DRUG SUPPLY, DEMAND BOTH PART OF PROBLEM

Mexicans and Americans face differences not only in language but also in
interpretation.

Recently, a spokesman for the Mexican Consulate here asked Americans
traveling to Mexico not to offer bribes -- or mordidas -- to Mexican border
guards.

And Mexican President-elect Vicente Fox has echoed a charge, made by many
Mexicans for years, that Americans' consumption of drugs, not Mexico's
drug-trafficking network, is the reason for the drug problem on the border.

This is like arguing, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" Both
nations should work a little harder at solving problems instead of blaming
each other.

Fox is right that U.S. demand for drugs is disgusting. But Mexico is a
major supplier, corrupting that side of the border, too. Fox should clean
up Mexican trafficking, not just write off the problem to American demand.

On mordidas, U.S. travelers would not offer bribes but for the strong-arm
tactics of Mexican customs and immigration officials at border crossings.

To protect travelers, particularly during the busy holidays, Mexico will
station government observers at border crossings to watch its inspectors.
That is a good first step. Paying the inspectors a decent wage would be a
good second step.

To be sure, Mexico is a poor, put-upon cousin to its rich, decadent Uncle
Sam. But the trade of goods and services, unfortunately, is simple supply
and demand.

It's also illegal -- something both nations must work on without assigning
blame to either.