In your October 30th front page story "Drug corruption triggers inquiry of
border agents," we learn that Customs, Immigration, and Border Patrol
agents are as corruptible as anyone else. Enough of them are enticed by
constant exposure to bushels of hundred-dollar bills that we maintain our
90 to 95 percent failure rate on drug interdiction.

I was particularly intrigued by U.S. attorney Knauss' comment indicating
the problem is made worse by hiring agents locally. It seems when the
Good Guys and Bad Guys went to Kindergarten together, the net loser is
Good, at least in enforcing prohibition laws.

Mr. Knauss suggests bringing in agents from far away so they will feel
less empathy for the people they protect.

This is an excellent idea. There are lots of incorruptible Russian
soldiers who are looking for jobs right now. Perhaps President Boris
Yeltsin can be cajoled into sending a couple million troops to Texas to
protect us Americans from ourselves.

Bob Ramsey,
IRVING