MEXICO WEIGHS DRUG LAW CHANGES (1 OF 2)

Does U.S. Criticism Reflect Americans' Vices?

Re: "Under fire, Fox retreats on drug bill - Reversal follows U.S.
criticism that measure amounts to legalization," Thursday news story.

The government of Mexico was on the verge of passing legislation that
would set legal quantities of drug possession within Mexico's
borders. Criticism from the U.S. centers around arguments that such
laws would encourage "drug tourism" and more adventuresome drug use
among vacationing students from North America. The prospect of these
laws passing is terrifying.

It also must be terrifying for the majority of Mexican citizens to
see, night after night, American tourists coming across their border
indulging in the extant tourism: the solicitation of prostitutes
(many underage), the purchase of prescription drugs for recreational
use and the indulgence of reckless behaviors that would be considered
general lawless in the states.

Perhaps the proposed legislation makes us uneasy because there is a
well-established precedence of border habits with Mexico.

It looks likely that a modified version of the bill will pass in the
future. U.S. citizens have several options: We can continue to use
other people's countries as havens for our secret vice, or we can
teach our children self-control and dignity that extends to any place
they are privileged to visit.

Laray Polk

Dallas