JRE #1302 – Ed Calderon

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22-May-19






Joe Rogan Experience #1302 – Ed Calderon: Topics & Summary

Joe Rogan Experience #1302 – Ed Calderon: Topics & Summary

This Joe Rogan podcast features Ed Calderon, a security specialist and combatives instructor with extensive experience in law enforcement on the Mexico-US border. Calderon provides a chilling firsthand account of the cartel’s influence, corruption within Mexican law enforcement, and the escalating violence in the region. The conversation delves into the complexities of cartel operations, the impact of US drug policies, and the cultural context that fuels this ongoing conflict.

Major Topics and Underlying Themes:

  1. The Rise of the Cartels: Calderon details the rise of the cartels in Northern Mexico, tracing their evolution from relatively open operations in the early 2000s to their current, highly organized and brutal presence. The underlying theme is the power vacuum created by government corruption and the cartels’ ruthless exploitation of lucrative drug routes.
    1. Post-9/11 Economic Impacts: The tightening of border security after 9/11 led to economic hardship in border towns, creating fertile ground for cartel recruitment.
    2. Escalating Cartel Violence: As the cartels fought for control of lucrative drug routes, violence escalated dramatically, turning into a full-blown war on the streets.
    3. Corruption & Fear: Calderon reveals the systemic corruption within Mexican law enforcement, where fear of retaliation often trumps law enforcement efforts.
    4. Shifting Strategies: The cartels have adapted their methods, moving from open displays of power to more covert operations, utilizing technology and sophisticated smuggling techniques.
  2. The “Amnesty” Controversy: The current Mexican president’s proposal for amnesty for the cartels is discussed, raising questions about its feasibility and potential consequences. The underlying theme explores the complexities of political solutions to a deeply ingrained problem.
    1. Unclear Objectives: Calderon questions the meaning and practicality of amnesty, arguing that it lacks a clear plan for addressing cartel activities.
    2. Potential Impact on Violence: Calderon expresses concern that amnesty could lead to an increase in cartel influence and violence as they feel empowered.
    3. Political Motivation: The podcast suggests that amnesty may be driven by political ideology and a desire to distance from past administrations.
    4. Consequences for Law Enforcement: The potential for amnesty fuels uncertainty and frustration among those working to combat cartels, leaving them feeling abandoned by the government.
  3. The Role of the US in the Drug War: Calderon highlights the complexities of US drug policy and its unintended consequences in fueling cartel operations. The underlying theme examines the interconnectedness of US and Mexican policies and the need for collaborative solutions.
    1. Legalization and Shifting Products: The legalization of marijuana in some US states has shifted cartel production towards more potent and profitable drugs like heroin and fentanyl.
    2. Demand-Driven Market: Calderon emphasizes the insatiable US demand for drugs as the primary driver behind the cartel’s vast operation.
    3. Failed Strategies: The podcast critiques the effectiveness of US border security initiatives like the wall, pointing to the cartels’ ability to adapt and circumvent these measures.
    4. Interconnectedness: Calderon argues that the solution requires a comprehensive approach involving both US and Mexican governments working together to address the root causes of the problem.
  4. The “Fast and Furious” Scandal: The controversial “Fast and Furious” operation, where the US government allegedly allowed guns to flow into Mexico, is discussed, raising questions about accountability and the potential consequences of such policies.
    1. Guns for Tracking: The podcast reveals the questionable premise of using “Fast and Furious” to track guns, suggesting it was more about facilitating gun sales than actually tracking them.
    2. Consequences of Corruption: The podcast explores the human cost of “Fast and Furious,” noting that Mexican agents and civilians were killed by guns from this operation.
    3. Lack of Accountability: The podcast criticizes the lack of prosecution for those involved, despite the deadly consequences of the operation.
    4. Conspiracy Theories: Calderon reveals the widespread conspiracy theories surrounding “Fast and Furious” in Mexico, highlighting the distrust of US intentions.
  5. The Culture of Violence: Calderon delves into the cultural and historical factors that contribute to the pervasive violence in Mexico, emphasizing the deep-seated traditions and beliefs that contribute to this brutal reality.
    1. Historical Context: The podcast draws a connection between the Aztec’s practice of human sacrifice and the extreme violence seen in cartel operations.
    2. Folklore and Mythology: The podcast highlights the role of “corridos,” traditional folk songs that glorify and romanticize cartel figures, contributing to their notoriety.
    3. Occultism and Cults: Calderon discusses the influence of cults and occultism within cartel hierarchies, suggesting a connection to the brutality and lack of empathy shown towards victims.
    4. Generational Impact: The podcast emphasizes the generational impact of violence, highlighting the cycle of recruitment and violence that continues to affect Mexican communities.
  6. The Failure to Professionalize Mexican Law Enforcement: Calderon discusses the systemic issues within Mexican law enforcement, highlighting the lack of professionalism, corruption, and the absence of a career path for officers.
    1. Lack of Incentives: The podcast reveals that officers often lack incentives like pensions or career progression, making them vulnerable to corruption.
    2. Political Influence: The podcast explores the influence of political factions on law enforcement, leading to a fragmented and ineffective system.
    3. Lack of Resources: The podcast highlights the limited resources available to Mexican law enforcement, making it challenging to effectively combat the cartels.
    4. Cultural Bias: The podcast touches on the cultural biases and perceptions of law enforcement in Mexico, contributing to a culture of distrust and apathy.
  7. The Impact of the Migrant Caravan: The 2018 migrant caravan that arrived in Tijuana is discussed, revealing the complex social dynamics and political motivations behind this event.
    1. Political Manipulation: The podcast suggests that the caravan was used for political gain, highlighting its disruptive nature and the media’s portrayal of events.
    2. Cartel Influence: Calderon reveals that the caravan was comprised of individuals with gang ties, including members of the 14th Street gang, highlighting the potential for cartel manipulation.
    3. Social and Economic Impacts: The podcast discusses the negative social and economic consequences of the caravan, noting its strain on local resources and its disruption to businesses.
    4. Media Narrative: The podcast criticizes the media’s often-biased coverage of the caravan, creating a narrative that doesn’t accurately reflect the realities of the situation.
  8. US Military Presence and Potential Escalation: The podcast explores the growing US military presence in the region and the possibility of a more direct confrontation with the cartels, raising concerns about the potential for a major conflict.
    1. Training and Cooperation: The podcast notes the increasing collaboration between US and Mexican militaries, suggesting a shift towards a more proactive approach to cartel operations.
    2. Cartel’s Growing Capabilities: Calderon highlights the cartel’s increasing sophistication and their acquisition of advanced weaponry, including anti-aircraft capabilities, suggesting they are prepared for a possible confrontation.
    3. Potential for Escalation: The podcast underscores the danger of a US declaration of the cartels as a terrorist organization, which could lead to a full-scale war.
    4. Unforeseen Consequences: Calderon emphasizes the potential for unforeseen consequences if the US takes a more aggressive approach, highlighting the risks to both US and Mexican civilians.
  9. Ed Calderon’s Personal Experience and the Need for Awareness: The podcast underscores Calderon’s personal journey as a former law enforcement officer and the importance of sharing his experiences to raise awareness about the cartel’s impact on both sides of the border.
    1. The Need to Share: Calderon highlights the importance of sharing his firsthand knowledge and experiences to counter the misinformation surrounding the drug war.
    2. The Importance of Perspective: Calderon provides a realistic perspective on the complexities of cartel operations and the cultural context that fuels them, challenging the often-simplistic narratives.
    3. The Human Cost: Calderon shares his personal struggles with the psychological and physical effects of his time on the border, emphasizing the human cost of this conflict.
    4. Breaking the Silence: Calderon encourages others who have worked on the border to share their experiences, breaking the silence and shedding light on a critical issue often ignored.

