The United States has always had a big influence on Central America, starting with annexation of Texas. Now it seems that we are even more invested in the happenings of Central America due to the war against drugs. The United states is currently investing billions of dollars to combat the manufacturing and transportation of drugs. To most, this seems like a worthwhile cause. However, when the larger picture is looked at, we see that the effects of this investment reach farther than the drug war.

The money that the U.S. gives the Mexican Government is put towards training the army, among other things. Statistics show that nearly a third of the Mexican army is now in Chiapas surrounding the Zapatista National Liberation Army. The United States taxpayers' money is going towards supporting a government that is commited to oppression and repeated human rights violations.

Another effect the United States is having on the situation in Chiapas, and all of Mexico, is the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. This treaty has caused the divide between the rich and the poor to widen even more than it already is. NAFTA allows the cheap import into Mexico and the indigenous people are unable to compete with the low prices because of their small amount of land. They are forced to sell their land to rich landowners and larger corporations. It creates a spiraling effect which will soon be out of control.

All photographs copyright 1997 Scott Sady