RESULTS OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND

Thanks for a two-part series (Sept. 8-9) on how illegal immigration and
drug trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border are creating public hazards
and despoiling our unique environment.

As a regular user of the mountain ranges and desert parks situated between
Tucson and Mexico, I increasingly pick up litter on these outings and keep
my wits about me for what seems like an inevitable run-in on a trail.

Let's not kid ourselves: Demand is pervasive in the United States, whether
for illicit drugs, farm workers in Washington, construction workers in
Phoenix or housemaids in Los Angeles.

Increasingly, as the articles illustrated, it's our border heritage that is
paying the price.

As long as there are work opportunities and drug demand in the United
States (both are likely to continue), enough supply will find its way to
the marketplace.

In the process, lives will continue to be lost, the environment will be
further degraded and taxpayers will pay more.

Stuart Hunter Williams

Graduate student