Pubdate: Sat, 26 Aug 2000 Source: Cincinnati Post (OH) Copyright: 2000 The Cincinnati Post Contact: http://www.cincypost.com/ AMERICA'S ARROGANT DRUG REVIEW While it has some merit, Vicente Fox's proposed open border between Mexico and the United States also raises a number of difficult questions, and is unlikely to become a reality anytime soon. But another of his ideas - ending the U.S. drug certification program - is right on target and should win the support of everyone the Mexican president-elect visits with on his U.S. visit, including President Clinton, Vice President Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Under this statutory program, the United States can restrict trade and take other punitive measures if our govern ment concludes that certain foreign governments are failing to do enough to curtail the smuggling of drugs. The program accomplishes nothing, of course. It is also an arrogant slap in the face of affected countries. Imagine how the United States would feel if Mexico held the upper hand in trade and announced a policy stating that, if the United States did not do more to stem the de mand for drugs among its population, Mexico would exact sanctions. After all, the U.S. demand has a corrupting influence on Mexican society, and Mexicans have as much to complain about as the United States does. Fox's election last month marked the emergence of Mexico as a true democracy. He deserves support from a U.S. government that has every reason to want him to succeed. To build a strong, mature relationship with a democratically invigorated Mexico, the United States must treat that land and its representatives with more respect than in the past. - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck