PUBLIC FORUM;
WRIGHT'S DEFENSE OF MEXICO WAS ALL WRONG
Copyright (c) 1997, Tower Media, Inc.

Former House Speaker Jim Wright knows a thing or two about
corruption. After all, he was arguably the most corrupt
speaker ever to disgrace the House. Now he feels it
necessary to hold forth about the alleged ''insult'' to
Mexico by our legislators, who briefly decertified our
southern neighbor when evidence of drug corruption was
revealed (''United States sticks thumb in Mexico's eye,''
Opinions, April 2).

Wright presents Mexico as a sincere partner, upholding
''pride,'' ''national traditions'' and ''wellformed moral
precepts.'' He excoriates the United States for
''insensitivity'' in pursuing measures to control our
borders against a massive invasion of illegals from Mexico.

Wright conveniently has forgotten the recent passage by
Mexico of a constitutional amendment designed to allow
immigrants to retain their Mexican citizenship and to vote
in Mexican elections even after becoming naturalized U.S.
citizens.

Insensitivity is as insensitivity does. Perhaps we
should link ''certification'' with Mexico's repeal of this
insulting new legislation.

James F. Glass

Chatsworth

I would like to compliment the Daily News for publishing
the propaganda article by Jim Wright, which confirms the
sellout of the United States by current and past members of
the government.

Wright neglects to report over 85 percent of the
narcotics coming into the United States comes from Mexico,
which is doing nothing to stop this $ 60 billion Mexican
industry. He neglects to report that there is an invasion
of the United States by Mexican illegal aliens criminals
who come here only for the welfare benefits and are
destroying our welfare system, not to mention our public
schools and our criminal justice system.

Donald L. Mellman

Studio City

Jim Wright is wrong when he downgrades American resolve
and sovereignty in dealing with one of the most serious
threats to our children's future. Obviously, he forgets
whose money Congress gives to Mexico to fight the drug
war.

Wright may think we stuck a thumb in Mexico's eye by
decertifying it over the drug war, but I think he stuck
his foot in his mouth.

Josh Peaslee