Clinton Helps Mexico

In Feb. 1 articles about the President extending a $20-billion credit to Mexico by executive order, thus avoiding congressional approval, there are several references to the White House staff being surprised by the lack of public and congressional support, in light of the 1993 NAFTA approval.

The electorate’s support for NAFTA was lukewarm. The President had to use his personal persuasion and commitments on a widespread basis to secure the necessary votes. At the same time the trade representative and the vice president were praising Mexico as an outstanding economic partner and as having its internal affairs in order. There was not a hint that within 15 months we might be asked to extend billions in credit.

It is incomprehensible that in 1993 the Administration did not appreciate the likelihood of what has been taking place in Mexico the past two months. If it did not, someone should be held directly accountable.

JOHN J. BORER JR.

Palm Desert

* So bailing out Mexico is OK, but Orange County can forget getting any help from either the feds or the state. Instead we are going to see cutbacks on services and increased taxes. How about a few billion dollars for Orange County’s ongoing crisis? A healthy Orange County means plenty of dollars being sent home to Mexico.

RICH HOLLAND

Aliso Viejo

* Clinton’s bold executive order ensuring loan guarantees for Mexico has, in one stroke, not only stemmed a serious Mexican financial crisis that would have had serious impact upon the economy of California and other states, but also demonstrated heretofore unseen leadership in making a potentially unpopular decision for the good of the U.S.

DAVID RYMER PIPER

West Hollywood