We took to the streets of downtown El Paso and asked people running errands or on their way to work: "How has the drug war affected you?"

Some gave personal accounts of fears they have for their family, some expressed concern for friends and people they do business with, while some don't sense a direct connection but do keep up with the news stories.

As someone who used to cross the border regularly to see family or enjoy Juarez restaurants, student Sandra Iturbe said that it has affected her way of life: "I don't feel like I can enjoy that part of living on the border."

Visit the Newspaper Tree poll on the homepage and tell us how the drug war has affected you.

More Information:  Click here for information about the conference