Mexico and Gringos

One of the primary reasons that some Americans may have problems when they come across the border is that they fail to respect Mexican laws and generally behave in a manner they would never tolerate in their own communities.

Alcohol-related incidents involving American citizens, from arrests for drinking on the streets to automobile accidents causing injuries or deaths, are on the rise--particularly among young people. Articles such as the one by Leslie Wolf (“Tijuana Gets Ready for Holiday Influx”) on June 30 assist greatly in educating would-be visitors to Mexico about how to avoid trouble while still having a good time.

There is one error in the Wolf article I would like to correct. The total number of cases this office handled of Americans dying in Baja California and Baja California Sur for 1987 was 156. Of those, 47, not 147, died in automobile accidents. That is still a significant number of deaths, and does not take into consideration the number who were severely injured and died later in the U.S., or those who will never recover fully from their injuries.

Again, we appreciate your newspaper providing the public with information which could save them not only a great deal of trouble when they visit Mexico, but could even save their lives.

LARRY COLBERT

Consul General, Tijuana