven to Puerto Peñasco in the past week. All entered Mexico via the Lukeville port of entry; they entered at different times of day and night, and NOT ONE reported being stopped, or detained, or in any way bothered along Highway 8 between Sonoyta and Puerto Peñasco. While there have been incidents, one in December 2009 involving Americans, and another in early May involving a Mexican, considering the thousands of trips made monthly between Sonoyta and Puerto Peñasco, two incidents since December is a very low number.
Please issue a correction to Warden Message dated May 19, 2010. The correction should state that there have been NO verified reports of detention, injury or death by aggression against Americans along Highway 8 between Sonoyta and Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point, and that Highway 8 should be considered safe for travel to Puerto Peñasco. As well, the correction should strongly encourage motorists to call 066 from their cell phones if they have an emergency.
I appreciate your attention to this matter, and I look forward to reading the correction.
FROM A REGULAR COMMENTER ON THE bORDER REPORTER AFTER HE SAW THE FAKE REPORT:
ilegal Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 6:31 pm
yeah, it was made up from an article and comments written in this site when Michael was warning people about illegal check points in the Sonoran desert and he asked the readers for tips about what could they do if they find themselves pulled over at one of those check points while travelling through Sonora.
I sent a copy of it to Rosie the day before it was posted on here, Saturday, and I'd assume she knows about it by now... Like I've said from the beginning, no way would we not know about something like this with all the contacts the people on this forum have. That being said, I can certainly understand why someone would post it on here looking for confirmation, that's part of the reason we're here.
I also sent a copy to Jerry, and as you can see above, he ran it past the very knowledgeable people on the border reporter web site.
The correction should state that there have been NO verified reports of detention, injury or death by aggression against Americans along Highway 8 between Sonoyta and Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point, and that Highway 8 should be considered safe for travel to Puerto Peñasco.
Though I like your idea Russ, in light of the incident with the people from Canada, this paragraph could very easily be looked at as false. No they were not detained, or injured, but to me it reads as if that incident was of no consequence, and never happened. I would think we need to be straight up with this thing, or be accused of exactly the same thing as those you are directing your letter to, misinformation.
I copied this letter from one that was already sent. I dont write that well. The Canadian couple was addressed not dismissed. As far as what we are doing on the ground...We have called a meeting of all who have interest in this issue and we are meeting today, this afternoon. We are doing something about this. I dont know how much we can do but it is not just one or two people it is a very large group and I would not be surprised if local government is not there as well. As of Saturday morning all local officials have been receiving request and information from local business owners on this matter. It is of high importance and timely as this weekend coming up is Memorial day. If there is something later to post I am sure you will see it here by Rosie or someone else. We are doing what we can in light of this perfect storm of controversy
Russ, your heart is in the right place, we are here because we care about the people of Puerto Penasco. Realize that you sometimes want and do you best to dismiss concerns. And that is what will bug an independent mind. You are growing on me, but that letter is an attach and misses the point. Do you really think a lackey has the power to post anything on a Consular website? It was the Warden himself that authorized this, he may assumed some one did his research. Someone with authority needs to question, not attack or assume.
We must question theose statements "pertaining to Route 8" since they were repeated multiple times on mass media in Arizona, TV and web. Look at the US embassy Website, and shooting did take place, but not in Sonora!
I would target the Governor of PP, and ask him to demand an explanation, you are assuming some one did this maliciously, (rose colored glasses), and assuming the Consul is incompetent. (Your attack)
When you attach, the first response by the other party is defense.
And when in a defensive posture your ears are the first to go.
What is the Governor of PP name so I can write to him...
Right now I'm thinking about all of those trips I've taken where there were burned out hulks that used to be vehicles on Hwy 8: cars, trucks, RV's; and not one word on here, other RP sites, or on the news. Maybe I should have slowed down and looked for shell casings and bullet holes.
"Heads in the sand, heads in the sand, it all looks so much better with your head in the sand...."
Gee Sub, you forgot to tell us about all the carnage you've encountered. Why not? How many years have you been posting with many of us Sub, and yet you, the shy quiet guy just choose to keep your mouth shut for a change, and just not mention it? Lets talk credibility here, K?
Easter 2009 on my drive back there was a burned out truck and trailer just after 'the curve'. If I had to guess I would say every third trip I go down I see carnage. Usually if you look at the road surface or shoulder you can see where a car-b-q occurred. Don't you think it's kind of odd that so many vehicles catch fire on Hwy 8?
