According to CNN, 2009 is already on track for drug cartel violence, with three mutilated bodies found thus far.   I was in Mexico for most of 2008, which was reported as one of the bloodiest years ever, and heard a lot of stories.  There was one case where overnight the names of a dozen or so officers were added in paint to a monument of fallen law enforcement officers, and within a week half of them were murdered.  I think that most of this is not because the cartels are trying to kill off law and order, but rather that many police officials, especially in drug-heavy border states like Sonora and Chihuahua, are aligned with one or another cartel.  

The US has pumped money into Mexican security forces as part of the Merida Initiative, but hasn’t done much to ensure it is well-used.  This looks like a case for…. well, if only there were a super hero that fought corruption and brought the shining light of transparency and accountability.