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Mexican Drug Lord Makes Forbes' Billionaire List
March 18, 2009

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News Summary

Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera made Forbes magazine's "self-made" billionaires list, sparking outrage in Mexico, CNN reported March 14.

The magazine ranked Guzman Loera, a wanted criminal in Mexico, at number 701 on their annual list; his net worth was estimated at $1 billion. Guzman Loera escaped from prison in 2001 and now runs the Sinaloa cartel, which is partially blamed for the surge in violence near the U.S.-Mexico border. The U.S. government is offering a reward of $5 million for his capture.

Mexican officials are upset that Forbes included Guzman Loera's name on the list. "[Forbes is] "comparing the deplorable activity of a criminal wanted in Mexico and abroad with that of honest businessmen," said Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora.

"Public opinion and now even magazines not only attack and lie about the situation in Mexico, but now also praise criminals," added Mexican President Felipe Calderon. "In Mexico, it is considered a crime to praise criminals."

Forbes magazine's editor-in-chief Steve Forbes said that the magazine, which also included other criminals on the list, was just reporting a fact. "So is there anywhere one can still make a fortune these days? The 38 newcomers offer a few clues," he said. "Among the more notable new billionaires are Mexican Joaquin Guzman Loera, one of the biggest suppliers of cocaine to the U.S."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Jason on 19 Mar 09 08:34 AM EDT
"...with that of honest businessmen" HA! Most of those other billionaires are just as crooked.

Posted by Michael Abbott on 19 Mar 09 10:12 AM EDT
I agree with Jason. We would be better off if being a billionaire was against the law.

Posted by stopthehate on 20 Mar 09 11:23 AM EDT
President Obama's tax plan would roll back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans—from 35% to 39.6%. The tax that the wealthiest Americans paid on the top portion of their earnings at the end of Ronald Reagan's first term was 50%, under Richard Nixon- 70%, under Dwight Eisenhower- 91%. The billionaires are ripping us off, and there are a lot of voices in the media who call anybody a socialist for seeking fairness.

Posted by John from Oceanside on 20 Mar 09 02:27 PM EDT
I just wonder if the Rap and Hollywood Types will keep supporting the new administration when he starts taking their money?

Posted by John on 23 Mar 09 12:04 PM EDT
Hey I'm just a poor Drug counselor, but you already have the top 5% paying 60% of the taxes here. I believe Capitalism made America great. I don't want to be another Euro country!!

Posted by another Poor Drug Counselor on 26 Mar 09 04:59 PM EDT
I agree with you John capitalism is what made America great. perhaps you haven't noticed that we don't have a capitalist system anymore what we have is called an oligarchy. Where the few have purchased government for their own benefit. Coddling the superwealthy is why we are in this financial mess.

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