Gee Sub, you forgot to tell us about all the carnage you've encountered. Why not? How many years have you been posting with many of us Sub, and yet you, the shy quiet guy just choose to keep your mouth shut for a change, and just not mention it? Lets talk credibility here, K?
Okay, so a friend just e-mailed me the article from the AZ Republic. I was down there 5/13-5/17 and we had a great time - nothing out of the ordinary at all. I make it a point not to drive on Highway 8 at night. In all my travels in Mexico my only rule is not driving on the highways at night - whether it's on the cuotas or the libres.
So is this story a fake? I hate what the media is doing to PP!
I was referring to Sub saying he has seen burned out cars. I have never seen one on all my 40 years that I can remember.
It is obvious that some people have one song to sing and that's what they sing, over and over. What's in their mind is more important than the reality outside. It's all black and white, no grey. Hey if they believe it , it must be true, they're always right ya know.
I saw a car that had burned one time on 8. I've never seen a motor home. I saw a flipped RV trailer one time too, skid marks all over the place after a curve. They were OK too, no shots fired. I've seen more on the highways to Caborca, Hermosillo, San Carlos, Kino. I came across one burning fiercely on the highway to Caborca. We stopped to help, The van appeared to have overheated or shorted out. The people were unharmed and unmolested except for the fire. Car maintainance is way down on the list of priorities of many Mexicans. Seeing cars pulled off the highway with flat tires, steaming open hoods in not uncommon, especially in the summer.
The timing of this is uncanny. Right before a holiday weekend. Very similar to the campaign just before spring break 2009. The message of be afraid and spend your money in the states is being sent out by the state department yet again.
Ah, so now you want to distort my posting. I didn't say any of the vehicles were shot up, I said they had caught fire and burned up. What caused it I don't have any way of knowing because I didn't stop. Next time you bet I will with camera in hand. Maybe I'm just lucky because I have personally put out 3 car fires (not my cars) which is why you will always find an extinguisher in my truck.
I just called my girlfriend and asked her if she remembered anything about the trip back from RP last Easter and she brought up the burned up trailer. She couldn't remember if it was a toy hauler or travel trailer, but definitely remembered it being between the 'rest area' where that cocaine shootout occurred in the 90's and that barrio town on 'the curve' (I can never remember the name).
You all drive a lot slower than I do but try looking next time for the charred ground and asphalt. It sticks out like a sore thumb. It's time everyone got off their high horse as if this forum is the end-all/be-all for information about RP. Don't get me wrong, it's a good source, but not everything gets posted up here. Think about the recent truck thefts where there was even one reluctant poster that had to 'admit' there was a truck stolen outside Black Dog. What else is being held back?
Didn't anyone learn anything from Watergate? Hiding the truth only makes it worse.
The timing of this is uncanny. Right before a holiday weekend. Very similar to the campaign just before spring break 2009. The message of be afraid and spend your money in the states is being sent out by the state department yet again.
2 thumbs up, the timing is crazy isn't it. After it is all said and done (after the weekend) there will be a retraction and clarification.
If you drive in Mexico (not just to Rocky Point), you'll see some pretty bad wrecks from time-to-time. Yes, you can see them in the U.S., too. However, roads (meaning the actual construction of) are far better here in the U.S. Many of the main roads in Mexico are unforgiving and deadly due to the way they are built. The road to Rocky Point on the Mexican side is not the norm at all. It's built like a U.S. road and is now a cakewalk to drive. It has shoulders, the curves are graded, and it's well-marked. I'm sure many of you remember the clip-clop concrete trail that used to be the road to Rocky Point. The worst thing you have to fear on this road now is other drivers.
However, take Mex 1 down Baja. Or drive Mex 15 to Mazatlan. Or any of several other Mexican highways. Mexacali to San Felipe is another good one. There are no shoulders on most of these roads. The roads are also elevated. If you misjudge for a second and run off the edge, say goodnight Gracie, you're in for a pretty nasty wreck. You'll find sections of roads with potholes that can swallow a truck. I've seen Volkswagens to semi trucks badly wrecked, some burnt, along all of these roads. It's a dangerous drive during the day, let alone at night. And unlike the U.S., there's always the possibility of cattle being in the roadway at night. Those reasons, more than "banditios" or illegal checkpoints, are why you shouldn't drive at night in Mexico.
