DON'T IGNORE NAFTA'S DAMAGING ROLE

Re: "Free-trade agreement is legal and successful," Viewpoints, Aug. 1,
by Raoul Lowery Contreras.

My eyes glazed over when I read this drivel and half-truths from
someone who (a) is intentionally trying to mislead me or (b) does not
want to face reality. To quote the column, "Has the agreement harmed
America? No."

This mentality, not to acknowledge the North American Free Trade
Agreement problems, is common among our elected officials and their
surrogates. This lack of leadership only postpones the day when these
problems must be addressed. For example:

"Texas law officers blame NAFTA for increased heroin trafficking"
(Dallas Morning News, Jan. 4).

"I don't think it's coincidental that the Dallas area started seeing
significant increases in heroin availability about the time that NAFTA
went through" - Plano Police Chief Bruce Glasscock (Nov. 27).

"The landmark North American Free Trade Agreement has made it easier
than ever for Mexican traffickers to smuggle drugs, and American
authorities aren't doing enough to counter the fast-growing threat." -
Operation Alliance, a task force led by the U.S. Customs Service (May
11).

"The North American Free Trade Agreement, advertised as a boon for
border areas, has been a cruel joke on cities such as Douglas (Ariz.)
Mayor Ray Borane said." (June 22).

There is ample evidence that NAFTA has harmed many people. It has
contributed to the devastation of children and families in Plano and
widespread fear and corruption among law enforcement people on both
sides of the border. The anticipated relocation of jobs to Mexico was
one of the reasons for the recent strike at General Motors. Thousands
of workers, their families and communities were affected.

Does anybody out there really care about anything except getting
re-elected?

ROBERT W. REYNOLDS, Arlington

Checked-by: Patrick Henry