Clothes Smugglers
Re “Used-Clothes Smugglers Face Border Press,†Dec. 26:
Although I would prefer that the used-clothes smugglers make their clothes available to the American poor instead of the Mexican poor, what really bothers me about your article is the ease with which smugglers illegally cross our borders.
“He prepared to slip a 20-kilo load across the U.S.-Mexico border.†“Inspectors alternately nonchalant and corrupt.†“Counterfeit shipping permits can be purchased. Bribes remain commonplace.†“Ferrying their cargo across the Rio Grande under cover of night.†“This whole thing isn’t about contraband. It’s about extortion.â€
If our borders are wide open to clothes smugglers, how can we expect to stop sophisticated dope smugglers and terrorists?
GEORGE WOOD
Malibu
* The article about [used-clothing king] Jim Johnson (no relation) and the “smuggling†by others of used clothing into Mexico reminded me of a funny incident that happened to me in the late 1950s. I was teaching print shop at Palms Junior High School in West L.A. The PTA held a used-clothing drive, and as the paper bags appeared, I saw an opportunity to get rags which could be used to clean presses and save money.
I took a few bags which, on the surface, seemed to hold clean, soft clothing perfect for the shop. At cleanup time, I sent students into the storage area for cleaning supplies. When the class bell rang, to my surprise and the administration’s chagrin, several boys ran into the halls and quad waving and wearing oversized bras and old-fashioned girdles. Hopefully Johnson’s clothing will be better used.
A.A. JOHNSON
San Clemente