If you drive in Mexico (not just to Rocky Point), you'll see some pretty bad wrecks from time-to-time. Yes, you can see them in the U.S., too. However, roads (meaning the actual construction of) are far better here in the U.S. Many of the main roads in Mexico are unforgiving and deadly due to the way they are built. The road to Rocky Point on the Mexican side is not the norm at all. It's built like a U.S. road and is now a cakewalk to drive. It has shoulders, the curves are graded, and it's well-marked. I'm sure many of you remember the clip-clop concrete trail that used to be the road to Rocky Point. The worst thing you have to fear on this road now is other drivers.
However, take Mex 1 down Baja. Or drive Mex 15 to Mazatlan. Or any of several other Mexican highways. Mexacali to San Felipe is another good one. There are no shoulders on most of these roads. The roads are also elevated. If you misjudge for a second and run off the edge, say goodnight Gracie, you're in for a pretty nasty wreck. You'll find sections of roads with potholes that can swallow a truck. I've seen Volkswagens to semi trucks badly wrecked, some burnt, along all of these roads. It's a dangerous drive during the day, let alone at night. And unlike the U.S., there's always the possibility of cattle being in the roadway at night. Those reasons, more than "banditios" or illegal checkpoints, are why you shouldn't drive at night in Mexico.
I am going to hate myself in the morning but Stu that was an excellent post, thank you!
Yeah, the other drivers in big a$$ pick ups towing toy haulers that blow your doors off passing you when you are going 70! I remember the old road, too, no shoulders and big a$$ potholes. I also remember broken down vehicles half off the road with no lights and livestock in the road. The road is WAY better now but I quit driving in Mexico at night now. I'm alone and it just ain't worth it.
so has anyone on here encountered any "unauthorized checkpoints" at night or during the day for that matter?
one question to ask is how would anyone know if they were "unauthorized" or not.
also, if motorists have been shot at and killed at these "unauthorized checkpoints", I am guessing there would have been a lot more PR about this subject, especially from the state dept and not from the "yucatan osac".
finally, my guess is that most of the people on this forum are pro-RP but I would hope that any dangerous or suspicious beheavior would be reported as an FYI to all.
so back to my original question, has anyone experienced any checkpoints that they believe were "unauthorized"?
NEVER! I am back and forth to the US many times a month day and night and I have never seen it. I am pro RP yes, but I have a responsibility to tell the truth too! If there was an issue that involved the safety of people coming here it would be reported on I am confident. I am here on the ground. I talked to someone of authority who is a Mexican local and he listens to the news everyday and there has been nothing on the news here in RP that he has heard. I think if it was real we locals would have been informed, this is not something you cover up. We are meeting today, we will discuss the matter and the facts will be shared here for everyone to see, good bad, or ugly!
I agree, that road is in much better condition that any I have driven, and actually better than Hwy 85 in my opinion. It also doesn't have the heavy truck traffic so that makes the burnt out cars that much more curious. Again, I am not sayig with any authority what caused these fires.
BTW, the Government I know was letting Calderon walk all over us last week. But this week they want to deep six Mexico travel?
The worst thing you have to fear on this road now is other drivers.
Hands down Stuart, and that's what all of us who have gone down frequently, and for years think too.
Sub, my problem with your post was that you said we were putting "our heads in the sand" and ignoring what you seem to think were signs of foul play, and that you had seen it often. I disagree, and think you are being as the politicians say "disingenuous". Now as far as the conspirisy thing is concerned I agree with you. I also think Jerry has a good handle on it all as far as the politics of it are concerned.
Oh, good! Now the AZ star has a article as well. Nothing is going to undo the damage that's been down now. No amount of denial is going to mean squat!
Heavens to Murgatroyd! Stop the madness already! Now, I'm getting calls and e-mails from friends and colleagues begging me not to go. Even after I explained it was all a bunch of hooey, some of them insisted that the government and media wouldn't lie to us. One of them started crying and another got MAD at ME!! ARGH!
has anyone experienced any checkpoints that they believe were "unauthorized"?
I've known many of the people on this forum for years, and trust me, if that would have been happening to them, or anyone they knew, it would have been posted on here and fast!
The reason I didn't post that bull at first, and some others didn't as well, was because we just couldn't imagine that being a righteous report. Some very intelligent people thought it must be some kind of hoax.
Did you read in the newsabout the accountant for that non-rental condo property next to Playa Bonita being found dead in the desert outside RP? No? What about the men murdered and mutilated recently? No?
Yup, you can rely on the media.
