Mexican Road maps: Proof that Americans don't understand Mexican culture

CNN.com is reporting a stir over a Mexican government plan to distribute maps in an effort to stem the deaths that come from illegal border crossings.

A Mexican government commission said Tuesday it will distribute at least 70,000 maps showing highways, rescue beacons and water tanks in the Arizona desert to curb the death toll among illegal border crossers.

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Officials said the maps would help guide those in trouble to rescue beacons and areas with cell phone reception. The maps will also show the distance a person can walk in the desert in a single day.

"We are not trying in any way to encourage or promote migration," said Mauricio Farah, one of the commission's national inspectors. "The only thing we are trying to do is warn them of the risks they face and where to get water, so they don't die."

As you would expect, The US response was typical:

Russ Knocke, a spokesman for the U.S. Homeland Security Department, questioned whether the maps would keep those crossing the border safer.

"It is not helpful for anyone, no matter how well intended they might be, to produce road maps that lead aliens into the desolate and dangerous areas along the border, and potentially invite criminal activity, human exploitation and personal risk," he said.

Some advocates of greater immigration control were irritated by the map announcement.

"What's next? Are they going to buy them bus tickets to Chicago?" said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington-based think tank. "It's clearly a bad thing for Mexico to be encouraging illegal immigration."

How sad. How very sad.

Once again America doesn't get the way Mexico works. This isn't about illegal immigration, this is about Mexico trying to fix its economy!

Think about it. 70,000 four color maps that have to be printed and folded then boxed shipped and distributed? Do you know how many Mexican printers that will employ? Probably one, and maybe a helper, so see it's about creating jobs, MAN!

"Don't hold back Mexican printing labor!!!"

Sure a few people might illegally cross the border, or use the maps to smuggle drugs or possibly al Queda but they're creating jobs.