You base your argument on one "friend" who alleges he has to pay bribes to "every" officer on the way to his home. I will not address this portion of your post because it is opinion and ethnocentricity, nothing more.

Mexican prisons are no resort, that we can agree on. But, is it really punishment if we send people to daycamps? The wealthy in this country get out of going to jail on a daily basis, just watch the evening news. Even regular prisoners have the right to, and often do, sue their captures because they aren't given chunky peanut butter.

As for corrupt governments... The U.S. has the finest politicians that money can buy. Every American president since FDR, republican or democrat, has lined their pockets and the pockets of their friends to some degree. I have personally had to turn in fellow officers for improper conduct such as soliciting bribes. Every person on this planet has red blood flowing through their veins, unless their dead, EVERYONE.

As for the people of Mexico "running" at the sign of trouble, you should check your facts. The largest Hispanic increase for new enlistment in the military was after 9/11. Here is a site that explores pre 9/11 for all branches of the military and their respective demographics (check DoD for current):

Hispanic US Military Service through 9/11

And this site demonstrates that Hispanics have steadily increased their military enlistment since the mid-1990's
Hispanic US Military enlistment during 1990's

I don't object to having philosophical debates with anyone, but don't put down an entire race of people without checking your facts. Being a gringo myself, I don't want to be lumped into your group.

PS. My wife's cousin, a first generation American who's parents immigrated from Mexico and a U.S. Marine PFC, fought and was injured in the desert's of Iraq defending your right to speak freely, try not to dishonor his gift to you. Not to mention the fact that 95% of Texas was Mexican soil until the U.S. military took it at gunpoint.