I've been stopped at many a checkpoint, unlike Russ I guess. Boys who looked about 16 in fatigues with M-16's and M-60's. No official sign to be seen, no insignias on the uniform either. I'm sure those were all official. I guess Russ gets advance notice of all 'official' checkpoints.
Hands down Stuart, and that's what all of us who have gone down frequently, and for years think too.
Sub, my problem with your post was that you said we were putting "our heads in the sand" and ignoring what you seem to think were signs of foul play, and that you had seen it often. I disagree, and think you are being as the politicians say "disingenuous". Now as far as the conspirisy thing is concerned I agree with you. I also think Jerry has a good handle on it all as far as the politics of it are concerned.
Oh, good! Now the AZ star has a article as well. Nothing is going to undo the damage that's been down now. No amount of denial is going to mean squat!
I said I had seen burnt out cars often and that is true. I always assumed they were accidents.
As far as heads in the sand, the main reason to discredit this 'warning' seems to be that no information was posted here. It's already fairly obvious to me that there is definitely an effort to suppress negative information, and flood this forum with positive information. I like information, positive or negative.
I noticed you didn't email that warning to me Kenny. I first heard of it here.
I noticed you didn't email that warning to me Kenny. I first heard of it here.
None of the people I sent it to posted it on here for good reason, because unlike what you would have done, they were trying to find out about the truth to it, and see if it was a hoax or not. In a nut shell, I didn't think you were responsible enough to react to it a rational manner. That could be why I didn't send it to you, but it's not.LOL... The bottom line is that it was not true, those things did not happen on the road to PP...Your original post about the burnt out cars etc was nothing but a perfect example of "yellow journalism". Now after the head in the sand remark you say, "I always assumed they were accidents", could have said that earlier, don't ya think?
so has anyone on here encountered any "unauthorized checkpoints" at night or during the day for that matter?
one question to ask is how would anyone know if they were "unauthorized" or not.
also, if motorists have been shot at and killed at these "unauthorized checkpoints", I am guessing there would have been a lot more PR about this subject, especially from the state dept and not from the "yucatan osac".
finally, my guess is that most of the people on this forum are pro-RP but I would hope that any dangerous or suspicious beheavior would be reported as an FYI to all.
so back to my original question, has anyone experienced any checkpoints that they believe were "unauthorized"?
Thanks.
To your first question: No, neither I nor friends, family and clients have ever reported being stopped at what might be described a 'suspicious' Checkpoint on Highway 8. There have been checkpoints set up in the past, usually close to Penasco, with flashing lights, lots of police, etc. I have been stopped at official looking military checkpoints both permanent and temporary throughout Sonlra over the years. Part of life here.
You comment about 'unauthorized' is a good one and it reflect back to the author of the "Warden's message" as that word was used there. Authorized by whom and yes how could you tell. Very poor choice of words.
In addition ot the media's obsession with negative Mexico news and an apparent drive to report problems as often as possible, it is difficult for me to believe that should these shootings and attacks have occured and gone unreported in the media that some family member would be raising holy H*** about it. I would, wouldn't you? I guess one could argue that these victims of these attacks were all without friends and family and no witnesses were available.
I don't have a problem passing on real, warnings. I do take the time to check them out before I might pass them on to others for a real reason. In this case it arrived as a forwarded e-mail, bereft of any 'official' logos, etc. It was a plain text message, with some publicly available links. A phone number appeared at the top, 502 prefix. I phoned that number and got a voice mail "Hi this is Bill I'm not in", I checked some of the links at the bottom of the message and they did in fact link to offical Govt. sites but nowhere did I see anything except the 'boilerplate' warning messages about travel in Mexico. I guess I missed the link to the Warden's message page.
My first question was "Did this message actually come from a govt. office or was it more crap?' Because of the absence of any 'official Govt." logos on the initial message I got (the presence of which would have made sending the message a criminal matter, not just more internet bullshit) and because I phoned the number and got no official greeting, and because 2 of the internet sites I visited had no specifics on this alleged problem, my first inclination was that it was Bogus because I came to think it did not come from an official site. Now that it is clear that it is an official government message, that does not mean that those events alluded to actually occured. It says 'there have been reports', were the reports investigated and confirmed bere they were passed along. Now I think not. I think the Warden needs a warning from his supervisor and perhaps some training in writing and thinking.