Memorable Quotes:

  1. “There’s no vacation, even when there’s vacation, you know, you would go on vacation, you would get your gun to go on vacation.” – Calderon emphasizes the constant fear and vigilance required for those working on the border.
  2. “The gold gun is a big giveaway. All gold guns are, you know, that’s how you know.” – Calderon highlights the cartel’s penchant for ostentatious displays of wealth, often featuring gold-plated weapons.
  3. “It’s not just corruption because people are greedy. It’s all it’s also fear based corruption. So if you don’t do what I say, we’re gonna kill everybody in your family, even your dog, that type of thing.” – Calderon underscores the fear and intimidation tactics used by the cartels to ensure compliance.
  4. “It’s a whole generations and whole towns of women and old men. You know? They’re out there. Which is, like, whole generation is just gone. You know, all the men in the gone.” – Calderon poignantly describes the devastating impact of cartel violence on entire communities, leaving behind a void of men and fathers.
  5. “It’s not a Mexican problem anymore specifically as part of the cartel violence going on. A lot of these people had their kids up here in the US in the nineties. A lot of these cartel guys, you know. El Chapo has kids had kids in the US. And a lot of these people are now coming of age, you know. So, cartel influence in the US is a thing you’re gonna start seeing if you’re already seeing it, but you’re gonna see more of it because a lot of these people are actually American born, the US citizens. Now working in in tandem with any sort of interest down there. So that’s gonna be the new shift, you know.” – Calderon warns of the growing presence of American-born individuals involved in cartel activities, underscoring the widening scope of the problem.