Mexican Economy

The commentary by Jorge Castaneda of May 8 and your editorial of the same day lament Mexico’s apparently insurmountable economic problems, which are highlighted by a 50% inflation rate, 2 million people unemployed, an ever-rising crime rate and uncontrollable illegal immigration to the United States. But, neither article nor editorial identifies the cause of the problems or suggests a remedy.

Mexicans are victims of Catholic dogma, which forbids them from practicing birth control. As a consequence, their population increased from 17 million in 1930 to 91 million in 1995; it doubled in the last 28 years, and at this rate it is expected to double again in the next 40 years.

Unless Mexicans change their attitude toward birth control, there will be no solution to their poverty, and no relief to illegal immigration to our country.

RENO S. ZACK