Yes, if there is a problem people need to be informed, and yes it is much too easy to pass on crap via the internet. Everybody's an expert on everything !:mexico::mexico::deadhorse:
I phoned the Consular office in Nogales. The author of the Warden's messages was not available, I asked to speak to her supervisor. I identified myself as an American Citizen, living in Puerto Penasco. and spoke to the head of American Citizen's Services about the messages. I asked her to please re-read that message about Highway 8, that the language was very poor and I found it inaccurate and inflammatory. I pointed out that the US Govt should be very concerned about providing US citizen's abroad with timely, accurate information. Why was this message released with 'unconfirmed' reports She assured me the messages were approved in Mexico city and Washington. I can't tell you who I was speaking to other than by title. No names are revealed, 'due to security reasons' . Anonymous writier, anonymous supervisors. I pointed out that it was very bad when the US Govt. is afraid of it's citizens. What would happen if you refused to give ID to a Government official. I'm wearng a bag over my head and refusing to reveal my name next time I cross into the US, 'for security reasons" , then we'll see what they will do.
OK, these people at this level are just trying to do their job, I guess. The complaint needs to go higher on the food chain.
Playa it must be hard to see your team (Republicans) ruin our relationship with mexico (your home)
You guys need to take your party back from the talk radio crowd.If we are every frog marched back to the border it will be the fault of the racist hate-mongers in the Republican parties orbit
wow looks like I'm wrong and it is a real report....sorry my mistake I now have to add the democratic party state department flacks in Nogales appointed to office by our Kenyan president.
It is still bullshit.Heck the last time I came back via Altar-saric I didn't see any non-military checkpoints...burnt out vans...everywhere
This is freakin' ridiculous. All of these news stations and papers dolling out this "newsworthy" item as real journalism when it's based on UNCONFIRMED reports makes them less of a reliable news source than TMZ. What's next? Perez Hilton reporting live fom the Hwy 8?
Looks like the AP has picked up on this story. Also, the "Consulate" wants to hear from victims. Does this imply that they never spoke to a victim in the first place???
Since this has turned into a political discussion, this is another good example why we need less government not more.
Warning issued for road to Rocky Point by Associated Press (May 24th, 2010 @ 9:47am) [/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]TUCSON, Ariz. -- The U.S. Consulate in Nogales has issued a travel warning for people heading to Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
Authorities are warning of unauthorized police checkpoints set up at night along Highway 8 between Sonoyta and the beach community.
The Consulate was told by those moving through the checkpoints that drivers were asked to show identification before they were allowed to pass.
The Consulate is urging people to travel on Highway 8 only during the morning and early afternoon hours.
The U.S. government says if you are stopped at a checkpoint in Mexico, do not resist, cooperate fully, stay calm and comply with demands.
The Consulate also wants to hear from victims.
Puerto Penasco, or Rocky Point, is a favorite vacationing spot for Arizonans.
They say they want to hear from victims which leads me to believe they have none so far. Also if you want to hear from someone you make it as easy to do so as possible.
I just got a call from my mom freaking out about us going down in 18 days (not that I'm counting). I had to tell her about ten times that we're crossing the border about 11:30 and will be meeting two other cars in Gila Bend and always grab a few other folks in Lukeville to caravan down with. Seriously, I'm thinking of sending the "warden" my mother and telling him I won't take her home until he rescinds his unconfirmed warning.
Yep, this is the most fun the news has had in quite awhile. Please stop fooling yourself if you are a US broadcast "News" consumer. It aint news and has not been for a long time. They tell you what they think will garner eyes and ears and advertising dollars. The information content is close to ZERO. Turn off the TV.
How about a headline "US Consumers Warn of FAKE News "
State Dept. warns of danger on highway to Rocky Point KGUN ... the main road to Rocky Point, by "unknown persons at night. ... driving on Highway 8 between the US/Mexico border and Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point). ...
Warning issued for road to Rocky Point KTAR.com
The US Consulate in Nogales has issued a travel warning for people heading to Puerto Penasco, Mexico. Authorities are warning of unauthorized police ... US warns of 'unofficial checkpoints' on Rocky Point route TucsonSentinel.com ... checkpoints on Highway 8 between the border and Puerto Peñasco. ... has ever come across my desk about a fake checkpoint on the road to Rocky Point, ... US Consulate warns of "fake" checkpoints in Mexico KSWT-TV
TUCSON, AZ May 24 - The US Consulate in Nogales has issued a travel warning for people heading to Puerto Penasco, Mexico, better know as Rocky Point. ...
It was just the usual stuff... Beck had the film of Calderon's speach from last week on the big screen, and he was ripping it apart with the help of his blackboard. I just thought there was enough crap floating around, without adding the stink of Beck too.