What Doesn't Qualify as Evidence of the Weakness of the Mexican State

Mauricio Merino argues that the spat between the IFE and the networks over the dissemination of campaign spots during soccer games is evidence of an impotent if not quite failed state that lacks "the sufficient authority to guarantee the rule of law and the viability of the country." According to Merino, the episode provides "implacable symbols that the Mexican special interests are demonstrating, once again, their lack of respect for the decisions taken by the legislative branch, so that everyone is aware."

That's a bit of a reach. New laws often produce conflicts between the government and the companies affected. Was all the carping about Sarbanes-Oxley evidence of an impotent American state? Was Microsoft's conflict with the Department of Justice a symbol of the absence of the rule of law, or a lack of respect for the government? And is the alternative to periodic messy disagreement --companies that are afraid of the government and silently ascent to all governmental initiatives-- any better?