[Sabertooth]

Actually, that corrupt oligarchy dates back to before the Mexican-American War, not mere "decades."

I never suggested otherwise, I was pointing out one of the key turning points in the 20th Century that has led to Mexican impoverishment.

And we have tolerated that corrupt oligarchy's behaviors since 1848, despite the large problems doing so has caused us, precisely because a Mexico with anything approaching the per capita GNP of the US might decide to go for a rematch.

Why would we fear a rematch of a war that brought us so much territory?

You're projecting.

[Poohbah]

Why would we fear a rematch of a war that brought us so much territory?

Because unless we were willing to spend a LOT more money on defense than we actually do, a Mexico that had 35-40% of our GNP (in other words, one with per capita GNP parity to the US) would be able to mount a serious military threat.

If they skimped on the naval end of things, they'd probably be able to field more heavy divisions than we presently do--and I am talking first-rate armor and mechanized divisions, are equipped with equipment as good as our own and equally well-trained. It's MUCH better that they be too broke to afford a serious military force.