What a difference an election makes . . . "

The bush administration was noted for its arrogance and imperialism: we can do no wrong and we can do whatever we want to do because we are right.

What a difference an election makes. Obama has said that he wants the U.S. to do more to prevent guns and cash from illicit drug sales from flowing across the border into Mexico.

But today, on her trip to Mexico, Hillary Clinton's remarks appeared more forceful in recognizing the U.S. share of the blame. This has been a point of tension during the bush administration, when Mexican officials claimed that the U.S. never acknowledges how much our demand for drugs and weapons smuggling fuels the violence.

As reported on HuffingtonPost:

"I feel very strongly we have a co-responsibility. . . . Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade," she said. "Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the deaths of police officers, soldiers and civilians."

"Clearly, what we have been doing has not worked and it is unfair for our incapacity ... to be creating a situation where people are holding the Mexican government and people responsible," she said. "That's not right."

Clinton said she would repeat her acknowledgment as loudly and as often as needed during her two-day visit . . . [She also said] . . . the Obama administration said it would send more money, technology and manpower to secure the Southwestern frontier and help Mexico battle the cartels.

This is a good move. Some have been predicting that Mexico could be our next big crisis, because of the increasing waves of violence and drug wars along the border.

But it's also a good move because of the tone of accepting responsibility without the bluster and arrogance of the bush boys.

Ralph